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Existing home sales in the U.S. surged 4.8% in November compared to October, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.15 million units, the highest since March, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Sales increased 6.1% year-over-year, the largest gain since June 2021. The national median sales price rose 4.7% to USD 406,100, marking the 17th consecutive month of price increases. The rise was driven by a 17.7% year-over-year increase in housing inventory, despite elevated mortgage rates averaging 6.6%. However, overall sales for 2023 may still fall short, potentially marking the lowest annual total since 1995, as the housing market continues grappling with affordability challenges and supply constraints.Read more
Chinese property developer Kaisa announced shareholder approval for issuing $4.8 billion in mandatory convertible bonds as part of its debt restructuring plan. Shareholders also approved issuing $26.9 million in shares as a work fee to Citicorp International. Kaisa, which defaulted on $12 billion in offshore bonds in 2021, is addressing liabilities, including loans and yuan-denominated securities. Holding the second-largest offshore debt among Chinese developers after Evergrande, Kaisa aims to secure creditors' approval for the plan in a December court hearing in Hong Kong. The bond issuance strengthens Kaisa's financial stability, supports restructuring, and enhances job security and growth opportunities for employees.Read more
A luxury villa in Dubai's Emerald Hills community recently sold for AED 120 million, marking a record-breaking transaction and underscoring the investment potential in the ultra-luxury real estate market. The sale, facilitated by fam Properties, earned the investor AED 40 million in profit. With prime plots and partially constructed villas currently available in Emerald Hills, investors have opportunities to replicate similar returns. The community's exclusivity, scenic views, and demand for bespoke homes continue to position it as a prime destination for wealthy buyers.Read more
Germany's property sector is showing signs of recovery after a severe downturn. According to forecasts by JLL, property transactions are projected to reach EUR 35 billion in 2024, increasing to EUR 40-42 billion by 2025. Though interest rate cuts have offered relief, challenges like high construction costs and economic uncertainty remain. The sector hit its lowest point in 2023, and recovery is expected to be slow due to postponed corporate relocations and expansions. JLL's insights highlight cautious optimism, with Germany's real estate market poised for gradual improvement despite ongoing volatility.Read more
China's new home prices saw a slight decline in November, marking the slowest drop in 17 months. The government's intensified stimulus measures aim to revive the struggling property sector, which has faced severe challenges since 2021. Data showed that new home prices fell by 0.1% month-on-month and 5.7% year-on-year. Efforts to stabilise the property market have included reducing mortgage rates, cutting down-payment ratios, and offering tax incentives. As a result, home prices rose in several cities, including Shanghai and Shenzhen, while Beijing saw a slight drop.Read more
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Swedish property giant SBB has completed a EUR 2.78 billion bond exchange, paving the way for greater financial flexibility and debt reduction. The deal, approved by 95% of creditors, addresses restructuring challenges and introduces clearer bond covenants. SBB, central to Sweden's real estate bubble collapse between 2022-2023, has been divesting properties and spinning off units to stabilize its operations. CEO Leiv Synnes emphasized the company's commitment to lowering leverage and maintaining creditor trust. Shares surged 18% following the announcement, signaling renewed investor confidence.Read more
In December 2024, UK average asking prices for newly listed homes fell by 1.7%, following a 1.4% drop in November, aligning with year-end trends, Rightmove reported. Buyer interest surged, with agreed sales up 22% and demand rising 13%, driven by urgency to avoid April 2025 stamp duty hikes. From April, first-time buyers will pay tax on properties above GBP 300,000 (down from GBP 425,000), and second-home buyers face higher surcharges. Experts predict a 4% price rise in 2025, supported by potential mortgage rate cuts. Labour's planning reforms aim to accelerate housing development, potentially bolstering the market further.Read more
China's top regulators have pledged to implement measures to stabilize the housing and equity markets while introducing more effective fiscal policies. These efforts follow a key meeting led by President Xi Jinping, where increased stimulus was called for. The government plans to boost demand and regulate land supply in the housing sector, while the China Securities Regulatory Commission aims to strengthen market supervision. The Ministry of Finance will focus on sustained fiscal policies and improved regulations. Despite a modest economic rebound, China's credit expansion has slowed, suggesting that further monetary easing may be necessary. The central bank is expected to cut interest rates and relax financing conditions in the coming months to support the economy.Read more
The City of London has approved a 73-storey, 309.6-meter skyscraper, set to rival the Shard's height. Named 1 Undershaft, the tower will offer 154,156 sq m of office space, educational facilities, and a public garden. Despite delays since 2016 and conservationist concerns over its impact on historic landmarks, the revised design meets post-pandemic office needs. Investor Aroland's project signals confidence in London's premium office market amid rising borrowing costs and remote work trends. With City construction up 7% between April and September, this development highlights sustained global investor faith in London's real estate and economic resilience.Read more
ESR Group, a Hong Kong-based real estate and logistics firm, has announced plans to raise approximately 2.10 billion yuan (289.24 million dollars) by spinning off and listing its Jiangsu Friend logistics projects on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The assets will be offered as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), with units priced at 2.628 yuan each. ESR will retain an ownership stake of at least 39.37 percent in the newly listed entity. This move is part of ESR's broader strategy to monetise its logistics assets, raise funds, and support the continued expansion of its logistics and real estate portfolio.Read more
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