31 Aug 2025

JD Property, the infrastructure and asset management division of JD.Com, has teamed up with Partners Group and EZA Hill Property to create a Singapore-based real estate investment trust (REIT) valued at over USD 1 billion. The REIT is expected to be listed on the Singapore Exchange early next year and will include recently acquired logistics assets. The partners are working towards finalising the portfolio by October. The development highlights growing investor confidence in Singapore's REIT market, alongside increasing cross-border investment from Chinese and international capital.Read more

30 Aug 2025

Aroundtown, one of Germany's largest listed landlords, posted a first-half profit of €578 million (USD 677 million), a sharp turnaround from a €330 million loss a year earlier, aided by a rebound in residential and commercial property prices. Profit had already tripled in the prior quarter, reinforcing recovery momentum, while like-for-like rental income grew 3% across its German and Dutch portfolio. Despite reaffirming its full-year guidance, shares slipped on investor profit-taking. The company also announced CFO Ben David will step down after 17 years, with deputy Jonas Tintelnot set to succeed him. Analysts called the results solid, reflecting resilience and stability.Read more

29 Aug 2025

New sales of single-family homes in the US have declined, highlighting continued weakness in the housing market driven by affordability pressures and subdued consumer sentiment. Although the previous month's figures were revised upwards, persistently high mortgage rates, slow wage growth and abundant housing supply have kept demand weak. Builders are lowering prices to attract buyers, but economists suggest conditions will remain challenging, particularly with labour market softening and inventories hovering near levels last seen over a decade ago.Read more

27 Aug 2025

The global luxury rental market is experiencing a modest recovery, with average rental growth reaching 3.5% in the second quarter of 2025, according to Knight Frank's Prime Global Rental Index. Indian investors are increasingly looking to stable gateway cities like London, New York, and Singapore as prime investment destinations. This renewed interest is driven by a combination of factors, including a shortfall in new construction, a global return-to-office trend, and consistent international demand. These cities have shown resilience and strong long-term growth, making them an attractive option for diversifying investment portfolios.Read more

26 Aug 2025

Sellwin Traders is acquiring a 60 per cent stake in US infrastructure company Shivam Contracting Inc through an equity deal, issuing shares at a minimum of INR 18 each. The USD 6 million (around INR 52 crore) investment will support current and future US projects, with fund repatriation expected within two years. Concurrently, STL is expanding in the Gulf IT market by planning a controlling stake acquisition in Dubai-based GMIIT, targeting more than 51 per cent equity. These strategic moves aim to strengthen STL's international presence while securing operational control in high-growth sectors.Read more

24 Aug 2025

Lowe's has confirmed an agreement to acquire Foundation Building Materials in a USD 8.8 billion deal, continuing its focus on professional builders and contractors. The distributor operates more than 370 outlets across North America and supplies around 40,000 pro customers. This follows Lowe's acquisition of Artisan Design Group earlier this year and reflects its broader "Total Home" strategy. With the new deal, Lowe's has raised its full-year sales outlook and reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, signaling a deeper push into the professional construction segment.Read more

23 Aug 2025

Geberit posted a decline in its second-quarter profit as weak construction activity in Europe continued to affect its performance. The Swiss building materials supplier reported a 2.3% fall in quarterly EBITDA, slightly below analyst estimates. Renovation demand, however, remained stable and now accounts for nearly 60% of sales. While new build activity slowed across Europe and demand in China's housing market weakened, business in India and the Gulf stayed firm. Geberit continues to expect around 4% growth in net sales in local currencies and an EBITDA margin close to 29% for 2025.Read more

19 Aug 2025

Dubai's property market has witnessed a marked shift in investor profiles, with younger buyers under 35 taking a growing share of transactions in recent years. Attracted by tax-free benefits, relatively low entry costs, and advanced digital platforms, these investors are prioritising flexibility, mobility, and lifestyle integration. Many are seeking not just profit but the ability to manage assets remotely while combining investment with personal use. This trend highlights a new approach where digital ecosystems and accessible ownership models redefine property investment.Read more

15 Aug 2025

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank (PBB), a prominent German property financier, has reported a substantial net loss of EUR 266 million (approximately USD 310.79 million) for the second quarter, a significant decline from the EUR 11 million profit recorded in the same period the previous year. This downturn is attributed to increased risk provisions as the bank withdraws from the U.S. market, a decision influenced by perceived volatility under President Donald Trump's administration. The bank's exposure to the U.S. market, which constituted 12% of its portfolio but accounted for 45% of its non-performing loans, has been a contributing factor to its financial challenges.Read more

13 Aug 2025

China Evergrande Group will be delisted from the Hong Kong stock exchange on August 25, 2025, following a January 2024 liquidation order after failing to restructure over USD 300 billion in debt. Trading in its shares had been suspended for 18 months, breaching exchange rules, leaving shareholders facing near-total losses. Once China's largest developer by sales, Evergrande's collapse epitomises the property sector downturn triggered by a 2020 crackdown on excessive borrowing. Founder Hui Ka Yan has been detained, and the firm and its auditors fined for misconduct. With liquidators expecting only modest asset recoveries, the delisting closes a turbulent chapter in China's housing crisis.Read more