Global Headline

Residential

Policy Provides the Mandate. Architecture Delivers the Space.

World Habitat Day and World Architecture Day share a 2026 focus on housing. This article shows how planning and tax rules decide whether homes can be built, and how design decides how fast, using examples from England and Sweden.

Eagle Hills signs deal to build residential and tourism projects in Syria

Abu Dhabi developer Eagle Hills has signed a framework agreement with Syria's Ministry of Public Works and Housing to construct residential and tourism projects across the country. Initial developments include Damascus Heights in the capital and Latakia Yachts & Marina on the Mediterranean coast. The projects aim to generate employment, support local businesses and expand housing and leisure amenities, with preparatory works set to begin soon.

Infrastructure

Vingroup and Alstom sign tech license deal for Hanoi metro network

Vingroup has signed a rolling stock contract and Technology License Agreement with rail leader Alstom to supply 200 Metropolis trainsets for Hanoi's urban rail network. Under the deal, Alstom will produce the first 83 trainsets in France before providing technology transfer to enable Vingroup to manufacture the remaining 117 units locally in Vietnam.

Urban Development

Mnzil launches SAR 1 billion fund for Saudi workforce housing

Mnzil has partnered with The Development Group and Capital Partners to launch a SAR 1 billion real estate fund. The initiative aims to build purpose-built workforce communities across key cities in Saudi Arabia, creating up to 50,000 beds. Designed to improve living standards for workers, the project will feature quality housing, green spaces and recreational facilities. Construction is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Hotels & Resorts

Marriott International signs agreement to add eight hotels across the Netherlands

Marriott International has signed a landmark multi-deal agreement with Townhouse Hotels to add eight properties and over 700 rooms to its Dutch portfolio. The expansion debuts the Series by Marriott brand in the Netherlands and marks the company's first entry into Maastricht and Eindhoven. Six hotels will join Series by Marriott, while two boutique locations will align with the Tribute Portfolio brand.

Utilities

Italy allocates €1.55 billion in PNRR funding for 59 regional water projects

Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has fully allocated €1.55 billion across 59 water infrastructure projects in under four months. Managed alongside Invitalia, the fund directs over half its resources to Southern Italy, exceeding target quotas. Combined with beneficiary co-funding, total investment will reach over €2.2 billion to modernise the national water network and enhance supply security.

What’s New

Interview

Leadership, Luxury and the Future of Hospitality in West Africa

Logistics

JLG Capital and Kasumigaseki Capital Malaysia partner on cold-chain infrastructure

Building

Arada expands Australian builder Roberts Co into the UAE market

Commercial

Dubai Retail unveils plans for super regional Skylight Mall

MagaZine

Coverstory

Capital. Code. Concrete.

Hotels & Resorts

Navigating the institutional capital shift toward flexible living assets across the Australian property market

Transportation

China Is Building the World’s Most Automated Transport Network

Proptech

Are Smart Buildings Creating a New Category of Cybersecurity Risk?

Urban Development

Greenfield, Culture and Concrete

Tech & Innovation

Robotics on Construction Sites: How automation is moving from the factory floor to the job site

Tourism

How Anime Tourism Is Reshaping Hotels, Retail and Local Business Across Japan

Investment

The Island Baron: Inside Larry Ellison’s real estate empire

Oil & Gas

Digital Oilfields Are Redrawing the Real Estate Map of Global Energy

Architecture

Destination Architecture: How landmark buildings are becoming tourism destinations in their own right

Featured

Tourism

Who does AI put on the map?

ESG & Sustainability

World Environment Day is not a commemoration. It is a commitment.

Spa & Wellness

Inside the $584B Wellness Real Estate Shift: How neuro-responsive design is redefining luxury hospitality

Architecture

Architecture: Evolution throughout the ages

Leadership

Residential

Lizbeth Heyer assumes the role of 2Life Communities President and Chief Executive Officer

2Life Communities has appointed Lizbeth Heyer as President and Saul and Gitta Kurlat as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Amy Schectman. Heyer, who joined the organisation in 2014, previously oversaw property development, healthcare integration and affordable housing initiatives across Massachusetts. Her leadership comes as 2Life expands its development pipeline, including new senior housing schemes in Lynn and Boston to address regional economic insecurity among older adults.

Residential

The Dot Group appoints Jim Sholders as CEO of Yugo USA

The Dot Group has promoted Jim Sholders to Chief Executive Officer of Yugo USA, completing the integration of Campus Advantage 12 months after its acquisition. Sholders previously served as President from 2025 and brings over 30 years of student housing experience. In his new role, he will drive North American expansion as Yugo targets tripling its US holdings and joins The Dot Group’s global Executive Leadership Team.

Infrastructure

African Collaborations Group names Paulo J. Cruz as Founding CEO to expand sports infrastructure

African Collaborations Group has named Paulo J. Cruz as its Founding Chief Executive Officer. Joining from DAMAC Group, Cruz brings 28 years of industry experience across infrastructure and real estate. He will oversee the expansion of a pan-African platform focused on developing bankable sports and entertainment district ecosystems, including the firm's flagship Victory District model designed to generate long-term economic growth across the continent.

Commercial

JLL reveals major leadership restructuring for Irish operations

JLL has announced a major leadership succession plan for its Irish operations. Deirdre Costello will assume the role of CEO Ireland in January 2027, succeeding John Moran, who moves into the reintroduced Chairman role. Dan O’Connor takes over as Head of Capital Markets and Hotels with immediate effect. The moves draw on over 90 years of combined firm experience to drive future growth across the country.

Market Trends

Proptech

Homeward raises $120 million Series D equity to expand cash offer and bridge financing for agents

Real Estate Economics

Vonovia launches new Veveus brand to target institutional real estate market

Logistics

Logistic Properties of the Americas agrees to US$152 million logistics park sale in Colombia

Tech & Innovation

Mubadala and Together AI form strategic partnership to expand UAE artificial intelligence infrastructure

Regional Focus

Mega Projects

Modon partners with Montage Hotels & Resorts to bring ultra-luxury hospitality brand to Egypt’s Ras El Hekma

Modon Holding has partnered with Montage Hotels & Resorts to launch a luxury resort and residential development on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. The project will feature 200 rooms alongside 96 exclusive branded villas for purchase within the Wadi Yemm precinct. Serving as part of the USD 35 billion Ras El Hekma mega project, the development introduces high-end international hospitality to the region.

Urban Development

New British international school to open in Riyadh’s SEDRA community

ROSHN Group and Cognita Middle East have announced a major new King’s College Riyadh campus in the SEDRA community. This project is ROSHN’s largest private education development to date. Spanning 36,300 m², the facility will offer a British-international curriculum for students from pre-school to secondary levels. The partnership aims to provide world-class schooling and high-end sports facilities, supporting the growth of one of Riyadh’s fastest-growing residential neighborhoods.

Urban Development

Saudi Arabia and Syria agree major investment deals across key sectors

Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a series of strategic investment agreements covering aviation, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih led a high-level delegation to Damascus to meet with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. The deals include a major redevelopment of Aleppo International Airport and the creation of a new joint airline with Flynas. STC will lead efforts to modernise Syria's digital infrastructure while ACWA Power explores a large-scale desalination project.

Lifestyle

New lifestyle hub BAY360 set to transform Jumeirah Lakes Towers

A new community destination named BAY360 is coming to Jumeirah Lakes Towers, featuring a flagship Spinneys supermarket and a variety of waterfront dining options. Developed by DMCC and Sweid & Sweid, the project aims to improve the liveability of the district through better pedestrian access and modern lifestyle amenities. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the hub will occupy part of Lake D and include essential medical services and rooftop sports facilities.

Sustainability

One Ayala East and West Towers achieve LEED Gold status in sustainability push

Ayala Land Offices’ One Ayala East and West Towers in Makati City have achieved LEED Gold certification for their 74,531-square-meter commercial space. Alongside the South Tower, all three buildings have also secured EDGE Zero Carbon status via 100% renewable energy use and efficiency measures, offering global tenants premium office space aligned with strict corporate ESG targets.

Real Estate Economics

Vinhomes launches scheme allowing buyers to convert gold into property

Vinhomes has launched a five-year scheme alongside gold and silver companies to help clients convert idle gold into cash to purchase properties. Buyers can later opt to keep the real estate or receive 110% of their converted gold value. The initiative aims to mobilize capital while supporting Vinhomes as it targets a record revenue growth of over 15% this year.

Building

New eco-resort township breaks ground in Sa Pa

Construction has officially commenced on the EcoSapa Eco-Resort Township at the Ô Quy Hồ Tea hill in Lào Cai Province. The project is a joint venture between Ecopark Hải Dương Investment JSC and Hồng Phong Investment and Development Co., Ltd. Designed by enCity, the development aims to integrate tourism, tea culture and luxury resort living into the natural mountain landscape of northern Vietnam.

Residential

M&G Real Estate buys six Tokyo apartment blocks for USD 126 million

M&G Real Estate has expanded its Japanese portfolio with a JPY 19.4 billion investment in six residential buildings across Tokyo. The deal, worth approximately USD 126 million, targets the city's high demand for rental housing. These assets will join the M&G Asia Property and Asia Living Property strategies, capitalising on Tokyo’s limited housing supply and steady population growth to provide reliable long term returns for global investors.

REIT

Home REIT agrees sale of 706 asset portfolio for £123 million

Home REIT has exchanged contracts for the sale of 706 properties to Patron Capital in a deal worth £123 million. This transaction represents the vast majority of the company's asset portfolio. Completion is expected by 1 April 2026 with a secured payment structure in place. While the board intends to return capital to shareholders, the timing remains uncertain due to ongoing potential litigation and legal claims against the company.

Logistics

Valor and QuadReal secure second Berlin logistics site in two months

Valor Real Estate Partners and QuadReal Property Group have extended their partnership in the German market with the acquisition of a 6,000 sqm logistics asset in Berlin. Located in the Charlottenburg-North submarket, the modern cross-dock facility serves as a critical last-mile hub for the city. This transaction follows a significant investment in Lichtenberg last month, highlighting the joint venture's focus on high-demand urban areas.

Investment

Roadside Real Estate enters petrol market with £17.8 million Gardner acquisition

Roadside Real Estate is set to acquire Gardner Retail for approximately £17.8 million, marking a major strategic move into the petrol forecourt sector. The deal involves six high quality sites in Southwest England that generated £33.9 million in revenue last year. Roadside will fund the acquisition by expanding its existing debt facility with Tarncourt Properties. This transaction is expected to be immediately earnings accretive and serves as a foundation for further consolidation in the roadside retail market. The company has already paid a multi million pound deposit with completion scheduled for early 2026.

Building

Dominus and Cheyne Capital seal deal for landmark Ibex House hotel transformation

Dominus and Cheyne Capital have acquired the Grade II-listed Ibex House in the City of London for conversion into a 382-room hotel. The Art Deco landmark, built in the 1930s, will undergo a sustainable transformation designed by Studio Moren. The project aims to preserve the majority of the original structure while targeting top-tier environmental certifications. Alongside luxury guest rooms, the scheme includes the reopening of a historic pub and the launch of a new hospitality training academy.

Nigeria to host second Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit in Abuja

Nigeria will host the second Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit this April in Abuja. The event focuses on turning policies into bankable projects through private sector partnerships. High level officials including Vice President Kashim Shettima will discuss financing and risk frameworks. The summit includes a training workshop for developers and seeks to accelerate large scale home construction across the country.

Infrastructure

HS Hwaseong enters African market with Kenyan BRT contract

HS Hwaseong has won its first African infrastructure contract to build a 10.5km Bus Rapid Transit system in Nairobi. The 78.4 billion won project includes 13 stations and five bridges. Supported by South Korean development funds, the 24-month build aims to reduce Kenyan traffic congestion. The firm will use its 68 years of experience to implement eco-friendly and smart construction methods in this new market.

Anambra State clears final hurdles for 10,000 low-cost housing mega project

The Anambra State Government is moving ahead with its ambitious low-cost housing initiative after resolving last-minute bureaucratic and contractual issues. The scheme aims to construct 10,000 affordable homes for civil servants and low-income households in the Isiagu area of Awka South Local Government. The project, which has been approved by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, will be executed via a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with real estate developers.

Nigerian states partners with consortium to build 100,000 housing units

Efforts to deliver 100,000 mixed housing units across the South-East region of Nigeria have commenced following a major agreement in Enugu. The $10 billion (N15 trillion) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is between the Igboebinie Plc consortium and Hand of God Construction Company Limited. The project will feature smart city designs and will create an estimated three million jobs. The development aims to tackle Nigeria’s significant housing deficit and redefine urban infrastructure, positioning the region as a hub for investment and sustainable living.

Mixed-Use

Arlington approves major mixed-use redevelopment for central car park site

Arlington City Council has backed a major redevelopment scheme to turn 7.3 acres of central surface parking into a multi-purpose complex. Private firm Trammell Crow Company will construct at least 390 homes, commercial space and a 600-car garage, investing over $123 million. The municipality retains land ownership whilst acquiring a new Water Utilities office, infrastructure and 197 free public parking spaces under a 99-year lease agreement.

Commercial

eMaxx launches new Commercial Property Program through the eMaxx Reciprocal Insurance Exchange

eMaxx has introduced a Commercial Property Program powered by the eMaxx Reciprocal Insurance Exchange. Designed for building owners facing premium volatility and disputed valuations, the policyholder-owned structure rewards commercial property owners who invest in proactive risk management. Coverage is available to businesses meeting Highly Protected Risk Catastrophe standards, with primary insurance provided through an A.M. Best A-rated carrier and reinsurance supported by the eMaxx Reciprocal.

Residential

Greystone Capital Advisors arranges $103 million bridge loan for Texas residential portfolio

Greystone Capital Advisors has arranged a $103 million bridge loan for Vantage Communities Inc. to refinance three residential developments in Central Texas. The floating-rate debt covers 864 Class A units across the Austin and San Antonio areas. Provided by Benefit Street Partners, the interest-only facility features an initial three-year term with extension options to support the portfolio through full property stabilisation.

Greystar closes deal for major student housing development at Penn State

Greystar has finalised a deal for the University Drive student housing project at Pennsylvania State University. Developed alongside JLC Infrastructure, the scheme will deliver 1,505 beds across 703 units in four podium-style buildings. This project is the second student housing asset for the Greystar infrastructure platform and marks the first public-private partnership housing venture for the university.