Nigeria's economic crisis has triggered a housing affordability crisis in Lagos, where rents have surged by 120% in Lekki and 28% on the mainland due to inflation and economic reforms. With a population of over 20 million, Lagos already faces severe housing shortages, further exacerbated by currency devaluation and the removal of fuel subsidies. Similar rent hikes are reported in Abuja and Port Harcourt, pricing out middle- and low-income earners. Experts warn that Lagos must accelerate affordable housing projects to prevent worsening inequality and address rising living costs in Africa's largest city.Read more

After years of crisis, China's property sector is showing signs of recovery, attracting institutional investors and hedge funds. Shares of Hong Kong-listed mainland developers have surged 15% this month, led by state-controlled firms like China Vanke. Investors such as Shanghai Chongyang Investment and Golden Nest Capital are betting on a rebound, fueled by government intervention and market consolidation. While smaller cities still struggle with unsold inventory, prime city home prices are rising. This mirrors global real estate trends, with New York, London, Mumbai, and Dubai witnessing renewed investor interest in luxury and distressed properties.Read more

CRH, the global construction materials company, forecasts a 6% to 12% increase in core profit in 2025, up from 12% in 2024. The company's performance is driven by robust infrastructure and non-residential construction activity, notably in North America, where it earns 75% of its revenues. CRH is benefiting from growing US public capital spending and "reshoring" trends, which are enabling large projects for Intel, Samsung, Ford, and Micron. With a predicted adjusted EBITDA of USD 7.3-7.7 billion in 2025, CRH continues to benefit from increased infrastructure investment and the expansion of manufacturing and data centre construction in the United States.Read more

German property financier Deutsche Pfandbriefbank (PBB) reported a modest decrease in net profit to EUR 90 million in 2024, down from EUR 91 million in 2023, citing a delayed rebound in real estate markets. Risk provisions fell to EUR 170 million from EUR 212 million, owing primarily to unstable U.S. office loans and German property developments. With rising office vacancy rates and plummeting property values, PBB intends to minimise its exposure to the US market and change its focus away from office properties. The bank's cautious approach echoes larger concerns in commercial real estate, as financial institutions examine risks in the face of rising interest rates.Read more

Thousands of UK-homebuyers face higher stamp-duty as tax-thresholds tighten from April-1. Rightmove estimates 74,000 transactions may miss the March-31 deadline, including 26,000 first-time buyers. Those purchasing homes between 500,000 pounds-625,000 pounds, especially in London, could pay upto 11,250 pounds extra. The previous Conservative-government raised thresholds in 2022, but Labour confirmed relief will end. From April, the general-exemption drops from 250,000 pounds to 125,000 pounds, and for first-time buyers, from 425,000 pounds to 300,000 pounds. Delays in property-chains worsen the issue, with South-East buyers hit hardest. Rightmove urges extension to prevent financial-strain.Read more

Shimao Group has secured creditor approval to restructure USD 11.04 billion in offshore debt, marking a key development in China's struggling real estate sector. The plan, initially proposed in March 2023, follows years of financial turmoil and opposition from bondholders. Creditors were offered four repayment options, including short- and long-term notes. A final approval hearing is set for 13 March. Amid China's ongoing real estate crisis, this restructuring reflects broader efforts to manage financial distress. The outcome may influence other troubled developers navigating debt challenges, shaping the sector's recovery and stability in the coming years.Read more

Eldridge Real Estate Credit has deepened its partnership with Vita Group, committing nearly GBP 1 billion across eight financing deals to support over 6,000 student beds in the UK and Europe. Their latest project at 30 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, will feature 1,068 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) units, catering to London's high demand for premium student housing. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the 48-story complex will include top-tier amenities. Developed by Tide Construction, this marks a major step in revitalizing Canary Wharf as a residential hub while addressing the city's student housing shortage.Read more

U.S. new single-family home sales fell by 10.5% in January, reaching an annualized rate of 657,000 units, as high mortgage rates and rising home prices dampened demand. The median home price rose 3.7% year-on-year to USD 446,300, while the 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains near 7%. Sales dropped sharply in the Northeast, Midwest, and South but increased in the West. Rising inventory levels, now at 495,000 units, have led to cautious builder sentiment, slowing new construction. With economic uncertainty, high borrowing costs, and inflation concerns, the housing market faces continued challenges in 2024, impacting buyers, builders, and real estate financing.Read more

U.S. real estate tech firm CoStar is reportedly pursuing a full acquisition of Australian property classifieds company Domain Holdings for AUD 2.7 billion (USD 1.72 billion). CoStar has already acquired 19% of Domain's shares at AUD 4.20 each, offering a 34.6% premium over its last closing price. Domain, majority-owned by Nine Entertainment, has yet to respond to the bid. CoStar's expansion follows recent acquisitions of Matterport and Visual Lease. If successful, the deal would mark CoStar's entry into the Australian market, potentially reshaping the real estate classifieds sector with its growing global footprint.Read more

MDH Partners, an Atlanta-based real estate firm, has entered the Nevada market with a USD 94 million acquisition of two industrial buildings in Sunrise Industrial Park, Las Vegas. These multi-tenant properties, spanning over 500,000 square feet, mark the company's expansion into a key industrial hub. This purchase is part of MDH's broader strategy, following over USD 1 billion in investments across 11 markets in late 2024. With ownership of 35 million square feet in 18 states, MDH Partners continues to strengthen its presence in the industrial real estate sector, targeting high-growth, strategically located properties.Read more