Single-family housing starts in the US dropped 14.2% in March to 940,000 units amid rising mortgage rates and affordability concerns. The overall housing starts, including multifamily units, also declined. Analysts suggest that while demand remains steady, higher financing costs are limiting new construction activity across several states.

Germany saw a 2.3% year-on-year decline in apartment building permits in February 2024, with only 16,800 new units approved. High interest rates and rising construction costs have dampened housing activity. The German government faces increasing pressure to address the housing shortage and revive momentum in the residential construction sector.

Aurika Residences, part of Lemon Tree Hotels, will invest INR 100 crore in a luxury hospitality project in Ayodhya. The development will include studio apartments and branded residences under Aurika Hotels & Resorts, targeting religious tourism and pilgrimage traffic following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir earlier this year.

Nuvama Research expects cement prices to improve, driven by healthy demand from infrastructure and housing sectors. The report notes that while March saw modest price corrections in the South and East, April could bring upward momentum across key regions. High utilisation rates and reduced cost pressures are also seen supporting margins.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has opened the 55-key Gateway Coorg in Karnataka, tapping into the rising demand for leisure and wellness destinations. With this addition, IHCL now operates 26 hotels in the state, including 13 under development, reinforcing its multi-brand expansion strategy across the region. Source: PTI

The Supreme Court upheld that homebuyers have the right to stage peaceful protests under Article 19 of the Constitution. It dismissed a developer's plea seeking restrictions on such demonstrations, reinforcing homebuyer rights and accountability for project delays or malpractices.

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for construction and demolition waste will take effect on April 26. Builders and bulk waste generators must ensure proper recycling and disposal, with compliance monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board via an online portal.

Conscient Infrastructure will invest INR 1,200 crore in a premium residential project in Sector 80, Gurugram. The 11-acre development, located near the Dwarka Expressway, will feature around 1,000 housing units targeting upper-middle and luxury segment buyers.

The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a three-member committee to probe allegations against the Ansal Group related to irregularities in land use and building violations. The committee will submit its report in 15 days, following directives from the Chief Minister's Office.

The Jaipur Supreme Court has declined interim relief to miners operating in the Aravalli region, citing environmental concerns. The court stressed that illegal mining poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and must be curbed, maintaining its stand on conservation.

The Goa High Court has directed authorities to submit compliance reports by June 12 on actions taken against illegal constructions. The court warned that non-compliance would attract contempt proceedings, reinforcing the urgency of curbing unregulated development.

The MDDA informed the Uttarakhand High Court that demolition work against unauthorised constructions in Rishikesh will be carried out as ordered. The court has taken a strict stance on illegal structures in ecologically sensitive zones.

Godwitt Construction aims to develop one crore sq ft of industrial space in India by 2029. The company is focused on expanding its warehousing and logistics portfolio in key markets like NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, with sustainability and modern engineering at its core.

Vox India is set to redefine India's building materials market through innovation and aesthetic-driven solutions. The company plans to introduce advanced cladding and wall systems catering to both residential and commercial segments, enhancing architectural design and sustainability standards.

A rise in residential rentals is projected to drive more homebuyers toward property purchases in 2025. With rental yields rising across metros, affordability, long-term security, and investment potential are pushing fence-sitters toward ownership, particularly in mid-income and premium segments.

The Panchayat Raj Department has cleared a proposal to set up industrial parks in various villages of Telangana. This initiative aims to promote rural industrialisation, generate employment, and decentralise industrial development across the state.

Chandigarh's Municipal Corporation plans to reach out to its top 100 property taxpayers to boost property tax collections. The move aims to encourage timely payments and improve compliance amid a push for stronger municipal revenue streams.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has indicated support for regularising unauthorised residential structures in Margao. The move, aimed at addressing long-standing housing issues, is expected to benefit residents living in unapproved dwellings, subject to legal and structural compliance.

REITs are poised to be key catalysts in attracting institutional capital into India's office real estate segment, according to Nuvama. With stable returns, transparency, and increased investor interest, REITs are likely to support sustained growth and new developments in commercial real estate.

MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal has emphasised the need for strong public-private partnerships to tackle the ageing housing stock in Mumbai. Highlighting that 58% of the city's residential buildings are over 30 years old, he called for innovative redevelopment models that balance affordability, safety, and modern infrastructure.

The Uttar Pradesh government is drafting new building bylaws aimed at promoting planned urban growth and streamlining the approval process. These reforms will apply to development authorities and planning bodies, enhancing coordination, ensuring sustainable development, and encouraging investor confidence across tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has reopened online registration for nine of its residential and commercial properties. These properties, under different housing schemes, were previously unsold. Interested buyers can register between April 18 and April 30. The initiative is aimed at clearing existing inventory and boosting revenue through pending allotments.

The Noida and Greater Noida authorities have recommended the suspension of six officials for alleged irregularities in residential plot allotments. A committee found violations in the allotment process, including manipulation of dates and unauthorised changes. The recommendation follows a probe initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government's infrastructure and industrial development department.

The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered a halt to all construction activities lacking approved maps around the Rispana and Bindal rivers in Dehradun. The directive comes amid concerns over illegal encroachments and ecological degradation. Authorities are instructed to ensure strict compliance, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 29.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation's Town Planning Department recorded INR 414.52 crore in revenue for FY 2023-24, surpassing previous figures. The boost came from premiums, betterment charges, and other planning approvals. Officials attribute this performance to improved scrutiny of construction permissions and a surge in new development proposals across the city.

SEBI has flagged a INR 43 crore apartment transaction involving DLF and Gensol Engineering's promoters during its probe into potential share price manipulation. The market regulator is examining if Gensol's promoters used the apartment deal as a front for funding share purchases, raising corporate governance and disclosure-related concerns.

Infosys BPM has taken on lease 1.3 lakh sq. ft. of office space at Panchshil Realty's Tech Park in Pune's Hinjewadi. The nine-year lease begins with INR 83 per sq. ft. monthly rent and includes a 15% rent escalation every three years. This move highlights Infosy's ongoing expansion in the city's tech corridor.

DLF has agreed to sell its IT SEZ, Kolkata IT Park, to Srijan Realty for INR 693 crore. The transaction aligns with DLF's strategy to exit non-core assets. The 25-acre SEZ houses 7.5 lakh sq. ft. of office space, and the deal is pending approval from regulatory bodies, including the Development Commissioner.

Smartworld Developers will invest INR 1,200 crore to develop branded Trump Residences in Gurugram's Golf Course Road Extension. The project, a joint venture with The Trump Organization, will include 180 ultra-luxury units in a high-rise tower, featuring premium amenities and curated services, marking the Trump brand's re-entry into the Delhi-NCR real estate market.

India's retail landscape is witnessing a wave of premiumization, with brands focusing on curated, design-led environments in Grade-A malls and prominent high streets. Categories like beauty, wellness, and athleisure are leading this shift, emphasizing experiential retail spaces that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Oman has signed a Joint Development Agreement to create the world's first commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor connecting the Sultanate with the Netherlands and Germany. The project involves developing a hydrogen liquefaction and export terminal in Duqm, facilitating large-scale renewable hydrogen exports to Europe.

Bengaluru's luxury housing segment has crossed INR 1,000 crore in sales for the first time. This milestone reflects the city's increasing demand for high-end residential properties, driven by affluent buyers seeking premium living spaces with modern amenities and strategic locations.