1. Global Investment Resilience
A new Savills report shows that global real estate delivered US $380 billion in investments during H1 2025. In Q2, US$193 billion flowed into commercial real estate—down 5% year-over-year—but U.S. commercial transactions surged 50%, albeit from a low base. Office deal volumes rose 12%, living-focused investments reached US$58 billion (down 9% from a year prior, yet up 8% for H1 overall), and senior‑living properties soared 80% year-to-date—all signs of emerging market recovery and strong sentiment among buyers and sellers.
2. U.S. Mortgage Rates Hit New Low
U.S. average mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans dropped to about 6.58%, a 10-month low, driven by weak job growth, easing inflation, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. This easing is expected to stimulate demand, especially in Sun Belt entry-level homes, multifamily, and industrial real estate. Housing-related stocks and homebuilders are seeing renewed investor interest.
3. U.S. Housing Market Dynamics
The U.S. housing market is currently in a holding pattern: mortgage rates have dipped, inventory is rising, and buyer affordability remains a barrier despite seller incentives. Active listings hit 1.103 million in July; median listing prices slightly decreased (~US$439,450), and properties are spending longer on the market—about 58 days. Price reductions are up compared to last year. These conditions slightly favor buyers, although market responses vary regionally.
4. Miami’s Luxury Market: Cash Is King
In Miami’s high-end property market (homes over US$1 million), over 50% of transactions are all-cash—and this rate climbs to 59% for homes above US$10 million. In Q1–H1 2025, condos over US$2,000 per square foot saw 83% cash purchases, and single-family homes similarly high at 79%. Sellers are increasingly unwilling to lower asking prices and are delisting rather than negotiating. Miami remains a hotspot for affluent investors drawn by its favorable taxes and luxurious lifestyle offerings.
5. Real Estate in India: Digital Land Records
India is pursuing full digitalization of land records by December 2025. The initiative aims to reduce disputes, improve transparency, speed up acquisitions, and bolster foreign direct investment in both residential and commercial real estate. It’s poised to significantly improve the sector’s attractiveness to global developers and investors.
6. Kering Considers Selling Prime Properties
Luxury conglomerate Kering—which owns brands like Gucci—is contemplating the sale of parts of its €4 billion real estate portfolio to alleviate financial pressure. Earlier in 2025, Kering sold a majority stake in three Paris properties for €837 million while retaining partial ownership. Other key locations—including investments on Fifth Avenue (New York) and Via Monte Napoleone (Milan)—are being evaluated for similar deals. The aim is to raise liquidity without fully divesting, though such moves may impact brand prestige.
7. Commercial Real Estate Stocks: Alexandria (ARE)
Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (ARE) stock rose 1.10% on August 27, closing at US$81.72, underperforming relative to peers (some posting ~2% gains). Overall market indices were modestly positive, but ARE remains significantly below its 52-week high.
8. India’s Proptech and Financing Trends (sidebar from industry news)
Indian real-estate professionals are embracing new tools: For example, Rechat now integrates with Figma to speed up marketing asset distribution, while reports warn borrowers not to rely on refinancing in expectation of future rate drops.
