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Home Depot sales dip 2.8% as do-it-yourself (DIY) budgets tighten

Author : PNT Bureau
Home Depot reported a 2.8% decline in same-store sales for Q1 2024, reflecting cautious consumer spending amid rising inflation and interest rates. Sales of items over USD 1,000 dropped by 6.5%, with customers prioritizing smaller home repairs over major renovations. Despite this, Home Depot maintains its fiscal 2024 financial targets, anticipating an economic recovery and potential interest rate cuts later in the year. The company's USD 18.25 billion acquisition of SRS Distribution aims to bolster its professional segment. Adapting to consumer behaviour, focusing on smaller projects, and offering flexible financing are crucial strategies in the current economic climate....
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Chinese property shares surge after reports suggest the government will purchase unsold homes

Author : PNT Bureau
Shares of Chinese property developers surged after reports suggested China might allow local governments to purchase unsold homes from distressed developers to ease the property crisis. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index rose 4.9%, with significant gains for companies like Fantasia and KWG Group. The State Council's plan involves state-owned enterprises buying homes at discounts to convert them into affordable housing. Despite optimism, concerns about the plan's feasibility in lower-tier cities and the financial health of local governments persist, given their $9 trillion debt....
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Surge in high-end Singapore apartment sales driven by Chinese millionaires

Author : PNT Bureau
Sales of Singapore apartments priced at SGD 10 million or more have reached an 11-year high, driven by demand from Chinese millionaires seeking secure investments. The number of these high-end apartment sales in the first eight months of 2019 surpassed annual totals from 2011 to 2018. Many buyers are choosing Singapore over Hong Kong due to protests, or moving funds from China due to the yuan's devaluation. Mainland Chinese are the largest group of foreign buyers of luxury homes in Singapore, with significant purchases in prime districts. Foreigners prefer high-end apartments as they are restricted from buying landed properties, except on Sentosa Island....
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Emaar Development reports 50% growth in Q1 2024 property sales

Author : PNT Bureau
Emaar Development, a major player in Dubai's real estate sector, achieved remarkable growth in Q1 2024, with property sales soaring by 50% year-on-year. This increase, fuelled by strategic project launches and substantial land acquisitions totaling 140 million square feet, reinforces Dubai's appeal as a global investment hub. Emaar's AED 12.9 billion property sales in Q1 reflect its ability to cater to diverse market segments with 10 new projects. Land acquisitions near The Oasis masterplan pave the way for future developments worth AED 96 billion. Emaar's success underscores Dubai's attractiveness for investors and its commitment to innovation and growth in various sectors....
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Redesigning one of London's largest office towers in Canary Wharf

Author : PNT Bureau
London's Canary Wharf is considering a radical redesign for one of its largest office towers post-HSBC's departure, potentially incorporating apartments or hotels. Twenty architectural firms were invited to propose alternatives, reflecting a global office market reassessment. With costs potentially in the hundreds of millions, options range from revamping to demolition, though a decision has yet to be made. The significance of this iconic tower prompts broader discussions on adaptive reuse. As Canary Wharf evolves, the redesign serves as a trendsetter for global office market dynamics and real estate adaptation....
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Qatari Prime Minister sells Mayfair Mansion for GBP 39 million

Author : PNT Bureau
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani sold his Mayfair mansion to another ruling family member for GBP 39 million in October, one of London's priciest home deals this past year. The Grade II listed property, between Hyde Park and Berkeley Square, was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed in 2021. The sale, conducted directly between family members, may aim to reduce agency fees or inheritance tax liabilities. Despite a trend of Qatari elites acquiring properties in Mayfair, the percentage of Middle Eastern buyers in London's top areas has halved since 2019, reflecting shifting investment strategies amid broader market trends....
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Hangzhou in China removes all restrictions on home purchases

Author : PNT Bureau
Hangzhou's decision to remove all home purchase restrictions marks a significant shift in the city's real estate landscape, aiming to attract a broader pool of buyers and investors. This bold move, amidst China's evolving market challenges, signifies Hangzhou's commitment to fostering openness and innovation. By lifting barriers to entry, the city sets the stage for sustainable growth and economic prosperity, reaffirming its position as a leading investment destination in China....
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OYO's Palette Resort reveals luxury residential and retail tower in Abu Dhabi

Author : PNT Bureau
Palette Resorts, a subsidiary of OYO, reveals a luxury residential cum retail tower in Abu Dhabi, adding 100 meticulously designed one-bedroom units in Al Zahiyah. Positioned at a prime location, the tower offers captivating city views and ample parking space, setting it apart. Surrounded by landmarks, shopping centres, and educational institutions, it promises convenience. The apartments boast modern amenities and essential electronic appliances for residents' comfort. OYO's global presence and diverse properties reflect its commitment to hospitality. With Abu Dhabi's robust economy and dynamic real estate landscape, the tower caters to the evolving needs of the expatriate community, showcasing OYO's dedication to unparalleled hospitality experiences....
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Manhattan apartment rents reach record highs for April

Author : PNT Bureau
Manhattan's apartment rents hit record levels. Median rent for new leases rose to USD 4,250, up USD 9 from last year. Landlords capitalise on low vacancy rates, leaving renters with few options. Uncertainty looms if rents will surpass last year's peak of USD 4,400. Despite challenges, rent increases are moderating, with a 0.2% rise in April. Leasing activity increased by 42%, partly due to tenants seeking alternatives. Meanwhile, neighbouring boroughs show mixed trends, with Brooklyn hitting a high and northwest Queens seeing a notable drop....
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Dusit International expands into Maldives with new partnership

Author : PNT Bureau
Dusit International joins forces with Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd to manage their inaugural Maldivian resort, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. Positioned near Male International Airport, the resort promises convenient access for guests seeking an unforgettable Thai-inspired hospitality experience. Fan Jianglin, Managing Director of Pearl Atoll, highlights Dusit's renowned warmth and attentiveness as key factors in the partnership. With Dusit's guidance, the resort aims for resounding success. This venture adds to Dusit's impressive portfolio of approximately 300 properties spanning hotels, resorts, and luxury villas across 18 countries, showcasing their commitment to global hospitality excellence....
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