New ABS data reveals property investor lending fell sharply by nearly 9% in the June quarter, with investors pulling back from established homes while investments in new builds reached record highs following tax changes and interest rate hikes.
OpenAI bought back $7 billion in employee shares in a tender offer valuing the AI lab at $852 billion, while confidential IPO preparations continue.
Dozens of women accuse convicted rapist Ralph Carr of abusive behaviour, Australia's $50,000 parent visa process faces criticism for lengthy delays and applicant deaths, and Donald Trump's Board of Peace issues a contract for a military base in Gaza
UK housebuilder Persimmon raises full-year outlook despite cost pressures, citing readiness to benefit from Prime Minister Andy Burnham's housing policy agenda, aiming for 12,500 new homes by year-end.
Palm Springs' luxury housing market is cooling after a pandemic-era boom, with home prices falling, properties taking longer to sell, and significant price cuts observed on upscale homes. The market, once fueled by low mortgage rates and remote work, now shows signs of balance with increased inventory.
Perth's housing market is described by experts as "messy" and "unaffordable," with first-home buyers like Tess McKenna struggling to find properties under $1 million. Strong demand, low supply, and government schemes are cited as contributing factors, while the WA Housing Minister focuses on increasing supply.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed concerns about the country's real estate market, comparing it to Japan's 1990s property crash, as he plans tax revisions. Economists, however, largely downplay immediate bubble burst risks, citing tight lending and regional price variations, while acknowledging some shared financial characteristics with Japan.
Adelaide's median house price surged 4.8% in the June quarter to a record $1.125 million, making it Australia's fastest-rising capital market and bucking national trends. Despite this, local real estate agents report slowing buyer confidence and low turnout at inspections, while experts predict future price declines.
Australia's housing market has officially entered a downturn, with national capital city house prices falling by 1.4% and unit prices by 1.2% in the June quarter. This marks the first decline in over three years, driven by higher interest rates, affordability constraints, and waning buyer confidence.
Billionaire Bill Koch's 52-acre Aspen estate, Elk Mountain Lodge, sold for $33.515 million at auction after nearly two years on the market. Originally listed at $125 million, the sale reflects a significant price reduction and shifts in the ultra-luxury housing market.
The US housing market is experiencing a worsening affordability crisis, with June's pending home sales falling 5.4% and national median home prices hitting a record high. Builder sentiment also dropped in July, marking 15 consecutive months of negative outlook, driven by high mortgage rates, costly land, and labor shortages.
The UK housing market is poised for a prolonged period of stagnant house prices due to elevated mortgage costs, geopolitical tensions, and domestic political uncertainty, according to Bloomberg's analysis of RICS survey data. Buyer activity is slowing, with little expected movement in prices over the next three months.
A 5,170 sqm site on Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, will be tendered in Q2 FY2026-27, expected to yield 250 flats and include social welfare facilities. Development Secretary Bernadette Linn stated the move balances housing supply and market stability.
India's residential property market achieved one of its strongest first halves in over a decade in H1 2026, with sales near record highs. However, the market is increasingly driven by premium housing, making affordable homes less accessible. Mumbai led sales, Bengaluru showed fastest growth, while NCR weakened.
India's residential real estate market is entering a consolidation phase, not a downturn, with demand supported by urbanization and lower borrowing costs. Premium housing leads growth, while affordable segments face pressure. Unsold inventory is rising as launches outpace sales.
San Francisco's housing market is experiencing extreme overbidding, with over 140 homes selling for $1M+ above asking price in early 2026, a massive surge from previous years. The AI boom, company IPOs, and subsequent hiring are driving demand, leading to rapid sales and rising prices.
House prices in Spain and Portugal are rising sharply due to high demand, limited supply, and immigration, making homeownership difficult. Spain saw a 12.9% increase and Portugal 17.8% in Q1 2026. Both governments are monitoring markets, with Portugal tightening lending rules.
The US housing market is moving towards a more balanced state, with 44% of agents reporting a balanced market in Q2, up from 30% last year. Buyers are regaining leverage due to increased supply and more realistic pricing from sellers, though high mortgage rates remain a concern.
A Dallas Fed report indicates unauthorized immigration between 2021-2024 led to a 2.2% rise in home prices and 1.4% rent increase in US metro areas. The study, cited by Trump, suggests this surge contributed significantly to housing demand shocks.
Berlin is transforming a derelict sports facility into 700 rental apartments. Despite a construction slowdown, new permits are up, and areas like Lichtenberg are booming. Modular construction and social housing are key, but prices and rents continue to rise across the city.
Flood-affected properties in New Zealand are increasing in value faster than undamaged ones, as buyers prioritize affordability despite rising weather risks. Data from Cotality indicates these homes trade at an initial discount but show stronger growth, particularly in regions like Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
Australia's housing market is experiencing a downturn, with first-home buyers showing hesitation due to rising interest rates and tax reforms. Investor demand is also slumping, except for new properties which benefit from tax advantages. Auction sales have collapsed, leading to longer selling times and increased housing supply.
South Korean newspapers on July 1 focused on President Lee's plans for semiconductor cluster projects in Yongin and the Honam region, alongside government designations of three Gyeonggi areas as speculative zones due to rising home prices. Currency fluctuations were also noted.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has accused colleague Matthew Guy of assault at a community event, causing turmoil for the party five months before the state election. Guy vehemently denies the allegation and is considering defamation action, while Victoria Police investigate the reported incident which occurred on May 23 in Sunshine.
