Global Scans · Real Estate · Weekly Summary

• [New] Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan outlines a national housing budget of AED 65 billion, along with metro extensions and deep tunnel drainage, which will anchor multi-year demand for concrete aggregates, masonry sand, and specialty glass. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] China's investment slump deepened: with fixed-asset investment down 5.7% in the first half against a 4.9% expected decline and real-estate investment down 18%, underlining the unresolved property drag on the world's second-largest economy. Saward Dawson
• [New] Increased government focus on affordable housing projects and green building certifications globally can create supportive policy environments and funding opportunities for prefab manufacturers. Future Market Report
• [New] Expanding into emerging markets with high housing shortages and urban migration, such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, offers substantial potential. Future Market Report
• [New] The Blue Line's impact will extend beyond real estate, reinforcing Dubai's smart city ambitions by integrating transport, housing, and sustainability. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] Houston's housing supply continues to expand, with a new development in Fulshear expected to bring 7,000 homes to the fast-growing suburb. Churchill Mortgage Blog
• [New] Hundreds of thousands of new units will be delivered across the UAE by 2026, significantly expanding the housing stock. Gravity Real Estate
• [New] As investors look for opportunities outside traditional commercial assets in 2026, industrial property, affordable and community-centric housing, energy-efficient retrofits and data centers may be some of the most compelling strategies. RSMR Investment Research
• [New] From 2027, the EU Emissions Trading System II will require real estate investors to reduce emissions or offset them, adding urgency to retrofitting. RSMR Investment Research
• [New] Government reforms, such as the 'Bau-Turbo' plan and some €23.5 billion in additional funding by 2029, are accelerating development of affordable subsidised housing. / Germany RSMR Investment Research
• [New] Given the estimated global shortage of 440 million affordable housing units by 2030, 3D printing offers a scalable, efficient solution to create cost-effective housing options rapidly. Market Data Forecast
• The Future of the Wellness Industry: Sectors to Watch The predicted biggest gainers through 2029 by annual growth rate are wellness real estate (15.8%), traditional and complementary medicine (10.8%), mental wellness (10.1%), and thermal and mineral springs. EHL Holding SA
• This month has seen major changes in the legal side of the rental and real estate industries, with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act being enacted earlier this month and New York City's highly anticipated rent freeze coming into effect. Rentec Direct Blog
• Real estate experts anticipate modest, sustainable growth rather than a downturn, with existing home sales projected to increase by 2-14% in 2026, depending on interest rate movements. Houzeo
• A quarterly Fannie Mae/Pulsenomics survey of more than 100 housing economists projects home prices will appreciate approximately 1.7% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027, with the overwhelming majority of panelists forecasting no national price decline. / USA Las Vegas Sun
• In the third quarter of 2026, banks expect further declines in demand for housing loans, whereas demand for consumer credit is expected to remain unchanged. European Central Bank
• Australia's migrant population continues growing - net overseas migration is projected to remain above 260,000 in FY2025 - 26, providing long-term structural support for housing demand. AIAIG
• The population of urban dwellers in Africa is expected to more than double by 2050, with cities like Lagos, Cairo, and Nairobi facing immense pressure to provide affordable housing. Market Data Forecast
• Asia is expected to have 2.5 billion urban residents by 2050, with many facing challenges related to housing affordability. Market Data Forecast
• Following robust expansion in 2025, overall GDP is expected to be slightly lower in 2026, driven by a slowdown in non-hydrocarbon activity as heightened uncertainty weighed on tourism, transportation, trade, and real estate. Middle East Insurance Review
• Utilities are projected to grow 13%, Industrials 10%, Communication Services 7%, Consumer Discretionary 7%, Financials 7%, Consumer Staples 5%, and Real Estate 5%. Empower

Last updated: 22 August 2026