15 Jan 2026

Italy's property market is set to outperform much of Europe in 2026, supported by political stability and clearer building regulations following Milan's permit scandal. Research firm Scenari Immobiliari forecasts real estate transactions to rise 8.4% this year to nearly 176 billion, led by residential demand. Despite fears of foreign investor flight after projects were frozen in Milan, confidence has held up, helped by deeper due diligence and regulatory clarity. Milan continues to attract global capital, aided by tax incentives and major events like the Winter Olympics. However, limited new housing supply and stalled developments could constrain medium-term growth.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Persimmon has reported annual home completions for 2025 that exceeded market expectations, despite challenging conditions in the UK housing sector. The company delivered 11,905 homes, above forecasts of 11,299 units, supported by a broader sales outlet base, resilient pricing, and internal efficiency measures. Operating across a wide range of housing types, Persimmon benefited from its diversified portfolio and focus on execution. The update suggests the homebuilder has managed to sustain volumes even as higher interest rates and affordability pressures continue to weigh on market demand.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Picton Property Income Ltd has launched a strategic review and entered a formal sale process to explore options to maximise shareholder value. The board is considering a merger or a potential sale of the company, while temporarily suspending its share buyback programme to retain financial flexibility. Operating in a difficult commercial property market, the UK-listed REIT is assessing its future direction amid valuation and funding pressures affecting the sector. The company has stated that no outcome is assured and updates will follow as the process progresses.Read more

14 Jan 2026

HSBC has announced plans to launch an onshore asset management business in the UAE, rolling out 10 locally domiciled investment funds as it deepens its focus on the region. The move targets rising wealth flows into the country, driven by high-net-worth individuals and family offices relocating to the UAE. HSBC said the platform will offer UAE-regulated investment products tailored to local market needs. The initiative aligns with the bank's broader strategy to prioritise Asia and the Middle East as key growth markets. The UAE's stable regulation, tax-free environment, and global connectivity continue to attract global banks expanding their wealth and asset management presence.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Dios Fastigheter AB has signed a five-year green lease agreement with consulting firm B3 for a newly developed office in central Sundsvall, Sweden. The project is designed to meet modern workplace standards while emphasising sustainable operations. The agreement reflects a growing trend in the Swedish office market, where environmental commitments are becoming an integral part of leasing structures. The office is currently under development, with B3 expected to move in during July 2026. The deal adds to Dios portfolio of centrally located commercial properties in northern Sweden.Read more

14 Jan 2026

British Land has announced that Chief Executive Officer Simon Carter will step down later this year to take up a new role at European logistics developer P3 Logistics Parks. The news triggered a drop of over 2 per cent in British Land's share price, reflecting cautious market sentiment. Carter, who has been with the company in various roles for nearly 20 years, led a major reshaping of its portfolio, increasing focus on retail parks after the pandemic. Analysts noted his clear strategic direction as a key strength. After a 12-month notice period, Carter will become CEO of P3, a pan-European logistics real estate platform backed by Singapore's GIC.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Stegra has secured its first customer for non-prime steel from its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden, marking an early commercial milestone ahead of production. The Swedish startup has signed an agreement with Thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe to supply significant volumes from 2027, supporting the ramp-up of operations. Non-prime steel, while not used for high-spec applications, remains suitable for many industrial needs and helps ensure stable plant output. The deal comes as Stegra prepares for a delayed start and continues financing talks to complete the project. Built on low-carbon hydrogen technology, the plant is central to Sweden's push to lead Europe's green industrial transition.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Sunway Group has announced a takeover bid for Malaysian construction and property major IJM Corp, valuing the deal at about 11 billion ringgit. The move aims to create a larger, stronger group as demand grows for scale, funding strength, and specialised skills in infrastructure and real estate projects. Sunway expects benefits such as cost savings, smoother operations, and improved financial capacity. The combined entity would have assets of nearly 58 billion ringgit, placing it among Malaysia's biggest property and construction players. IJM shareholders are being offered a mix of cash and Sunway shares at a premium, with the transaction targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Sansaar, the premium home furnishings brand from D'Decor Exports, has entered the GCC market with its first international launch in Dubai through a strategic partnership with Bru Textile's Fabric Library. The move places Sansaar in a high-growth region known for luxury real estate, hospitality, and design-led developments. Operating through a B2B distribution model, the brand will supply curated fabric collections for premium residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the Gulf. Backed by D'Decor's large-scale manufacturing and Fabric Library's strong regional network, Sansaar aims to meet growing demand for high-quality, design-focused interior solutions. The launch marks a key milestone in the brand's global expansion and highlights rising opportunities in real estate-driven interiors markets.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Google has announced plans to expand shopping features within its AI chatbot Gemini, turning it into a virtual shopping assistant and checkout platform. Partnering with retailers such as Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, Gemini will allow users to search for products, get personalised recommendations, and complete purchases without leaving the chat interface. Linked accounts will enable tailored suggestions based on past shopping behaviour, while instant checkout will support card payments and soon PayPal. The feature will launch initially in the US, with global rollout planned. The move highlights growing competition among tech and retail giants to use AI to simplify online shopping and reshape digital commerce experiences.Read more