OnTheMarket has waded into the debate over Rightmove’s business practices following last week’s announcement that a legal group has been formed to help agents recoup what it describes as the leading portal’s ‘unfair’ fees.

The organisation, led by Competition and Market Authority panel member Jeremy Newman, is seeking to sign up agents keen to launch a ‘group action’ to recoup some of the fees paid by participating agents over the past six years, claiming a potential pot of £1 billion.

A spokesperson from OnTheMarket says: “For years, agents have faced escalating costs from the market leader, often without corresponding improvements in service or innovation.

“At OnTheMarket, our ethos has always been to put the customer first and to offer fair and sustainable pricing to our agents and developers.

“We are and have always been committed to providing outstanding value, a choice of packages and continuous investment in technology and marketing to drive high-intent leads. In a survey carried out earlier this year, OnTheMarket was voted as best value for money for estate agents.

Level playing field

“Our focus is on creating a level playing field where agents can operate without being burdened by excessive fees, particularly in a challenging macro-economic climate.

“We will continue to champion choice, competition, and innovation in the property portal market for the benefit of agents and consumers alike.”

The initiative from Newman and his financial supporters within the City is taking a different tack to the Say No To Rightmove campaign led by the Acorn estate agency group, which sought to persuade the industry to sign off Rightmove but, while generating much publicity and being support by other leading estate agents, failed in its objectives.