24 Mar 2025

New Zealand's housing market is showing signs of recovery, with seasonally adjusted median house prices rising 1.7% in February 2024 compared to January, though still 0.6% lower year-on-year. According to REINZ, national home sales grew 12% from January and 20.7% from February 2023, indicating renewed buyer interest. Increased attendance at open homes and stable auction activity reflect improving confidence. Analysts attribute this to realistic pricing, lower borrowing costs, and supportive policies. While prices remain slightly below last year's levels, continued financial and policy support is expected to help sustain the market's gradual recovery in the coming months.Read more

21 Mar 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has sounded the alarm over the building sector's contribution to global carbon emissions. Despite some positive signs from recent policy interventions, buildings still account for a third of worldwide CO2 emissions and energy consumption. A UNEP report highlighted that progress is falling far short of the levels needed to meet 2030 climate goals. The report calls for nations to swiftly intensify efforts by improving energy efficiency, advancing green construction practices, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and introducing zero-carbon building codes. Financial investment in sustainable buildings is also lagging and needs significant scaling.Read more

21 Mar 2025

Canadian home sales saw their sharpest decline in nearly three years, dropping 9.8% in February from the previous month and 10.4% year-over-year. Market uncertainty, driven by trade tensions, has made buyers hesitant. The U.S. administration's tariff hikes are expected to slow economic growth while increasing inflation. Although a temporary pause was granted, new tariffs took effect in March. The Home Price Index declined slightly, while housing starts fell 4% to 229,030 units. Analysts remain cautious, citing both trade concerns and adverse weather conditions as factors impacting buyer confidence. The market's path will become clearer in the coming months.Read more

21 Mar 2025

International Workplace Group (IWG) reported USD 4.2 billion in revenue for 2024, marking a 6% growth in open centers and an 11% rise in pre-IFRS 16 EBITDA to USD 557 million. The company expanded its network with 899 new center signings, adding 73,000 rooms, nearly doubling 2023's growth. Meanwhile, WeWork, despite USD 3.33 billion in revenue, struggled with losses and Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. IWG's strong financial performance, debt reduction, and sustainability efforts highlight its leadership in the flexible workspace sector, contrasting with WeWork's financial challenges as demand for hybrid work environments continues to grow.Read more

20 Mar 2025

Forever 21, once a global leader in fast fashion, has filed for bankruptcy in the United States for the second time in six years. The company, renowned for offering low-cost, trend-driven clothing, has struggled to keep pace with e-commerce competitors and changing consumer behavior. Its U.S. operator, F21 OpCo, along with certain subsidiaries, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this week, citing liabilities as high as USD 5 billion. Despite a prior bankruptcy restructuring in 2019 and a buyout by Sparc Group, the retailer has failed to stabilize its financial footing amid the rise of online shopping and the decline of mall-based retail.Read more

19 Mar 2025

Country Garden Services, the property services division of China's Country Garden, recently forecasted an increased net profit for the fiscal year 2024, attributing this growth to lower impairment charges. The company expected a net profit ranging between 1.60 billion yuan (USD 221.03 million) and 2 billion yuan for the period ended December 2024, a notable rise from 292.3 million yuan recorded the previous year. This improvement was largely credited to the optimisation of previously acquired businesses, resulting in decreased impairment costs. Meanwhile, its parent company, Country Garden, proposed a restructuring deal to its offshore creditors aimed at reducing its debt burden by USD 11.6 billion. Additionally, in January, the debt-laden firm indicated it expected a smaller annual loss for 2024, following a record loss of 178.4 billion yuan in 2023.Read more

19 Mar 2025

Earlier this month, three land plots in Downtown Dubai were sold, earning a combined profit of AED 715 million, showcasing the city's booming real estate market. These transactions, completed within five days, delivered profits of AED 225 million, AED 290 million, and AED 200 million, reflecting land value appreciation between 100% to 305%. Experts attribute this growth to high demand, limited land supply, and Downtown Dubai's appeal as a luxury residential, commercial, and tourist hub. In 2024, Dubai's resale property market recorded profits of nearly AED 60 billion, supported by strong investor confidence and transparent regulatory measures.Read more

18 Mar 2025

The Dubai real estate market continued its impressive upward trajectory earlier this year, with sales volumes rising by 17%, amounting to AED 41 billion through 14,929 transactions-a 15% increase month-on-month. Average property prices reached a record high of AED 1,505 per sq. ft., marking a 1.41% month-on-month growth. Off-plan sales dominated the market, representing 59% of transactions, reflecting growing investor confidence. One-bedroom apartments remained the top choice, while four-bedroom villas led in their category. Notable developers such as Emaar, Sobha Group, and Damac Properties drove significant sales value. Betterhomes reported a 60% surge in average villa prices and a 30% rise in apartment prices, with investor activity remaining robust.Read more

18 Mar 2025

Britain's housing market recorded its slowest month in over a year as buyer enthusiasm waned after an initial surge to close deals ahead of the expiry of key tax incentives. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), buyer demand is now at its weakest since November 2023, with further cooling expected. The market, previously fuelled by anticipated Bank of England rate cuts and looming tax breaks, now faces headwinds. Meanwhile, rental demand has contracted for four straight months, though rents are projected to rise amid supply shortages. The government's long-standing housing supply issues also remain central to market dynamics.Read more

17 Mar 2025

The UAE real estate sector continues its strong growth in 2025, with Dubai property prices rising by 8% and the luxury segment appreciating by 5%. Since February 2021, Dubai's property values have surged 75%, driven by economic stability, visa reforms, and population growth. Despite 9,000 new villas in 2024 and 19,700 more in 2025, the luxury market remains undersupplied, keeping prices high. ROI HUB, a real estate consultancy, offers end-to-end investment solutions, ensuring high returns. Founder Kate highlights Dubai's shift from a luxury hub to a global investment destination, attracting investors seeking capital appreciation and high rental yields.Read more