housesimple.com

HouseSimple, a UK-based property technology company, was established in 2006 by the husband-and-wife team Alexander and Sophie Gosling. The firm began as an online estate agency and gained early recognition as one of the first to sell a high-value property of over £3 million. In a significant strategic shift, the company rebranded to Strike in July 2020. This rebranding coincided with an expansion of its 'sell for free' business model, which it had been trialling, and the launch of a mobile app to allow customers to manage their property sales directly from their phones.

The company operates on a disruptive model within the traditional real estate market by offering to sell homes for free. This approach eliminates the commission-based fees typically charged by estate agents. Strike's revenue is instead generated through ancillary services and referral fees. While the core service of listing a property—which includes photography, floorplans, a 'For Sale' board, and inclusion on major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla—is free, customers can purchase optional, paid services. These premium offerings include enhanced marketing packages, hosted viewings, and negotiation support. Furthermore, the company earns income from referring clients to third-party providers for services such as mortgage brokering, insurance, and conveyancing.

The business primarily serves homeowners in England who are looking to sell their properties. By leveraging technology, Strike aims to provide a more cost-effective and transparent process compared to conventional high-street estate agents. The company’s platform and mobile app are central to its service, giving users control over viewings, offers, and communication. A key figure in the company's more recent history is Sam Mitchell, who joined as CEO in 2018, bringing extensive experience from previous roles at Rightmove and Sotheby's International Realty. Under his leadership, and with backing from investors like Sir Charles Dunstone, the company acquired its competitor Purplebricks in 2023 for a nominal sum, subsequently rebranding the combined entity to Purplebricks while retaining Strike's free sales model. Keywords: online estate agent, property technology, proptech, free home selling, real estate, HouseSimple, ancillary revenue, property sales, UK property market, digital estate agency, home valuation, property listings, Rightmove, Zoopla, conveyancing services, mortgage brokerage, real estate disruption, Purplebricks acquisition, Sam Mitchell, Alexander Gosling