Purplebricks de-lists another property after unacceptable vendor comment

For the second time in recent weeks, Purplebricks has de-listed a property after an unacceptable comment by the seller on social media.

A vendor in Birmingham is reported to have posted the statement: “I am no longer taking viewings from the Indian/Asian community who are not serious buyers but just look around properties for sale … as a day out. There are many other properties you can waste people’s time on so I suggest you go view one of them.”

The comment is reported to have provoked anger and distaste from others on social media. 

Purplebricks has told Estate Agent Today: “The sentiments expressed in this message are completely opposed to Purplebricks’ views and values. As soon as we saw this comment, we told the vendor that we wouldn’t sell their house and refunded their fee. The house is no longer on the market with Purplebricks.”

In January Purplebricks won widespread praise for de-listing another customer’s property when purchasers Luke Whitehouse and Lachlan Mantell were told that they could not even visit a three-bedroom £650,000 home in Surrey as the vendors were opposed to 'two men in a partnership.’

The request to view by the gay couple - arranged through Purplebricks - was turned down, and the vendor sent messages including one that read: “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

A social media statement made to the prospective buyers by the agency reads: “Thanks for sharing this message Lachlan and we're so sorry you've had this experience. This stance is completely opposed to our views and values. We'll refund this seller's fee as Purplebricks no longer wish to list it.” 

Here is the local Birmingham Live story on the latest controversy.