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

Namibia has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). The announcement was made on Wednesday, July 9, during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Namibia. CDRI, established in 2019 by India, promotes resilient infrastructure against climate risks. GBA, launched by PM Modi in September 2023, aims to advance biofuels globally. These memberships enhance cooperation in capacity building and reflect efforts to strengthen multilateralism for the Global South, boosting bilateral ties.Read more

Education loan growth for Indian NBFCs is projected to halve to 25% in FY26 due to policy uncertainty in the US, according to Crisil Ratings. The loan portfolio stood at INR 64,000 crore in March 2025, with stable asset quality and 0.1% gross NPAs. A 27% YoY drop in US student visas-linked to tighter rules and funding cuts-has reduced loan originations. The US share in education loans has fallen from 53% to 50%, with further declines expected. NBFCs are shifting focus to the UK, Germany, Ireland, and domestic education segments. Crisil warns of asset quality risks as moratoriums end and newer lending areas expand.Read more

Manipal Hospitals is set to acquire Pune-based Sahyadri Hospitals from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board, in a deal estimated at INR 6,200-6,400 crore. This acquisition adds 11 hospitals and 1,400 beds across Maharashtra, raising Manipal's total hospital count to 49 and its bed capacity to around 12,000-making it one of India's largest hospital networks. Backed by Temasek, Manipal aims to expand its footprint and healthcare services nationwide. Ontario Teachers' had acquired a majority stake in Sahyadri in 2022, investing INR 900 crore to scale the brand.Read more

Smartworks Coworking Spaces has garnered INR 173.64 crore from anchor investors prior to launching its IPO, with shares allotted at INR 407 each. Of the total 42.66 lakh shares allocated, over 32% were subscribed by domestic mutual funds including Tata Mutual Fund, Baroda BNP Paribas, and Trust Mutual Fund. The IPO, sized at INR 583 crore at the upper price band, aims to raise INR 445 crore through fresh issue, with INR 226 crore earmarked for fit-out-related capital expenditure and INR 114 crore for loan repayments. Despite recent net losses, the company reported significant revenue growth in FY 2024-25.Read more

Harish Fabiani, Chairman of IndiaLand Properties

Commercial real estate is undergoing a paradigm shift where wellness amenities, once considered optional, have become integral to workplace design. With increased demand for healthier, more humane office environments, developers now incorporate features such as biophilic design, mental health zones, ergonomic infrastructure, and fitness spaces. This shift is influenced by pandemic-driven awareness, ESG mandates, and generational preferences. The wellness real estate industry, valued at USD 275 billion in 2020, is anticipated to grow to USD 580 billion by 2025, reflecting its rising influence in shaping employee experience and property value.Read more

Fish vendors from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Market in Fort, Mumbai who were displaced four years ago due to an unsafe building, are set to be rehabilitated next month at the redeveloped Mahatma Jyotiba Phule market (Crawford Market). The new facility, with two basements and three upper floors, will offer dedicated sections for wholesale and retail fish, parking for 84 vehicles, and modern amenities like cold storage and effluent treatment plants. This move follows BMC's 2021 evacuation order and responds to demands for rehabilitation in the same vicinity, confirming plans for the previously earmarked site amidst its recent leasing.Read more

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd. reported a four-fold jump in sales bookings, reaching a record INR 12,126.4 crore in Q1 FY26, compared to INR 3,029.5 crore a year ago. The company sold 4,718 units, covering 9.55 million sq ft, a 234% annual increase. This record performance was largely driven by its new project in Ghaziabad, The Prestige City, Indirapuram, which sold about 80% of its inventory at launch. The Bengaluru-based firm aims to maintain this momentum, building on its pipeline of 130 projects spanning 203 million sq ft.Read more

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has invited Expressions of Interest for its 5,500-acre Aerotropolis City project in Mohali, Punjab. Located near Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, the project aims to provide residential, commercial, and institutional spaces with modern infrastructure. The first phase covers 1,650 acres, with development works like roads and utility pipelines tendered for completion by April 2026. The initiative seeks to create a modern integrated township, complementing existing city developments, and is expected to become a sought-after address for living and business.Read more

The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) collected INR 100 crore in property tax during the first quarter of FY26 (April-June), a slight decrease from INR 106 crore in the same period last year. This collection was aided by rebates ranging from 3% to 8% for prompt payments, ending July 31. Despite changes in strategy, including not sending messages and appointing private agencies for bill distribution this year, NMC reached the collection mark. The corporation aims for a higher annual target of INR 275 crore in FY26, following INR 256 crore collection in FY25.Read more

Lodha Developers Ltd. has raised INR 300 crore by issuing non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis for business growth. Approved by the Board's executive committee on Tuesday, the debentures carry a 7.96% interest rate and will be redeemed at par after three years. The Mumbai-based firm, a leading real estate company, plans to list these debentures on the BSE's Wholesale Debt Market. This move aligns with its strategy to fund development across housing, commercial, and warehousing projects in key markets like MMR, Pune, and Bengaluru.Read more

TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks has listed its Infrastructure Investment Trust, TVS Infrastructure Trust, on the National Stock Exchange, raising over INR 1,300 crore through a mix of fresh issue and offer-for-sale. The InvIT has been anchored by prominent global and domestic investors, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and L&T. It comprises a seeded portfolio of 11 million sq ft of warehousing and industrial assets valued at around INR 3,000 crore. This marks IFC's first equity investment in an Indian warehousing InvIT.Read more

Seven Indian states collectively raised INR 13,300 crore through the latest auction of State Government Securities (SGS). All participating states accepted their full notified amounts, indicating strong investor demand. Madhya Pradesh led fundraising with INR 4,800 crore and offered the highest yields (7.14-7.15%). Maharashtra raised INR 4,000 crore, while Bihar secured INR 2,000 crore at the lowest yield (6.88%). This auction, conducted by the RBI, helps states fund infrastructure and development projects, aligning with their capital expenditure and fiscal needs.Read more

A case has been registered against the former promoter of Cox & Kings and eight others for allegedly defrauding SBI Cards and Payment Services of INR 105 crore. The complaint, filed in Mumbai, alleges a conspiracy to create forged balance sheets between 2012 and 2019 to obtain corporate credit card facilities, leading to a loss for SBI Cards. The Cox & Kings brand was acquired by Singapore-based Wilson & Hughes in May 2024 through an NCLT process for approximately INR 12 crore, and the new owners state they are distinct from the former management and its past liabilities, focusing on a new beginning for the brand.Read more

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is amending Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) rules to enhance investor parity and market integrity. New guidelines mandate pro-rata rights for investments and distributions, restricting differential rights unless specific conditions apply. The regulator also proposes investment flexibility for Category II AIFs and has heightened due diligence requirements to curb misuse like "evergreening" stressed loans and money laundering, following concerns from RBI and investigations into billions in questionable AIF investments. These changes aim for greater transparency and accountability in India's AIF market.Read more

Ventive Hospitality and Marriott International have signed management contracts for seven new hotels, comprising 1,548 rooms, across India and Sri Lanka. These hotels are expected to open in 4-5 years. The partnership marks brand debuts in locations like Sri Lanka, Varanasi, Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Mundra. This initiative will double Ventive's portfolio to over 4,000 keys, with initial capex of INR 700-750 crore for three properties. It supports Ventive's expansion in Central India and Marriott's growth strategy in a key global market.Read more

Jio BlackRock Asset Management has successfully raised INR 17,800 crore (USD 2.1 billion) in its debut mutual fund offering. The three-day New Fund Offer, held from June 30 to July 2, attracted over 90 institutional investors and more than 67,000 retail investors across three schemes. This significant fundraise is seen as an endorsement of the company's digital-first approach and investment strategies. The 50:50 joint venture, which received its license in May, plans broader expansion in India's financial market, having recently secured approval for broking and clearing services.Read more

Sobha Ltd. reported an 11% increase in sales bookings to a record INR 2,078.8 crore in Q1 FY26, selling 14.44 lakh sq ft of area. This marks its highest-ever quarterly sales value. The Bengaluru-based firm attributes growth to urban migration, commercial space demand, and declining interest rates. It launched two new housing projects, 'Sobha Aurum' in Greater Noida (420 apartments, 7 lakh sq ft saleable area, INR 800 crore investment) and one in Kochi, during the quarter, indicating continued expansion across 13 cities.Read more

Lodha Developers Ltd. reported a 10% growth in sales bookings, reaching INR 4,450 crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. This performance comes despite market disruptions in the early part of the quarter. The Mumbai-based real estate firm aims to meet its annual sales bookings target of INR 21,000 crore for FY26. The company also states it has strengthened its launch pipeline, indicating continued confidence in housing demand.Read more

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