---
title: UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Property Portals & Estate Agents
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 2076
mentions: 724
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/data.json
summary: Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (27.1%) among
  10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead
  of Savills (18.6%) and Knight Frank (17.4%).
---

# UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (27.1%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Savills (18.6%) and Knight Frank (17.4%). Foxtons had the most favourable net tone (+38). Omniscan analysed 2,076 articles containing 724 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09

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

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Rightmove | 27.1% | 196 | 12% | 84% | 4% | +8 |
| 2 | Savills | 18.6% | 135 | 23% | 76% | 1% | +22 |
| 3 | Knight Frank | 17.4% | 126 | 28% | 70% | 2% | +27 |
| 4 | Zoopla | 15.9% | 115 | 3% | 95% | 2% | +2 |
| 5 | Hamptons | 5.8% | 42 | 0% | 98% | 2% | −2 |
| 6 | OnTheMarket | 4.1% | 30 | 3% | 90% | 7% | −3 |
| 7 | Connells | 3.7% | 27 | 11% | 89% | 0% | +11 |
| 8 | Foxtons | 3.6% | 26 | 42% | 54% | 4% | +38 |
| 9 | Purplebricks | 2.5% | 18 | 5% | 39% | 56% | −50 |
| 10 | Chestertons | 1.2% | 9 | 22% | 78% | 0% | +22 |

## Companies in detail

### Rightmove

**Rightmove leads amid product launches and activist interest**

Rightmove ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (27.1%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 196 mentions and a net tone of +8.

Rightmove launched a Tenancy Manager rent-review function to help agents issue Section 13 notices under Renters’ Rights Act requirements. It ranked first in September with 196 mentions and a 27.1% share of tracked-company mentions. Market data and house-price indices dominated the subject mix with 106 mentions, followed by housing policy and regulation with 32, ownership and investment with 14, and products and technology with 13. The Times reported that activist investor Sachem Head had accumulated a 6% stake, prompting speculation about a sale or debt-funded share buybacks amid questions about disruption from artificial intelligence. Rightmove also appointed David Thomas and Rosemary Leith to its board, launched its Championing Agents education initiative and announced that it would host a webinar to help agents prepare for proposed home-buying and selling reforms. Reuters reported Rightmove’s finding that newly listed asking prices rose 0.7% between August and September, slightly above the usual seasonal pattern.

Key messages:

- Rightmove accounted for 27.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Housing Policy & Market Regulation.
- 196 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Tenancy Manager rent-review tool launch — Property Industry Eye

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 54.1% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 16.3% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone +13)
- M&A, Ownership & Investment: 7.1% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1.71, net tone +7)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 September 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Rightmove adds rent review tool to Tenancy Manager](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rightmove-adds-rent-review-tool-to-tenancy-manager/). Rightmove has added a rent-review tool to Tenancy Manager, enabling agents to create and serve Section 13 rent-increase notices. The feature is intended to help agents comply with Renters' Rights Act changes and reduce administration.
- 4 September 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Rightmove launches new agent tool following Renters' Rights Act](https://propertyindustryeye.com/rightmove-launches-new-tool-for-agents/). Rightmove has launched a rent-review function within Tenancy Manager that lets agents issue Section 13 rent-increase notices from tenancy records. The update expands its Lead to Keys lettings suite as agencies adapt to the Renters' Rights Act.
- 8 September 2026, proactiveinvestors.co.uk: [Jefferies analyst spent a summer testing AI agents against Rightmove and Autotrader. The platforms won easily](https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1098231/jefferies-analyst-spent-a-summer-testing-ai-agents-against-rightmove-and-autotrader-the-platforms-won-easily-1098231.html). A Jefferies analyst's experiment found that an external AI agent relied heavily on Rightmove listings and delivered fewer, slower alerts than the portal. The analysis concludes that Rightmove is better placed to develop its own AI services than to be displaced by third-party agents.

Notable negative coverage:

- 22 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [OnTheMarket founder says portal market "on its last legs"](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/onthemarket-founder-says-portal-market-on-its-last-legs/). OnTheMarket founder Trevor Abrahmsohn argued that AI threatens the established UK property-portal model and criticised Rightmove's long-term prospects. The article also notes activist investors have taken significant stakes in Rightmove.
- 22 September 2026, ts2.tech: [Rightmove Stock Reverses 4.1%; UK Housing Bounce Masks Weaker Demand](https://ts2.tech/en/rightmove-stock-reverses-4-1-uk-housing-bounce-masks-weaker-demand/). Rightmove shares fell 4.1% after a prior-day rise, amid data showing higher asking prices but weaker buyer enquiries. The article notes that Rightmove cut 2026 revenue-growth guidance due to fewer new-home developments, despite first-half revenue growth.
- 9 September 2026, lse.co.uk: [WINNERS & LOSERS: Victrex ups view; Goodwin unit price tag disappoints](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/winners-losers-victrex-ups-view-goodwin-unit-price-tag-disappoints-fasojm9edzchbrx.html). A UK market round-up reports that Rightmove shares fell 3.4% during the trading session. No company-specific reason for the share-price movement is provided.

- [Rightmove deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=rightmove&view=deep-dive)
- [Rightmove PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/rightmove.pdf)

### Savills

**Appointments and record auction underpin Savills’ second-place visibility**

Savills ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (18.6%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 135 mentions and a net tone of +22.

Savills’ September coverage was led by senior appointments, including Alex Griffiths as global head of client capital and Katrina Laud as chair of Simply Affordable Homes. The firm ranked second with 135 mentions and an 18.6% share of tracked-company mentions. Market data and house-price indices formed the largest subject area with 32 mentions, followed by housing policy and market regulation with 27 and leadership and people with 24; prime, commercial and international coverage accounted for 21. Commercial activity included the publication of a 380-lot catalogue for Savills’ largest-ever September auction and its selection as Skybound Wealth’s preferred property partner. Further appointments strengthened residential operations in Cornwall, Salisbury and Oxford, while Savills retained the leading property-sector position in graduate-employer rankings for a twentieth year. Context: a Savills consumer survey reported stronger buyer and seller moving intentions, led by London, alongside continuing political and tax uncertainty.

Key messages:

- Savills accounted for 18.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Housing Policy & Market Regulation.
- 135 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Savills appointed Alex Griffiths as global head of client capital — Property Week.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 23.7% of Savills's coverage (theme index 0.47, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 20.0% of Savills's coverage (theme index 1.21, net tone 0)
- Leadership & People: 17.8% of Savills's coverage (theme index 3.27, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, readingchronicle.co.uk: [Savills strengthens Reading planning team with new appointments](https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/26501107.savills-expands-thames-valley-planning-advisory-team/). Savills expanded its Thames Valley planning advisory team with the appointments of Adam Thomas and Matt Smith in Reading. Amy Allen was also promoted after achieving Chartered Town Planner status.
- 17 September 2026, benews.co.uk: [Savills IM’s Simply Affordable Homes appoints Katrina Laud as chair](https://benews.co.uk/savills-im-appoints-katrina-laud-chair/). Savills Investment Management-managed Simply Affordable Homes has appointed Katrina Laud as board chair from 1 October 2026. She succeeds Keith Exford and will support governance and expansion of the affordable-housing fund.
- 17 September 2026, living.insidehousing.co.uk: [News - Exclusive: Savills IM for-profit appoints new chair](https://living.insidehousing.co.uk/news/exclusive-savills-im-for-profit-appoints-new-chair-98750). Savills Investment Management's Simply Affordable Homes has appointed Katrina Laud as chair, succeeding Keith Exford. The provider is scaling its affordable-housing fund and reported its first profit in 2025-26.

- [Savills deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=savills&view=deep-dive)
- [Savills PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/savills.pdf)

### Knight Frank

**Regional expansion and appointments define Knight Frank’s September coverage**

Knight Frank ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (17.4%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 126 mentions and a net tone of +27.

Knight Frank opened a Melbourne office and appointed Victoria McLaughlin as Derbyshire sales director, extending its West Midlands network. The firm also confirmed Chris Davis as group chief financial officer, with responsibility for its global finance function and support for profitable growth. Other developments included its joint appointment with Watts & Morgan to market an £8m Cowbridge portfolio and the relocation of its Hungerford office to Newbury. Knight Frank ranked third with 126 mentions and a 17.4% share of tracked-company mentions. Prime, commercial and international property led the subject mix with 44 mentions, followed by market data and house-price indices with 39, leadership and people with 17, and housing policy and market regulation with 15. Its market commentary included analysis reported by Mortgage Strategy linking Middle East tensions with higher swap rates and renewed uncertainty over UK fixed-rate mortgage pricing.

Key messages:

- Knight Frank accounted for 17.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Prime, Commercial & International and Market Data & House-Price Indices.
- 126 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Knight Frank and Watts & Morgan appointed to market an £8m Cowbridge portfolio — Estates Gazette

Leading themes:

- Prime, Commercial & International: 34.9% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 9.94, net tone +39)
- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 31.0% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 0.64, net tone −3)
- Leadership & People: 13.5% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 2.07, net tone +94)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, propertyweek.com: [Knight Frank names Davis new group chief financial officer](https://www.propertyweek.com/news/knight-frank-names-new-group-chief-financial-officer). Knight Frank appointed Davis as group chief financial officer after he served as interim group CFO. The firm said he would lead its finance function and support its next phase of profitable growth.
- 1 September 2026, benews.co.uk: [Knight Frank appoints new CFO](https://benews.co.uk/knight-frank-appoints-new-cfo/). Knight Frank has appointed Chris Davis as group chief financial officer after he previously served as interim CFO. Group chair William Beardmore-Gray said Davis is well placed to support the firm's next phase of growth.
- 14 September 2026, businessnewswales.com: [Knight Frank Cardiff Invests in Next Generation With Graduate Hires](https://businessnewswales.com/knight-frank-cardiff-invests-in-next-generation-with-graduate-hires/). Knight Frank Cardiff has recruited Beth Williams as its third graduate hire in 18 months, alongside recent graduate appointments in several property-specialist teams. The firm presents the hires as investment in its Cardiff office and future commercial-property talent.

Notable negative coverage:

- 3 September 2026, estatesgazette.co.uk: [Look after 'em or lose 'em](https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk/news/look-after-em-or-lose-em/). The article criticises restrictive tenant rules and charges at Shard Place, including Knight Frank's advice that a tenant add their partner to the lease to obtain a key card. It argues that poor resident experience can damage build-to-rent landlords' reputations and occupancy.

- [Knight Frank deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=knightfrank&view=deep-dive)
- [Knight Frank PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/knightfrank.pdf)

### Zoopla

**Profit, partnerships and housing data shaped Zoopla’s September profile**

Zoopla ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (15.9%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 115 mentions and a net tone of +2.

Zoopla’s return to statutory profitability featured in independent reporting, with Property Industry Eye reporting a £20.7m profit for 2025, revenue of £83.2m and a 25% rise in valuation leads. The company recorded 115 mentions, representing 15.9% of tracked-company mentions and placing it fourth. Market data and house-price indices dominated the subject mix with 77 mentions, followed by housing policy and market regulation with 20, portal competition and agency market share with seven, and financial results and trading with three. Zoopla also secured a three-year listing and valuation-leads agreement with South West estate agency Stags, while City AM covered its repositioning around homeowner valuations and a new advertising campaign. Leadership reporting centred on chief operating officer Rich Hayes stepping down after three years to pursue his ambition of leading a business again. Zoopla’s market analysis addressed falling rental supply, affordability pressure from higher mortgage rates and annual house-price growth of 0.8%, while the company also assessed Andy Burnham’s proposed Your First Home initiative.

Key messages:

- Zoopla accounted for 15.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Housing Policy & Market Regulation.
- 115 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Zoopla returned to profit as estate-agent valuation leads rose — Property Industry Eye.

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 67.0% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 1.62, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 17.4% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 1.02, net tone 0)
- Portal Competition & Agency Market Share: 6.1% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 3.09, net tone +14)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 September 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Zoopla signals AI-led future for agents as it returns to profit](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/marketing-news/zoopla-signals-ai-led-future-for-agents-as-it-returns-to-profit/). Zoopla reported 2025 revenue of £83.2m and a return to statutory profitability of £20.7m, alongside growth in valuation and new-homes leads. The portal says investment in its data platform, proprietary homeowner data and OpenAI agreement will support more AI-driven products for agents.
- 7 September 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [EYE NEWSFLASH: Zoopla returns to profit as estate agent valuation leads jump](https://propertyindustryeye.com/eye-newsflash-zoopla-returns-to-profit-as-estate-agent-valuation-leads-jump/). Zoopla returned to statutory profitability in 2025, reporting a £20.7m profit despite a small revenue decline to £83.2m. The portal said valuation leads rose 25% and highlighted investment in homeowner data, AI search and multi-year partnerships.
- 11 September 2026, lettingagenttoday.co.uk: [Major regional independent returns to Zoopla](https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/major-regional-independent-returns-to-zoopla/). South West independent agency Stags has signed a three-year agreement to list on Zoopla, citing its valuation leads, platform investment and London audience. Zoopla says the deal demonstrates momentum and the value it provides to agents.

- [Zoopla deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=zoopla&view=deep-dive)
- [Zoopla PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/zoopla.pdf)

### Hamptons

**Hamptons research contrasts long-term and recent buy-to-let returns**

Hamptons ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (5.8%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 42 mentions and a net tone of −2.

Hamptons’ clearest focused development in September was research estimating that UK buy-to-let generated a 2,130% total return between 1996 and 2026, narrowly exceeding the S&P 500. Property Reporter also noted that more recent buy-to-let returns had lagged equities amid tougher conditions for landlords. Hamptons recorded 42 mentions and a 5.8% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking fifth. Its subject mix comprised 22 mentions associated with housing policy and market regulation and 20 with market data and house-price indices. Wider reporting cited Hamptons data in articles examining potential mansion-tax thresholds, the Renters’ Rights Act, landlord sales and buy-to-let company formations. These contextual citations contributed to Hamptons’ measured visibility but did not report developments focused on the company.

Key messages:

- Hamptons accounted for 5.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Housing Policy & Market Regulation and Market Data & House-Price Indices.
- 42 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Hamptons’ 30-year buy-to-let return analysis — Property Reporter

Leading themes:

- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 52.4% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 3.5, net tone 0)
- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 47.6% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 1.05, net tone −5)

- [Hamptons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=hamptons&view=deep-dive)
- [Hamptons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/hamptons.pdf)

### OnTheMarket

**Founder challenges portal model as OnTheMarket ranks sixth**

OnTheMarket ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.1%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 30 mentions and a net tone of −3.

OnTheMarket founder Trevor Abrahmsohn argued in Estate Agent Today that AI threatens the established property-portal model and questioned Rightmove’s long-term prospects. OnTheMarket recorded 30 mentions, representing 4.1% of tracked-company mentions and sixth place among the cohort. Market data and house-price indices accounted for 22 mentions, compared with two each for portal competition, housing policy and products, technology and AI. The Estate Agent Today article connected portal competition with the implications of AI and noted that activist investors had taken significant stakes in Rightmove. Wider housing-market articles included OnTheMarket commentary on price-sensitive buyers, broadly stable values, mortgage costs and political or economic uncertainty. Separate industry commentary considered how AI could affect major property portals while retaining a role for agents’ judgement and negotiation skills.

Key messages:

- OnTheMarket accounted for 4.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Portal Competition & Agency Market Share.
- 30 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- OnTheMarket founder says portal market “on its last legs” — Estate Agent Today

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 73.3% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 1.66, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 6.7% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 0.38, net tone 0)
- Portal Competition & Agency Market Share: 6.7% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 2.72, net tone 0)

- [OnTheMarket deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=onthemarket&view=deep-dive)
- [OnTheMarket PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/onthemarket.pdf)

### Connells

**Connells advances digital buying and surveying capacity**

Connells ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.7%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 27 mentions and a net tone of +11.

Connells Group’s digital home-buying service with Lloyds Banking Group and LMS featured in its September coverage, supporting a proposed 28-day period from sale agreed to exchange. Connells ranked seventh with 27 mentions, representing 3.7% of tracked-company mentions. Market data and house-price indices dominated the subject mix with 19 mentions, while leadership and people and housing policy and regulation each accounted for three. Countrywide Surveying Services also qualified 35 surveyors through its academy and renewed its valuation-services contract with Coventry Building Society for five years. Connells Group analysis separately highlighted falling UK housebuilder formations since Help to Buy ended, citing financing, construction, confidence and workforce pressures. Wider sector articles quoted Connells’ research director commenting on rental competition, first-time buyers and deposit saving, but did not report developments at the company.

Key messages:

- Connells accounted for 3.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Leadership & People.
- 27 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- “Connells Group backs plan to reform house buying” — Estate Agent Today

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 70.4% of Connells's coverage (theme index 1.58, net tone 0)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 11.1% of Connells's coverage (theme index 0.64, net tone 0)
- Leadership & People: 11.1% of Connells's coverage (theme index 1.46, net tone +33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Connells Group backs plan to reform house buying](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/connells-group-backs-eight-point-plan-to-reform-house-buying/). Connells Group is developing a digital home-buying service with Lloyds Banking Group and LMS to capture and reuse transaction data. The initiative supports the Project 28 Charter’s goal of reducing the period from sale agreed to exchange to 28 days.
- 25 September 2026, mortgagestrategy.co.uk: [Countrywide Surveying Services adds 35 surveyors in 2026](https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/countrywide-surveying-services-adds-35-surveyors-in-2026/). Countrywide Surveying Services, part of Connells Group, has qualified 35 surveyors through its training academy in 2026. The business says recruitment and career development are important amid an ageing surveying workforce.
- 9 September 2026, mortgagestrategy.co.uk: [CSS extends valuer partnership with Coventry BS](https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/css-extends-valuer-partnership-with-coventry-bs/). Countrywide Surveying Services, part of Connells, has renewed its residential and buy-to-let valuation-services contract with Coventry Building Society for a further five years. The agreement also covers Co-op Bank.

- [Connells deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=connells&view=deep-dive)
- [Connells PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/connells.pdf)

### Foxtons

**Regional acquisitions define Foxtons’ September coverage**

Foxtons ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.6%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of +38.

Foxtons’ four regional lettings acquisitions led September coverage, with Estate Agent Today reporting an initial £4.8m investment across Birmingham, Watford and Reading, plus up to £1.2m in contingent consideration. The purchases added £3.2m in annual revenue and were expected to support recurring income and contribute to earnings from 2027. Foxtons recorded 26 mentions, representing 3.6% of tracked-company mentions and placing it eighth in the competitive ranking. M&A, ownership and investment dominated the subject mix with 12 mentions, followed by market data and house-price indices with seven and leadership and people with four. Separate coverage reported that operations director Jas Dhaliwal left after 17 years to become a partner at Harding Green. Foxtons’ August lettings index also received coverage from Property Reporter, reporting that London rental competition reached its highest level of 2026 while new listings remained above the previous year.

Key messages:

- Foxtons accounted for 3.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on M&A, Ownership & Investment and Market Data & House-Price Indices.
- 26 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Four regional lettings acquisitions — Estate Agent Today

Leading themes:

- M&A, Ownership & Investment: 46.2% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 13.42, net tone +92)
- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 26.9% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 0.58, net tone 0)
- Leadership & People: 15.4% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 2.07, net tone −25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 23 September 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Foxtons unveils four regional acquisitions beyond London](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/agencies-people-news/foxtons-unveils-four-regional-acquisitions-as-it-spreads-beyond-london/). Foxtons has acquired Maguire Jackson and Davidson Estates in Birmingham, Warren Anthony in Watford, and a lettings portfolio in Reading for an initial £4.8 million. The group says the acquisitions will build regional scale and are expected to be earnings accretive from 2027.
- 23 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Foxtons acquires four agencies out of London](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/foxtons-acquires-four-agencies-out-of-london/). Foxtons has acquired four regional lettings businesses and portfolios in Birmingham, Watford and Reading for £4.8m initially, plus up to £1.2m contingent consideration. The deals expand its regional lettings scale and support its strategy to grow recurring revenues outside London.
- 23 September 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [EYE NEWSFLASH: Foxtons acquires four businesses in major expansion push](https://propertyindustryeye.com/eye-newsflash-foxtons-acquires-four-businesses-in-major-expansion-push/). Foxtons has acquired four lettings businesses or portfolios in Birmingham, Watford and Reading for up to £6m. The group said the deals support its regional expansion and are expected to add to earnings from 2027.

Notable negative coverage:

- 8 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Foxtons veteran jumps ship to join self-employed brokerage](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/foxtons-veteran-jumps-ship-to-become-partner-in-self-employed-brokerage/). Foxtons operations director Jas Dhaliwal has left after 17 years to become a partner at Harding Green. The article also notes that Harding Green recently hired another former Foxtons Chelsea lettings leader.

- [Foxtons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=foxtons&view=deep-dive)
- [Foxtons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/foxtons.pdf)

### Purplebricks

**Tribunal ruling and £34m funding frame Purplebricks’ September profile**

Purplebricks ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (2.5%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of −50.

Independent reporting led with an employment tribunal award of £47,323.73 for constructive and unfair dismissal and pregnancy- or sex-related discrimination; Purplebricks said the proceedings concerned a former group company rather than the current business. Later reports covered an HMRC winding-up petition, which Purplebricks attributed to a resolved administrative error and said would be withdrawn, alongside delayed accounts and its stated turnaround. Separate independent coverage described a £34m funding package comprising converted loans, new lending and investor support amid going-concern concerns. Conduct, standards and regulation accounted for eight mentions, ahead of financial results and trading with four, market data and house-price indices with two, and portal competition and agency market share with one. Purplebricks ranked ninth with 18 mentions and a 2.5% share of tracked-company mentions. Commercial and affiliate coverage added a product dimension through a review that found its virtual valuation prompt, thorough and broadly aligned with valuations from two traditional agents, while noting its digital process, lack of sales pressure and comparatively low fees.

Key messages:

- Purplebricks accounted for 2.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Conduct, Standards & Regulation and Financial Results & Trading.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Employment tribunal compensation ruling — The Independent

Leading themes:

- Conduct, Standards & Regulation: 44.4% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 156.89, net tone −87)
- Financial Results & Trading: 22.2% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 6.03, net tone −25)
- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 11.1% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 0.24, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 11 September 2026, expressandstar.com: [Purplebricks virtual valuation review: how accurate is it? We gave it a try](https://www.expressandstar.com/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/purplebricks-valuation-house-selling-estate-agent-virtual-6573052). A reviewer found Purplebricks' virtual valuation prompt, thorough and broadly in line with valuations from two traditional agents. The review praises the service's digital process, lack of sales pressure and comparatively low fees.

Notable negative coverage:

- 3 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [Estate agent forced out of job after maternity leave wins £48,000 compensation](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/purplebricks-murron-stewart-tribunal-job-b3043956.html). An employment tribunal found that Purplebricks unfairly dismissed and discriminated against a worker following her maternity leave. The firm was ordered to pay compensation of nearly £48,000.
- 2 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Mum forced out of Purplebricks job over pregnancy and childcare issues wins £47k](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/purplebricks-mum-tribunal-case-damages-37620583). An employment tribunal awarded former Purplebricks employee Murron Stewart £47,323.73 after finding she had been constructively and unfairly dismissed and discriminated against in connection with maternity leave, sex and caring responsibilities. Purplebricks said the respondent was a dissolved former company and that the current business was not a party to the proceedings.
- 28 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Purplebricks bailed out by billionaire's investment - report](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/purplebricks-bailed-out-by-billionaires-investment-report/). Purplebricks is reportedly receiving a £34 million funding bailout from major investors linked to parent company Strike. The report follows an HMRC winding-up petition which Purplebricks says resulted from an administrative error and is being withdrawn.

- [Purplebricks deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=purplebricks&view=deep-dive)
- [Purplebricks PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/reports/purplebricks.pdf)

### Chestertons

**London activity data anchors Chestertons’ September coverage**

Chestertons ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.2%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for September 2026, with 9 mentions and a net tone of +22.

Property Investor Today reported stronger Chestertons sales and lettings activity, including higher buyer enquiries, vendor instructions, sales agreed, tenant enquiries and landlord instructions. Estate Agent Today separately covered strong growth across its London operating postcodes, with new instructions up 63.9% year on year in August. Chestertons recorded nine mentions and a 1.2% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking tenth among the cohort in September. Market data and house-price indices accounted for five mentions, followed by housing policy and regulation with two; portal competition and agency market share accounted for one. Further reporting in The Negotiator and The Intermediary focused respectively on a 10-month high in buyer enquiries and a 13% year-on-year rise in London tenant enquiries. Context: wider sector articles in The Times and property trade titles cited Chestertons’ data or comments on rental reform and London market activity without reporting a development centred on the firm.

Key messages:

- Chestertons accounted for 1.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #10 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Market Data & House-Price Indices and Housing Policy & Market Regulation.
- 9 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Stronger London sales and lettings activity — Property Investor Today

Leading themes:

- Market Data & House-Price Indices: 55.6% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 1.23, net tone +20)
- Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 22.2% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 1.3, net tone 0)
- Other: 11.1% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 2.48, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 September 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Agency talks up London market](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/09/agency-talks-up-london-sales-market/). Chestertons says buyer enquiries and vendor instructions are improving in London, reporting strong growth in its operating postcodes relative to the wider market. It says new instructions rose 63.9% year on year in August and sales agreed increased month on month.

- [Chestertons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09?entity=chestertons&view=deep-dive)
- [Chestertons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09/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 – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-09