IKEA is preparing to launch a dedicated second-hand marketplace in the UK, giving buyers and sellers a new option for trading pre-owned furniture from the Swedish retailer. The platform is expected to arrive later this year, according to the company.
A Direct Challenge to Existing Platforms
The move marks IKEA’s attempt to reclaim territory on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Gumtree, where its products have long dominated resale listings. Vinted, traditionally known for clothing, has also expanded into home furnishings and electronics, further intensifying competition in the second-hand market.
The marketplace will require users to hold an IKEA Family membership, which is a free loyalty program offering discounts on food, delivery, and select products. The company has not yet detailed exactly how the UK version will function, but existing operations in several European countries provide a preview.
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How the Marketplace Works Elsewhere
In regions where the service is already active, any current or historic IKEA product can be listed for sale. The exceptions are food items, mattresses, and kitchen appliances. All products must be in good working condition, according to the guidelines.
The service currently operates without listing or commission fees, but that will change. Starting January 1, 2027, buyers will need to pay 5% of the purchase price to cover payment processing and customer support. Sellers in existing markets receive a 15% bonus on the sale value if they choose an IKEA refund card rather than cash, effectively increasing their return when reinvesting in the retailer.
The new marketplace will integrate with IKEA’s existing Buy Back service, which lets customers return pre-loved items in exchange for store credit. This creates a more complete loop for furniture lifecycle management.
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For many shoppers, the appeal of IKEA furniture lies in its affordability and modularity. The resale market has thrived partly because customers have customized and upcycled pieces through the popular “IKEA hack” culture, where basic units are modified with paint, new hardware, or added features to resemble higher-end designs.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
The platform could streamline what is now a fragmented experience. Finding discontinued items like a specific sofa model from 2006 often requires scrolling through multiple third-party listings, sometimes with incomplete photos or unclear condition descriptions. A dedicated IKEA space would theoretically offer more consistent listings, direct access to verified sellers, and integration with the company’s broader ecosystem.
Whether the 5% buyer fee starting in 2027 will deter users remains to be seen. Free listings and no commission have made existing platforms attractive, though those services generate revenue through other means. IKEA’s approach ties the marketplace directly to its loyalty program and buyback infrastructure, creating incentives to keep transactions within its ecosystem rather than on competitors.
