Rightmove says it has now returned to growth

Rightmove declared yesterday that the "toughest property market conditions in a generation" were behind it as it had returned to growth.

The property website said its site had seen the most visitors in its nine-year history on 10 August as the housing market recovery picked up pace. Rightmove's figures for the six months to 30 June revealed the impact of the property sector slump earlier this year, with pre-tax profits down 8 per cent to £18.2m. But the company said steadily improving conditions over the summer had driven higher membership numbers, and predicted it would beat City forecasts for full-year results, although its earnings may "not quite" match last year's £41m.