Purplebricks has had its wrists slapped once more by the Advertising Standards Authority over a claim on its homepage that it advertises on ‘all the major portals’.

The complaint, presumably made by a traditional agent, reflects the fact that Purplebricks is unable to advertise its stock via OnThemarket.com and therefore cannot make the claim.

OnTheMarket effectively bars hybrid and online agents from its listings by requiring agents to have offices, unlike Rightmove and Zoopla.

This is the seventh time that claims made by its advertising or featured on its website have come to the attention of the ASA over the past three years, six of which have been upheld.

Informally solved

Today’s appearance on the weekly roster of errant advertisers features a complaint that was solved informally rather than going to a full judgement. This is partly because Purplebricks has agreed to amend its homepage from “advertised on all major property portals” to “advertised on all leading property portals”, which has now been completed.

The original complainant had claimed the use of the word ‘major’ was misleading.

This text was part of an overhaul of its website at the end of June to accommodate its recent and controversial ‘puppy’ advertising campaign and a clearer summary of its key services and benefits, and a search page for its local property experts, rather than just a list.