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real estate

Brazilian creates real estate boutique in Lisbon and leads immigrant team | Immigration

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 20, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Brazilian Entrepreneur⁢ Launches Lisbon Real Estate ‌Firm, Empowering Fellow Immigrants

lisbon, Portugal -⁤ September⁢ 20, 2024 – A brazilian national has established a specialized real estate boutique in Lisbon, catering‌ to the ⁣growing influx of immigrants seeking property in the Portuguese ⁢capital.The firm, led by [Name not provided in source], distinguishes itself by employing a team comprised almost entirely of fellow immigrants, offering culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible service.

The venture ⁣addresses a critical need within Lisbon’s rapidly evolving real estate market. Portugal has experienced a surge in immigration in recent years, with Brazil consistently ranking among the top countries‌ of origin. This ‌influx has created demand for real estate professionals who understand the unique challenges and preferences of newcomers navigating a foreign property system. The boutique aims to bridge this gap, providing guidance in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and leveraging the team’s shared experiences as immigrants to build trust ⁣and facilitate smoother transactions.

The company’s founder, recognizing the difficulties faced by Brazilians and⁢ other immigrants⁤ in securing housing, conceived⁣ the idea ⁤to create a supportive and knowledgeable agency. The team’s collective understanding of the immigration process, financial considerations, and cultural⁤ nuances positions them to effectively serve a demographic often overlooked by ‍traditional real estate firms.The firm’s focus extends beyond simply finding properties; it encompasses assisting clients ⁤with navigating ⁣legal requirements, securing financing, and integrating into the Lisbon community.

September 20, 2025 0 comments

World

Malaysian Billionaire Sunway Buys Singapore Developer MCL Land

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 18, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

sunway Group ⁢Acquires Singapore’s MCL Land for $578 Million

SINGAPORE – September 18, 2024 – Malaysian conglomerate Sunway Group, led by billionaire Jeffrey Cheah, is expanding its presence in Singapore’s real estate market with⁢ the acquisition of developer MCL Land for S$739 million ($578 million) from Hongkong Land Holdings. The deal, announced today, signals a deepening‍ commitment to investment in one of Asia’s most stable property markets.

“This acquisition marks a decisive expansion of our footprint in one of Asia’s most competitive property markets,” stated Sarena Cheah,⁢ executive deputy chairman of Kuala Lumpur-based Sunway, in ⁢a press release.

Sunway has ⁣recently increased its Singapore investments, following a‍ successful bid last month – alongside partner sing⁤ Holdings -⁣ for a residential site in Chuan Grove, northeastern singapore, at S$623.9 million. The company intends⁤ to combine the Chuan Grove‌ sites into a single integrated advancement comprising 1,055 units across five 27-story residential towers, representing‌ a total investment ⁣of S$1.3 billion for ‌the plots.

“Our recent investments,including the Chuan Grove sites,underscores our confidence in Singapore’s long-term fundamentals and our commitment to scale with purpose,” added Sarena Cheah,daughter of Sunway‍ founder and executive‍ chairman Jeffrey Cheah.

The acquisition of MCL Land is ‍expected‌ to provide Sunway with “a robust platform to accelerate growth not only in singapore but across key regional markets,” Sarena Cheah noted. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by the end of the year, ⁤pending standard closing ⁢conditions.

Hongkong Land intends to use⁤ the proceeds from the divestment to strengthen its balance sheet and focus on its core business. ‌”This transaction sees ⁣us continue‌ to sharpen⁢ our portfolio⁣ focus and recycle capital to ‍what‍ we do best, which is developing and managing ultra-premium integrated commercial properties in⁢ Asian gateway cities,” said michael Smith, chief executive ⁢of Hongkong Land.

Sunway Group, originally a⁤ tin-mining company, has been ⁢transformed under Jeffrey Cheah’s leadership over⁢ five decades⁤ into a major Malaysian conglomerate with diverse interests including construction, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and real estate. Cheah currently has a ‍net worth of $4.3 billion, ranking him ‍among Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals.

September 18, 2025 0 comments

World

Mortgage Rates Drop: Refinance Applications Surge

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 17, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Mortgage Refinance Applications Surge Nearly 60% as Rates Plummet to Lowest Level in Over a Year

Washington, D.C. – September 17,2025 – Homeowners rushed to refinance their mortgages last week as interest rates fell to their lowest point as October 2023,triggering a massive wave of applications. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA),refinance applications jumped a remarkable 58% compared to the previous week and are 70% higher than the same week last year.

The surge in activity pushed the refinance share of total mortgage applications to 59.8%, up from 48.8% the week prior.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($806,500 or less) decreased to 6.39% from 6.49%, with points decreasing to 0.54 from 0.56, including the origination fee, for loans with a 20% down payment.

“Homeowners with larger loans jumped frist,as the average loan size on refinances reached its highest level in the 35-year history of our survey,” noted Mike Fratantoni,MBA’s SVP and chief economist.

Demand was notably strong for adjustable-rate mortgages (arms), with the ARM share of activity climbing to 12.9% of total applications – the highest level seen since 2008. Fratantoni clarified that these newer ARMs differ from those preceding the 2008 financial crisis,stating,”Notably,ARMs typically have initial fixed terms of five,seven,or ten years,so those loans do not pose the risk of early payment shock that pre-2008 ARMs did. Borrowers who do opt for an ARM are seeing rates about 75 basis points lower than for 30-year fixed rate loans.”

While refinance activity dominated,purchase applications also saw a modest increase,rising 3% for the week and standing 20% higher than the same week a year ago.

Mortgage rates continued their downward trend at the start of this week, dipping to 6.13% – the lowest level since the end of 2022, according to Mortgage News Daily. This move comes ahead of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal reserve on Wednesday. Though, analysts caution that a bond selloff following a rate cut, as occurred last year, coudl reverse the trend and push rates higher.

September 17, 2025 0 comments

World

Russian Developers Face Bankruptcy Crisis Amid Sanctions and Economic Woes

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 16, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Russia‘s housing Market Faces Headwinds Amid ⁣High Interest ⁣Rates and Shifting Mortgage landscape

Russia’s real estate sector‍ is experiencing a downturn, marked by declining sales and revenue⁢ drops ⁣among major developers, fueled by high interest rates and the phasing out of government mortgage subsidies.⁤ While the ⁣sector initially benefited from a boom spurred by a previous preferential mortgage ⁢program, the current environment ⁢presents critically⁢ important⁣ challenges.

According too an analysis cited in the article, the true cost ⁣of ⁢a‍ mortgage in Russia, ‍factoring in insurance and commissions, reaches at least 25 percent annually. This burden is‍ exacerbated by the current interest rate environment. The Russian Central Bank⁣ (CBR) raised it’s key interest⁣ rate to a peak of 21 percent to combat inflation driven by increased government spending on the military and⁤ a labor shortage.‍ Though the rate ⁢has as been ⁣lowered to 17 percent, it remains high‌ enough to ⁤make home loans unaffordable for many Russians.

The end‍ of a four-year preferential mortgage program in July 2024, which had offered rates as low as ⁢8 percent,⁣ triggered the current difficulties. Following the program’s termination,the⁣ market shifted dramatically. As of August 2024, 80 percent of mortgages were being issued⁢ under ‌targeted government initiatives – such as programs for families with children – while only 20 percent were being offered on market terms, according to Deputy Prime Minister ⁣Marat Khusnullin.

This shift has impacted developer revenue. Nine of‌ Russia’s 20 largest residential developers ‍reported significant revenue declines in‍ the first half of 2025. YugStroyInvest saw a 45 percent year-on-year drop in sales to 29 billion rubles ($348 million), GK Tochno’s revenue fell‌ 43 percent to 10 ‌billion rubles, and Setl Group’s‍ income slumped by 41 percent.

Economists attribute the ⁣sector’s⁣ struggles to the tight monetary policy. Vasily Astrov,an expert on the Russian economy,explained⁢ that high ‌interest rates suppress credit expansion,including mortgage lending. He also noted the termination of‌ subsidized mortgages as ‍a contributing factor. however, Astrov emphasized that high interest rates are only indirectly linked to the war economy, as the CBR ‌prioritized controlling inflation even at the potential cost of slower economic ‌growth and increased bankruptcy risk.

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service attributes the industry’s‍ woes to low demand, ⁤limited state support, and the diversion of resources to the war. Khusnullin warned that‍ around 20 percent of ⁢developers are⁢ facing serious risks, and that figure coudl rise above 30 percent if⁣ high interest rates persist and investment in ⁤real estate declines.

Pressure is mounting on the CBR to further reduce the key interest rate. German ‍Gref, CEO ‌of Sberbank, recently‌ called for a reduction ⁢to 14 percent by the end of the year. Though, with annual inflation currently at 8.1 percent – well above the CBR’s 4⁤ percent target – further rate‍ cuts might potentially⁤ be stalled, possibly prolonging the challenges facing the construction sector.

September 16, 2025 0 comments

World

Mortgage Demand Stalls Amidst Rate Stability – August 2025

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 16, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Mortgage Demand‌ Stalls as Rates Hold Steady Near 6.7%

Washington, D.C. – August 27, 2025 – The housing market continues‌ too experience⁣ a standstill, ‌with mortgage demand showing minimal movement for the second consecutive week as⁤ interest rates remain largely unchanged. ‌According to the⁣ Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), total mortgage application ‍volume decreased‍ by 0.5% last week.

The average ‌contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan ‍balances ($806,500 ‍or less) edged up to 6.69% from 6.68%,⁣ with points holding steady at⁤ 0.60 for loans with ⁤an 80% loan-to-value ratio (LTV).

While refinance applications declined 4% week-over-week, they ⁣remain 19% higher than the same period last‍ year. Refinancing now accounts for 45.3% of total mortgage activity,down from 46.1% the previous week.

A slight ⁤shining spot emerged in the purchase market, with applications increasing 2% for the week – marking ⁢the strongest week for purchase demand in a month, albeit from⁣ a low baseline. The average purchase loan size also rose to $433,400, the highest in two months, reflecting ongoing increases in home prices.

“Prospective ⁣buyers appear to be less sensitive to rates at these levels ‍and are ‍more active,bolstered by more inventory ⁤and cooling home-price growth in many‌ parts⁣ of the country,” explained Joel Kan,an MBA economist,in a statement.

The market’s stability comes despite recent‍ political news, including President Donald Trump’s firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The move raises the possibility of a future Fed appointment more inclined towards aggressive interest rate cuts, but has yet to impact current mortgage rates.

The ‍current situation highlights ⁣a persistent challenge for the ⁣housing market: a lack of meaningful movement in either rates or demand, leaving both buyers and sellers in a state of ⁣uncertainty.

September 16, 2025 0 comments

World

CRE Market Recovery: JLL Index Shows Increased Bid Intensity

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 15, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Commercial⁤ Real Estate bidding Activity Shows‍ signs of rebound

After a‌ period of hesitation earlier in the year, driven by broader economic concerns, the⁢ commercial real estate market is‌ demonstrating renewed activity. A recent report from JLL⁤ indicates a stabilization – and ⁢even advancement – ⁣in bidding dynamics, marking the first positive shift since December.

JLL’s global Bid Intensity Index, a key⁤ indicator of liquidity and competitiveness in private real estate capital markets, points to increasing capital flow and a more balanced⁣ playing field for buyers and sellers. The index is⁤ built upon three core components: the gap between final bid and asking price (Bid-Ask Spread),the average number of bids received per property (Bids per deal),and the variation in pricing among final bids‍ (Bid Variability).

this ⁤stabilization coincides with a period of relative strength in property sector fundamentals and a surprising resilience in asset valuations.despite ongoing investor caution,property values have largely held steady ‍throughout the year.

“Institutional investors are returning to the market with increased capital and ‍a renewed appetite for real estate,” notes Ben Breslau, Chief Research Officer at JLL. “while a full⁢ recovery is‍ expected to be gradual, the stabilization of borrowing costs and ‍property values in many markets suggests momentum will build ‌throughout the remainder of the year.”

Sector performance Varies

The ‍report highlights varying performance across different property sectors. “living” -⁢ encompassing multifamily apartments, senior living, and student housing - is leading the charge, with bid-ask spreads narrowing considerably. Retail is showing‍ improvement compared to⁢ last year, though recent⁤ months have seen a slight decline due to the impact of tariffs.

Industrial properties, though, are ⁢lagging, hampered by ongoing supply chain disruptions and the uncertainty surrounding potential and implemented tariffs.‌

Interestingly, the office market is also⁣ showing signs of life.Increased bidder participation and a growing number of lenders offering financing are contributing to improved bid dynamics. Some analysts are even suggesting the ⁢office market may be nearing a bottom ‌after ⁣the notable downturn experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic,with investors actively seeking opportunities and demand rising alongside ⁤the return-to-office trend.

Accepting Uncertainty, Embracing Risk

The JLL ‌report suggests investors are increasingly accepting uncertainty as a permanent feature of the market landscape. This acceptance extends to ⁤a willingness to embrace higher⁣ levels of risk. ‌

Breslau emphasizes the enduring appeal of commercial real estate as⁤ a long-term‍ investment. “The attractiveness of CRE as a store of value ‌remains intact,” he states. “As investors shift towards a ‘risk-on’ approach, combined with the strength of current debt ⁣markets, we anticipate⁢ continued growth in capital flows ⁤into the sector.”

Stay Informed with CNBC’s Property Play

Want to stay ahead of⁣ the ⁢curve in⁣ the evolving world of real⁣ estate investment? CNBC’s Property Play newsletter, with Diana Olick, delivers insights into new and emerging opportunities for investors of all sizes. Subscribe here ⁣to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox.

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September 15, 2025 0 comments

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