29 May 2025

Private equity powerhouse KKR has raised a staggering USD 6.4 billion for its latest Asia-Pacific infrastructure fund, significantly surpassing its prior USD 3.9 billion fund. India has emerged as a key beneficiary of this capital, with more than one-third of the fund expected to be deployed in the country. This strategic focus is attributed to India's rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape, supported by robust government initiatives and increasing urbanisation. The fund is backed by notable global investors, and India's share signals a strong endorsement of its infrastructure growth potential.Read more

29 May 2025

Lunate, managing USD 110 billion in assets, has announced a USD 1 billion joint venture with Brookfield to develop and manage residential real estate across the Middle East. Building on its 24.5% stake in Dubai's ICD Brookfield Place, Lunate is now targeting build-to-sell and opportunistic buy-to-sell projects in high-growth markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Lunate will anchor the investment and lead regional fundraising, while Brookfield brings global real estate expertise. The move comes amid a real estate boom in cities like Dubai and Riyadh, driven by foreign investment and economic reforms. The partnership aims to capitalise on growing institutional interest in the region.Read more

27 May 2025

Earlier this week, the Trump Organization commenced construction of a sprawling USD 1.5 billion luxury golf and residential project in northern Vietnam. Located in Hung Yen province near Hanoi, the development spans nearly 990 hectares and includes three 18-hole golf courses and premium housing. The initiative is being led by Eric Trump in collaboration with Vietnamese developer Kinhbac City. With Vietnam currently navigating sensitive trade talks with the United States, the project's launch is being closely watched. The Trump Organization, already active in India, appears to be solidifying its international presence through targeted investments in emerging markets.Read more

26 May 2025

The Moscow Metro, one of the globe's most expansive and busiest urban rail systems, has celebrated its 90th anniversary with commemorative exhibitions and substantial advancements in digital infrastructure. Since its inception in 1935, the metro has grown from a modest 13-station line to an extensive 550-kilometre network comprising 302 stations and catering to over 8 million daily commuters. The anniversary was marked by tributes to the network's history, as well as acknowledgements of its continued modernisation, including new train models, smart ticketing, and biometric payment systems. The Metro carried 2.7 billion passengers in 2024 alone, demonstrating its enduring relevance.Read more

23 May 2025

JPMorgan plans to expand its Paris operations by opening a new office in the city's central business district by 2027, which will house around 1,000 employees. The move reflects the bank's long-term confidence in France, despite economic and political uncertainties. The new office, located behind Place Vendome, will consolidate operations from six buildings into three while increasing total space. This expansion is part of JPMorgan's post-Brexit strategy to strengthen its EU presence, with Paris emerging as a key hub. Announced ahead of the Choose France summit, the decision aligns with reforms encouraging foreign investment and signals confidence in France's economic direction.Read more

23 May 2025

New home prices in China were reported to have remained flat in April 2025, marking the second consecutive month of no growth. A 4.0% year-on-year decline was noted despite recent government stimulus, including mortgage rate cuts and lending adjustments. The prolonged property downturn, triggered in 2021 by developer debt and incomplete projects, has continued to weaken buyer confidence. Resale prices have also dropped across all city tiers. Property investment fell by 10.3% from January to April. Although financial support has been introduced, the market has remained subdued, with observers suggesting more robust intervention is needed to restore sustained sector recovery.Read more

22 May 2025

Real estate icon and 'Shark Tank' investor Barbara Corcoran has successfully sold her opulent Fifth Avenue penthouse in Manhattan in just under 24 hours. The duplex, which was listed at USD 12 million, sparked a swift bidding war, ultimately going under contract above the asking price. Featuring five bedrooms, a rooftop terrace, and a striking curved staircase, the home reflected Corcoran's refined taste and extensive investment. Originally purchased in 2015 for USD 10 million, the residence underwent a USD 2 million transformation. Corcoran is now downsizing to a one-level home in the same neighbourhood to better suit her lifestyle.Read more

21 May 2025

Land Securities, a leading UK commercial property company, reported that its recent property valuations slightly missed market expectations due to slower growth in office spaces compared to retail and residential sectors. The company's CEO highlighted that retail assets remain the strongest performers, driven by retailers consolidating into prime locations with fewer, larger stores. In response, Landsec is accelerating investment in retail and residential properties, including the recent purchase of Liverpool ONE shopping centre. Despite the valuation miss, the company posted a strong pre-tax profit, signalling recovery from prior losses and a strategic pivot to adapt to evolving market trends.Read more

20 May 2025

Frasers Property has renewed its attempt to privatise Frasers Hospitality Trust with a USD 1.1 billion buyout offer, valuing each unit at S$0.71-a 6.8% premium over its recent trading price. The group, which already owns over 60% of the trust, cites macroeconomic uncertainties, fluctuating travel demand, and structural issues as reasons limiting the REIT's performance. Its diversified portfolio spans 14 hospitality assets across Asia, Australia, and Europe. The proposed privatisation aims to reduce volatility and offer more operational flexibility. If successful, it could help the company better manage sector challenges. This move aligns with a wider industry trend of reassessing public listings for hospitality assets.Read more

19 May 2025

Portugal is attracting many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), especially from Ireland, due to its luxury lifestyle, beautiful scenery, great food, and sunny climate. Henley & Partners predicts Portugal will be the ninth most popular destination for millionaires relocating in 2024, with Lisbon hosting over 22,000 millionaires. The Algarve region is also popular for luxury living. Real estate firms like The Agency showcase exclusive properties, including a €27 million villa with a private island. The Algarve's Quinta do Lago offers prime land plots for custom estates. Portugal appeals due to safety, lifestyle, and tax benefits, drawing wealthy buyers and young families. A Moving to Portugal Show in Dublin will share more details about these opportunities.Read more