Key Details:
- Zillow removed all Matterport 3D home tours after CoStar declined to renew the API agreement, following a September 29 policy update limiting where Matterport content can appear.
- CoStar’s new license terms restrict use of 3D media on rival platforms like Zillow and StreetEasy.
- Meanwhile, the Supreme Court upheld lower court rulings in Zillow’s favor in the REX antitrust case, closing a four-year dispute.
Zillow is pulling Matterport 3D home tours from its platform and from Street Easy listings. And as you’ve probably already guessed, this is the latest twist in the ongoing conflict between the leading real estate portal and CoStar.
As first reported by Inman, the move came after CoStar declined to renew its Matterport API agreement, forcing Zillow to strip the tours from its sites and notify agents whose listings were affected.
Here’s what we know so far.
Why the Tours Were Removed
The change stems from CoStar Group’s decision not to renew Matterport’s API agreement with Zillow. StreetEasy partners received an email Monday explaining that the listings platform had no choice but to remove Matterport 3D tours from its site.
The email stated:
“Due to this decision, StreetEasy and Zillow have removed Matterport 3D virtual tours from listings on our sites. You are receiving this email because you have one or more listings that were impacted.”
StreetEasy acknowledged the frustration the change would cause for agents and consumers, and noted that other virtual tour integrations remain available, including Zillow 3D Home, Peek, Skyward 360, EyeSpy360, The 3D App, and Giraffe360.
The company said it will provide further updates in the coming days to help agents capture and upload new 3D tours.
CoStar’s Updated Terms Restrict Media Use
After suing Zillow in July for allegedly displaying 46,000 watermarked photos without permission, CoStar is rolling out new terms that tighten control over how its media can be used.
At the center of the conflict are CoStar’s updated terms of service, revised on September 29, 2025, following its $1.6 billion acquisition of Matterport.
Under the new terms, anything under CoStar Group media, which include Matterport tours, customers are bound by a “limited, revocable, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license”.
That means CoStar Group media cannot be displayed on Zillow, StreetEasy, or similar portals that compete with CoStar’s portfolio.
Customers can still use CoStar Group photos and images (but not videos or virtual tours) on their own websites, social media channels, and printed materials.
Zillow fired back in a statement, calling the move “harmful to everyone in the industry” and accusing CoStar of trying to “wall off data” that should stay open.
Meanwhile, in the Courts…
In better news for Zillow, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review REX’s antitrust case against Zillow and the National Association of REALTORS®, effectively ending a four-year legal battle.
Lower courts had already ruled that Zillow and NAR did not conspire to conceal non-MLS listings.
A Zillow spokesperson responded to the decision, saying:
“We’re pleased this matter has reached the conclusion we expected and that the court at every level has affirmed Zillow’s position. This decision reinforces our long-standing commitment to transparency, innovation and prioritizing consumers.”
With the high court’s decision, the Ninth Circuit’s ruling stands, closing a case that had challenged the industry’s transparency and competitive practices.
Zillow’s week is starting off with a heady mix of conflict and vindication. Stay tuned as we learn more.
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