Global Headline

Hotels & Resorts

Marriott International to bring first urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Shanghai

Marriott International has partnered with Shanghai SIIC North Bund New Landmark Construction and Development Co., Ltd. to introduce the world's first urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Shanghai. Set to open in 2030 within a 480-metre high-rise in the North Bund district, the 110-room hotel will make Shanghai the only city to host all eight Marriott luxury brands.

Mixed-Use

Sun Group launches major multi-trillion VND project in central Nghe An

Sun Group and the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee have officially broken ground on an 8,723 billion VND residential, commercial, and service complex in Truong Vinh ward. Spanning 3.7 hectares, the development features five 39-story towers, 3,500 apartments, 30,000 m2 of retail space, and over 10,000 m2 of green areas aimed at transforming central Vinh City's urban infrastructure.

Residential

Arada enters Queensland property market with AED5 billion Broadbeach twin-tower project

UAE developer Arada has expanded into Queensland with plans for an AED5 billion twin-tower residential development in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Marking its first project outside New South Wales, the scheme will deliver 952 homes ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Arada’s subsidiary, Roberts Co, will handle construction.

Urban Development

Penta Real Estate takes the lead on CZK 90 billion Prague regeneration scheme

Penta Real Estate has acquired a 50% stake in HoldCo Bubny s.r.o. to lead the transformation of Prague’s Bubny-Zátory site. Partnering with AKIPIA and J&T, the firm will oversee a CZK 90 billion urban development project across 250,000 square metres. Running until 2050, the master plan includes 10,000 homes, office space, schools and public amenities, marking the largest project in Penta’s history.

Mega Projects

Vingroup unveils master plan for massive Hanoi sports and events complex

Vingroup Corporation has announced the master plan for the Hung Vuong International Sports Complex in southern Hanoi. Spanning over 400 hectares inside the Hanoi International Sports City, the development features the 135,000-seat VinFast - Trong Dong Stadium. Designed to host global events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup, the site will integrate elite competition venues, extensive training grounds and public leisure facilities.

Utilities

Acwa partners with PT GARAM for $400 million Indonesian water and salt project

Saudi Arabia's Acwa has signed a major deal with Indonesia's state salt firm PT GARAM to build a $400 million integrated facility in East Java. The plant will process 62,500 cubic metres of desalinated water daily alongside 500,000 tons of high-purity industrial salt per year. The initiative aims to reduce Indonesia's reliance on salt imports while delivering crucial industrial water supplies.

What’s New

Logistics

SEGRO hands over Barnsteen development and secures Nacex lease in Amsterdam

Commercial

Ayala Land secures lease deal to introduce Makro stores across four key estates

Infrastructure

Keppel secures 50 MW allocation for new S$1 billion Jurong Island data centre

Urban Development

UK government introduces planning rules to fast-track housing near stations

MagaZine

Hotels & Resorts

The Legacy Over Four Continents: The story of Millennium’s global expansion

Mixed-Use

Redefining City Living: How Strategic Housing Group is shaping the future of residential hospitality

Proptech

From Data to Design: How CHAOS puts people at the heart of urban development

Residential

How North Bucharest Investments is Shaping Bucharest’s Residential Market

Residential

“Mauritius shifts from vacation homes to permanent residences”

Urban Development

The GCC’s Grand Handover: Real Estate enters its next chapter

Residential

The Branded Residence Premium: A tale of two cities

Proptech

Asia’s PropTech Visionaries: Five companies changing real estate

Building

Ten firms leading Asia’s shift to factory-built construction

REIT

Asian REITs bounce back as liquidity returns

Spa & Wellness

Longevity Retreat: How Saudi Arabia and the UAE are redefining luxury wellness.

Architecture

How Middle Eastern climate design is reshaping Asia’s property markets

Featured

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

Investment

Mukesh Ambani secures $17.4 million Tribeca Property previously owned by tech billionaire Robert Pera

Leadership

Infrastructure

ESR appoints Dalmar Sheikh as Chief Executive Officer of data centres business

ESR has named Dalmar Sheikh as Chief Executive Officer of ESR Data Centres, starting 1 September 2026. Working from Singapore, Sheikh will direct the strategy and expansion of the group's digital infrastructure operations across Asia-Pacific. The platform currently holds a project pipeline exceeding 3.2 GW in key regional markets including Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Commercial

Barry Gosin to focus on Chairman role at Newmark operating unit

Long-serving Newmark Group CEO Barry Gosin will transition into a full-time role as Chairman of operating company Newmark & Co. Real Estate, Inc. at the end of December 2026. Gosin, who has led the firm since 1979, has signed an agreement to remain Chairman until 2029 to support high-impact initiatives. Newmark’s Board of Directors plans to select a new Chief Executive Officer by year-end.

Proptech

Zillow reshuffles top leadership to accelerate housing super app strategy

Zillow has announced major changes to its executive leadership team to drive the growth of its residential property super app. Finance chief Jeremy Hofmann steps into an expanded role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, following Jun Choo's decision to step down for health reasons. Former Google executive Sandi Knight also joins the property technology firm as its first Chief Legal and Policy Officer.

Logistics

ESR appoints Reini Otter as new head for Australia and New Zealand business

Real asset manager ESR has appointed Reini Otter as Chief Executive Officer for its Australia and New Zealand operations. Based in Sydney, he will oversee regional growth, focusing on fund management, logistics real estate and data centres. He succeeds Phil Pearce, who established the regional branch in 2018 and now steps into the role of corporate President following the company's 2025 privatisation.

Market Trends

Real Estate Economics

Ayala Land units partner with Pag-IBIG Fund to expand homeownership options

REIT

AREIT posts first-half profit growth of 36 per cent as portfolio expansion continues

Real Estate Economics

ESR exceeds US$2 billion refinancing target following strong global lender demand

Investment

Greystone secures $105.8 million Freddie Mac refinancing for California apartment complexes

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.

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.

Residential

Property firm Kennedy Wilson seals 237 million dollar deal for New York apartment complex

A joint venture led by global real estate specialist Kennedy Wilson has purchased the Carraway housing development in Westchester County for $237 million. The 421-unit Class A residential site in West Harrison was bought alongside Japanese partners Kenedix and Hulic. Situated 25 miles north of Manhattan, the complex features a mix of flats, structured parking and ground-floor retail units.