Dubai's real estate sector started 2025 on a strong note, registering AED 44.4 billion in property sales in January, marking a 24.1% increase in value compared to the same period last year. The market recorded 14,236 transactions, reflecting a 23.2% rise in volume. Land sales witnessed the most significant surge, with 811 plots sold for AED 8.6 billion. Villa sales amounted to AED 16.4 billion, increasing by 89.6% in volume, while apartment sales reached AED 18.2 billion, showing a 7.1% rise. Commercial property transactions also saw an uptick of 17.9%, totalling AED 1.2 billion. The data highlights Dubai's growing appeal as a prime real estate investment destination.Read more

Brookfield Asset Management has completed two major real estate investments in Japan, amounting to USD 1.6 billion. The acquisitions include a stake in Tokyo's iconic Gajoen complex, a mixed-use development featuring office spaces, retail outlets, and a luxury hotel as well as a 1 million square foot site near Nagoya, set to be transformed into a logistics warehouse. The move reflects growing foreign investment in Japanese real estate, driven by the yen's depreciation and accessible financing. While Gajoen is owned by China Investment Corp (CIC), Brookfield has not disclosed the extent of its stake in the property.Read more

Betterhomes' FY2024 Dubai Real Estate Market Report highlights significant shifts in the city's residential real estate market. Supply was limited to approximately 27,000 units in 2024 due to project delays, but 2025 is set to witness a 171% increase, with 72,365 units expected to be completed. The market saw a surge in off-plan projects, with over 470 launched throughout the year. Key areas such as JVC, MBR City, and Business Bay remained in high demand. The market is projected to stabilise by 2026 as new units are absorbed. Q4 2024 saw notable completions like Binghatti Onyx and Nara at The Valley.Read more

AT&T has secured USD 850 million by selling 74 underused central office properties to Reign Capital in a sale-leaseback deal. The telecom giant will lease back only necessary space, aligning with its transition away from legacy copper networks, set to phase out by 2029. The move unlocks capital while maintaining service continuity. AT&T's stock rose 0.7% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence. Funds from the deal will support fiber and 5G expansion, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. This restructuring reinforces AT&T's push towards next-generation connectivity while streamlining real estate assets for long-term financial and operational growth.Read more

Dubai's real estate market set new benchmarks in 2024, with total sales transactions reaching 168,405 and a record AED 423.36 billion in transaction value. This marked a 30% increase in value and a 40% rise in transaction volume, demonstrating strong investor confidence. The off-plan market dominated with 63% of total transactions, while the secondary market also showed steady growth. Luxury real estate thrived, with a 63% rise in high-value transactions and record-breaking property resales. As Dubai looks ahead to 2025, the market is expected to stabilise, supported by population growth, new residential units, and the launch of the Smart Rental Index.Read more

The real estate sector in the UAE is witnessing rapid growth, with Ras Al Khaimah emerging as an attractive hub for investors. The launch of Phase 2 of Manta Bay by Major Developers on Al Marjan Island reflects the rising demand for premium residential properties. This surge in interest, strengthened by high-profile projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, strengthens the emirate's position as a promising destination for long-term investment. Experts highlight the importance of not just location but also property readiness for monetisation. Fully furnished units, as seen in Manta Bay, are making it easier for international investors to enter the market and generate income quickly. Furthermore, there is an increasing need for high-quality design elements to enhance investment appeal and rental potential.Read more

The Lanseria Smart City, envisioned as South Africa's first airport-centric smart city for 500,000 residents, remains largely undeveloped years after its announcement. Initially introduced in 2007 as Cradle City and later highlighted in President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2020 State of the Nation Address, the project aimed to create a modern, sustainable urban hub with advanced infrastructure and technology. However, as of October 2024, progress has been slow, with only a R320 million water treatment plant under construction and limited visible infrastructure beyond Lanseria International Airport. While some business developments are planned, much of the area remains open land with growing informal settlements, raising concerns about the project's long-term viability.Read more

Saudi Arabia has announced a landmark decision to permit foreign investment in listed companies owning real estate within Mecca and Medina, the two holiest sites in Islam. This move, revealed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) last week, is part of the kingdom's broader effort to attract foreign capital and enhance liquidity for existing and future projects in these cities. Allowing foreigners to invest in firms whose revenues are tied to Islamic pilgrimages, such as Haj and Umrah, is expected to bolster one of Saudi Arabia's key economic sectors.Read more

In 2024, over 53.8% of Seoul's 56,800 apartment transactions were for properties exceeding 900 million won, reflecting a surge in luxury real estate demand. The shift marks a significant rise from 16.6% in 2018, driven by low interest rates and government policy changes. Premium areas like Gangnam and Mapo attract affluent buyers, with ultra-luxury apartments over 5 billion won comprising 0.72% of sales. The average apartment price rose to 1.27 billion won in 2024 from 815.95 million won in 2018. Experts caution that this trend could deepen housing affordability challenges, exacerbating the divide in Seoul's real estate market.Read more

Dubai's real estate market witnessed remarkable growth in the off-plan segment throughout 2024, reinforcing its role as a key driver of the emirate's property sector. According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), off-plan transactions accounted for 63% of total sales, reflecting heightened investor confidence. Off-plan apartment sales reached a record 94,455 units, a significant rise from 56,146 in 2023. Key areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, and Dubai Hills Estate led apartment sales, while Damac Riverside and The Valley were top choices for villas. The surge was driven by economic stability, infrastructural advancements, and investor-friendly policies. With Dubai's Vision 2040 and sustainable urban planning initiatives in motion, the market is expected to maintain its momentum in 2025.Read more