As Residential Listings Lag, REA’s Earnings Fall Behind

Despite a difficult residential market, the online platform received a record 87.5 million visits during August.

REA Group (ASX:REA), online real estate market place reported weakening revenues, dropping 9 percent compared to the same time last year. As it contends with a challenging housing market, with national listings decreasing 15 percent over the quarter, the site also saw its free cash flow figures drop 20 percent to AU$41.8 million.

As quoted in the press release:

REA Group Chief Executive Officer, Owen Wilson commented: “Our performance has shown remarkable resilience given we have been tested by unprecedented market conditions. Pleasingly, we are seeing the signs of a gradual market recovery.
“We know the buyers are back and it’s only a matter of time before the sellers follow. In September, enquiries for properties for sale on realestate.com.au increased 30% year-on-year, while average auction clearance rates have returned to the levels we were seeing before the market correction, over 80% in Melbourne and Sydney.

Click here to read the full press release.

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