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Germany's residential property market recorded a 1.9% year-on-year price increase in the fourth quarter, marking the first rise since 2022, according to federal statistics office data. This recovery follows a prolonged slump triggered by the European Central Bank's aggressive rate hikes to combat inflation. While the pace of decline has slowed over the past year, uncertainty persists due to higher borrowing costs. Home prices rose across most regions, with the sharpest gains seen in major cities outside metropolitan hubs, where apartment prices increased by 2.5% and house prices by 2.2%. The statistics office noted that the figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
Wipro Limited has secured a EUR 500 million, 10-year strategic contract with the U.K.'s Phoenix Group to handle life and pension business administration for its ReAssure division. Under the agreement, Wipro Financial Outsourcing Services Limited (WFOSL) will provide policy administration, claims processing, customer service support, data management, compliance, and platform technologies. The deal strengthens Wipro's position in the U.K.'s Life and Pension Third Party Administration (TPA) sector. As part of the engagement, Wipro will modernise Phoenix's core policy administration platform with AI, automation, cloud, and digital technologies while expanding its U.K. operations through new technology and service hubs. Additionally, several Phoenix employees will transition to Wipro to support this transformation.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured its largest-ever offshore contract worth USD 4 billion from QatarEnergy LNG. The project, part of the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression initiative, involves installing gas compression systems on platforms and associated facilities. This deal surpasses the INR 25,000 crore railway electrification contract L&T won last year. The contract strengthens L&T's presence in the oil and gas sector and aligns with Qatar's strategy of boosting gas production. It also highlights the growing role of Indian infrastructure companies in international energy projects. L&T has been witnessing strong order inflows, with an order book exceeding INR 5.65 trillion as of December 2024.
As Dubai's property market continues to thrive, Palm Jebel Ali is gaining prominence as a lucrative investment opportunity, offering investors prime waterfront properties at competitive early-stage prices. A report from fam Properties highlights Palm Jebel Ali's resurgence, positioning it as an affordable yet expansive alternative to Palm Jumeirah. With larger plots, lower entry prices, and flexible payment plans, the development is attracting high-net-worth investors. The final phase of ultra-luxury villas is soon to be launched, with resale demand expected to drive prices higher. Experts suggest that the limited availability of waterfront properties will sustain long-term value appreciation, making Palm Jebel Ali a compelling choice for investors.Read more
Beijing Capital, a state-backed Chinese property developer, is raising up to 500 million USD through a four-year dollar bond, testing investor confidence in China's struggling real estate sector. This follows its 450 million USD bond issuance in March. Strong demand has emerged, with orderbooks reaching 3.2 billion USD and initial pricing set at 7.25%. The company is also offering to buy back its 2025 and 2026 bonds, aiming to refinance offshore debt. The rare issuance reflects renewed investor interest, likely driven by government stimulus, and could signal a gradual return of Chinese developers to global debt markets after years of financial distress.
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Japan's Nomura Real Estate has partnered with Legal & General (L&G) to build over 1,000 rental homes in the UK, marking its first entry into the market. The venture aims to address Britain's severe rental housing shortage while leveraging Nomura's expertise in large-scale development. The first project, set for south London, will deliver over 200 homes, with more planned across various locations over five years. Nomura will provide most of the investment, while L&G will oversee development and operations. The deal also strengthens L&G's ties with Japan, following previous collaborations with Mitsubishi Estate and a recent partnership with Meiji Yasuda.
Malaysia ranks seventh in the Annual Global Retirement Index, attracting retirees with its affordability, high-quality healthcare, and diverse living options. Kuala Lumpur offers a low cost of living, with rent between RM1,500-RM2,500 (USD 300-500) and meals as cheap as RM10 (USD 2). Visa programs like the MM2H facilitate long-term stays, while real estate opportunities abound, especially in historic areas like George Town. World-class private healthcare is affordable, with consultations costing RM50-RM250 (USD 10-50). Retirees can enjoy Malaysia's tropical climate, from cooler Cameron Highlands to beach destinations like Langkawi. These factors make Malaysia an appealing and cost-effective retirement destination.Read more
Dubai's real estate sector maintained strong momentum over the past year, with off-plan properties fuelling significant growth. The emirate witnessed a 35.5% rise in real estate transactions throughout 2024, reinforcing its reputation as a premier investment destination. Early 2025 trends indicated sustained demand for off-plan properties, marked by a shift in investor demographics. Indian investors expanded their market share, while interest from Mexican and Pakistani buyers also increased. Additionally, the growing diversity of investors from regions such as Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East showcased Dubai's expanding global appeal. Major projects like The Valley by Emaar and Sobha One remained investor favourites.Read more
Spain's premium property market is poised for growth in 2025, with lifestyle preferences driving demand. According to Savills, Spain is expected to achieve 4-5% growth in prime residential capital values, outpacing the global average of 1.6%. Leading developer Taylor Wimpey Espana reports increased interest in penthouses offering tranquility and exclusivity along Costa del Sol. Key projects include Solana Village in Mijas, with three-bedroom penthouses priced from EUR 513,000, and Solemar near Casares Beach, starting at EUR 535,000. Marbella Lake in Nueva Andalucia features luxurious duplex penthouses priced up to EUR 1.015 million. To meet growing demand, Taylor Wimpey Espana is expanding into Costa Blanca and Mallorca.Read more
Britain's government pledged 2 billion pounds (USD 2.58 billion) to build up to 18,000 social and affordable-homes in England by 2029, supporting its goal of 1.5 million homes by the end of the current parliamentary term. Construction starts in March 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer prioritizes housebuilding to boost economic growth and address-shortages. Housing minister Angela Rayner emphasized helping families secure homes. Median house-prices were 7.7 times the average-income in 2024. Finance minister Rachel Reeves also allocated 600 million pounds (USD 775 million) to train 60,000 construction workers by 2029 amid severe skills shortages.Read more
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