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Rightmove PLC on Friday affirmed its annual outlook and said it has seen an increase in membership so far in 2026. Milton Keynes, England-based online property portal said that trading in the year-to-date has been ‘in line with expectations’. It still expects underlying operating profit growth for the year between 3% and 5% from £297.7 million in 2025. Underlying earnings per share are expected to rise at least 5%. Underlying EPS in 2025 amounted to 29.1p. ‘As previously noted, year-on-year growth in the second half of 2026 is expected to be stronger than the first half, with first-half growth impacted by fewer new homes developments and the strong mortgage comparator last year,’ Rightmove added. Rightmove said core membership has risen since the end of last year, supporting is expectation of roughly 1% growth ‘across estate agency and new homes in 2026’. ‘We expect growth in agency to offset new homes developments, which continue to see subdued build rates,’ it said. ‘The property market and partner and consumer engagement remain resilient despite the uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. We continue to monitor the impact from volatile global macro conditions, including interest and mortgage rate expectations, as well as overall consumer and partner confidence.’ Rightmove shares were down 0.7% to 425.25 pence each in London on Friday morning. Chief Executive Johan Svanstrom said: ‘The Rightmove team has executed strongly to date in 2026, with trading in line with expectations and guidance reaffirmed. While we continue to monitor the macro backdrop, we are delivering product-led [average revenue per advertiser] growth in our core business, membership has increased since year-end, and revenue growth within our strategic growth areas is on track for the year.’ Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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