Contrary to conventional expectations, Dubai's real estate market experiences a surge during Ramadan, as indicated by data from 2023 and 2024. Transaction volumes, sales values, and property prices have seen significant increases, positioning Ramadan as a peak period for property deals. In 2024, transactions rose by 39%, reaching 12,313, while sales values soared by 55% to AED 32.6 billion. Luxury properties witnessed remarkable price growth, with villa prices increasing by 10% to AED 9.85 million and townhouses rising by 22% to AED 3.11 million. Market dynamics suggest that exclusive Ramadan offers, motivated buyers, and strong investor confidence contribute to this trend. Forecasts for Ramadan 2025 indicate continued momentum, with transaction volumes projected to reach 13,500 and sales values expected to climb to AED 36 billion, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global real estate hub.Read more

Germany's residential real estate sector is facing a crisis as new building permits dropped to 215,900 in 2024, the lowest since 2010. This 16.8% decline, driven by excessive bureaucracy, high construction costs, and rising interest rates, is worsening the housing shortage. The German Property Federation warns that approvals may fall further to 210,000, jeopardizing the government's annual target of 400,000 new homes. Industry experts are calling for regulatory reforms and financial incentives to revive construction. Some local authorities are piloting streamlined permit processes, but whether these efforts can reverse the decline remains uncertain amid ongoing market challenges.Read more

A consortium of Singapore Land, UOL Group, and China Jinmao Holdings has acquired a prime residential site in Shanghai for CNY 8.96 billion (USD 1.23 billion), demonstrating confidence in the city's long-term growth potential. China Jinmao holds a 90% stake, while UOL Group invested CNY 358.57 million as part of its expansion strategy in China. The acquisition aligns with UOL and Singapore Land's diversification goals, leveraging China Jinmao's local expertise. Despite challenges in China's property sector, the deal reflects a strengthening partnership between Singaporean and Chinese developers and reinforces belief in Shanghai's real estate market stability.Read more

Kuwait has enacted landmark reforms to its property ownership laws, expanding expatriates' rights under regulated conditions. Law No. 7 of 2025 allows Arab nationals inheriting property a two-year period to sell, while those inheriting from Kuwaiti mothers face no restrictions. Listed companies and licensed investment entities can now acquire real estate, provided it's used for operations or employee housing. The changes lift previous bans on foreign-owned firms holding property, boosting investment while maintaining oversight. Strict measures prevent speculative trading, ensuring alignment with Kuwait's economic goals. These reforms mark a significant shift, fostering market growth while preserving national interests.Read more

Thailand's central bank is evaluating measures to support the property sector as developers struggle with falling demand and stricter lending. Industry players have urged the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to ease loan-to-value (LTV) rules to boost home sales. While the LTV ratio currently stands at 90%-100% for first-time buyers, rising bad loans and sluggish market conditions have reignited calls for policy adjustments. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has pushed for a review, citing weak consumer confidence. Any changes in lending policies could impact property prices, investment sentiment, and the overall housing market.Read more

Rome's real estate market is gaining momentum as investors seek alternatives to Milan's dominance. The city attracted 17% of Italy's real estate investments in 2024, up from an average of 11% in previous years, with €1.7 billion invested. Public spending for the upcoming Holy Year and new town planning rules are boosting investor confidence. Rome is balancing growth with social housing to prevent displacement. Key projects, like the Ex Fiera di Roma redevelopment, aim to modernize urban spaces. While challenges remain in infrastructure and waste management, Rome's renewed focus on real estate makes it an attractive investment destination.Read more

Private developers in the United Kingdom invested 473 million British pounds in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in 2024, signing 22 land deals, according to Knight Frank. Despite a decline in international student numbers due to stricter visa policies, student housing remains profitable due to high rental demand and strong yields. Private-sector student rents have risen nearly twice as fast as university-owned housing. In London, annual student rent now exceeds the maximum student loan available. Universities are increasingly partnering with developers to expand housing, benefiting from cost savings and guaranteed occupancy, keeping PBSA a key investment sector.Read more

Asian investment firm PAG has closed its 10th Asia-focused opportunistic real estate fund at USD 4 billion, surpassing its USD 3.5 billion target. This marks the largest real estate fundraising in the region over the past year. Japan will receive at least 60% of the fund's allocation, driven by stable interest rates, corporate reforms, and liquidity. PAG plans to invest 25-30% in data centers, alongside offices, multifamily housing, and logistics. With no China investments since 2019, PAG continues to expand in Australia and South Korea, capitalizing on Japan's growing appeal to global investors.Read more

The recent 10% tariff on Chinese goods imposed by former President Donald Trump is driving up construction costs in the U.S., adding pressure to an already strained housing market. Builders face rising prices for essential materials like steel, aluminum, and glass, while supply chain disruptions create uncertainty in pricing and contracts. Higher costs are expected to be passed on to consumers, exacerbating affordability issues amid high mortgage rates. Developers are exploring cost-cutting measures but with limited relief. As the industry navigates these challenges, the National Association of Homebuilders is urging tariff exemptions to prevent further disruptions and housing shortages.Read more

The Office for National Statistics reported that average house prices in the uk increased by 4.6 percent in december 2024, reaching 268,000 pounds. This marks the fastest annual rise since January 2023, up from a 3.9 percent increase in November. Lower borrowing costs and buyer urgency ahead of upcoming purchase tax hikes have contributed to the recovery. However, London experienced no growth while northeast England led with a 6.7 percent rise. Meanwhile, London's private residential rents climbed by 11 percent in the 12 months to January, reflecting broader market trends.Read more