Rightmove, the UK's leading property portal, is aggressively pursuing growth through artificial intelligence launches as it reports substantial profit increases for 2025. The company's strategic focus on AI comes amid market concerns about potential threats from emerging technologies in the property sector.
Financial Performance and Market Response
Shares in Rightmove experienced a significant jump on Friday morning following the announcement of robust financial results. The company revealed that operating profits grew by an impressive 12% to reach £287.9 million in 2025. This profit surge was supported by a 9% increase in revenues, which climbed to £425.1 million despite broader pressures affecting the property market.
Rightmove has communicated to shareholders that it has maintained "strong momentum" throughout the early months of 2026. The company projects revenue growth between 8% and 10% for the current year, primarily driven by expansion in its agency and new homes operations. Year-on-year growth is anticipated to strengthen during the second half of 2026 compared to the current period, which has been impacted by "fewer developments."
AI Strategy and Technological Innovation
Despite recent share price fluctuations over the past six months—attributed to investor concerns about AI platforms like ChatGPT potentially disrupting traditional property portals—Rightmove remains optimistic about its market position. The company is actively collaborating with the AI sector to enhance its technological capabilities.
Johan Svanstrom, Chief Executive of Rightmove, emphasized the company's commitment to technological leadership. "Building on several years of technology leadership and launching of AI powered solutions, we most recently complemented our broad product range with a conversational search tool, developed in collaboration with Google Cloud," Svanstrom stated.
The executive further announced ambitious plans for AI integration: "Looking ahead, we will introduce a Rightmove app-in-GPT on OpenAI in the near future." This strategic move represents a significant step in the company's efforts to leverage generative AI technology.
Market Analysis and Future Outlook
Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, provided context regarding Rightmove's market performance. "Rightmove regained its poise after a wobbly period and topped the FTSE 100 risers' list," Mould observed. "A resilient set of earnings, a new share buyback programme, and plans to launch an app inside ChatGPT have helped to calm investors' nerves."
Mould also noted the pressure Rightmove faces to justify its AI-related expenditures. "Rightmove spooked the market last year with plans to spend on AI-related services, and now it is under pressure to justify this expenditure and say how it will fight off competition from generative AI platforms."
Rightmove's partnership with NatWest, which will continue for three years, further strengthens its market position. The company's strategic vision focuses on developing "the leading digital ecosystem for the entire home-moving experience, powered by exceptional data and network effects," according to Svanstrom.
As Rightmove navigates the evolving technological landscape, its dual focus on maintaining strong financial performance while aggressively pursuing AI innovation positions the company at the forefront of digital transformation in the property sector.
