Countrywide says overall market for housing transactions in the UK was down 7% in the period

Countrywide PLC today announced Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.

They stated; The overall market for housing transactions in the UK was down 7%.  Our sales market share held broadly flat at 4.9% (2016: 5.1%) despite the effect of the on-going transformation of the business; we held or gained market share of listings in brands offering the digital proposition.

Commenting on the Group’s performance, Alison Platt, CEO said:

“We are building a stronger business for our future and remain on track with our goals to broaden our digital capability, reduce our operating cost base and strengthen our balance sheet.  Based on our current performance and the outlook for housing transactions in the UK, we expect our results and our leverage for the full year to be within the range of market expectations.

“As anticipated, the first half of 2017 was tough for the Group compared to the same period last year given the high levels of housing transactions brought forward in time as a result of the stamp duty changes and the EU referendum.  Our income versus the first six months of 2016 is down 10% and our adjusted EBITDA down 26%.

“We continue to serve our customers better, and this manifests strongly in our ability to win repeat business in lettings.  Our digital proposition in sales is also proving to be an important element in bringing choice and attracting more applicants and vendors to our brands.  At the same time our investment in a telephony sales channel in Financial Services is helping to grow our share of the mortgage market.  Our Surveying business has grown its profitability and increased the amount of mortgage valuations it has undertaken for its lender clients this year.  We are continuing to reshape our cost base, with total costs down £27 million from the six month period to 30 June 2016; we will continue to drive down cost and improve our productivity across the Group.

“Delivering for our customers and ‘self-help’ remains our mantra as we continue to build a stronger and more resilient business for the future.”

Read the Countrywide PLC Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2017 in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Bigger Boxing Day bounce expected, as prices to rise 2% in 2026

Average new seller asking prices fall by 1.8% (-£6,695) this month to £358,138. This larger than usual December drop means that prices are 0.6% (-£2,059) lower at the end of 2025 than in 2024 Bigger than usual Rightmove Boxing Day Bounce expected, as those who paused due to Budget uncertainty to join the post-Christmas boost…
Read More
Breaking News

UK Finance Mortgage Market Forecast 2026-2027

UK Finance today releases its Mortgage Market Forecast. In 2026 we expect to see: Overall gross lending rise by four per cent to £300 billion. 10,000 fewer property transactions in 2026 compared to 2025. A 10 per cent rise in external remortgaging and two per cent rise in Product Transfers. 1.8 million fixed rate mortgages…
Read More
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

Home Alone still most valuable Christmas TV property

New research from Yopa reveals that the McCallister house in Home Alone continues to be the most valuable Christmas movie and TV property, while the homes of Sherlock Holmes and Bridget Jones have seen the biggest annual price increases. Yopa has looked at the estimated market value of 10 of the most famous houses from…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report October 2025

The latest figures reveal a steadier, more confident property market, with committed buyers driving sales and rental arrears falling to their lowest level since 2022. In spite of slight dips in demand, rising stock levels and stabilising rents signal a sector gradually finding its balance. Residential sales Prospective buyer registrations dropped in October 2025 The…
Read More
Breaking News

9 luxury property features to impress Christmas guests

9 of the fanciest home features to impress your Christmas guests – And how much they’ll set you back As the festive season approaches and we prepare to welcome guests into our homes, Enness Global has identified nine of the most extravagant and fancy home features that define true luxury at Christmas. But impressing the…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

No acceleration in rental EPC improvements despite policy push

Rightmove’s 2025 Greener Homes Report reveals: Energy efficiency of homes continues to steadily improve, but slowly: Rental sector stock still more energy efficient than resale stock Both markets have seen a 3% year-on-year jump in proportion of homes with at least an EPC rating of C (58% of homes for rent, 46% of homes for…
Read More