1 hour ago

British Land has appointed Joanne McNamara as its new chief executive officer, filling the leadership position left vacant after Simon Carter’s departure earlier this year. McNamara joins from Oxford Properties, where she serves as executive vice president of its European business. Her appointment comes at a time when the company continues to benefit from strong demand for high-quality office space, particularly from artificial intelligence and technology firms. British Land recently reported annual underlying profit ahead of market expectations, supported by resilient leasing activity across its commercial property portfolio.Read more

3 hours ago

European luxury brands are increasing their focus on the United States as affluent consumers continue to support demand despite broader economic uncertainties. Strong stock market performance, rising wealth linked to the technology and artificial intelligence sectors, and steady income growth among high-net-worth individuals have made the US a key growth market for luxury retailers. Luxury groups are opening more stores, hosting major fashion events, and expanding into emerging affluent cities. The trend comes as weaker consumer sentiment in Europe, slowing growth in China, and geopolitical tensions affecting global travel continue to weigh on luxury spending in several other markets.Read more

8 hours ago

• Hungary’s central bank has reported that the country’s banking system remained well-capitalised during 2025, while cautioning that risks in the housing market have increased.
• The National Bank of Hungary said house prices rose by 23.5% in nominal terms during 2025, contributing to higher market overvaluation.
• Housing market overvaluation increased to 22.5%, raising concerns about the potential for future price corrections.
• Borrowers’ average loan-to-value ratio rose significantly following the introduction of a subsidised mortgage programme for first-time homebuyers.
• The central bank noted that stable debt-service-to-income ratios and fixed-rate mortgages continue to support household repayment capacity.Read more

03 Jun 2026

Newpark REIT has announced that discussions regarding a shareholder proposal to monetise shares are still ongoing, prompting the company to renew its cautionary announcement to investors. The update indicates that negotiations have not yet been finalised and that any potential transaction remains subject to further discussions and approvals. While details of the proposal have not been disclosed, the company has advised shareholders to continue exercising caution when dealing in its securities until a formal outcome is communicated. The development signals continued efforts to evaluate options that could unlock value for shareholders.Read more

03 Jun 2026

Unica Capital has expanded its presence in Monaco’s luxury real estate market through a USD 31.4 million investment in Le Montaigne, a landmark property located in the Principality’s prestigious Carre d’Or district. The transaction strengthens the firm’s strategy of investing in prime, supply-constrained real estate assets across key European wealth centres. Monaco continues to attract global investors due to limited land availability, strong international demand and long-term value appreciation. The investment also reflects sustained interest in trophy assets across Europe’s ultra-prime property markets despite broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties.Read more

03 Jun 2026

Private equity firm New Mountain Capital has agreed to acquire Asset Living, a US-based residential property management company, in a transaction valued at more than USD 2 billion. The deal includes Asset Living’s owned real estate portfolio and proprietary technology platform. CEO Ryan McGrath is expected to remain involved in the business following the acquisition. The transaction comes amid growing investor interest in residential property management firms, which offer recurring revenue streams and exposure to rental housing demand. Asset Living manages multifamily, student and affordable housing communities across more than 40 US states.Read more

02 Jun 2026

• Germany’s EUR 500 billion infrastructure fund has missed key spending and implementation targets, according to a finance ministry report due to be released this week.
• The fund disbursed EUR 24 billion in 2025, significantly below the planned EUR 37.4 billion allocation intended to stimulate economic growth.
• Only 26 of 109 planned project milestones for 2026 had been achieved by the end of May, highlighting slower-than-expected implementation.
• Housing construction recorded a progress score of 66%, while transport, energy and digital infrastructure projects showed mixed performance.
• Despite the delays, the finance ministry estimates that investments from the fund are contributing approximately 0.5 percentage points to Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP).Read more

02 Jun 2026

• Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to acquire US homebuilder Taylor Morrison Home Corporation in an all-cash transaction valued at USD 6.8 billion.
• The deal marks the first major acquisition under Berkshire CEO Greg Abel, who succeeded Warren Buffett at the beginning of 2026.
• Berkshire will pay USD 72.50 per share, representing a 24% premium to Taylor Morrison’s closing share price on May 29.
• Including debt, the transaction carries an enterprise value of approximately USD 8.5 billion and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to approvals.
• The acquisition strengthens Berkshire’s housing portfolio and supports plans to consolidate its site-built homebuilding operations across the United States.Read more

01 Jun 2026

Hospitality real estate company PPHE Hotel Group has said it views the USD 1.24 billion takeover proposal from Israel-based Fattal Hotel Group as a fair valuation of the business. The offer of GBP 22 per share reflects a 36.5% premium to PPHE’s latest closing price. The development comes months after PPHE began a strategic review following indications from major shareholders Eli Papouchado and Boris Ivesha that they were open to a partial stake sale. PPHE said it will now engage with major shareholders to assess the proposal, while Fattal has retained flexibility to modify the structure or value of the offer under certain conditions.Read more

01 Jun 2026

• US mortgage rates climbed to a nine-month high, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 6.65% in the week ended May 22.
• Rising oil prices linked to the Iran conflict increased inflation concerns and pushed US Treasury yields higher, impacting borrowing costs.
• Mortgage applications declined 8.5% week-on-week, mainly due to weaker refinancing activity as higher rates reduced borrower interest.
• US inflation rose to 3.8% in April from 2.9% in August last year, leading markets to consider the possibility of another Federal Reserve rate hike later this year.
• The rise in mortgage rates comes shortly after Kevin Warsh took over as the new Federal Reserve chair, replacing Jerome Powell.Read more