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News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services: A High-Growth, Profitable Play

News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services: A High-Growth, High-Margin Play

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n the era of digital transformation, News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services (DRES) segment has emerged as a key growth driver. With a 9% year-over-year revenue increase in fiscal 2025 and an 18% surge in EBITDA, DRES underscores News Corp's strategic pivot toward high-margin, subscription-driven models. This performance positions News Corp as a major player in the sector poised for sustained expansion, driven by technological innovation and shifting consumer demands.

    The global real estate software market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% through 2029, expanding from $12.8 billion in 2025 to $19.58 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by the adoption of AI-driven tools, cloud-based platforms, and automation, which streamline property management and enhance customer experiences.

    News Corp's platforms, including realtor.com and REA Group, are capitalizing on this trend. The Australian residential market contributed significantly to the segment's $1.802 billion in full-year revenue in 2025. This aligns with broader industry forecasts highlighting the Asia-Pacific region as a fast-growing market due to urbanization and infrastructure development.

    Despite margin pressures from rising operational costs and ESG compliance challenges, News Corp's DRES segment has demonstrated superior profitability. The segment's EBITDA of $601 million in 2025 reflects an 18% year-over-year increase, outpacing the industry's average net profit margin of -3.14%. This resilience is attributed to News Corp's focus on price optimization, cost-efficient digital tools, and recurring revenue streams from subscription-based services.

    News Corp's strategic emphasis on digital and subscription-based models aligns with evolving market dynamics. The company's DRES segment generated $406 million in Q4 2025 revenue, a 5% year-over-year increase, reflecting strong user engagement and pricing power. This momentum is further supported by the integration of AI and machine learning, which enhance data analytics and customer targeting.

    News Corp's global footprint, with REA Group's dominance in Australia and realtor.com's leadership in the U.S., creates a diversified revenue base insulating the segment from regional economic fluctuations. The company's focus on cloud-based deployment positions it to capture market share in the projected $19.58 billion 2029 real estate software market.

    News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services segment exemplifies strategic foresight in a high-growth, high-margin sector. By leveraging technological innovation, subscription models, and global market access, News Corp is not only navigating industry challenges but also redefining competitive benchmarks. As the sector evolves, News Corp's disciplined approach to digital transformation and profitability ensures its position as a leader in the next phase of real estate innovation.

News Corp executive discusses digital real estate services growth and profitability globally.