REA Group Ltd (ASX:REA) posted a robust FY26 with revenue up 7% to A$1.793 billion and core net profit rising 15% to A$682 million, supported by record audience engagement and strategic AI investments.
- 7% revenue growth to A$1.793 billion
- 15% increase in net profit from core operations
- 20% higher full-year dividend to 297 cents per share
- Record 12.7 million average monthly visitors on realestate.com.au
- Strategic acquisitions of Planitar and Simplicity
Strong Financial Performance Backed by Core Operations
REA Group Ltd (ASX:REA) delivered an excellent financial year ended 30 June 2026, with revenue from core operations climbing 7% to A$1.793 billion and net profit from core continuing operations up 15% to A$682 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) excluding associates rose 12% to A$1.088 billion, underpinning a 15% lift in earnings per share to 493.5 cents. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 173 cents per share, bringing the full-year payout to 297 cents, a 20% increase year-on-year, reflecting strong cash flow and confidence in future growth.
Reported net profit was lower at A$552 million, down 19%, largely due to a A$111 million impairment of its India business, REA India, which is being divested, and prior year reversals related to the sale of PropertyGuru. The Group’s balance sheet remains robust with net assets of A$1.909 billion and an undrawn A$200 million syndicated debt facility maturing in 2028.
Record Audience Engagement and AI-Driven Innovation
REA’s flagship platform, realestate.com.au, attracted a record 12.7 million average monthly unique visitors in FY26, with total monthly visits reaching 146.4 million, an 11% increase on the prior year. Half of these visitors use the platform exclusively, highlighting deep engagement that translates into value for customers through record levels of seller leads and buyer enquiries.
The company continued to accelerate its AI and technology investment, positioning itself as a leading beneficiary of AI in property technology. Key consumer-facing innovations included a conversational AI search tool, an AI assistant providing personalised property insights, and the launch of a social media-style video hub on the app home screen, which has garnered 2.9 million video views since its November 2025 launch.
REA also integrated AI into its customer platforms with Campaign Assist, an AI-powered chat feature in its Ignite self-service platform, which tripled usage rates among customers. Mortgage Choice brokers benefited from AI tools enhancing productivity, including an AI-powered policy search reducing complex query times by up to four hours.
Strategic Acquisitions and International Developments
In October 2025, REA acquired a 61.5% controlling stake in Canadian 3D visualisation technology company Planitar Inc., maker of iGUIDE. This acquisition supports REA’s immersive consumer experience strategy, enabling AI-powered 3D virtual tours and precise floor plans on residential and commercial listings. Planitar contributed A$18 million in revenue during FY26, with a 26% increase on a constant currency basis.
REA also expanded its financial services footprint by acquiring a 70% stake in Simplicity Loans & Advisory, a boutique commercial lending brokerage, in June 2026. This acquisition accelerates REA’s growth in commercial finance and complements its Mortgage Choice mortgage broking network.
Following a strategic review, REA announced the sale of its remaining India business, Housing.com, to Aurum PropTech Limited. Upon completion, expected by Q1 FY27, REA India will hold a 24.9% stake in Aurum. This follows earlier divestments of PropTiger and the closure of Housing Edge, marking REA’s exit from direct operations in India.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Management
Group operating expenses remained flat at A$705 million, with Australian costs up 7% reflecting investments in AI, marketing events such as Ready25 and the Australian Open sponsorship, and increased cost of goods sold due to Audience Maximiser growth. International expenses declined 25% following the India divestments and tighter cost controls.
Australian operating EBITDA margin expanded to 66%, driven by 4% jaws open, reflecting disciplined cost management alongside double-digit revenue growth in residential and financial services segments.
Outlook and Strategic Focus
REA enters FY27 with a strong balance sheet and a clear strategy focused on reinventing property experiences through AI, scaling growth engines in commercial, new homes, and financial services, and accelerating organisational capabilities. The company targets low single-digit to flat new Buy listing volumes, with continued double-digit yield growth driven by price increases and add-ons.
Operating costs are expected to grow mid to high single digits including acquisitions, with ongoing investments in AI and product innovation. REA plans to maintain operational margin expansion and modest improvement in equity accounted losses.
Investor Day is scheduled for October 2026, where the company will provide further insight into its growth strategy and product pipeline.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Commitments
REA Group reinforced its commitment to sustainability with a AAA rating from MSCI ESG and inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index. The company has set science-aligned near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 from a FY24 base year and Scope 3 emissions intensity by 52% per unit of value added.
In FY26, REA launched the A Home for All Foundation in partnership with the property industry to combat homelessness, raising over A$1 million in its inaugural year. Employee engagement remains high at 85%, and REA was named Australia’s third best workplace in the large company category by Great Place to Work®.
Leadership Transitions and Governance
FY26 saw the appointment of Cameron McIntyre as CEO in November 2025, succeeding Owen Wilson who retired after a successful tenure. Andrew Cramer joined as CFO in February 2026, bringing extensive global finance experience. Both executives have been instrumental in driving REA’s next growth phase.
The Board continues to oversee a strong governance framework, focusing on strategic execution, risk management, and sustainability integration.
REA’s ongoing evolution as a technology-driven property platform, underpinned by AI innovation and strategic acquisitions, positions it well for future growth despite a more balanced Australian property market and global uncertainties.
Bottom Line?
REA Group’s FY26 results highlight the power of AI-driven innovation and strategic acquisitions in sustaining growth, but the market’s evolving dynamics and the India divestment mark a pivotal transition worth watching closely.
Questions in the middle?
- How will REA’s AI investments translate into revenue growth and customer retention in FY27 and beyond?
- What impact will the completion of the India business sale and Aurum stake have on REA’s international strategy and financials?
- Can REA sustain margin expansion amid rising operating costs and continued investments in technology and marketing?