Digital real estate firm REA Group has agreed to a court-enforceable undertaking to eliminate restrictive clauses in its contracts with real estate agents, concluding a prolonged investigation by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The ACCC’s concerns centered on provisions in REA’s agreements that effectively compelled agencies to list all or most of their properties exclusively on REA’s realestate.com.au platform, limiting competition from rival property listing services. The regulator viewed these contractual terms as anti-competitive, restricting agents’ freedom to choose where to advertise properties and potentially reducing market competition.

REA first disclosed the probe in mid-2025. Although the ACCC did not initiate legal proceedings nor make any formal finding of legal wrongdoing against REA, the company acknowledged the regulator’s concerns and agreed to make changes. Under the terms of the undertaking, REA has committed not to require or incentivize agencies to list all or a majority of their properties on realestate.com.au, allowing agents greater flexibility in how they advertise properties for sale or rent.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb described the undertaking as a timely resolution that addresses the competition issues raised. She highlighted that the changes are expected to benefit property owners and consumers by expanding choices available through real estate agents. “Because of the ACCC’s intervention, REA will give greater flexibility to agents in how their vendor and landlord clients list their properties for sale and rent,” Cass-Gottlieb said.

Previously, REA’s contracts often locked agencies into listing all properties on realestate.com.au, including premium listings with enhanced features that attracted higher fees. The ACCC argued that such provisions hindered rival listing platforms from competing effectively and limited real estate agents' options.

REA confirmed it had entered into the undertaking with the ACCC and stated it had engaged constructively throughout the process. The company indicated it would allow agents to downgrade listings to lower tiers, offering greater choice in how properties are presented. REA emphasized its commitment to providing value and flexibility to both customers and consumers.

REA Group is majority-owned by News Corporation, which holds a 61 percent stake. The agreement extends REA’s obligation to make these contract changes over a three-year period, aiming to foster a more competitive environment in Australia’s digital real estate marketplace.