EL7.AI
StocksMedium•31 July 2026•
1 min read

Rightmove Plans £400m Shareholder Return Despite Lowered Revenue Outlook

Key Facts

1Rightmove announced plans to return more than £400 million to shareholders over the next year.
2The company will begin a share buyback programme worth up to £350 million on Monday.
3The company cut its revenue growth forecast due to weakness in the New Homes business segment.

In a move aimed at bolstering shareholder value amid real estate sector challenges, Rightmove has announced plans to return more than £400 million to shareholders over the coming year. According to reports, the company will initiate a dedicated share buyback programme worth up to £350 million starting this Monday. This strategic pivot comes as the company lowered its revenue growth forecasts, citing persistent weakness within the New Homes business segment.

Operational data reveals a divergent performance, with agency revenue growing by 9% while the New Homes segment managed only 2% growth due to a 6% year-on-year decline in listed developments. Despite cutting its 2026 revenue growth guidance to a range of 6-8% from the previous 8-10%, the company maintained its underlying operating profit growth forecast at 3-5%. Per market data, these results reflect broader pressures faced by UK housebuilders despite an 8% rise in average revenue per advertiser.

Regarding economic catalysts, recent data from July 24, 2026, showed a slowdown in US New Home Sales, while Canada's New Housing Price Index fell by 0.1%, indicating a general caution in global property markets that may influence investor sentiment in the sector.