12 Jul 2025

Seven major UK housebuilders have committed GBP 100 million (USD 136 million) to affordable housing initiatives following a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation. The probe addressed concerns that builders exchanged sensitive information on sales, pricing, and buyer incentives. As part of the commitment package, firms will also stop sharing information with rivals. While not admitting wrongdoing, they engaged proactively with CMA. The CMA will consult on these proposals, aiming to ensure compliance with competition law and support housing programs.Read more

12 Jul 2025

Singapore has reduced the waiting time for tax incentives for family offices from 12 months to three months. This move aims to attract ultra-rich individuals and strengthen Singapore's position as a global wealth hub. The number of single family offices in Singapore surged to 2,000 in 2024, a 21% increase. Despite growth, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has faced scrutiny over anti-money laundering safeguards, leading to fines for financial institutions after a major laundering case. Singapore seeks to balance attracting wealth with maintaining financial integrity.Read more

11 Jul 2025

The Bank of England has eased mortgage lending rules to stimulate home ownership in the UK. Individual lenders can now exceed loan-to-income limits, though the sector retains a 15% cap on high loan-to-income lending. This move is expected to generate about 36,000 new higher loan-to-income mortgages annually. The change aims to support government initiatives to increase home ownership, balancing economic growth with financial stability. While property sales have slowed, rising wages and slow construction may keep prices up. The bank will review capital requirements, with an update due in December.Read more

11 Jul 2025

Saudi Arabia will open its real estate market to foreign buyers starting January 2026, a move approved by the Saudi Cabinet. Non-Saudis can purchase property in designated zones like Riyadh and Jeddah, though Mecca and Medina will have extra regulations. This decision is part of Vision 2030, aiming to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy. The Real Estate General Authority will release detailed regulations within 180 days, covering eligibility and enforcement. The policy seeks to increase real estate supply and stimulate foreign direct investment.Read more

11 Jul 2025

Ireland has decided to reduce minimum apartment sizes and requirements for open space to address its housing crisis. This move aims to cut unit costs by EUR 50,000-EUR 100,000 and boost supply, following a 24% drop in apartment building last year. The government targets 50,000 new homes annually by 2030, despite homebuilding stalling at 30,000 units last year. While the Housing Minister states essential regulations are not compromised, opposition parties argue it will lead to substandard conditions. The government also adjusted rent controls to encourage development.Read more

09 Jul 2025

Britain's construction industry showed signs of recovery in June, with its PMI reaching a six-month high of 48.8 from 47.9 in May. This improvement was led by housing activity expanding for the first time since September. However, the commercial building sector contracted, its fastest rate since mid-2020, due to economic concerns and weak client confidence, causing a decrease in new orders. This presents a mixed picture for the UK construction market, balancing residential growth with commercial decline.Read more

05 Jul 2025

UK house prices unexpectedly declined by 0.8% in June, marking the sharpest monthly drop since early 2023, according to Nationwide. The average price now stands at GBP 266,064, with annual growth easing to 2.1% from 3.5% in May. The fall is primarily linked to the end of temporary stamp duty relief in April, which prompted a short-lived spike in activity earlier. While the pullback appears temporary, a mix of increasing property listings, stiffer buyer negotiations, and changing affordability trends are starting to reshape pricing dynamics especially in higher-end markets across London and the southeast.Read more

05 Jul 2025

NTT recently submitted a draft prospectus for its NTT DC REIT IPO on the Singapore Exchange. The REIT will include six data centre facilities across the U.S., Austria, and Singapore, with a combined value of around USD 1.6 billion. Expected to fetch up to USD 1 billion, the listing is set to be among Singapore's largest and has already attracted major backers, including GIC, AM?Squared, and Viridian. The move aligns with Singapore's revived equity market, which recently saw a surge in IPO activity boosted by policy incentives.Read more

04 Jul 2025

Dubai's real estate sector recorded its strongest-ever first half in 2025, with 98,603 transactions valued at AED 326.7 billion, reflecting a 40% increase in sales value year-on-year. The second quarter alone contributed AED 184 billion across 53,118 deals, surpassing all past records. Plot, villa, apartment, and commercial sales all showed marked growth in both value and volume. Median prices continued their upward trajectory, driven by robust investor demand, with the top sale being a luxury Palm Jumeirah villa priced at AED 365 million. First-time developer sales dominated the market, accounting for 66% of the total activity.Read more

04 Jul 2025

A villa outside Paris, formerly owned by late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, was sold for EUR 4.7 million at a recent auction. The property, spanning two hectares with multiple houses, a pool, and a tennis court, was acquired by Lagerfeld in 2010 and abandoned after his death in 2019. The sale, conducted via a unique "candle auction" method, follows another high-value property sale of his earlier in the year. The transactions highlight continued interest in properties linked to iconic figures, even years after their passing.Read more