18 Dec 2025

Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority has reported infrastructure losses of nearly INR 75 billion due to damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with total rehabilitation needs estimated at around INR 190 billion. The cyclone damaged 316 roads and 40 bridges, severely disrupting regional connectivity. To fund restoration, the RDA is seeking financial support, including a proposed INR 2 billion loan from the World Bank, along with assistance from other lenders. Other public utilities were also hit, with significant losses reported by electricity and water supply agencies. While essential services have largely been restored, large-scale reconstruction remains a priority, highlighting the significant fiscal and infrastructure challenges facing Sri Lanka's recovery efforts.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Dubai's Binghatti Developers and German luxury brand Mercedes Benz have announced a joint real estate project valued at AED 30 billion to build the world's first Mercedes Benz branded city in the Meydan area. The development, known as Mercedes Benz Places Binghatti City, will span over 10 million square feet and include branded residential towers, retail areas, cultural and leisure districts, parks, mobility hubs, wellness zones, and community spaces. This marks the second collaboration between the two companies following a previously successful residential project and represents Binghatti's first fully master planned community. The official launch is planned for early next year.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Real estate developer Doxa AB has won approval of the detailed plan for its project near Brunnsh gstorget in Lund from the Land and Environment Court of Appeal, lifting a prior suspension and allowing the project to proceed. The plan covers about 50,000 square meters in the Torgkvarteren area and is mainly for residential development. Archus will now assist Doxa with investment strategy and preparations for building permits. This decision supports ongoing urban growth in Brunnshg, a district designed with strong sustainability goals and mixed uses.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala has joined forces with Barings, a subsidiary of MassMutual, to establish a USD 500 million global real estate debt partnership. The joint venture aims to invest in senior and subordinated loans across a variety of real estate asset classes worldwide. This collaboration marks a strategic step for Mubadala to expand its footprint in global real estate finance, leveraging Barings expertise in debt investment. The partnership is expected to offer diversified exposure while targeting risk-adjusted returns in the real estate lending market.Read more

18 Dec 2025

Vietnam's latest government bond auction raised USD 514 million, the highest in six months, with 85% of bonds sold compared with 61% in the previous week. Total government bond sales in 2025 now reach 322 trillion dong, close to two-thirds of the annual target. The auction saw full uptake of 5-year bonds and nearly all 10-year bonds, while long-term bonds remained unsold. Meanwhile, corporate bond issuances total 539 trillion dong this year, with upcoming maturities concentrated in real estate and banking, reflecting ongoing activity in key sectors.Read more

17 Dec 2025

New Zealand's housing market saw a moderate increase in home prices in November, reflecting steady underlying demand despite a slowdown in sales. Seasonally adjusted median house prices rose 1.2% compared with October and were 2.3% higher than the previous year, according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). While national home sales declined 4.6% from October and 5.7% compared with last November, market resilience suggests that demand remains stable. Analysts note that price stability reflects the continued appeal of New Zealand's housing market amid a slower sales environment.Read more

17 Dec 2025

French luxury group Kering has sold a 60% stake in its prime New York property on Fifth Avenue to private equity firm Ardian, in a deal valued at USD900 million, generating net proceeds of USD690 million. Kering retains 40% ownership through a newly created joint venture. The move is part of Kering's ongoing strategy to manage debt and maintain financial flexibility, following earlier portfolio transactions in Paris. The deal also reflects the company's broader plan to optimize its global real estate holdings amid changing market dynamics.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Dubai's commercial real estate market is heading towards a major reset that could create a clear two-tier office ecosystem by 2028, according to fäm Properties. While commercial transactions have surged sharply this year, the office sector has lagged residential real estate in adopting modern design and quality standards. With no true new-generation office supply delivered since the global financial crisis, older buildings now face growing pressure. From 2028, the arrival of Grade A offices is expected to shift tenant preferences and pricing toward quality assets. This transition will likely widen the gap between premium offices and ageing stock, reshaping rents, occupancy levels and investor demand across Dubai's office market.Read more

17 Dec 2025

South Korea's Central Bank has clarified that excessive domestic liquidity alone is not behind the recent weakening of the won or rising residential property prices. The Bank of Korea (BOK) pointed to factors like increased overseas securities investment by residents and export companies holding foreign currency as having a stronger influence on the currency. The bank highlighted that past liquidity accumulation has been feeding into the housing market rather than fresh money supply. It has also taken steps to stabilise the won, including extending a currency swap agreement with the National Pension Service.Read more

17 Dec 2025

Japan is set to expand regulations requiring foreigners to report property purchases to the government, a move aimed at monitoring speculative buying in the residential sector. Currently, reporting obligations apply only to foreign investors. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the new rules, expected to be implemented in April next year, will cover properties bought for residential use. Authorities are seeking a clearer understanding of the market to prevent cases of speculation. The policy reflects ongoing efforts to balance foreign investment with housing stability in Japan.Read more