Shares in Winkworth, the property franchise group, have declined 8% in 2026 following an 11% drop in profits for the previous year, according to the company’s full-year results released last week.
The firm reported profit before taxation of £2.11 million for 2025, down from £2.36 million in 2024, whilst revenue remained flat at £10.74 million. Sales revenues accounted for 52% of total revenues, compared to 51% in the prior year.
Market pressures and geopolitical impact
Chief Executive Dominic Agace attributed the decline to “a sharp reversal” in the mortgage market, linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has created forecasting difficulties for the business.
The share price performance reflects broader challenges facing estate agency networks, with the stock down more than 10% over the past six months. This comes as smaller estate agencies navigate market volatility through different operational strategies.
Network expansion continues
Despite the profit decline, Winkworth opened four new offices during 2025 and resold seven franchises to new operators. Last month, the group acquired Peter Clarke, an independent estate agency in the Midlands, as part of its expansion strategy. This activity mirrors moves by other regional operators, such as Fenn Wright’s recent acquisition in Ipswich.
Trading outlook
Agace stated that early 2026 trading has been “resilient”, with sales applicant registrations and agreed sales broadly in line with recent years. Demand remains concentrated on properties in well-connected and established neighbourhoods.
“This offers some encouragement for a busier H2 after a disappointing H2 2025,” Agace said. “Geopolitical tensions, however, including ongoing instability in the Middle East and its impact on energy prices and sentiment, are likely to remain sources of uncertainty where only time will tell the impact on the UK market.”
The results highlight ongoing pressures in the UK property franchise sector, where market uncertainty and external economic factors continue to affect profitability despite network expansion efforts.