Real Estate & Property news from the last 24 hours, AI-curated by PiQ Markets

A surge in mortgage rates, influenced by the conflict in Iran, has derailed an anticipated early 2026 housing market rebound, with brokers now expecting a 10-12% decrease in home sales, amounting to an estimated loss of 400,000 sales nationwide. Concurrently, foreclosure auction activity rose 23% year-over-year in Q2 2026, reaching 66% of pre-pandemic levels, primarily due to FHA-insured mortgages and loans from the COVID-19 era. Despite these headwinds, U.S. home prices saw a 1.1% year-over-year increase in May, though they declined in real terms due to inflation at 4.2%. Single-family home prices specifically rose 0.3% in May and 2.2% year-over-year, supported by a shortage of available homes.

Americold Realty Trust is ending a six-year collaboration with Ahold Delhaize USA to manage two automated distribution centers. This decision will lead to an impairment charge of $305 million to $320 million for Americold. The company is now seeking to sell the two properties involved in the partnership.

UK proptech firm Dwelly has raised $170 million in a new funding round, including $95 million in equity and a $75 million debt facility. The company intends to use the funds for acquisitions of other real estate firms and to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations. This expansion aims to enhance efficiency and enable Dwelly to manage an increased portfolio of properties.

London councils are increasing fees and enforcement charges for e-bike operators, prompting accusations that they are exploiting the services as a revenue stream to address budget shortfalls. Industry representatives warn that these rising costs could lead to operators withdrawing their services from certain areas of the city. This situation arises as boroughs grapple with financial pressures, leading to a more aggressive approach to generating income from shared mobility services. The potential withdrawal of e-bikes could impact urban mobility options for London residents.

Australian banks have overcharged hundreds of thousands of mortgage holders by $55 million due to errors in mortgage offset accounts. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (Asic) identified the issue, warning that the total figure is expected to increase as remediation efforts progress. This widespread problem affects a significant number of customers across the country, highlighting systemic issues with how these accounts are managed.

Consumers may be paying as much as $2 billion annually in hidden or undisclosed brokerage fees, according to a new report from the Consumer Policy Center. These fees, which can range from $400 to $600 per transaction, are criticized for disproportionately affecting consumers and often appear late in the real estate buying or selling process. The report highlights concerns about the regressive nature of these charges and the lack of transparency surrounding them.

Elme Communities is moving forward with its liquidation plan after agreeing to sell its Riverside Apartments in Alexandria, Virginia, for $250 million. The sale, anticipated to finalize by September 14, is a key step in the Real Estate Investment Trust's (REIT) process to repay a substantial term loan. Following this transaction, Elme Communities will update its shareholder payout estimates.

Unite Students reported a £417 million pre-tax loss, largely driven by a £530 million property revaluation and increased construction expenses. To streamline operations and concentrate on leading universities, the company intends to sell off assets valued at up to £400 million. This strategic move aims to improve financial performance and focus resources on its most profitable locations.

Florida's affordability crisis is being addressed by the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals, which is advocating for a property tax amendment and reforms to condo financing regulations. These initiatives aim to alleviate the increasing costs faced by residents, exacerbated by significant migration into the state and rising expenses for both homebuyers and existing condo owners. The association seeks to implement measures that will make housing more accessible and sustainable for Floridians.

Asset management giant TPG is reportedly in talks to acquire Netrality Data Centers in a deal valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. This potential acquisition would mark a significant expansion for TPG into the digital infrastructure sector. The deal could be finalized as early as this fall, signaling a busy period for major investment in data center assets.

Montgomery County lawmakers have approved an 18-month moratorium on the development of large data centers. The pause applies to facilities requiring at least 25 megawatts that have not yet secured a building permit. This measure is intended to provide time for the county to develop appropriate regulations for such facilities, which have seen a surge in demand.

Massachusetts's two-year-old Bringing Innovation to Lending and Development (BILD) program is financing mixed-income housing projects by using public funds for debt and equity. This approach addresses capital gaps exacerbated by high interest rates and construction costs. The program has successfully funded six projects and is being considered a scalable model for other states seeking to encourage similar developments.

Hong Kong's private home prices continued to rise in June, marking 13 consecutive months of gains. The increase in June was 0.3%, a slowdown from May's 1.5% rise. Despite the slower pace, prices have seen a significant climb of 7.9% in the first half of the year, indicating sustained demand in the property market.

School districts across the U.S. are increasingly building housing complexes to address teacher shortages and a broader housing crisis. These properties are typically offered to educators and school staff at below-market rental rates. The initiative aims to attract and retain teachers by alleviating housing cost burdens, a significant factor in recruitment and retention challenges faced by many districts nationwide.

Sekisui House U.S. is integrating Japan-inspired resilient and sustainable building practices into its American homebuilding portfolio. The company plans to use its SHAWOOD brand's advanced construction techniques to improve the durability and energy efficiency of U.S. homes. This strategy focuses on bringing Japanese building innovations to the American market, emphasizing long-term value and environmental consciousness in residential construction.

New York City is doubling its investment in a program that aids small businesses in negotiating commercial leases. The funding for the initiative, which helps retailers contend with escalating rents and a competitive market, has increased from $4 million to $8 million. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the expanded budget, signaling a commitment to supporting the city's small business sector.

Parker County, west of Fort Worth, Texas, is emerging as a significant suburban growth market in North Texas. The region is experiencing rapid population and economic expansion, attracting new residents and businesses. This development mirrors the growth trajectory previously seen in Collin County, indicating a potential shift in North Texas's economic and demographic landscape.

Closinglock has launched new payment tools, SecurePay open payment links and buyer earnest money deposit (EMD) returns, designed to enhance security for homebuyer funds. These tools enable title companies to manage both incoming and outgoing buyer funds through a unified platform. A key feature is the ability to process EMD refunds by the following business day, aiming to streamline transactions and provide greater financial security for buyers.

Bright MLS has appointed Steve Mapes as its new executive vice president of growth and strategy. Mapes joins the real estate data company from First MLS. In his new role, he will concentrate on expanding Bright MLS's market presence and developing new revenue streams for the organization.

As of the end of 2025, 39.4% of South Koreans owned land, according to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. This figure represents an increase in the number of individuals who own land. However, the total area of land held by these owners saw a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The data highlights a trend of more people owning smaller portions of land.