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RIGHTMOVE SHARES 2025 OUTLOOK: KEY DRIVERS AND RISKS

An in-depth analysis of RMV shares in 2025, including performance trends, major drivers, milestones accomplished and the risks investors should monitor as 2026 approaches.

Overview of Rightmove’s 2025 UK Market Performance

Rightmove plc (LSE: RMV), the UK’s largest online real estate platform, demonstrated a resilient and stable financial performance throughout 2025. Despite continued macroeconomic uncertainties and evolving consumer behaviours, RMV remained a cornerstone of the British property search market. With its expanding digital offerings and strong advertiser relationships, Rightmove maintained its operating margin and remained cash generative.

The FTSE-listed firm’s share price saw modest volatility, reflecting broader market sentiment influenced by the Bank of England’s rate decisions, mortgage lending demand, and housing transaction volumes. As of Q4 2025, RMV shares had appreciated approximately 7.5% year-to-date, outperforming the broader FTSE 250.

While the housing market remained subdued compared to pre-pandemic levels, a stabilisation in interest rates led to a mild rebound in property listings and buyer enquiries, particularly in the South East and Midlands. Rightmove’s traffic volumes remained strong, averaging over 125 million monthly visits, and agents continued to rely heavily on the platform for lead generation amid fierce competition in a tighter housing market.

Operational highlights include the successful rollout of targeted advertising solutions leveraging AI-based insights, the expansion of its rental products to address private landlords' needs, and steady revenue growth from commercial property services. The company also sustained a robust balance sheet, with minimal debt and consistent dividend payments, continuing to return value to shareholders.

Key Takeaways:

  • RMV shares gained ~7.5% in 2025, driven by tech innovation and stable demand.
  • Advertising revenue remained robust despite modest property transaction volumes.
  • Increased rental activity contributed positively to engagement and monetisation.
  • The company maintained premium pricing amid limited direct competition.
  • Strong cash flow supported buybacks and dividend sustainability.

What Drove Rightmove’s Growth in 2025?

Several business initiatives and market dynamics supported Rightmove’s continued success in 2025, positioning the firm favourably for further growth in 2026. Among these, digital transformation and high advertiser loyalty stood out as pivotal contributors to revenue stability and user engagement.

1. Strength in Core Advertising Business:
Despite fluctuations in the housing market, agents and developers continued to allocate budget towards online advertising, recognising Rightmove’s unmatched reach. Over 18,000 agents renewed subscriptions in 2025, contributing to a 6% rise in average revenue per advertiser (ARPA).

2. Product and Technology Investments:
Rightmove invested significantly in its AI-based user experience tools, predictive property matching, and tailored agent dashboards. These enhancements improved engagement metrics and advertiser return on investment (ROI), strengthening customer retention.

3. Increased Rental Market Participation:
In response to growing demand from renters amid affordability issues for buyers, Rightmove expanded its rental product suite. It improved landlord tools, boosted listings, and enhanced visibility of rental properties, driving up user dwell time and increasing monetisation opportunities.

4. Economic Adjustments and Resilience:
While the UK housing market continued to absorb the impact of prior interest rate hikes, inflation eased during the latter half of 2025. Mortgage approvals improved moderately, and first-time buyer activity returned to growth. These tailwinds helped agent confidence and maintained listing volumes.

5. Strategic Partnerships and Data Services:
RMV continued to develop strategic relationships with developers, housing associations and commercial agents. The firm also bolstered its data analytics services, offering agents deeper market intelligence tools in exchange for premium fees.

6. Strong Brand Trust and Market Share:
With over 90% consumer brand recognition in the UK, Rightmove remained the platform of choice for both property seekers and professional advertisers. Its dominance in search traffic ensured consistent engagement despite market headwinds.

Summary of 2025 Growth Drivers:

  • ARPA rose 6% year-on-year.
  • AI-led product innovations boosted advertiser value perception.
  • Rental market growth offset weak residential property sales.
  • Stable macroeconomic indicators supported market confidence.
  • New data products created B2B upsell opportunities.
"The primary benefit of shares is participating in the success of major companies, but the investor must be prepared to accept market risk: the greater the potential for gain, the higher the possibility of facing periods of temporary or permanent losses."

"The primary benefit of shares is participating in the success of major companies, but the investor must be prepared to accept market risk: the greater the potential for gain, the higher the possibility of facing periods of temporary or permanent losses."

Risks to Watch and 2026 Outlook for Rightmove

While 2025 was generally favourable for Rightmove, several factors warrant close monitoring as we enter 2026. The macroeconomic landscape remains fragile, and changes in government regulation or technological disruptions could pose threats to the firm’s competitive advantage.

1. Housing Market Volatility:
Any renewed downturn in house prices or mortgage lending could reduce agent budgets and diminish advertising demand. If interest rates remain elevated due to persistent inflation, homebuyer affordability could be pressured, negatively affecting listing volumes.

2. Regulatory and Compliance Risks:
Proposed legislation targeting rental sector transparency or online platform competition could impact RMV’s business model. The Renters Reform Bill, pending passage in 2026, may introduce operational costs if landlords pull advertising spend or seek alternative listing routes.

3. Rising Competitive Pressures:
Start-ups and digital disruptors continue to test niche segments of the UK property market. While none match Rightmove’s scale, innovative models from the likes of Boomin and OneDome could dilute lead generation if consumer preferences shift.

4. Dependence on Property Market Cycles:
Rightmove’s performance correlates closely with UK property activity. Revenue stability could be challenged if transaction volumes dip materially due to external shocks, such as geopolitical tension or a new recession.

5. Cybersecurity and Platform Reliability:
With its heavy reliance on digital systems, any platform outage or data breach could invite reputational and financial damage. Investments in cybersecurity, while robust, will remain critical heading into 2026.

6. ESG and Environmental Expectations:
Investors increasingly evaluate Rightmove through an ESG lens. Progress in sustainability disclosures and digital carbon footprint minimisation will be pivotal to maintain institutional investor support moving forward.

Outlook for 2026:

  • Stable interest rate policy likely to support steady advertising revenues.
  • Continued digitisation of services could unlock incremental growth.
  • Rental sector development remains a key strategic priority.
  • Rightmove expected to deliver mid-single digit revenue growth.
  • Investor sentiment hinges on macroeconomic and regulatory clarity.

Overall, Rightmove is well positioned but must remain agile amid changing consumer, regulatory, and technological landscapes in 2026.

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