---
title: UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Property Portals & Estate Agents
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 1596
mentions: 610
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/data.json
summary: Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (29.0%) among
  10 companies in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Savills
  (23.8%) and Zoopla (17.0%).
---

# UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (29.0%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Savills (23.8%) and Zoopla (17.0%). Savills had the most favourable net tone (+33). Omniscan analysed 1,596 articles containing 610 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08

## UK Property Portals & Estate Agents ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Rightmove | 29.0% | 177 | 6% | 92% | 2% | +3 |
| 2 | Savills | 23.8% | 145 | 33% | 67% | 0% | +33 |
| 3 | Zoopla | 17.0% | 104 | 3% | 97% | 0% | +3 |
| 4 | Knight Frank | 13.9% | 85 | 15% | 85% | 0% | +15 |
| 5 | Hamptons | 6.4% | 39 | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0 |
| 6 | Connells | 4.9% | 30 | 0% | 90% | 10% | −10 |
| 7 | Foxtons | 2.0% | 12 | 42% | 42% | 16% | +25 |
| 8 | OnTheMarket | 1.3% | 8 | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0 |
| 9 | Purplebricks | 0.8% | 5 | 0% | 60% | 40% | −40 |
| 9 | Chestertons | 0.8% | 5 | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0 |

## Companies in detail

### Rightmove

**Rightmove leads as scrutiny broadens beyond housing-market data**

Rightmove ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (29.0%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 177 mentions and a net tone of +3.

In August 2026, Rightmove recorded 177 mentions, 29% of cohort coverage and rank #1, with net sentiment of +3. Coverage focused on Market Data & House-Price Indices. August 2026: Rightmove integrated enhanced lettings leads with Alto CRM for real-time handling of tenant enquiries — Property Industry Eye. Rightmove donated £500 to Tŷ Hafan after seeing CPS Homes sales director Nathan Walker's hospice fundraising campaign on social media. CPS Homes matched the contribution, bringing the corporate support total to £1,000. Rightmove shares fell 1.37% in a positive wider London market session and traded 35.03% below their 52-week high. The automated report provides market-performance data only. Broker-rating round-up reports that RBC and Goldman Sachs reduced their Rightmove price targets, while retaining outperform and neutral ratings respectively. The article otherwise covers analyst actions across a range of London-listed companies.

Key messages:

- Rightmove donated £500 to Tŷ Hafan after seeing CPS Homes sales director Nathan Walker's hospice fundraising campaign on social media. CPS Homes matched the contribution, bringing the corporate support total to £1,000.
- Rightmove has integrated its Enhanced lettings leads product with Alto's CRM platform, allowing agents to manage and pre-qualify tenant enquiries in real time. The integration is intended to reduce manual work in lettings workflows.
- Rightmove shares fell 1.37% in a positive wider London market session and traded 35.03% below their 52-week high. The automated report provides market-performance data only.
- Broker-rating round-up reports that RBC and Goldman Sachs reduced their Rightmove price targets, while retaining outperform and neutral ratings respectively. The article otherwise covers analyst actions across a range of London-listed companies.
- University of Exeter research found that a 19th-century London estate agent used cosmorama imagery to give prospective buyers immersive views of properties. The article compares this historic marketing technique with modern property portals including Rightmove.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 71.8% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1.37, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 11.3% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1, net tone 0)
- Financial Results & Trading: 9.0% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1.03, net tone +6)

Notable positive coverage:

- 26 August 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Social post sparks £1k charity boost for CPS Homes marathon runner](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/charity/social-post-sparks-1k-charity-boost-for-cps-homes-marathon-runner/). Rightmove donated £500 to children's hospice Tŷ Hafan after seeing CPS Homes' social-media fundraising campaign. CPS Homes matched the donation, taking the contribution to £1,000.
- 24 August 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Estate agency fundraiser secures Rightmove boost for kids' hospice](https://propertyindustryeye.com/estate-agency-fundraiser-secures-rightmove-boost-for-kids-hospice/). Rightmove donated £500 to Welsh children's hospice Tŷ Hafan after learning of a CPS Homes fundraising campaign. CPS Homes matched the donation, bringing the corporate contribution to £1,000.
- 24 August 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Agent's hospice charity run wins Rightmove boost](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/08/agents-hospice-charity-run-wins-rightmove-boost/). Rightmove donated £500 to Tŷ Hafan after seeing CPS Homes sales director Nathan Walker's hospice fundraising campaign on social media. CPS Homes matched the contribution, bringing the corporate support total to £1,000.

Notable negative coverage:

- 24 August 2026, marketwatch.com: [Rightmove falls Monday, underperforms market](https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/rightmove-falls-monday-underperforms-market-608a38c8-6e2437f6da23). Rightmove shares fell 1.37% in a positive wider London market session and traded 35.03% below their 52-week high. The automated report provides market-performance data only.
- 20 August 2026, marketwatch.com: [Rightmove slips Thursday, underperforms market](https://www.marketwatch.com/data-news/rightmove-slips-thursday-underperforms-market-67e7fcd1-132e3424b9f6). Rightmove shares fell 3.08% in Thursday trading while the FTSE 100 rose slightly. The automated market report notes the stock was below its 52-week high.
- 4 August 2026, lse.co.uk: [LONDON BROKER RATINGS: Goldman raises Sainsbury; Oddo BHF cuts Unite](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/london-broker-ratings-goldman-raises-sainsbury-oddo-bhf-cuts-unite-xel6qprepetyzb3.html). Broker-rating round-up reports that RBC and Goldman Sachs reduced their Rightmove price targets, while retaining outperform and neutral ratings respectively. The article otherwise covers analyst actions across a range of London-listed companies.

- [Rightmove deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=rightmove&view=deep-dive)
- [Rightmove PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/rightmove.pdf)

### Savills

**Savills ranked second overall as corporate coverage broadened**

Savills ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (23.8%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 145 mentions and a net tone of +33.

In August, its share rose 5.2 points to 23.8%, with the completion and integration of Eastdil Secured and strong first-half results prominent in coverage. August 2026: Savills completed the approximately £827m Eastdil Secured acquisition and rebranded the business as Eastdil Secured Savills — Property Week. Savills reported higher first-half revenue and underlying pretax profit, supported by transactional-business growth and restructuring benefits. It maintained full-year expectations despite a fall in reported profit caused partly by Eastdil acquisition costs. Savills has appointed Callum Hodgson and Matt Smith as directors in its Notting Hill and Islington residential sales teams. The appointments are intended to strengthen the firm's London prime residential coverage. Savills posted a 47% rise in half-year underlying profit, supported by North American and transactional-business performance. The company cautioned that broader economic uncertainty made deal timings unpredictable.

Key messages:

- Savills reported higher first-half revenue and underlying pretax profit, supported by transactional-business growth and restructuring benefits. It maintained full-year expectations despite a fall in reported profit caused partly by Eastdil acquisition costs.
- Savills has appointed Callum Hodgson and Matt Smith as directors in its Notting Hill and Islington residential sales teams. The appointments are intended to strengthen the firm's London prime residential coverage.
- An investment column recommends holding Savills shares following strong first-half revenue and underlying-profit growth. It highlights the completed Eastdil Secured acquisition and notes weakness in Savills’ residential business.
- Savills posted a 47% rise in half-year underlying profit, supported by North American and transactional-business performance. The company cautioned that broader economic uncertainty made deal timings unpredictable.
- Savills reported that global prime-office occupancy costs rose 5.3% year on year in the second quarter of 2026. Its research highlighted demand for higher-quality offices, including in London, and growing AI-sector space demand.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 29.0% of Savills's coverage (theme index 0.43, net tone 0)
- Financial Results & Trading: 24.1% of Savills's coverage (theme index 5.91, net tone +66)
- Prime, Commercial & International: 22.1% of Savills's coverage (theme index 3.95, net tone +19)

Notable positive coverage:

- 13 August 2026, lse.co.uk: [Savills backs FY expectations as H1 profit, revenue rise](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/savills-backs-fy-expectations-as-h1-profit-revenue-rise-jc6g5nm602ntrn2.html). Savills reported higher first-half revenue and underlying pretax profit, supported by transactional-business growth and restructuring benefits. It maintained full-year expectations despite a fall in reported profit caused partly by Eastdil acquisition costs.
- 25 August 2026, primeresi.com: [Savills adds senior names in Notting Hill & Islington](https://primeresi.com/savills-adds-senior-names-in-notting-hill-islington/). Savills has added senior hires to its prime London network in Notting Hill and Islington. The recruits include alumni of Marsh & Parsons and Knight Frank.
- 14 August 2026, ft.com: [Stockpickers: Persimmon, Savills, Caledonia Mining](https://www.ft.com/content/adb47166-29f0-4630-bf8e-b9d0b8d0f2ed). An investment column recommends holding Savills shares following strong first-half revenue and underlying-profit growth. It highlights the completed Eastdil Secured acquisition and notes weakness in Savills’ residential business.

- [Savills deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=savills&view=deep-dive)
- [Savills PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/savills.pdf)

### Zoopla

**Zoopla finished third in August amid research, partnerships and product developments**

Zoopla ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (17.0%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 104 mentions and a net tone of +3.

Zoopla finished third in August amid research, partnerships and product developments August 2026: Providence Equity Partners agreed to acquire Hometrack, reported by Estates Gazette. Zoopla finished third in August amid research, partnerships and product developments. Zoopla found that UK home-search activity rose 7% year-on-year in the four weeks to August 16, while total stock listed on its platform was up 5%. Its index also put annual house-price growth at 0.9% in August amid continuing mortgage-affordability pressure. Develop Richard Donnell's independently reported proposal to raise the 5% stamp-duty threshold to £500,000 into a media package explaining the stated effect of moving costs on buyers in southern England. Offer a business-media briefing on the independently reported acquisition of newhomesforsale.co.uk, including how it expands Zoopla's new-build offering and why the acquired site remains a standalone brand.

Key messages:

- Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire Hometrack from Silver Lake's Houseful Group, subject to regulatory approvals. Hometrack's management team is expected to remain, while the deal forms part of Houseful's wider divestment activity.
- Zoopla found that UK home-search activity rose 7% year-on-year in the four weeks to August 16, while total stock listed on its platform was up 5%. Its index also put annual house-price growth at 0.9% in August amid continuing mortgage-affordability pressure.
- Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire Hometrack, a UK- and Netherlands-focused residential valuation and data provider. Providence and Hometrack management said the deal would support investment in technology, products and customer service.
- Market Data & House-Price Indices accounted for 87 mentions in this edition.
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation accounted for 10 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 83.7% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 1.59, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 9.6% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone 0)
- M&A, Ownership & Investment: 6.7% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 2.62, net tone +43)

Notable positive coverage:

- 18 August 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Providence agrees deal to acquire Hometrack](https://propertyindustryeye.com/providence-agrees-deal-to-acquire-hometrack/). Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire Hometrack, subject to regulatory approval. The buyer plans to support further investment in Hometrack's valuation technology, products and customer service.
- 14 August 2026, estatesgazette.co.uk: [Providence Equity Partners agrees Hometrack acquisition](https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk/news/providence-equity-partners-agrees-hometrack-acquisition/). Providence Equity Partners has agreed to acquire Hometrack, a UK- and Netherlands-focused residential valuation and data provider. Providence and Hometrack management said the deal would support investment in technology, products and customer service.
- 14 August 2026, mortgagestrategy.co.uk: [Providence Equity Partners set to buy Hometrack](https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/providence-equity-partners-set-to-buy-hometrack/). Providence Equity Partners is set to acquire Hometrack, a property-data and automated-valuation provider. Hometrack is rolled up to Zoopla under the cohort rules.

- [Zoopla deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=zoopla&view=deep-dive)
- [Zoopla PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/zoopla.pdf)

### Knight Frank

**Knight Frank ranked third overall as coverage broadened beyond research**

Knight Frank ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (13.9%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 85 mentions and a net tone of +15.

Knight Frank is considering India for its first Global Capability Centre, intended to consolidate centres of excellence in India, Malaysia and Poland. The firm says the proposed centre would support global operations, talent and technology capabilities. Knight Frank and Carter Towler have been appointed to lease the 112,000 sq ft SkyRise 112 warehouse in West Yorkshire. The former UPS distribution unit is near the M62 outside Leeds and Wakefield. Knight Frank has appointed regeneration and infrastructure specialist Richard Dixon to lead its public-sector advisory team. Dixon will advise public bodies and investors on estate strategy, regeneration and infrastructure investment. Knight Frank says demand has exceeded expectations for its affiliate broker model and is recruiting experienced residential brokers across 36 target markets. The firm has appointed four new affiliate brokers and offers them operational and regulatory support.

Key messages:

- Knight Frank is considering India for its first Global Capability Centre, intended to consolidate centres of excellence in India, Malaysia and Poland. The firm says the proposed centre would support global operations, talent and technology capabilities.
- Knight Frank and Carter Towler have been appointed to lease the 112,000 sq ft SkyRise 112 warehouse in West Yorkshire. The former UPS distribution unit is near the M62 outside Leeds and Wakefield.
- Knight Frank has appointed regeneration and infrastructure specialist Richard Dixon to lead its public-sector advisory team. Dixon will advise public bodies and investors on estate strategy, regeneration and infrastructure investment.
- Knight Frank says demand has exceeded expectations for its affiliate broker model and is recruiting experienced residential brokers across 36 target markets. The firm has appointed four new affiliate brokers and offers them operational and regulatory support.
- Knight Frank reports that London mainstream-market exchanges, accepted offers and buyer applications rose over the three months to August. Its estate-agency COO says needs-based buyers and improved stock levels are sustaining activity.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 41.2% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 0.68, net tone 0)
- Prime, Commercial & International: 29.4% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 4.68, net tone +28)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 16.5% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 1.57, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 20 August 2026, timesofindia.indiatimes.com: [Knight Frank eyes India for its first GCC](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/knight-frank-eyes-india-for-its-first-gcc/articleshow/133353477.cms). Knight Frank is considering India for its first Global Capability Centre, intended to consolidate centres of excellence in India, Malaysia and Poland. The firm says the proposed centre would support global operations, talent and technology capabilities.
- 25 August 2026, estatesgazette.co.uk: [Knight Frank and Carter Towler tasked with leasing West Yorkshire distribution unit](https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk/news/knight-frank-and-carter-towler-bring-west-yorkshire-distribution-unit-to-market/). Knight Frank and Carter Towler have been appointed to lease the 112,000 sq ft SkyRise 112 warehouse in West Yorkshire. The former UPS distribution unit is near the M62 outside Leeds and Wakefield.
- 24 August 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Comings & Goings](https://propertyindustryeye.com/comings-goings-458/). Knight Frank has appointed Richard Dixon as lead of its public sector advisory team. Dixon joins from Morgan Sindall Investments and will advise public bodies on property, regeneration and infrastructure projects.

- [Knight Frank deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=knightfrank&view=deep-dive)
- [Knight Frank PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/knightfrank.pdf)

### Hamptons

**Hamptons ranks fifth as research anchors a broader media profile**

Hamptons ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (6.4%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 39 mentions and a net tone of 0.

In August 2026, Hamptons recorded 39 mentions, 6.4% of cohort coverage and rank #5, with net sentiment of 0. Coverage focused on Market Data & House-Price Indices. August 2026: Hamptons found buy-to-let investors were obtaining deeper discounts in a softer market, reported by Mortgage Solutions. Hamptons research finds buy-to-let investors are making lower offers and that sellers are more likely to accept them in a slower market. Its data also shows new-let rental growth accelerating to 1.9% year on year in August. Hamptons provides guidance on legal responsibilities for shared boundary fences in England and Wales. The article covers ownership markers, maintenance obligations and ways to address neighbour disputes. The article examines why downsizing may not release as much equity as expected amid weak sales conditions and limited suitable homes. It cites Zoopla, Hamptons and Knight Frank market analysis on sales, downsizing and retirement-village housing.

Key messages:

- Hamptons research finds buy-to-let investors are making lower offers and that sellers are more likely to accept them in a slower market. Its data also shows new-let rental growth accelerating to 1.9% year on year in August.
- Hamptons provides guidance on legal responsibilities for shared boundary fences in England and Wales. The article covers ownership markers, maintenance obligations and ways to address neighbour disputes.
- Hamptons research says buy-to-let investors accounted for 14.1% of Great Britain home purchases in August 2026 and secured deeper discounts in a softer market. It reports that landlords paid an average 88.7% of initial asking prices.
- The article examines why downsizing may not release as much equity as expected amid weak sales conditions and limited suitable homes. It cites Zoopla, Hamptons and Knight Frank market analysis on sales, downsizing and retirement-village housing.
- Hamptons analysis finds a sharp rise in market-rent tribunal decisions after the Renters' Rights Act changed eviction protections and the financial consequences of rent challenges. Legal experts say landlords will need stronger evidence that proposed increases reflect local market rents.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 74.4% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 1.31, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 17.9% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 1.65, net tone 0)
- Other: 7.7% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 2.44, net tone 0)

- [Hamptons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=hamptons&view=deep-dive)
- [Hamptons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/hamptons.pdf)

### Connells

**Connells ranked sixth overall as coverage shifted from expansion to scrutiny**

Connells ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.9%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 30 mentions and a net tone of −10.

In August 2026, Connells recorded 30 mentions, 4.9% of cohort coverage and rank #6, with net sentiment of -10. Coverage focused on Market Data & House-Price Indices. A mortgage-industry roundup reports that former Connells chief executive David Livesey won age-discrimination and constructive-unfair-dismissal claims. The tribunal found Connells breached trust and confidence in handling his departure and wrongly classified him as a bad leaver. Connells reported underlying pre-tax profit of £2.0m in the first half, down from £24.9m a year earlier, as estate-agency transactions fell 7%. Lettings and surveying provided some resilience, while salary inflation, acquisition-related costs and investment increased expenses. Connells Group reported a £500,000 first-half loss, reversing a £28.4m profit a year earlier, amid weaker sales activity and slower transactions. Its lettings division was more resilient, while the group continues Countrywide integration and technology investment.

Key messages:

- A mortgage-industry roundup reports that former Connells chief executive David Livesey won age-discrimination and constructive-unfair-dismissal claims. The tribunal found Connells breached trust and confidence in handling his departure and wrongly classified him as a bad leaver.
- Connells reported underlying pre-tax profit of £2.0m in the first half, down from £24.9m a year earlier, as estate-agency transactions fell 7%. Lettings and surveying provided some resilience, while salary inflation, acquisition-related costs and investment increased expenses.
- Connells Group reported a £500,000 first-half loss, reversing a £28.4m profit a year earlier, amid weaker sales activity and slower transactions. Its lettings division was more resilient, while the group continues Countrywide integration and technology investment.
- Connells research finds that short-term home moves are at a record low, with 5% of sellers having owned their property for less than three years. The agency group's research cites stamp duty, higher mortgage rates and weaker price growth as barriers to moving.
- Spicerhaart chairman Paul Smith calls for stamp-duty reform, upfront property information and stronger housebuilding measures to improve housing-market liquidity. Connells data is cited to illustrate lengthening transaction times.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 80.0% of Connells's coverage (theme index 1.41, net tone 0)
- Financial Results & Trading: 6.7% of Connells's coverage (theme index 0.74, net tone −100)
- Conduct, Standards & Regulation: 3.3% of Connells's coverage (theme index 9.67, net tone −100)

Notable negative coverage:

- 14 August 2026, mortgagestrategy.co.uk: [Mortgage Strategy's Top 10 Stories: 10 August to 14 August](https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/mortgage-strategys-top-10-stories-10-august-to-14-august/). A mortgage-industry roundup reports that former Connells chief executive David Livesey won age-discrimination and constructive-unfair-dismissal claims. The tribunal found Connells breached trust and confidence in handling his departure and wrongly classified him as a bad leaver.
- 3 August 2026, lettingagenttoday.co.uk: [Lettings only glimmer of light in dire Connells results](https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/08/lettings-only-glimmer-of-light-in-dire-connells-results/). Connells reported underlying pre-tax profit of £2.0m in the first half, down from £24.9m a year earlier, as estate-agency transactions fell 7%. Lettings and surveying provided some resilience, while salary inflation, acquisition-related costs and investment increased expenses.
- 3 August 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Connells swings from £28m profit to loss](https://propertyindustryeye.com/connells-swings-from-28m-profit-to-loss/). Connells Group reported a £500,000 first-half loss, reversing a £28.4m profit a year earlier, amid weaker sales activity and slower transactions. Its lettings division was more resilient, while the group continues Countrywide integration and technology investment.

- [Connells deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=connells&view=deep-dive)
- [Connells PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/connells.pdf)

### Foxtons

**Foxtons visibility swung with acquisitions, results and rental reform**

Foxtons ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (2.0%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 12 mentions and a net tone of +25.

In August 2026, Foxtons recorded 12 mentions, 2% of cohort coverage and rank #7, with net sentiment of +25. Coverage focused on Products, Technology & AI. Broader housing-market articles, the August comparison with Dwelly and other incidental references were contextual mentions rather than Foxtons developments. August 2026: Foxtons introduced Zero Deposit’s guarantor service for tenants without conventional UK guarantors — The Negotiator. Foxtons reported declining revenue and a pre-tax loss amid weak London sales activity, although lettings proved comparatively resilient. The commentary argues the company needs to focus on rental-sector billings while maintaining investment in its proposition. JPMorgan Asset Management notified Foxtons that its holding had fallen below the notifiable 5% voting-rights threshold. The filing is a routine major-holdings disclosure. Foxtons is recruiting trainee estate agents in Watford, offering a £32,000 salary plus uncapped commission, training and performance-based progression.

Key messages:

- Foxtons has partnered with Zero Deposit to make the Guarantor+ product available to its tenants. The partnership is presented as a way to widen access for international and other renters who may not meet conventional guarantor requirements.
- Foxtons has introduced a third-party guarantor service through Zero Deposit for tenants unable to provide a traditional UK-based guarantor. The agency says the offering is particularly relevant to overseas renters, students and self-employed applicants.
- Foxtons reported declining revenue and a pre-tax loss amid weak London sales activity, although lettings proved comparatively resilient. The commentary argues the company needs to focus on rental-sector billings while maintaining investment in its proposition.
- JPMorgan Asset Management notified Foxtons that its holding had fallen below the notifiable 5% voting-rights threshold. The filing is a routine major-holdings disclosure.

Leading themes:

- Products, Technology & AI: 41.7% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 41.53, net tone +100)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 25.0% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 2.27, net tone −33)
- M&A, Ownership & Investment: 16.7% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 5.54, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 August 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Two thirds of Foxtons' rental applicants from overseas](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rental-market/two-thirds-of-foxtons-rental-applicants-from-overseas/). Foxtons has partnered with Zero Deposit to offer its Guarantor+ product to tenants, responding to the high share of overseas rental applicants in London. Foxtons says the service helps applicants who cannot meet conventional UK guarantor requirements.
- 4 August 2026, lettingagenttoday.co.uk: [Foxtons says overseas tenants need wider access to guarantor service](https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/08/foxtons-says-overseas-tenants-need-wider-access-to-guarantor-service/). Foxtons has introduced a third-party guarantor service through Zero Deposit for tenants unable to provide a traditional UK-based guarantor. The agency says the offering is particularly relevant to overseas renters, students and self-employed applicants.
- 4 August 2026, propertyreporter.co.uk: [London rents near £2,300 as demand grows for guarantor solutions](https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/london-rents-near-2300-as-demand-grows-for-guarantor-solutions.html). Foxtons has partnered with Zero Deposit to offer Guarantor+ to tenants, targeting barriers faced by international renters and applicants without UK-based guarantors. The article cites Foxtons data indicating that 63% of its tenants are from overseas.

Notable negative coverage:

- 8 August 2026, lse.co.uk: [Foxtons - where do we go from here. Read Rajan Dhall's Blog - London South East.](https://www.lse.co.uk/blogs/expert/foxtons-where-do-we-go-from-here.html). Foxtons reported declining revenue and a pre-tax loss amid weak London sales activity, although lettings proved comparatively resilient. The commentary argues the company needs to focus on rental-sector billings while maintaining investment in its proposition.

- [Foxtons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=foxtons&view=deep-dive)
- [Foxtons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/foxtons.pdf)

### OnTheMarket

**OnTheMarket’s visibility swung between portal moves and market commentary**

OnTheMarket ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.3%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 8 mentions and a net tone of 0.

In August 2026, OnTheMarket recorded 8 mentions, 1.3% of cohort coverage and rank #8, with net sentiment of 0. Coverage focused on Market Data & House-Price Indices. HM Land Registry plans to add UPRNs and INSPIRE IDs to price-paid data for residential and commercial sales in England and Wales. The changes are intended to improve property-data matching and transaction transparency for agents, portals and consumers. Land Registry data showed UK house-price growth slowing to 2% annually in June, with London prices continuing to fall. Zoopla and OnTheMarket executives commented on affordability, supply and expected autumn activity. Lloyds reported that UK house prices were flat in August and up 0.1% year-on-year, the slowest annual growth since November 2023. Knight Frank and OnTheMarket commentators attributed subdued conditions to affordability, mortgage costs and political uncertainty.

Key messages:

- HM Land Registry plans to add UPRNs and INSPIRE IDs to price-paid data for residential and commercial sales in England and Wales. The changes are intended to improve property-data matching and transaction transparency for agents, portals and consumers.
- Land Registry data showed UK house-price growth slowing to 2% annually in June, with London prices continuing to fall. Zoopla and OnTheMarket executives commented on affordability, supply and expected autumn activity.
- Lloyds reported that UK house prices were flat in August and up 0.1% year-on-year, the slowest annual growth since November 2023. Knight Frank and OnTheMarket commentators attributed subdued conditions to affordability, mortgage costs and political uncertainty.
- HMRC data showed seasonally adjusted UK residential transactions rose marginally to 98,700 in June after two monthly declines. Industry commentators cited mortgage costs and uncertainty over property taxation as constraints on demand.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 87.5% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 1.52, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 12.5% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 1.11, net tone 0)

- [OnTheMarket deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=onthemarket&view=deep-dive)
- [OnTheMarket PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/onthemarket.pdf)

### Purplebricks

**Purplebricks stayed peripheral as leadership and governance coverage widened**

Purplebricks ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (0.8%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of −40.

August then brought confirmation that Bruce held more than 25% and up to 50% of Strike, alongside a tribunal ruling that Purplebricks had discriminated against an agent over pregnancy, maternity and childcare responsibilities. August 2026: share fell 0.4 points to 0.8% while rank remained ninth; stories included confirmation of Michael Bruce’s substantial Strike stake and the Herald Scotland tribunal report. August 2026: an employment tribunal awarded £27,626.73 after finding pregnancy and maternity discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal — Herald Scotland. Companies House records confirm Purplebricks founder Michael Bruce has become a person of significant control in parent Strike Limited, indicating an equity stake of more than 25% and up to 50%. The article also notes overdue 2025 accounts, which Purplebricks attributes to the appointment of a new CFO.

Key messages:

- An employment tribunal found Purplebricks discriminated against a property agent over pregnancy, maternity and childcare responsibilities. The claimant was awarded £27,626.73 after the tribunal also found constructive unfair dismissal.
- Companies House records confirm Purplebricks founder Michael Bruce has become a person of significant control in parent Strike Limited, indicating an equity stake of more than 25% and up to 50%. The article also notes overdue 2025 accounts, which Purplebricks attributes to the appointment of a new CFO.
- Private-equity firm CVC has agreed to acquire a majority stake in online lettings platform OpenRent to fund its growth and new rental tools. The article contrasts OpenRent's lettings-market position with the limited success of Purplebricks and other online agencies in this area.
- The article examines alternatives to conventional estate-agent selling, including auctions, social-media listings and self-listing platforms. Purplebricks is cited as an example of a lower-fixed-fee online agency option.

Leading themes:

- M&A, Ownership & Investment: 40.0% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 13.44, net tone −50)
- Portal Competition & Agency Market Share: 20.0% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 60.5, net tone 0)
- Conduct, Standards & Regulation: 20.0% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 60.5, net tone −100)

Notable negative coverage:

- 31 August 2026, heraldscotland.com: [Estate agent that 'pushed out' new mother ordered to pay her £27,000](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26508937.purple-bricks-estate-agend-loses-sex-discrimination-tribunal/). An employment tribunal found Purplebricks discriminated against a property agent over pregnancy, maternity and childcare responsibilities. The claimant was awarded £27,626.73 after the tribunal also found constructive unfair dismissal.

- [Purplebricks deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=purplebricks&view=deep-dive)
- [Purplebricks PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/purplebricks.pdf)

### Chestertons

**Chestertons combines leadership, expansion and regulatory visibility**

Chestertons ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (0.8%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of 0.

Chestertons said landlords have increased asking rents following the Renters' Rights Act ban on rental bidding wars, anticipating lower tenant offers. Rightmove reported annual asking-rent growth of 2.9% in the second quarter of 2026. Chestertons reports that London buyer registrations fell 22% year-on-year in August amid uncertainty over potential property-tax changes. It says clarity that stamp duty will not be abolished could support buyer confidence. The article examines calls for stamp-duty clarity, threshold reform and cuts to stimulate housing demand and transactions. Chestertons reports a year-on-year decline in prospective London buyer registrations amid political uncertainty. Independent editorial coverage reported Campions Group’s acquisition of Aston Chase, which would retain its brand and founders, while Campions considered expanding its Central and North West London presence. Chestertons should brief business and property correspondents on the stated approach to retaining acquired brands and leadership. This could extend its over-indexed investment coverage beyond individual transactions and support a consistent position on London expansion.

Key messages:

- Chestertons said landlords have increased asking rents following the Renters' Rights Act ban on rental bidding wars, anticipating lower tenant offers. Rightmove reported annual asking-rent growth of 2.9% in the second quarter of 2026.
- Chestertons reports that London buyer registrations fell 22% year-on-year in August amid uncertainty over potential property-tax changes. It says clarity that stamp duty will not be abolished could support buyer confidence.
- The article examines calls for stamp-duty clarity, threshold reform and cuts to stimulate housing demand and transactions. Chestertons reports a year-on-year decline in prospective London buyer registrations amid political uncertainty.
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation accounted for 3 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 60.0% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 5.5, net tone 0)
- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 40.0% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 0.69, net tone 0)

- [Chestertons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08?entity=chestertons&view=deep-dive)
- [Chestertons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08/reports/chestertons.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Property Portals & Estate Agents editions

- [UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1.md)
- [UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-07.md)
- [UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08