REA Group, the News Corp-controlled owner of realestate.com.au, has agreed to stop forcing real estate agents to list properties exclusively on its platform following intervention by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The enforceable undertaking, accepted on Monday, marks a significant win for competition in Australia's real estate listings market.
What the ACCC Action Means for Real Estate Agents
The ACCC had been investigating REA Group's contracts with real estate agencies since May 2025, concerned that restrictive clauses required all properties to be listed on realestate.com.au. This practice limited rivals' ability to compete and potentially drove up costs for agents and consumers.
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Under the enforceable undertaking, REA Group must remove these exclusivity provisions, allowing agents to list properties on multiple platforms without penalty. This change is expected to increase competition among listing services and give agents more flexibility.
Impact on the Australian Property Market
REA Group dominates the online real estate listings space in Australia, with realestate.com.au being the most visited property site. The ACCC's action aims to level the playing field for smaller competitors and potentially reduce costs for agents, which could translate to lower fees for consumers.
In 2024, Guardian Australia reported that agents believed REA was using its market power to price gouge, contributing to rising house prices. This undertaking addresses those concerns by promoting a more competitive environment.
Comparison of Before and After ACCC Action
| Aspect | Before ACCC Action | After ACCC Action |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Exclusivity | Agents forced to list exclusively on realestate.com.au | Agents can list on multiple platforms |
| Competition | Limited by restrictive contracts | Enhanced as rivals can compete fairly |
| Cost for Agents | Potentially inflated due to monopoly power | Expected to decrease with more options |
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Real estate agents gain freedom to choose listing platforms without contractual restrictions.
- Consumers may benefit from lower costs as competition increases.
- Competitors like Domain and other portals can now compete more effectively.
- REA Group must comply with the undertaking, enforceable by court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an enforceable undertaking?
An enforceable undertaking is a formal, written commitment between a business and the ACCC that can be enforced by a court. It is a legally binding agreement that resolves an investigation without admission of guilt.
How does this affect real estate agents?
Agents are no longer forced to list properties exclusively on realestate.com.au. They can now choose to list on multiple platforms, giving them more control and potentially reducing costs.
Will this lead to lower house prices?
While it's not guaranteed, increased competition among listing platforms could reduce costs for agents, which may pass on savings to consumers and potentially ease upward pressure on house prices.
The ACCC's action against REA Group signals a broader push for fairness in Australia's real estate sector. As the market adjusts to these changes, agents and consumers alike will be watching closely to see the real-world impact on competition and pricing.
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