Rightmove has reduced its full-year revenue growth forecast for 2026, citing ongoing challenges in the new homes sector. The property portal now expects group revenue growth to be between 6% and 8%, a decrease from its earlier guidance of 8% to 10%.
This revision comes as the number of new-build developments fell by 6% compared with a year ago. New Homes membership also declined by 4% in the first half of the year, reflecting difficult market conditions and fewer new developments.
Despite this, Rightmove reported increased revenue from its estate agency customers, with agency membership growing by 1% and estate agency revenue up 9% in the first half of 2026. The company achieved its highest first-half agency retention rate in over a decade, at 96%.
Rightmove also highlighted the expansion of its AI-powered products, stating that its AI-enabled online valuation tool helped generate approximately 50% more unique valuation leads for estate agents. New AI-powered workflow tools for estate agents are expected to launch in the second half of the year.
The company's operating profit and earnings guidance remain unchanged, supported by continued cost control. Rightmove also announced plans to return more than £400m to shareholders over the next 12 months, including around £330m through an expanded share buyback programme.