09 Jul 2026

• The UK construction sector remained in contraction in June 2026, with the S&P Global UK Construction PMI improving marginally to 38.4 from 38.2 in May, indicating a slightly slower pace of decline.
• Commercial construction showed signs of stabilisation and new orders rose to a three-month high, boosting optimism that market conditions could improve in the coming months.
• Housebuilding recorded its steepest decline of 2026, while civil engineering activity fell to its sharpest contraction since April 2020, driven by delayed infrastructure projects and fewer public-sector tenders.
• Despite 18 consecutive months of employment declines, the sector benefited from easing input cost inflation and improved subcontractor availability, offering some relief to construction firms amid challenging market conditions.Read more

08 Jul 2026

BHP Group has agreed to transfer its San Manuel property in Arizona to Canada's Faraday Copper Corp in exchange for a 30% equity stake, strengthening its exposure to the Copper Creek copper project. Following the transaction, BHP's total holding in Faraday is expected to increase to around 32.5%, including shares acquired through a private placement earlier this year. The companies believe combining San Manuel's infrastructure with the adjacent Copper Creek project could support investment, job creation and domestic copper production in the United States, subject to technical studies and regulatory approvals.Read more

08 Jul 2026

Wallenstam reported a stronger financial performance in the first half of 2026, with profit after tax rising to SEK 652 million, primarily driven by gains in the value of its investment properties despite rental income remaining stable at SEK 1.56 billion. The company maintained a robust 97% occupancy rate and achieved a 91% commercial lease renewal rate, reflecting resilient tenant demand. It also increased investment in new construction and reconstruction projects to SEK 1.388 billion, while stating that its financial position remains strong and that development activities across its property portfolio will continue through the remainder of 2026, even as analysts maintain a largely 'hold' outlook on the stock.Read more

08 Jul 2026

Spain and Portugal are closely monitoring their residential property markets as rapid house price growth and strong mortgage lending raise concerns about potential overheating. House prices increased by 12.9% year-on-year in Spain and 17.8% in Portugal during the first quarter of 2026, supported by robust demand, limited housing supply and favourable economic conditions. While regulators in both countries have introduced or are considering limited measures to improve financial stability, authorities believe current market conditions remain significantly different from those preceding the 2008 global financial crisis. Analysts say affordability pressures persist, but supply shortages rather than excessive credit continue to be the primary driver of price appreciation.Read more

08 Jul 2026

A massive wildfire burning in southwestern France has forced the evacuation of 10,000 residents from nearly two dozen towns and villages near the Spanish border after scorching around 4,600 hectares in the foothills of the French Pyrenees. Authorities warned that strong winds and prolonged heatwave conditions could accelerate the blaze, complicating firefighting efforts. The wildfire has also disrupted the Tour de France, while neighbouring Spain continues battling separate fires in Catalonia and Castellón, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather and wildfire risks across southern Europe.Read more

07 Jul 2026

Austria’s Supreme Court has upheld former billionaire Rene Benko’s conviction in one of the first criminal cases linked to the collapse of property group Signa, while ordering a retrial on a separate insolvency fraud charge. The ruling confirms one conviction involving a EUR 300,000 transfer to Benko’s mother but reopens proceedings over EUR 360,000 in rent-related payments. The lower court will now decide a fresh overall sentence after the retrial. The case is among several investigations arising from Signa’s collapse, Austria’s biggest corporate bankruptcy.Read more

07 Jul 2026

Swedish real estate company Trianon has signed a five-year lease agreement with home and kitchen retailer Cervera for a 400-square metre store at Burlov Center, located north of Malmö. The new outlet is expected to open later this year, taking the shopping centre's occupancy level to 94%. The agreement marks another step in Trianon's ongoing repositioning of Burlov Center, which has witnessed several new leasing deals and retail additions in recent years as part of a wider mixed-use redevelopment plan.Read more

07 Jul 2026

Arbor Realty Trust has priced an upsized private offering of USD 325 million in 6.25% convertible senior notes due 2029, increasing the size of the issue from the initially proposed USD 300 million. The offering is part of the company's capital management strategy and is expected to strengthen its financial position. The proceeds are expected to support the redemption of existing debt, share repurchases and general corporate purposes. The transaction also includes an option for initial purchasers to buy additional notes, subject to the terms of the offering.Read more

07 Jul 2026

ITC Properties Group has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary will acquire sale shares and a related sale loan from Profit Tycoon for a total consideration of HKD 336.68 million. The transaction involves the purchase of 20 issued shares in PYI Investment, representing a 20% stake in the company. The acquisition is part of ITC Properties' strategy to strengthen its presence in mainland China's property and infrastructure sector through PYI Investment's land holdings and development projects. The deal will also establish a shareholder arrangement between the two parties.Read more

07 Jul 2026

Swedish commercial property company Platzer reported improved financial performance for the second quarter, supported by positive net lettings and higher occupancy levels. Rental income increased 2 per cent year-on-year, while income from property management rose 4 per cent. The company also strengthened its industrial and logistics portfolio during the quarter and repurchased shares worth SEK 97 million. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Platzer said it remains cautiously optimistic as market conditions continue to improve gradually. Analysts continue to maintain a mixed view on the stock, with the average recommendation remaining at 'hold'.Read more