Sales of existing homes declined in February, reflecting poor demand in housing sector amid higher prices and weak inventory.
Real Estate
Sluggish Indian realty spells boom for Godrej Properties
Sluggish sales and the new regulatory bill in India's real estate sector have turned to be favorable for Godrej Properties which is now making heavy investments to cash in on available opportunities in an otherwise sluggish real estate market.
Wells Fargo Settled $1.2 Billion Over Bad Housing Loans Secrecy
As settlement for hiding bad loans and house desolation, Wells Fargo will pay $1.2 billion. The bank lender admitted of cheating the government by insuring thousands of risky mortgages although they are not eligible.
Home loans turn cheaper as India's RBI cuts rate to 5-year low
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's central bank, has reduced repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 percent, indicating an over five-year low. After the rate cut, home loans will be cheaper by half a percentage.
Investments in Scottish commercial property up 33%
Scotland commercial property recorded 33 percent growth rate in investments during the first quarter of 2016. Office buildings are adding value to Scottish property market. Over 40 percent of investments came from overseas investors.
Latest News
Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher's House is in auction with a base price fixed at Rs 150 crore. A consortium of SBI led the auction where interest buyers will bid online. Lenders are optimistic that the said e-auction will generate huge amount to suffice the amount to pay for the loans granted to Kingfisher Airlines and other debts.
China’s property market keeps on growing even amid the country’s economic slowdown and weak exports. The surge in the real estate sector is contributing positively to the country’s economy as a new economic driver.
Porsche is constructing its residency tower with hydraulic lifts that could transport residents’ cars to the garage next to their units. The garages will have floor-to-ceiling windows right outside the living room, where car enthusiasts can keep and enjoy their cars in the luxury personal garage while enjoying the buildings post amenities.
Property investors would face tough economic condition in South Africa due to the economic resession the country is facing. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is attempting to overcome this by increasing tax, that could slow down property sales in the country.
Israel is witnessing an increasing number of new venture capital (VC) firms coming up. The country registered an inflow of $665 million VC funding during the first two months of the year. Unfazed with the recent market crash, the funds inflows continue for Israel startups.
Kumagai Gumi Co, a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed Japanese construction firm, recorded hammering down of its shares. The stock suffered the most in over 13 years. The news that construction defects in a residential complex made Kumagai Gumi rebuild five apartments has hit hard shares and investors' confidence.
British property website Zoopla has set a new record in attracting more number of visitors to its webpage. About 58 million visits to Zoopla website and app by homebuyers was recorded in January 2016. Zoopla has announced better than forecast results for 2015.
China has unveiled a series of new initiatives to push its economy growth rate. The government is keen on meeting the increasing demand in small and medium-sized homes. Another set of new rules for accelerating reforms at state-owned enterprises will be announced soon.
The gloomy atmosphere prevailing in the construction sector of India has led the government to take monetary steps to aid the ailing sector. Shivshahi Punarvasan Prakalp will provide monetary assistance for the construction activities in India.
