A
high-stakes antitrust lawsuit is brewing in the US, with potential far-reaching implications for the global real estate industry. Compass, one of America's largest brokerages, has taken Zillow to court over a new policy that restricts competition and undermines consumer choice.

    At issue is Zillow's requirement that any publicly marketed home be listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) within 24 hours and published on Zillow immediately. If not, the listing will be banned from the site. Compass argues this move unfairly targets its multi-stage marketing approach, which includes "private exclusives" – listings shared first with Compass agents before going public.

    Compass CEO Robert Reffkin says the lawsuit is about protecting consumer choice, and that no single company should have the power to dictate how agents operate. The brokerage claims Zillow's policy will stifle innovation and limit how agents serve clients.

    The lawsuit, led by prominent antitrust attorney Ken Dintzer, alleges that Zillow is leveraging its massive reach to block competition. Zillow disputes this, saying its rule ensures that publicly marketed listings are accessible to all buyers across all platforms.

    Zillow maintains it's the digital gateway for home shopping and that consumers expect comprehensive listings when searching. The company argues that real estate works best in an open market, with maximum exposure leading to more competition, stronger offers, and better outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

    The lawsuit highlights a broader issue relevant globally, particularly in Australia's portal-dominated market, where agents face challenges related to algorithm-driven discovery, data ownership, and rising marketing costs.