Fixed-cost real-estate agent Purplebricks launched in Australia this week, just as 50-year-old print company The Trading Post added a property tab to its well-known, no frills web site.

The real estate industry is well and truly in the throes of 'digital disruption'.

UK-based real-estate agency Purplebricks charges Australian customers a flat rate of $4,500 to sell their property, saving vendors an estimated $11,500 on average. 

A report by Stephen Koukoulas of Market Economics, which was commissioned by Purplebricks, says agent fees are generally 2.2% or $13,500 on average.

Koukoulas says fees are rising because of the gains in property prices, but technology is actually making the selling process more efficient.

“Agents are getting a very, very high boost in their commissions simply because house prices are going up,” he said, adding he expects agents will soon be discounting prices.

The launch of Purplebricks in Australia follows the launch of other disruptive agency models. forsalebyowner.com.au charges vendors between $699 and $969 to help them sell their own home.

Buymyplace.com.au and PropertyNow.com.au are also alternatives to the traditional real-estate agent model.

Online property listings are also set for greater competition, with The Trading Post announcing it has added a 'Property' tab to its well-known site. The company hopes to challenge realestate.com and domain.com.au in the online property listing market by offering lower fees. The Trading Post has one million visitors every month, and is already a well-established brand in Australia.

See also:

The hidden costs of buying a home

Purplebricks is no purple cow

Raine & Horne partners with lawlab for online conveyancing

The digital disruption of real estate