Hong Kong's retail sector showed steady growth in October, with retail sales by value rising 6.9% year-on-year to HKD 35.2 billion (USD 4.52 billion), marking six months of consecutive gains. Sales volume increased 5.3%, while overall retail value for the first ten months remained stable despite a slight 1.5% volume decline. Visitor arrivals surged to 4.59 million, with Mainland Chinese tourists contributing significantly. Jewellery and luxury goods saw strong sales, while clothing and footwear rebounded modestly. Government officials expect continued support for retail from rising visitor numbers and improving local consumer sentiment.Read more

Target Healthcare REIT has acquired three care homes for GBP 45 million, reinforcing its strategy of expanding in the healthcare property sector. The deal includes a forward commitment, supporting long-term rental income and growth potential. The REIT continues to focus on operationally efficient, high-quality care homes across the UK, targeting assets that meet regulatory standards and market needs. With the demand for well-managed care facilities rising due to an aging population, such acquisitions are expected to provide stable returns. This purchase adds to the company's consistent record of strategic, income-generating healthcare investments.Read more

Cardinal Infrastructure Group indicated earlier this week that it planned to secure a valuation exceeding USD 805 million through its forthcoming US IPO, marking one of the final major listings in the year-end window. The offering, which follows a revived US IPO market despite recent political gridlock in Washington, is set to raise as much as USD 253 million. The company expects renewed market confidence-driven by rising equities and easing interest rates-to support investor demand. Its prospectus reflected strong backing from residential builders, who accounted for nearly 71% of its revenue over the past year.Read more

Britain will introduce an annual tax on residential properties valued over 2 million pounds starting April 2028. The surcharge, on top of current local taxes, will range from 2,500 pounds for homes in the 2-2.5 million band to 7,500 pounds for properties valued above 5 million pounds. Valuations will use 2026 prices and will be annually adjusted for inflation. The policy is expected to raise 0.4 billion GBP by 2029 30 and targets high value homeowners, marking the UK's return to discussions around a 'mansion tax.'Read more

Australia's banking regulator, APRA, has announced that from February it will restrict high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans to curb financial risks. Under the new rule, banks can issue no more than 20% of new mortgages where the borrower's debt is six times or more than their income. The cap applies to both owner-occupied and investor loans, excluding new construction loans. This follows a sharp increase in investor lending and housing prices. Currently, 10% of investor loans and 4% of owner-occupied loans exceed the threshold, raising concerns over potential market instability.Read more

Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki indicated that restarting the Tomari nuclear power plant is now viewed as a practical possibility, following regulatory approval and ongoing assessments. He said he would reach a final decision after site inspections and consultations with nearby municipalities. The plant's No. 3 reactor, inactive since 2012, recently cleared its safety review after a 12-year process. Hokkaido Electric is also preparing additional safety infrastructure, including a seawall scheduled for completion in March 2027. The move aligns with Japan's broader efforts to stabilise energy supply, similar to the partial restart recently permitted at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata.Read more

RUA AlHaram AlMakki Company concluded its debut at Cityscape Global by signing six significant Memorandums of Understanding with partners from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the United States. The agreements are aimed at attracting global investment and fostering collaboration for the King Salman Gate mixed-use project in Makkah. The company's immersive Cityscape Global booth highlighted Makkah's heritage and engaged thousands of visitors. These strategic partnerships mark a key step in developing a world-class destination that combines urban living, hospitality, cultural preservation, and inclusivity for the global Muslim community.Read more

Dream Industrial REIT recently received a rating upgrade from Morningstar DBRS, which is expected to lower its borrowing costs on loans. The improved rating reflects the trust's strong financial performance, disciplined debt management, and high-quality industrial property portfolio across Canada. Analysts say the upgrade could enhance investor confidence and provide access to favorable lending terms. The trust aims to use the reduced interest expenses to support portfolio expansion and optimize returns. Its long-term leases and strategic acquisitions have been central to achieving financial stability and operational efficiency.Read more

China's new home prices recorded a quicker month-on-month increase in November, reflecting selective improvement in the primary housing market. However, secondary-market prices continued to fall as high listing volumes and weak buyer sentiment kept pressure on valuations. The survey by China Index Academy highlighted that the broader property sector remains under strain, with developers still coping with the liquidity challenges that began in 2021. Although several supportive steps were introduced in the second half of 2024, major new stimulus has not been introduced this year. Policymakers may consider easing purchase rules and reducing transaction costs to stabilise demand.Read more

Aroundtown, one of Germany's leading listed real estate firms, is advancing its plan to convert vacant office spaces into data centres amid growing European demand. The company expects its first centre in Berlin to be operational within three years, with six Berlin locations already receiving initial energy approvals. While the Frankfurt site awaits power allocation, Aroundtown has identified ten initial project assets and noted that roughly 100 of its buildings could potentially serve as data centres. The company is engaging with developers and operators and plans to secure higher energy capacity and full permits in the coming months.Read more