Newsletter

IQI Cares Brings Meaningful Support to Ahsana KL As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, IQI Cares conducted a meaningful outreach initiative at Persatuan Kebajikan Ahsana Kuala Lumpur, a centre dedicated to providing care and shelter to those in need. The visit was more than a gesture—it was a reaffirmation of IQI’s dedication to building stronger, more compassionate communities. Contributions included two medical beds to enhance resident comfort, a newly installed door to improve safety, daily groceries to support ongoing needs, and a financial donation to assist with the centre’s operations. This initiative reflects IQI’s belief that even modest efforts can create profound impact. IQI extends its heartfelt appreciation to Ahsana KL for the warm welcome and opportunity to contribute to their vital work. Top-Performing IQI Agents Celebrate Success with Exclusive Incentive Trip to Bali In celebration of exceptional performance and dedication, more than 30 top agents from IQI were rewarded with an exclusive incentive trip to Bali, marking a memorable milestone in their professional journey. The trip served as both a recognition of their achievements and an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie among high-performing team members across regions. Against the island’s stunning landscapes, agents enjoyed a blend of cultural exploration, relaxation, and curated experiences, reaffirming IQI’s commitment to cultivating a people-first, performance-driven culture. This well-deserved getaway not only acknowledged their hard work but also inspired continued excellence and collaboration within the global IQI network. 

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorDave Platter's July 2025 newsletter highlights a significant resurgence of Mainland Chinese buyers in Hong Kong's super-luxury housing market. Between January and May 2025, these buyers accounted for approximately 70% of all Hong Kong home sales over HK$100 million, including prestigious addresses like Mount Nicholson and Barker Road. This trend indicates a strong recovery in the high-end sector, with 42 super-luxury home sales exceeding USD 10millionrecordedsofarthisyear,a17144,415 per square foot for a first-hand stratified unit in June. While overall Hong Kong home prices are still 28% below their 2021 peak, these recent high-value transactions signal a distinct pivot in the luxury market. Nelson Li, Director of IQI Hong Kong, attributes this momentum to proactive efforts over recent months, including bringing overseas buyers from regions like Thailand, Australia, Dubai, Japan, and Indonesia to Hong Kong. An anecdotal example of this strong demand is a mainland buyer swiftly purchasing a HK$1 billion house at Mont Verra in Kowloon Tong, even before another interested buyer from Dubai could finalize their money transfer, underscoring the intense competition for prime properties in the city. 

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistThe global economic outlook for 2025 is characterized by a slowdown, largely driven by non-financial events such as escalating geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and evolving policy frameworks. Goldman Sachs highlights significant concerns regarding US fiscal health, particularly with the Trump Administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This legislation is expected to worsen the US deficit and debt, which are already at historically high levels outside of crisis periods, with interest expenses at record highs. These fiscal challenges suggest an unsustainable long-term trajectory for the US. In this shifting global landscape, the US dollar has experienced a substantial decline, losing 10.5% of its value year-to-date in 2025, marking its worst first half since 1973. This depreciation is attributed to the impact of Donald Trump's trade and economic policies, which have prompted global investors to reconsider their exposure to the dominant currency. The dollar's sharp fall puts it on track for its weakest six-month performance since 2009, reflecting a re-evaluation of its strength amidst the Federal Reserve's policy complexities. 

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalMalaysia, a vibrant Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Among the many attractions that draw travelers to this tropical paradise are its luxurious 5-star hotels and resorts, which offer an unparalleled blend of comfort, elegance, and service.  From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the serene islands of Langkawi and Penang, Malaysia boasts a wide array of top-tier accommodations that cater to discerning travelers. These establishments are not just places to rest but immersive experiences in themselves, combining modern amenities with traditional Malaysian charm. The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, near the iconic Petronas Towers, offers opulent rooms, award-winning dining, and a heritage-inspired spa. For a nature-based retreat, The Datai Langkawi delivers eco-luxury with rainforest villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. Other standout names include Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang and Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, both known for exceptional hospitality, fine dining, and and top-tier amenities. These 5-star hotels reflect Malaysia’s blend of culture, comfort, and strategic location—making each stay luxurious and memorable. Beyond the guest experience, 5-star hotels add enormous value to any cities they are in, as they attract wealthy individuals and families. 

The Hong Kong leasing market showed a positive net absorption of 192,000 sq ft in May, notably with OKX Hong Kong FinTech Company leasing a floor at AIRSIDE in Kai Tak. Despite the completion of China Merchants Plaza adding new supply, the overall office vacancy rate improved to 13.6%, with Central and Tsimshatsui seeing drops, although Hong Kong East's vacancy rate rose. Office rents continued their slight downward trend, with Hong Kong East experiencing the most significant decline. In terms of transactions, Litu Holdings acquired a significant share of shop and office units at Kam Chung Building for HKD 388.0 million, despite a previous failed attempt by the Winland Group to secure a compulsory sale of the building at a higher reserve price.  In May, the residential property market experienced an overall month-on-month decline of 10.3% in transaction volumes, despite a rise in the primary market being offset by a drop in the secondary market, while mass residential capital values continued their downward trend. Developers, facing a supply glut and tight financing, continued to lower prices, as exemplified by Deep Water Pavilia undercutting other Southside projects. However, lower HIBOR levels positively impacted the primary market, leading to a significant price reduction and rapid sale of units at THE HENLEY. In the luxury segment, a unit at 8 Deep Water Bay Drive commanded a high price of HKD 213.5 million.  Source: The Land Registry, JLLDownload the full newsletter for expert analysis and market updates from other countries.Download

Malls in the Delhi-NCR region have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from mere shopping centers into comprehensive lifestyle ecosystems. This shift is particularly evident in Grade A retail developments, which now seamlessly integrate commerce, leisure, and culture, offering a diverse range of experiences from global cuisine and luxury fashion to wellness zones, interactive installations, and even co-working spaces. These modern malls have become vibrant cultural and social hubs, attracting visitors not just for shopping, but also for food festivals, music gigs, and other community events, catering to families, couples, and young professionals seeking a holistic destination for retail therapy, fitness, entertainment, and dining. This evolution is reflected in robust market performance, with India's top eight cities witnessing a substantial 55% surge in retail leasing during the March 2025 quarter. While high streets led this growth, malls maintained strong and steady activity, indicating a growing consumer preference for curated retail environments. Delhi-NCR leads this trend, driven by innovative developers who are creating spaces with a data-driven retail mix, combining luxury brands with high-street names, wellness studios, gaming arcades, and artisanal cafés. These enhanced spaces feature intelligent zoning, seamless navigation, biophilic design, and technology-enabled services like smart parking and loyalty apps, all designed to elevate the consumer journey as retail continues its dynamic evolutionDownload the full newsletter for expert analysis and market updates from other countries.Download

In the second half of 2025, the Philippine real estate market is showing renewed momentum, spurred by infrastructure developments, hybrid work preferences, and the growing influence of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as property investors. Metro Manila remains pivotal, but provincial cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo are becoming vibrant growth centers, driven by the government's "Build Better More" infrastructure initiative. Meanwhile, vertical living is evolving with post-pandemic preferences—buyers now prioritize condos offering home-office flexibility, open-air access, and smart amenities. OFWs are increasingly investing in income-generating properties, and the digitalization of property transactions is transforming the market experience, led by tech-forward firms like IQI Philippines. Looking ahead, demand remains robust for mid-market and affordable housing, especially in emerging BPO and industrial zones. Townhouses, house-and-lot offerings, and sustainable developments are attracting millennials and returning Filipinos. Meanwhile, the commercial sector benefits from e-commerce-driven growth in logistics and warehousing. Despite a generally optimistic outlook, challenges linger: high interest rates, elevated construction costs, and political or economic uncertainties are prompting some buyers to remain cautious. Nonetheless, the broader trend suggests a resilient and adaptive market, poised for sustained growth.Download the full newsletter for expert analysis and market updates from other countries.Download 

Pakistan's residential property sector is demonstrating solid growth, with prices rising steadily at 8-10% annually in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This growth is largely fueled by extensive infrastructure development under the CPEC umbrella and initiatives like the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, which are driving urban expansion and increasing demand, particularly within the mid-income and affordable housing segments. Rental yields in prime areas, hovering around 5-7%, further establish real estate as a dependable asset class. Concurrent policy reforms, including tax amnesty schemes, revised valuation tables, and capital gains reforms, are formalizing the sector, reducing speculative activity, and enhancing stability and transparency, ultimately benefiting serious investors and end-users. Private developers are increasingly adopting smart-city concepts and developing gated communities with integrated utilities, green zones, and robust security infrastructure, thereby redefining urban living standards. This shift is leading buyers to prioritize quality-of-life features in their investment decisions. For investors, the Pakistani real estate market offers a compelling blend of affordability, high rental yields, and long-term capital appreciation. The improved regulatory oversight and formalization are mitigating risk, especially for investments in approved, well-located, and developer-backed projects. Strategic investments in emerging areas with strong infrastructure growth are poised to deliver significant returns, while rental income provides a reliable passive cash flow. Therefore, aligning with policy developments and prioritizing quality over speculation is paramount for successful investment in this evolving market. Download the full newsletter for expert analysis and market updates from other countries.Download