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

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

Germany's residential real estate market has started to regain stability after a prolonged period of correction triggered by European Central Bank (ECB) rate hikes. According to official data, home prices rose by 3.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, following two consecutive quarters of modest recovery. The increase was most noticeable in major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. However, the momentum is largely driven by a persistent housing shortage, exacerbated by sluggish construction activity, bureaucratic delays, and falling building permits,well below the country's ambitious housing targets. Experts anticipate restrained price growth going forward amid continued affordability pressures.Read more

Hong Kong's New World Development has secured around HKD88 billion (USD11-11.3 billion) in refinancing this past week, one of the largest loan deals in the city's history. After months of tense negotiations, lenders have backed a multi-tranche facility extending maturities to mid-2028. With high exposure to mainland projects and steep interest costs, the loan lifeline is crucial in pulling the developer back from default risk. CEO Echo Huang emphasised that the support reflects confidence in the firm's strategy, which prioritises debt reduction and cash flow improvement. The refinancing provides vital breathing room amid the property downturn.Read more

Blackstone has acquired around USD 2 billion worth of performing commercial real estate (CRE) loans from Atlantic Union Bank, which had inherited the portfolio from Sandy Spring Bank. This transaction, executed at a slight discount, enables Atlantic Union to redirect capital towards reducing high-cost deposits and scaling its securities portfolio. The loans, largely backed by apartment and retail assets, were seen as low-risk and attractively priced. Blackstone's Real Estate Debt Strategies arm executed the purchase as part of its broader plan to acquire discounted CRE debt amid regional banks' retreat. The move drew positive reactions from financial analysts and advisors alike.Read more

New-home sales in the U.S. tumbled 13.7% last month, sliding to their lowest level since late last year as mortgage rates hovered near 7% and consumer sentiment weakened. Builders have responded with price cuts and incentives, but elevated borrowing costs and rising input expenses spurred by tariffs are dragging demand and construction. Inventory has swelled to levels unseen since 2007. With builder confidence sagging and policy uncertainties persisting, analysts predict continued market softness and potential ripple effects across the broader economy.Read more

The branded residences sector has recorded a striking 180% growth globally over the past decade, driven by demand from high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury, convenience and consistent service. Portugal, particularly the Algarve, has emerged as a standout market with Kronos Homes offering Marriott and Westin-branded properties at the Salgados Resort. The developments boast premium amenities, beach or golf-front locations, and seamless ownership experiences. With fully furnished, key-ready options and optional rental programmes, these homes are proving appealing as both lifestyle purchases and investments.Read more

The World Bank has approved over USD 1 billion in aid for Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, focusing on infrastructure, trade, and public service restoration. Iraq received USD 930 million for a railway modernisation project linking Umm Qasr Port to Mosul, aiming to enhance logistics and diversify its oil-dependent economy. Syria secured USD 146 million to restore war-damaged power infrastructure, supplementing a recent 5,000 MW energy deal with foreign firms. Lebanon was granted USD 250 million to repair essential public services like water, healthcare, and transport after recent conflict. The World Bank stressed these are long-term development investments, not just crisis responses, to foster regional stability and recovery.Read more

U.S. existing-home sales saw an unexpected, slight uptick in May, increasing by 0.8% month-on-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.03 million units. However, the pace remains historically slow for this time of year, the weakest May performance since 2009. High mortgage rates, ranging between 6.6% and 6.9%, continue to strain affordability, especially for first-time buyers who only made up 30% of transactions. Inventory rose over 20% from a year ago to 1.54 million homes, while the median price hit a record USD 422,800. Despite more listings, affordability and borrowing costs remain key concerns for buyers and sellers alike.Read more

The World Bank has approved a $1.5 billion loan to South Africa to support key infrastructure and transport upgrades, aimed at driving a shift toward a low-carbon economy and tackling high unemployment. The country's struggling rail, ports, and energy sectors have hurt industries like mining and auto manufacturing. The loan, offering favorable terms and a three-year grace period, is expected to ease debt pressures and foster reforms. With $55 billion allocated for infrastructure through 2026, the government hopes to spur economic growth and improve public services. However, a recent GDP forecast cut to 1.4% signals continued economic challenges ahead.Read more