03 Aug 2026

Taylor Wimpey has reduced its shareholder distribution policy and narrowed its UK home completions guidance as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty continue to affect the housing market. The company is slowing construction activity and reducing land acquisitions in response to weaker buyer demand. While it returned to profit during the first half compared to the previous year, it expects market conditions to remain challenging, with home prices staying below last year's levels and construction costs continuing to rise. The move reflects the cautious approach being adopted by major UK housebuilders.Read more

03 Aug 2026

HSBC has agreed to sell its Australian home and personal loan portfolio valued at AUD 36 billion (USD 25.3 billion) to Blackstone in what is being described as the world's largest home loan portfolio transaction. The deal forms part of HSBC's ongoing global restructuring strategy aimed at exiting non-core retail businesses and strengthening its corporate and institutional banking operations. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Blackstone will manage the portfolio through multiple investment funds, with Pepper Money overseeing loan servicing in Australia.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Builders FirstSource has lowered its 2026 revenue forecast after reporting weaker-than-expected second-quarter results, reflecting continued pressure in the US residential housing market. Lower housing starts, high home prices and elevated interest rates have affected demand for building materials, resulting in lower sales and earnings. The company has also revised its annual sales guidance to account for pricing challenges, commodity cost pressures and margin constraints. Despite these challenges, Builders FirstSource expects productivity initiatives to generate cost savings during 2026 as it continues to manage a difficult market environment.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Rightmove has lowered its revenue growth forecast for FY2026 after continued weakness in the UK new home market affected business expectations. The company said lower housing construction activity, increased competition from the resale market and cautious buyer sentiment have weighed on the sector. While revenue growth guidance has been revised downward, Rightmove has maintained its operating profit outlook and plans to return around GBP 400 million to shareholders over the next 12 months. The company is also facing legal costs linked to an ongoing competition lawsuit filed by estate agents.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Mortgage rates in the United States increased for the second consecutive week, with the average 30-year fixed-rate home loan reaching 6.76% in the week ended 24 July, close to its highest level in a year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The rise follows higher US Treasury yields and renewed inflation concerns linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Rates on 15-year fixed mortgages climbed to 6.15%, while five-year adjustable-rate mortgages increased to 5.98%. Higher borrowing costs also weighed on housing demand, with overall mortgage applications falling 6.4% during the week as refinancing and home purchase activity weakened amid ongoing affordability pressures.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Bank of England has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75 per cent after inflation in the UK slowed more than expected in June, giving policymakers time to assess the economic impact of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While most members of the Monetary Policy Committee supported maintaining rates, a few favoured a hike due to concerns over higher energy prices triggering fresh inflation. The central bank said future policy decisions would depend on how the energy shock affects inflation, wages and overall economic activity.Read more

03 Aug 2026

National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a 15% quarter-on-quarter decline in domestic home loan applications, indicating softer demand in Australia's housing market. The slowdown comes after tax reforms aimed at increasing housing supply and follows similar trends highlighted by other major lenders. While the bank's home and business lending books continued to expand, it also reported an increase in loans under close monitoring due to challenging business conditions. NAB said sectors such as construction, transport and storage were facing the greatest pressure, partly due to supply chain disruptions and higher freight costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Webuild has improved its financial outlook for 2026 and announced a cash offer worth around USD 338 million to acquire Italian construction company Trevi Finanziaria. The revised guidance projects revenue, operating profit and net cash to surpass 2025 levels, supported by a strong order backlog. The company said it remains cautious about providing long-term financial targets due to geopolitical uncertainties and inflationary pressures. Webuild also indicated it would remain disciplined on acquisitions to safeguard its financial position despite market speculation over further takeover opportunities.Read more

02 Aug 2026

US retail real estate investment trust (REIT) Regency Centers has increased its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting sustained leasing demand and rising rental rates across its grocery-anchored shopping centre portfolio. The company raised its forecast for National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (Nareit) funds from operations (FFO) and core operating earnings, reflecting resilient occupancy and rental growth despite broader economic uncertainty. Regency Centres, which owns 481 shopping centres leased to leading grocery chains and national retailers, reported second-quarter Nareit FFO of USD 1.21 per share, matching analysts' expectations. The updated outlook underscores the continued strength of necessity-based retail assets in the US commercial real estate market.Read more

02 Aug 2026

Danube Properties has announced plans to hand over 11 residential projects across Dubai over the next 12 months, marking one of the company's largest delivery programmes to date. The developments are located across Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Maritime City, Jumeirah Village Triangle and Dubai Silicon Oasis. The developer said it has maintained its delivery schedule despite higher construction material costs resulting from recent geopolitical developments in the Gulf region. The projects are expected to add to Dubai's residential supply as the emirate continues to witness sustained activity in its real estate market, supported by infrastructure development, investor demand and ongoing economic growth.Read more