A £1.5 billion competition claim filed against Rightmove has wiped approximately £300 million off the company's market valuation. The lawsuit, led by accountant Jeremy Newman on behalf of potentially hundreds of estate agents, alleges the property portal operator exploited its dominant market position through "unfair" pricing.

Rightmove strongly rejected the allegations. A company statement said: "This claim is without merit, and we will defend it vigorously."

The Scale of the Challenge

The claim has gained significant backing. Over 250 estate agencies have expressed support since the announcement in November 2025. The legal team - Scott+Scott UK LLP, funded by Innsworth Capital and supported by economic analysis from Kairos Economics - argues that agents have faced "no effective competition" and experienced "consistently and materially raising prices" from Rightmove.

Put in context: Rightmove's 2025 operating profit reached £297.9 million on revenue of £425.1 million. The company pays out dividends of £219.7 million annually. With 19,272 paying advertiser clients (predominantly estate agents), the average cost per agent subscriber sits at approximately £11,400 annually. The lawsuit challenges whether this pricing reflects genuine value or market abuse.

What Happens Next

The case is now before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Rightmove's defence hinges on its assertion that it operates as "one of the most efficient parts of the UK housing market" and delivers proportionate value through reach. The tribunal will need to weigh whether the company's market dominance creates pricing power that breaches competition law.

For agents, landlords, and property professionals who rely on Rightmove's reach, the outcome carries real financial implications. A successful claim could force fee restructuring. The tribunal's timeline and preliminary rulings will shape confidence in the property marketing sector's cost structure.