--- title: UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker – H1 2026 canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1 type: dataset publisher: Omniscan sector: UK Property Portals & Estate Agents period: H1 2026 coverage_start: '2026-01-01' coverage_end: '2026-06-30' date_published: '2026-09-01' last_updated: '2026-09-01' organisations: 10 articles_analysed: 11390 mentions: 4195 data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/data.json summary: Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (26.2%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026, ahead of Savills (20.1%) and Knight Frank (17.1%). --- # UK property portals & estate agents media reputation tracker: H1 2026 (1 January 2026–30 June 2026) > Rightmove had the highest average monthly share of coverage (26.2%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026, ahead of Savills (20.1%) and Knight Frank (17.1%). Chestertons had the most favourable net tone (+31). Omniscan analysed 11,390 articles containing 4,195 mentions of the companies tracked. Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1 ## UK Property Portals & Estate Agents ranking by share of coverage, H1 2026 | Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Rightmove | 26.2% | 1,084 | 12% | 78% | 10% | +2 | | 2 | Savills | 20.1% | 848 | 24% | 75% | 1% | +23 | | 3 | Knight Frank | 17.1% | 719 | 17% | 82% | 1% | +15 | | 4 | Zoopla | 14.2% | 605 | 10% | 89% | 1% | +9 | | 5 | Hamptons | 7.6% | 316 | 3% | 97% | 0% | +3 | | 6 | Connells | 5.3% | 221 | 30% | 64% | 6% | +24 | | 7 | Foxtons | 3.5% | 148 | 17% | 66% | 17% | 0 | | 8 | OnTheMarket | 3.1% | 135 | 8% | 90% | 2% | +7 | | 9 | Chestertons | 1.8% | 74 | 31% | 69% | 0% | +31 | | 10 | Purplebricks | 1.0% | 45 | 24% | 49% | 27% | −2 | ## Monthly share of coverage, UK Property Portals & Estate Agents | Organisation | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rightmove | 22.8% | 32.8% | 20.7% | 30.3% | 27.4% | 23.4% | | Savills | 18.8% | 17.8% | 26.4% | 17.2% | 21.0% | 19.6% | | Knight Frank | 14.4% | 15.2% | 18.1% | 18.6% | 17.2% | 19.2% | | Zoopla | 18.5% | 13.4% | 14.8% | 10.6% | 12.3% | 15.5% | | Hamptons | 11.3% | 6.2% | 6.2% | 7.0% | 8.7% | 6.0% | | Connells | 3.3% | 6.1% | 3.9% | 5.9% | 5.9% | 6.8% | | Foxtons | 4.2% | 2.7% | 3.3% | 4.5% | 3.6% | 2.9% | | OnTheMarket | 4.7% | 3.2% | 3.8% | 0.6% | 3.0% | 3.4% | | Chestertons | 0.8% | 2.3% | 1.0% | 3.9% | 0.8% | 1.9% | | Purplebricks | 1.2% | 0.3% | 1.7% | 1.4% | 0.2% | 1.3% | ## Companies in detail ### Rightmove **Rightmove leads as scrutiny broadens beyond housing-market data** Rightmove ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (26.2%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 1,084 mentions and a net tone of +2. February produced its highest share at 32.8%, alongside independent coverage of annual results, investment in artificial intelligence and the NatWest mortgage partnership. Rightmove returned to first place in April with 30.3%, when a proposed £1.5 billion competition claim brought agent fees and market dominance into the foreground. Its share then declined across May and June to 23.4%, although mention volume increased in June as the wider cohort total expanded; stories included the scheduled tribunal hearing, Rightmove’s FTSE 100 exit and its support for homebuying reforms. Visibility peaked in February 2026 at 32.8%, compared with 20.7% in March 2026. January 2026: Rightmove reported record Boxing Day visits and increased listings and buyer enquiries — Property Industry Eye. March 2026: share fell 12.1 percentage points to 20.7% and Rightmove moved to second; contemporaneous coverage included its defence of its artificial-intelligence strategy and debate over the strength of its proprietary data. June 2026: Rightmove moved from the FTSE 100 to the FTSE 250 after a prolonged share-price decline — Property Industry Eye. Rightmove reported record Boxing Day traffic and published its ten most-viewed homes, positioning the period as an important source of agent leads. Zoopla is briefly cited as another portal highlighting post-Christmas traffic. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in February 2026 at 32.8%, compared with 20.7% in March 2026. - January 2026: Rightmove reported record Boxing Day visits and increased listings and buyer enquiries — Property Industry Eye. - Rightmove reported record Boxing Day traffic and published its ten most-viewed homes, positioning the period as an important source of agent leads. Zoopla is briefly cited as another portal highlighting post-Christmas traffic. - Rightmove is adding a Renters' Rights Act module to its estate and lettings qualification programme ahead of the Act's implementation. It will also introduce sales-only and lettings-only qualification routes developed with Propertymark. - A MyPorta roadshow promotes a free AI portal as an alternative to Rightmove while a proposed £1.5bn collective action alleges the portal charged agents excessive fees. The Competition Appeal Tribunal will decide whether to certify the claim as a class action. - Rightmove has moved from the FTSE 100 to the FTSE 250 after a prolonged share-price decline, with shares down sharply over the past year. The article also notes AI investment, activist pressure, litigation, rejected REA takeover approaches and maintained 2026 guidance. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 61.6% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 1.22, net tone 0) - Financial Results & Trading: 8.8% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 2.35, net tone +16) - Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 7.9% of Rightmove's coverage (theme index 0.88, net tone +8) Notable positive coverage: - 7 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Rightmove records 'busiest ever' Boxing Day bounce](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/rightmove-records-busiest-ever-boxing-day-bounce/). Rightmove said Boxing Day 2025 was its busiest ever day for visits, with traffic up 93% from Christmas Day. The portal also reported increased buyer enquiries and new sale listings in the days after Christmas. - 7 January 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [Record number browsed Rightmove on 26 December](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15438907/Record-number-home-hunters-browsed-Rightmove-Boxing-Day.html). Rightmove reported record Boxing Day traffic and a sharp post-Christmas rise in listings and buyer enquiries. The data suggests stronger early-2026 moving activity after late-2025 uncertainty. - 7 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Rightmove reports record-breaking Boxing Day figures](https://propertyindustryeye.com/rightmove-reports-record-breaking-boxing-day-figures-2/). Rightmove reported record Boxing Day activity, including a 93% increase in visits from Christmas Day and a substantial increase in new listings. Enquiries sent to estate agents also rose significantly in the following five days. Notable negative coverage: - 1 April 2026, reuters.com: [UK's Rightmove hit with $2 billion lawsuit over estate agent fees](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/uks-rightmove-hit-with-2-billion-lawsuit-over-estate-agent-fees-2026-04-01/). Rightmove has been sued for £1.5bn over allegations that it charged excessive subscription fees to estate agents and developers. The company rejects the claim as meritless and says it will defend itself. - 1 April 2026, bbc.com: [Estate agents accuse Rightmove of charging excessive fees](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0yle5rrp8o). Rightmove faces a proposed £1.5bn class action alleging it abused a dominant position by imposing excessive subscription fees on estate agents and developers. Rightmove rejects the claim as without merit and says it will defend it vigorously. - 22 June 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Rightmove share price falls after FTSE 100 exit](https://propertyindustryeye.com/rightmove-share-price-falls-after-ftse-100-exit/). Rightmove has moved from the FTSE 100 to the FTSE 250 after a prolonged share-price decline, with shares down sharply over the past year. The article also notes AI investment, activist pressure, litigation, rejected REA takeover approaches and maintained 2026 guidance. - [Rightmove deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=rightmove&view=deep-dive) - [Rightmove PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/rightmove.pdf) ### Savills **Savills ranked second overall as corporate coverage broadened** Savills ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (20.1%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 848 mentions and a net tone of +23. In March, Savills moved into first as its share rose 8.6 percentage points, alongside reporting on the Eastdil Secured agreement and its 2025 results. Its share then fell 9.2 points in April and its rank moved to third, while stories included the Mark Tunstall Property acquisition, auction activity and criticism of planning delays. Savills returned to second in May, when reporting examined trading marginally ahead of expectations, slower residential transactions and £180m of first-quarter super-prime new-build sales. June brought higher mention volume but a lower share, alongside research on England's housebuilding shortfall, calls for more flexible Scottish planning requirements and several commercial instructions. Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 26.4%, compared with 17.2% in April 2026. January 2026: Savills reported a good 2025 performance, stronger fourth-quarter transactional momentum and a restructuring charge of up to £30m — Property Industry Eye. February 2026: Savills acquired Rennie Property Consultants to expand its Highlands presence and Inverness services — Scottish Financial News. March 2026: Savills agreed to acquire Eastdil Secured for $1.1bn to expand its North American and capital-markets presence — Reuters. April 2026: Savills acquired Mark Tunstall Property and added its senior team to the London super-prime lettings operation — Property Industry Eye. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 26.4%, compared with 17.2% in April 2026. - January 2026: Savills reported a good 2025 performance, stronger fourth-quarter transactional momentum and a restructuring charge of up to £30m — Property Industry Eye. - Savills has marked the 75th anniversary of opening its Norwich office with a tree-planting event. The office employs 44 people across residential, development and rural work in Norfolk and north Suffolk. - Savills plans to relocate 170 Cambridge staff from Unex House across three new city premises on 10-year leases. The group says the move supports growth, staff flexibility and its long-term commitment to Cambridge. - Savills managed planning amendments in 2025 for a company owned by Iranian banker Ali Ansari, before UK sanctions were imposed on him. The article reports criticism that professional firms involved in the project should have identified potential due-diligence risks. - The article highlights Savills' historically over-optimistic forecasts for prime central London prices and its revised expectation of further declines. Knight Frank is cited as expecting flat prime central London prices in 2026. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 34.9% of Savills's coverage (theme index 0.6, net tone 0) - Prime, Commercial & International: 28.5% of Savills's coverage (theme index 5.52, net tone +25) - Leadership & People: 8.8% of Savills's coverage (theme index 2.06, net tone +68) Notable positive coverage: - 14 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [75 years strong: Savills office marks a major milestone](https://propertyindustryeye.com/75-years-strong-savills-office-marks-a-major-milestone/). Savills has marked the 75th anniversary of opening its Norwich office with a tree-planting event. The office employs 44 people across residential, development and rural work in Norfolk and north Suffolk. - 15 January 2026, propertyweek.com: [Savills to relocate Cambridge office to three new premises](https://www.propertyweek.com/news/savills-relocates-its-cambridge-office-to-three-different-premises). Savills will relocate its Cambridge operations into three new offices under 10-year leases. The move supports its local growth plans and accommodates its 170 staff. - 16 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Savills plans to move its Cambridge office to three new premises in the city](https://propertyindustryeye.com/savills-plans-to-move-its-cambridge-office-to-three-new-premises-in-the-city/). Savills plans to relocate 170 Cambridge staff from Unex House across three new city premises on 10-year leases. The group says the move supports growth, staff flexibility and its long-term commitment to Cambridge. Notable negative coverage: - 17 March 2026, dailymail.co.uk: [Report: Sanctioned Iranian banker will build 33 luxury flats in London](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/vertical-galleries/article-15654001/Report-Sanctioned-Iranian-banker-build-33-luxury-flats-London.html). Savills managed planning amendments in 2025 for a company owned by Iranian banker Ali Ansari, before UK sanctions were imposed on him. The article reports criticism that professional firms involved in the project should have identified potential due-diligence risks. - 16 March 2026, dailymail.co.uk: [Sanctioned Iranian businessman will build 33 luxury flats in London](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15651279/Iranian-businessman-ayatollah-build-33-luxury-flats-London.html). Savills is reported to have managed planning amendments in 2025 for a company owned by Ali Ansari, before he was added to the UK sanctions list. Critics raise wider due-diligence concerns about professional firms involved in the development. - 30 January 2026, businesstimes.com.sg: [Even London’s ever-optimistic brokers see gloom for luxury homes](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/even-londons-ever-optimistic-brokers-see-gloom-luxury-homes). The article highlights Savills' historically over-optimistic forecasts for prime central London prices and its revised expectation of further declines. Knight Frank is cited as expecting flat prime central London prices in 2026. - [Savills deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=savills&view=deep-dive) - [Savills PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/savills.pdf) ### Knight Frank **Knight Frank ranked third overall as coverage broadened beyond research** Knight Frank ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (17.1%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 719 mentions and a net tone of +15. The agenda widened in April when Knight Frank launched its self-employed affiliate model and expanded its business-rates team. May added the Modlin Group alliance, an investor-advisory launch, leasehold-reform concerns and investment in living-sector expertise. June produced the highest monthly volume and share, alongside Tim Robinson's appointment as the next UK Managing Partner, a redundancy consultation and Liza-Jane Kelly's recruitment to lead London residential sales. January 2026: Knight Frank launched a UK residential Investment Desk led by Keir Waddell, reported by Estate Agent Today. February 2026: volume fell by 12 to 100 while share rose 0.8 points to 15.2% and rank improved to third; stories included Knight Frank brokering three Ambler House lettings in Leeds. March 2026: Knight Frank was appointed to market the 170-acre Whitehall Farm development opportunity in Cheltenham, reported by Insider Media. Knight Frank has been instructed to advise on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier for Brighton Pier Group. The group is divesting leisure assets amid challenging trading conditions and higher costs. Knight Frank has appointed Nick Train, Valentina Pini and Matt Rickman to expand its London and South East industrial, logistics and lease-advisory teams. The firm says the changes strengthen its combined regional agency and advisory capability. Key messages: - January 2026: Knight Frank launched a UK residential Investment Desk led by Keir Waddell, reported by Estate Agent Today. - Knight Frank has been instructed to advise on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier for Brighton Pier Group. The group is divesting leisure assets amid challenging trading conditions and higher costs. - Knight Frank has appointed Nick Train, Valentina Pini and Matt Rickman to expand its London and South East industrial, logistics and lease-advisory teams. The firm says the changes strengthen its combined regional agency and advisory capability. - Knight Frank has appointed Powell and Abi Labbett to its property and asset management team. Powell will support technology and AI-enabled property-management services, while Labbett specialises in commercial asset management. - Knight Frank outlines a highly targeted expansion strategy across global hubs. The firm says it will expand thoughtfully in markets important to its clients. - Knight Frank's international chief discusses the agency's global growth strategy, partnerships and expansion into lifestyle markets. The interview also identifies London as a leading global property market. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 47.3% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 0.87, net tone 0) - Prime, Commercial & International: 22.5% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 3.1, net tone +30) - Leadership & People: 11.0% of Knight Frank's coverage (theme index 2.73, net tone +46) Notable positive coverage: - 2 January 2026, cityam.com: [Knight Frank appointed for bumper Brighton Palace Pier sale](https://www.cityam.com/knight-frank-appointed-for-bumper-brighton-palace-pier-sale/). Knight Frank has been instructed to advise on the sale of Brighton Palace Pier for Brighton Pier Group. The group is divesting leisure assets amid challenging trading conditions and higher costs. - 8 January 2026, propertyweek.com: [Knight Frank appoints Colliers’ Dane to London capital markets team](https://www.propertyweek.com/news/dane-joins-knight-frank-as-partner-from-colliers). Knight Frank has appointed Nicolai Dane as a partner in its London capital markets and development team. The firm says the hire will support its capital-raising advisory work. - 12 January 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Knight Frank bolsters London lettings business](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/movers-and-shakers/knight-frank-bolsters-london-lettings-business/). Knight Frank has appointed three lettings managers across its London branches to support growth and market share. The firm says the appointments follow a record year for its lettings business. Notable negative coverage: - 22 June 2026, primeresi.com: [Strutt & Parker recruits Knight Frank’s Glanville to lead prime cities push](https://primeresi.com/strutt-parker-recruits-knight-franks-glanville-to-lead-prime-cities-push/). Strutt & Parker has recruited Louise Glanville from Knight Frank to lead a push into prime regional city markets. Glanville previously led Knight Frank's Exeter office. - 19 June 2026, primeresi.com: [Knight Frank begins redundancy consultation process](https://primeresi.com/knight-frank-begins-redundancy-consultation-process/). Knight Frank has begun a redundancy consultation process affecting fewer than 3% of its UK workforce. The report provides no further detail because the process is ongoing. - 19 January 2026, primeresi.com: [Harwood Advisory recruits Knight Frank’s Collier](https://primeresi.com/harwood-advisory-recruits-knight-franks-collier/). Prime property specialist Marc Collier has left Knight Frank to join boutique firm Harwood Advisory. The story concerns a senior personnel departure. - [Knight Frank deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=knightfrank&view=deep-dive) - [Knight Frank PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/knightfrank.pdf) ### Zoopla **Market Data & House-Price Indices shaped Zoopla's media profile during H1 2026** Zoopla ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (14.2%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 605 mentions and a net tone of +9. January’s 18.5% share coincided with extensive housing-market analysis and renewed agreements involving Connells, Andrews and Taylor Wimpey. Share fell to 13.4% in February, when stories included the acquisition of newhomesforsale.co.uk, a renewed Persimmon partnership and record valuation-lead claims. Product development became more prominent through March’s new-homes search enhancements and April’s redesigned agency pages and enterprise AI agreement. May combined research on unsuccessful listings and first-time buyers with reporting of 9% revenue growth, a 32% rise in valuation leads and a broader homeowner-and-agent strategy. Share rose from 12.3% in May to 15.5% in June; contemporaneous stories included new or renewed developer agreements, agent training and Zoopla’s stamp-duty reform proposal. Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 18.5%, compared with 10.6% in April 2026. January 2026: Connells Group agreed a five-year Zoopla listings deal covering 1,263 branches and 86 brands, reported by Property Industry Eye. April 2026: share fell 4.2 points to 10.6% while rank stayed fourth; contemporaneous reporting covered the enterprise AI agreement and redesigned agent branch pages. February 2026: Zoopla acquired specialist new-homes portal newhomesforsale.co.uk, reported by The Independent. April 2026: Zoopla signed an enterprise AI agreement covering property search, customer insights and agent connections, reported by Property Week. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 18.5%, compared with 10.6% in April 2026. - January 2026: Connells Group agreed a five-year Zoopla listings deal covering 1,263 branches and 86 brands, reported by Property Industry Eye. - Andrews Property Group has signed a three-year renewal to list properties with Zoopla across its 40 branches. The portal says its valuation leads and lead-conversion support helped secure the agreement; the article also notes Connells' separate five-year Zoopla contract. - Zoopla says it delivered 42% more valuation leads to agent partners in February year on year, alongside growth in users of its homeowner tools. It attributes the increase to investment in homeowner intent, tools and market insight. - Taylor Wimpey has renewed its agreement to list all new developments on Zoopla and use its market-data and Buyer Insights tools. Zoopla said it generated a 35% increase in the housebuilder's new-home buyer leads in the second half of 2025. - Zoopla says the number of homeowner subscribers who listed their homes for sale rose 37% in 2025 to around 400,000. The portal says its homeowner audience exceeded five million and generated significant potential commission value for agent partners. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 74.7% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 1.5, net tone 0) - Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 8.8% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 1, net tone +6) - Portal Competition & Agency Market Share: 5.8% of Zoopla's coverage (theme index 2.44, net tone +51) Notable positive coverage: - 15 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Andrews commits to Zoopla with new three-year deal](https://propertyindustryeye.com/andrews-commits-to-zoopla-with-new-three-year-deal/). Andrews renewed its Zoopla partnership for three years, covering all 40 branches. The article also notes Connells Group's five-year Zoopla contract covering 1,263 branches and 86 agency brands. - 15 January 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Large agency inks new deal with Zoopla](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/marketing-news/large-agency-inks-new-deal-with-zoopla/). Andrews Property Group has signed a three-year renewal to list properties with Zoopla across its 40 branches. The portal says its valuation leads and lead-conversion support helped secure the agreement; the article also notes Connells' separate five-year Zoopla contract. - 15 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Andrews extends Zoopla listings agreement](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/andrews-extends-zoopla-listings-agreement/). Andrews renewed its Zoopla listing agreement for three years covering its 40 southern England branches. Andrews said Zoopla had increased valuation leads and delivered a 22% rise in leads converted to sales instructions during 2025. Notable negative coverage: - 26 June 2026, propertyweek.com: [nHabit’s Steven Charlton on taking on the Rightmove and Zoopla duopoly](https://www.propertyweek.com/video-and-podcasts/nhabits-steven-charlton-on-taking-on-the-rightmove-and-zoopla-duopoly). New rental-search platform nHabit says it aims to challenge the established Rightmove and Zoopla portal duopoly using AI-led lifestyle and travel-time search. The story also references Rightmove's agent-fee class action and OnTheMarket's previous competitive efforts. - 24 March 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [ESPC ranks above Rightmove and Zoopla among Scottish buyers and sellers](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/03/espc-ranks-above-rightmove-and-zoopla-among-scottish-buyers-and-sellers/). A regional survey found ESPC was the preferred portal among buyers and sellers in several Scottish areas, ahead of Rightmove and Zoopla. ESPC said its local service and solicitor-estate-agent membership supported its position. - [Zoopla deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=zoopla&view=deep-dive) - [Zoopla PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/zoopla.pdf) ### Hamptons **Hamptons ranks fifth as research anchors a broader media profile** Hamptons ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (7.6%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 316 mentions and a net tone of +3. It ranked fifth for most of the period, although monthly share ranged from 11.3% in January to 6.0% in June, when it ranked sixth. In May, company-focused stories covered landlord consolidation, accelerating rental growth and increased North American demand for UK property. June research addressed the 194% rise in English buyers' stamp-duty bills since 2015 and early rent-review patterns under the Renters' Rights Act. Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 11.3%, compared with 6% in June 2026. January 2026: Hamptons reported raising £150,000 for Mind since 2022 in Estate Agent Today. February 2026: share fell 5.1 points to 6.2% while rank remained fifth; stories included Hamptons' return to television with The Right Pair of Shoes. April 2026: Hamptons announced that it would sponsor The Transient Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in Estate Agent Today. May 2026: Hamptons found North American demand represented 19% of overseas buyer registrations in Mortgage Solutions. Hamptons has launched its third TV brand advert, The Right Pair of Shoes, as part of an integrated campaign across its branch network. The campaign is intended to build awareness and consideration for the agency. Hamptons has launched a new national TV, digital, social and out-of-home brand campaign, narrated by Robert Webb. The campaign promotes the agency's expertise in helping customers navigate home moves. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 11.3%, compared with 6% in June 2026. - January 2026: Hamptons reported raising £150,000 for Mind since 2022 in Estate Agent Today. - Hamptons has launched its third TV brand advert, The Right Pair of Shoes, as part of an integrated campaign across its branch network. The campaign is intended to build awareness and consideration for the agency. - Hamptons will sponsor The Transient Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in collaboration with Garden Club London. The agency said the balcony garden reflects flexible and temporary urban living, following its Gold Medal win in 2025. - Hamptons has launched a new national TV, digital, social and out-of-home brand campaign, narrated by Robert Webb. The campaign promotes the agency's expertise in helping customers navigate home moves. - Hamptons data shows newly agreed rents across Great Britain fell 0.7% in 2025, the first annual decline in its records, led by a 2.7% fall in London. Its research also found landlord purchases accounted for 10.9% of purchases during the year. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 66.8% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone 0) - Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 21.8% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 2.85, net tone 0) - Other: 6.0% of Hamptons's coverage (theme index 1.06, net tone +32) Notable positive coverage: - 2 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Agents Do Charity - Hamptons, Nicol & Co, iamproperty and Propertymark Trust](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/agents-do-charity-hamptons-nicol-co-iamproperty-and-propertymark-trust/). Hamptons reports raising £150,000 for mental-health charity Mind since beginning its partnership in 2022. The agency also outlines employee wellbeing support and workplace inclusion initiatives. - 11 February 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Hamptons returns to TV with as voiced by Peep Show star](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/02/hamptons-returns-to-tv-with-as-voiced-by-peep-show-star/). Hamptons has launched its third TV brand advert, The Right Pair of Shoes, as part of an integrated campaign across its branch network. The campaign is intended to build awareness and consideration for the agency. - 9 April 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Hamptons reveals its 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show entry](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/04/hamptons-reveals-its-2026-rhs-chelsea-flower-show-entry/). Hamptons will sponsor The Transient Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in collaboration with Garden Club London. The agency said the balcony garden reflects flexible and temporary urban living, following its Gold Medal win in 2025. - [Hamptons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=hamptons&view=deep-dive) - [Hamptons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/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 (5.3%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 221 mentions and a net tone of +24. It opened in eighth place at 3.3% in January, when independent coverage included the five-year Zoopla agreement, a three-day digital conveyancing trial and Alexander Rawlinson’s appointment. February’s share rose to 6.1% and Connells moved to sixth amid reporting on its 2025 financial results and the acquisition of Denny & Salmond. Connells ranked sixth from March through May as coverage broadened across the OnTheMarket listings agreement, the digital homebuying service with Lloyds and LMS, the Crofts acquisition and plans for a new Milton Keynes headquarters. June brought a 6.8% share and fifth place, alongside stories about the Bloor & Co integration, Countrywide’s trainee-surveyor results and the employment claim involving former chief executive David Livesey. Visibility peaked in June 2026 at 6.8%, compared with 3.3% in January 2026. January 2026: Connells signed a five-year Zoopla agreement covering its agency network — Property Industry Eye. March 2026: share fell 2.2 points to 3.9% while rank stayed sixth; contemporaneous coverage included the OnTheMarket listings agreement and buyer-demand research. February 2026: Connells reported 2025 revenue of £1.16 billion and pre-tax profit of £73.1 million — Property Industry Eye. May 2026: Connells acquired Crofts Estate Agents, adding three branches and nearly 700 managed properties — Estate Agent Today. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in June 2026 at 6.8%, compared with 3.3% in January 2026. - January 2026: Connells signed a five-year Zoopla agreement covering its agency network — Property Industry Eye. - Connells Group has appointed former Foxtons executive Alexander Rawlinson as divisional managing director for its London division. He will oversee several Connells brands across London, Essex and the Home Counties. - Connells Group, Movera and iamproperty completed a property transaction in three days through their collaborative conveyancing model. Connells is trialling wider use of the digital workflow and shared-process approach for its private-treaty conveyancing panel. - Countrywide Surveying Services received Feefo's Gold Trusted Service Award for consistently high customer-review ratings. Countrywide is part of Connells Group. - A Norwich student alleged that Abbotts failed to provide a clean, habitable rental property and delayed handing over keys, leaving her to arrange alternative accommodation. Abbotts said it had worked to find an appropriate solution while acting for the landlord. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 38.5% of Connells's coverage (theme index 0.71, net tone 0) - Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 16.3% of Connells's coverage (theme index 1.96, net tone +11) - Products, Technology & AI: 10.0% of Connells's coverage (theme index 2.79, net tone +64) Notable positive coverage: - 6 January 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Connells signs new five-year deal with Zoopla](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/marketing-news/connells-signs-new-five-year-deal-with-zoopla/). Connells Group has renewed its Zoopla listing contract for five years, covering 1,263 branches and 86 agency brands. Zoopla says the partnership delivered increased vendor leads and potential sales commission for Connells during 2025. - 6 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Connells Group commits to Zoopla](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/connells-group-commits-to-zoopla/). Connells Group has signed a five-year agreement to continue listing properties on Zoopla across its 1,263 branches and 86 brands. Connells said Zoopla-generated vendor leads rose 12% in 2025, representing £18m of potential sales commission. - 6 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Connells Group signs five-year deal with Zoopla](https://propertyindustryeye.com/connells-group-signs-five-year-deal-with-zoopla/). Connells Group has agreed a five-year deal to continue listing properties from its estate-agency network on Zoopla. Connells said Zoopla delivered 12% vendor-lead growth in 2025 and up to £18m in potential sales commission. Notable negative coverage: - 3 May 2026, mirror.co.uk: ['I found a horrifying blood-soaked mattress after moving into my new home'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/blood-mattress-new-home-student-37105701). A Norwich student alleged that Abbotts failed to provide a clean, habitable rental property and delayed handing over keys, leaving her to arrange alternative accommodation. Abbotts said it had worked to find an appropriate solution while acting for the landlord. - 9 June 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Skipton denies wrongdoing over £7m bullying claim by former Connells boss](https://propertyindustryeye.com/skipton-denies-wrongdoing-over-7m-bullying-claim-by-former-connells-boss/). Former Connells chief executive David Livesey has brought a £7m employment claim against Connells owner Skipton, alleging bullying and forced resignation. Skipton denies all wrongdoing while the tribunal considers the case. - 25 March 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Agency listing goes sideways - literally, as property photography takes a turn](https://propertyindustryeye.com/letting-agency-listing-goes-sideways-literally-as-property-photography-takes-a-turn/). Connells is criticised after photographs used in a Northampton rental listing appeared sideways. The article frames the error as potentially damaging to online property-marketing performance. - [Connells deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=connells&view=deep-dive) - [Connells PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/connells.pdf) ### Foxtons **Foxtons visibility swung with acquisitions, results and rental reform** Foxtons ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.5%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 148 mentions and a net tone of 0. Visibility opened at 4.2% and seventh place in January, when independent coverage centred on the Cauldwell and FleetMilne acquisitions alongside 2025 revenue growth and flat operating profit. The share fell to 2.7% and eighth in February, when stories included the disputed £200 tenant check-out fee and Peter Rollings’ investment in Nesti. March brought a recovery to 3.3%, with reporting on revenue growth, cost pressures and the plan to restore sales profitability. The share reached 4.5% in April as independent reports covered a 35% decline in first-quarter sales revenue, £3m of planned savings and the transfer of resources towards lettings. At 3.6% in May and 2.9% in June, the agenda moved towards lettings-market data, Farah Buckley’s board appointment, off-plan research and Foxtons’ call for vendors to list during summer. January 2026: Foxtons’ first move into Birmingham through the FleetMilne acquisition — Property Industry Eye. June 2026: mention volume rose by five but share fell 0.7 percentage points to 2.9% and rank moved to eighth; stories included Foxtons’ call for summer listings from vendors seeking a Christmas move. Foxtons reported 5% full-year revenue growth to £172m but expects flat operating profit of about £22m, prompting a 6.3% share-price fall. It also acquired Cauldwell Property Services for £6.5m and expects lower first-quarter sales revenue due to a weaker under-offer pipeline. Key messages: - January 2026: Foxtons’ first move into Birmingham through the FleetMilne acquisition — Property Industry Eye. - Foxtons reported 5% full-year revenue growth to £172m but expects flat operating profit of about £22m, prompting a 6.3% share-price fall. It also acquired Cauldwell Property Services for £6.5m and expects lower first-quarter sales revenue due to a weaker under-offer pipeline. - Foxtons has acquired Birmingham lettings agent FleetMilne for an initial £3.2 million, with up to £0.8 million deferred subject to performance. The deal marks Foxtons' first expansion outside the South East and supports its strategy to grow recurring lettings income. - Foxtons reported 5% revenue growth, expanded its lettings portfolio and continued its acquisition strategy, including new platform acquisitions in Milton Keynes and Birmingham. The group said it is managing difficult London sales-market conditions while investing in technology and cost efficiencies. - Foxtons reported a 35% year-on-year fall in first-quarter sales revenue and a 10% decline in total revenue amid subdued buyer activity and higher mortgage rates. Lettings revenue rose 5%, while the group announced £3m of cost savings and maintained full-year guidance. - Foxtons is cutting jobs in its sales division following a slowdown in deals. The company has also asked some sales agents to transfer to its lettings business. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 33.8% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 0.63, net tone −10) - Financial Results & Trading: 30.4% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 7.41, net tone −9) - M&A, Ownership & Investment: 10.1% of Foxtons's coverage (theme index 3.8, net tone +53) Notable positive coverage: - 15 January 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Acquisition-led growth' at Foxtons in 2025](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/agencies-people-news/acquisition-led-growth-at-foxtons-in-2025/). Foxtons reported estimated 2025 revenue growth of about 5% to £172m, supported by lettings and acquisitions, while adjusted operating profit was broadly flat. It also acquired Milton Keynes agent Cauldwell Property Services for £6.5m and expects growth in 2026. - 15 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Foxtons expands with acquisition of independent agent](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/foxtons-expands-with-acquisition-of-independent-agent/). Foxtons acquired Milton Keynes independent Cauldwell Property Services for £6.5m, expanding its geographic presence. The group also reported approximately £172m of 2025 revenue, up 5%, and appointed James Stevenson as managing director of sales. - 15 January 2026, mortgagestrategy.co.uk: [Foxtons reports revenue up but profits flat for 2025](https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/foxtons-reports-revenue-up-but-profits-flat-for-2025/). Foxtons reported 2025 revenue growth of around 5% to £172 million while adjusted operating profit was broadly flat at £22 million. The group also acquired Milton Keynes agency Cauldwell and expects further acquisitions. Notable negative coverage: - 23 April 2026, lse.co.uk: [Foxtons Q1 sales revenues slump 35%](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/foxtons-q1-sales-revenues-slump-35-7yo1lkniroezt4w.html). Foxtons said first-quarter sales revenue fell 35% to £10.7m, while lettings revenue grew 5% to £26.4m. The agency retained full-year expectations and said it would reposition its sales business and manage costs in response to weaker buyer activity. - 23 April 2026, ft.com: [Foxtons suffers 35% slump in house sale fees](https://www.ft.com/content/08a343b5-60ab-4cef-996e-88071a755278). Foxtons reported a 35% year-on-year fall in first-quarter sales revenue and a 10% decline in total revenue amid subdued buyer activity and higher mortgage rates. Lettings revenue rose 5%, while the group announced £3m of cost savings and maintained full-year guidance. - 23 April 2026, thisismoney.co.uk: [Foxtons suffers 35% slump in house sale fees amid 'subdued' market](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15758103/Foxtons-suffers-35-slump-house-sale-fees-amid-subdued-market.html). Foxtons reported a 35% year-on-year fall in first-quarter house-sales revenue and a 10% decline in total revenue amid subdued buyer activity. Lettings and financial-services revenue rose, while the group maintained its annual outlook and pursued cost savings. - [Foxtons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=foxtons&view=deep-dive) - [Foxtons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/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 (3.1%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 135 mentions and a net tone of +7. January provided its strongest competitive position, at 4.7% and sixth place, as independent news coverage examined its post-acquisition growth figures, CoStar’s investment and an investor challenge to its owner. March brought a partial recovery to 3.8% and seventh place alongside the Connells listings agreement and Jason Tebb’s case for AI-enabled property search. Visibility then contracted sharply in April to 0.6% and tenth place, when every captured appearance was a contextual mention rather than company-focused coverage. May’s recovery to 3.0% and eighth place included OnTheMarket’s analysis of private-rented-sector homes moving into the sales market and retrospective scrutiny of its former one-other-portal rule. Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 4.7%, compared with 0.6% in April 2026. January 2026: OnTheMarket reported higher visits, property stock and sales leads following CoStar’s acquisition — Estate Agent Today. February 2026: share fell 1.5 percentage points to 3.2% and rank moved from sixth to seventh; captured stories were contextual mentions in Halifax, ONS and Nationwide market reporting. May 2026: share rose 2.4 percentage points to 3.0% and rank improved to eighth; company-focused reporting included OnTheMarket’s finding of a 40% March rise in private-rented-sector homes listed for sale. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 4.7%, compared with 0.6% in April 2026. - January 2026: OnTheMarket reported higher visits, property stock and sales leads following CoStar’s acquisition — Estate Agent Today. - OnTheMarket says traffic, page views, listings and sales leads have grown substantially since CoStar acquired it in 2023. Analysts say the portal now faces the more difficult task of taking meaningful market share from Rightmove and Zoopla. - OnTheMarket has agreed a partnership with Connells Group to add almost 100,000 listings from around 1,200 agency branches to its portal. Both companies describe the deal as increasing listing reach and supporting OnTheMarket's growth ambitions. - Activist investor Third Point has criticised OnTheMarket owner CoStar Group over governance, spending and losses linked primarily to its US residential strategy. The dispute raises uncertainty over CoStar's future appetite for residential marketing investment, including OnTheMarket. - Halifax reported that the average UK house price rose to £300,077 in January, passing £300,000 for the first time. Knight Frank and OnTheMarket commentators said affordability and activity should improve gradually despite mortgage-rate uncertainty. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 73.3% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 1.39, net tone 0) - Portal Competition & Agency Market Share: 9.6% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 3.65, net tone +69) - Housing Policy & Market Regulation: 5.9% of OnTheMarket's coverage (theme index 0.67, net tone 0) Notable positive coverage: - 27 January 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [OnTheMarket exceeds expectations two years since CoStar takeover](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/onthemarket-exceeds-expectations-two-years-since-costar-takeover/). OnTheMarket says website visits rose 55%, property stock increased 47%, and sales leads grew 94% in the two years following CoStar Group's acquisition. The portal says it has deployed almost £50m of investment to improve inventory, traffic and lead generation. - 27 January 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [Is OnTheMarket on course to become the UK's leading property portal?](https://propertyindustryeye.com/is-onthemarket-on-course-to-become-the-uks-leading-property-portal/). OnTheMarket says its CoStar-backed growth strategy is ahead of expectations, citing higher traffic, stock, engagement and sales leads since its acquisition. The portal positions itself as an increasingly credible challenger to Rightmove and Zoopla. - 27 January 2026, lettingagenttoday.co.uk: [OnTheMarket reveals growth figures since controversial buyout](https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/01/onthemarket-reveals-growth-figures-since-controversial-buyout/). OnTheMarket says that, since its 2023 acquisition by CoStar, sales leads have risen 94%, website visits 55% and property stock 47%. The portal says it has invested almost £50m and intends to continue investing to pursue UK market leadership. Notable negative coverage: - 29 January 2026, bebeez.eu: [Major investor challenges OnTheMarket’s holding company group over loss-making performance](https://bebeez.eu/2026/01/29/major-investor-challenges-onthemarkets-holding-company-group-over-loss-making-performance/). Activist investor Third Point criticised OnTheMarket owner CoStar Group for losses, governance and spending on its residential-property strategy. The article says the dispute could affect CoStar’s appetite for residential marketing investments, including OnTheMarket. - [OnTheMarket deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=onthemarket&view=deep-dive) - [OnTheMarket PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/onthemarket.pdf) ### Chestertons **Chestertons combines leadership, expansion and regulatory visibility** Chestertons ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.8%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 74 mentions and a net tone of +31. Its monthly position stayed within eighth to tenth, with April’s 3.9% share and eighth place its strongest result. February’s rise to 2.3% and ninth place coincided with company-focused appointments including Adam Jennings as head of residential and Nick Darragh as Wandsworth Common sales director. The share fell to 1.0% in March as market-data coverage dominated; the captured articles were contextual mentions of Chestertons’ commentary rather than company developments. April’s increase to 3.9% accompanied company-focused stories about Chestertons Global’s entry into India and Campions Group’s acquisition of Aston Chase, without establishing that those developments caused the measured movement. Visibility then fell to 0.8% in May even as independent editorial coverage reported Chestertons’ Property Week RESI Agency of the Year award. June recovered to 1.9%, alongside the promotion of Katinka Hill, the Marbella launch and new Caribbean partner agencies. Visibility peaked in April 2026 at 3.9%, compared with 0.8% in January 2026. January 2026: Chestertons appointed Jon Chevalier and Pavol Miksa to lead sales in Westminster and Notting Hill, reported by PrimeResi. February 2026: share rose 1.5 points to 2.3% and rank improved from tenth to ninth; contemporaneous company-focused stories included Adam Jennings’ promotion and Nick Darragh’s Wandsworth Common appointment. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in April 2026 at 3.9%, compared with 0.8% in January 2026. - January 2026: Chestertons appointed Jon Chevalier and Pavol Miksa to lead sales in Westminster and Notting Hill, reported by PrimeResi. - Chestertons has appointed Nick, formerly a Douglas & Gordon partner, as Sales Director for Wandsworth Common. The appointment is presented as supporting the expansion of its South West London network. - Chestertons has appointed Adam Jennings as head of residential, overseeing its sales and lettings operations. The company says its lettings division grew 18% year on year under his leadership. - Chestertons Polo in the Park promotes its International Day event and bespoke corporate group hospitality packages at Hurlingham Park. The event is presented as a popular London summer fixture for client entertainment. - Campions Group, owner of Chestertons, acquired prime London independent agency Aston Chase. Aston Chase will retain its brand and founders, while Campions considers expanding its Central and North West London presence. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 35.1% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 0.66, net tone 0) - Leadership & People: 25.7% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 5.29, net tone +68) - M&A, Ownership & Investment: 13.5% of Chestertons's coverage (theme index 4.93, net tone +20) Notable positive coverage: - 24 February 2026, estateagenttoday.co.uk: [Chestertons names new sales director in Wandsworth Common](https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/02/chestertons-names-new-sales-director-in-wandsworth-common/). Chestertons has appointed Nick Darragh as sales director for its Wandsworth Common office. The company highlights his local-market experience and community knowledge. - 24 February 2026, primeresi.com: [Jennings steps up to lead Chestertons’ resi business](https://primeresi.com/jennings-steps-up-to-lead-chestertons-residential-business/). Chestertons has promoted Adam Jennings to Head of Residential, overseeing its London sales and lettings teams. - 25 February 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Chestertons appoints new Wandsworth Sales Director](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/movers-and-shakers/chestertons-appoints-new-wandsworth-sales-director/). Chestertons has appointed Nick, formerly a Douglas & Gordon partner, as Sales Director for Wandsworth Common. The appointment is presented as supporting the expansion of its South West London network. - [Chestertons deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=chestertons&view=deep-dive) - [Chestertons PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/chestertons.pdf) ### Purplebricks **Purplebricks stayed peripheral as leadership and governance coverage widened** Purplebricks ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (1.0%) in the UK Property Portals & Estate Agents benchmark for H1 2026, with 45 mentions and a net tone of −2. Its monthly position remained confined to ninth or tenth, while share ranged from 0.2% in May to 1.7% in March. The founders’ reported return, including Michael Bruce’s expected chief executive role and the brothers’ minority stake, was prominent in March’s leadership and ownership coverage. April shifted towards services and customer evidence, led by the reintroduction of virtual valuations and reports of a Sheffield home selling above asking price within 24 hours. May produced only one contextual mention, in reporting on stagnant house prices, before June returned the company to a broader business and governance agenda. June stories included confirmation of Michael Bruce as a Strike director, the removal of a listing containing Nazi memorabilia and Purplebricks’ termination of the seller contract. Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 1.7%, compared with 0.2% in May 2026. January 2026: Purplebricks’ AI-enabled CRM rebuild and reported 70% reduction in CRM running costs — diginomica. February 2026: share fell 0.9 points to 0.3% and rank moved from ninth to tenth; contemporaneous coverage comprised only contextual mentions, including Property Industry Eye’s discussion of Purplebricks’ earlier hybrid-model scaling. March 2026: share rose 1.4 points to 1.7% and rank improved to ninth; stories included The Negotiator’s report that Michael and Kenny Bruce were returning, with Michael expected to become chief executive. Key messages: - Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 1.7%, compared with 0.2% in May 2026. - January 2026: Purplebricks’ AI-enabled CRM rebuild and reported 70% reduction in CRM running costs — diginomica. - Purplebricks founders Michael and Kenny Bruce have returned to the business after a deal with owner Sir Charles Dunstone's Freston Ventures. The article considers whether the agency could revive a fee-free strategy following widening losses and the withdrawal of its previous free-selling model. - A reviewer trialled Purplebricks' virtual valuation service and found its valuation broadly matched those provided by two traditional local agents. The review describes the remote process as quick, thorough, non-pushy and potentially cheaper than conventional agency services. - Purplebricks has reintroduced video-based virtual valuations, combining remote property viewing with valuation software and local-agent expertise. The company says the service is intended to improve enquiry conversion and offer a quicker alternative to in-person appointments. - Purplebricks sold a Sheffield couple's home for £257,000, £7,000 above asking price, within 24 hours of listing. The firm said Sheffield was among the UK's fastest-moving markets, with homes taking 48 days on average to reach sold subject to contract. Leading themes: - Market Data & House-Price Indices: 17.8% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 0.33, net tone +13) - Other: 17.8% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 3.19, net tone +50) - Products, Technology & AI: 15.6% of Purplebricks's coverage (theme index 4.11, net tone +29) Notable positive coverage: - 8 March 2026, propertyindustryeye.com: [EYE NEWSFLASH: Bruce brothers back in the game with surprise Purplebricks return](https://propertyindustryeye.com/eye-newsflash-purplebricks-founders-resurface-with-surprise-return-to-online-estate-agency/). Purplebricks founders Michael and Kenny Bruce are reportedly returning to the online estate agency, with Michael expected to become chief executive. They are said to take a minority stake alongside owner Sir Charles Dunstone's Freston Ventures as the business seeks renewed growth. - 14 April 2026, yorkshirepost.co.uk: [Purplebricks virtual valuation review: how accurate is it? We gave it a try](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/purplebricks-valuation-house-selling-estate-agent-virtual-6573052). A reviewer trialled Purplebricks' virtual valuation service and found its valuation broadly matched those provided by two traditional local agents. The review describes the remote process as quick, thorough, non-pushy and potentially cheaper than conventional agency services. - 15 April 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: [Purplebricks brings back virtual valuations](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/agencies-people-news/purplebricks-brings-back-virtual-valuations/). Purplebricks has reintroduced video-based virtual valuations, combining remote property viewing with valuation software and local-agent expertise. The company says the service is intended to improve enquiry conversion and offer a quicker alternative to in-person appointments. Notable negative coverage: - 25 June 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [Rightmove pulls ad showing house full of Nazi memorabilia](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rightmove-pulls-ad-showing-house-124634748.html). A Purplebricks property listing containing Nazi memorabilia in a virtual tour was removed, and Purplebricks terminated its contract with the seller. Rightmove and Zoopla also removed the listing after being alerted to the offensive imagery. - 25 June 2026, independent.co.uk: [Rightmove listing taken down after Nazi memorabilia collection spotted in advert](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/house-for-sale-lincs-nazi-photos-b3002712.html). A Purplebricks listing featuring Nazi memorabilia in photographs and a virtual tour was removed after attracting online attention. Rightmove and Zoopla also took down the property advert. - 29 June 2026, thenegotiator.co.uk: ['Family home' with Nazi memorabilia removed from portals](https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/uk-housing-market-news/family-home-with-nazi-memorabilia-removed-from-portals/). Purplebricks removed a Lincolnshire listing and terminated its seller contract after a virtual tour showed offensive Nazi-era memorabilia. Zoopla and Rightmove also removed the listing after being notified. - [Purplebricks deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1?entity=purplebricks&view=deep-dive) - [Purplebricks PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1/reports/purplebricks.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 – 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) - [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", H1 2026 (1 January 2026–30 June 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-property-portals-estate-agents-2026-h1