Newsletter

Vietnam Market Faces Short-Term Pressure, Long-Term Growth Remains StrongVietnam’s property market in 2026 is facing short-term pressure, as rising mortgage rates continue to impact affordability and buyer demand. At the same time, the country is accelerating large-scale urban development, reinforcing its long-term growth outlook.Rising Mortgage Rates Weigh on DemandHigher borrowing costs are putting pressure on the apartment market, with many sellers lowering prices by around 10% to 12% to attract buyers. Demand has weakened in recent months, with property searches declining significantly as interest rates rise across the market.Affordability Challenges Impact Market ActivityMortgage rates ranging up to 14% and even higher for floating rates are reducing purchasing power, leading to slower transactions and more cautious buyer behaviour. This has created a temporary slowdown, particularly in the residential segment.Mega Urban Projects Drive Long-Term GrowthDespite short-term challenges, Vietnam is pushing forward with large-scale urban development. As of 2025, 27 mega projects valued at over USD115 billion are underway, led by major developers such as Vingroup and Sun Group.These projects, spanning key regions from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, reflect the country’s strategy to develop integrated townships and modern infrastructure, supporting long-term urbanisation and economic growth.OutlookWhile rising interest rates are slowing demand in the short term, Vietnam’s strong pipeline of mega developments highlights its long-term potential. For investors, the market presents a mix of near-term caution and future growth opportunities driven by urban expansion and economic development.Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

Australia’s housing market has entered 2026 with a clear split in performance across cities. While Sydney and Melbourne have begun to stabilise, mid-sized capitals continue to record solid growth, with several markets achieving more than 1% month-on-month increases.PerthPerth is leading the nation, with home values rising 2.3% in February alone, adding significant value to the median dwelling in just one month. Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart also posted strong gains, reinforcing the growing strength of these markets as demand shifts beyond the traditional major cities.Sydney and MelbourneIn contrast, Sydney and Melbourne were more sensitive to February’s rate hike and softer buyer sentiment. Property values in both cities remained flat over the month and showed slight declines over the rolling quarter, reflecting a more cautious market environment.A key factor supporting growth in the smaller capitals is limited housing supply. Perth listings remain significantly below historical averages, while Brisbane and Adelaide are also experiencing notable undersupply. Although stock levels in Sydney and Melbourne are still relatively tight, both cities have seen an increase in new listings, which may signal rising vendor activity amid softer conditions.At the same time, the more affordable end of the market continues to show resilience nationwide. In Sydney, lower-priced homes recorded modest growth, while higher-end properties declined. Ongoing demand from first-home buyers and investors, combined with tighter borrowing capacity at higher price points, continues to support entry-level segments.Overall, Australia’s property market is becoming more selective in 2026. For investors and homeowners, markets like Perth are presenting compelling opportunities, driven by strong growth, affordability, and supply constraints.As Australia’s property market shifts, opportunities are becoming more location-driven than ever. Whether you are exploring high-growth markets like Perth or reassessing your strategy in major cities, now is the time to make informed decisions. Connect with our team at sales@iqiwa.com.au to discover where the real opportunities are and take your next step with confidence.Download to see insights form other country marketsDownload

Strategic Positioning in a Changing Global EnvironmentAs 2026 unfolds, global real estate markets are stabilising with easing inflation and expected rate cuts improving investor confidence. At the same time, geopolitical shifts are directing capital towards markets with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.The Middle East: Stability Driving Capital InflowsDubai remains a top-performing market driven by migration, tourism, and rental demand, while Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum through Vision 2030 and large-scale infrastructure growth.Southeast Asia: Growth Backed by DemographicsSoutheast Asia offers balanced opportunities, combining affordability with long-term growth potential. Malaysia remains attractive due to its accessibility and industrial expansion, while Vietnam continues to grow on the back of manufacturing strength and a rising middle class. Thailand also benefits from urban demand in Bangkok and tourism-driven markets such as Phuket.Bali, Indonesia: Lifestyle Investment DemandBali continues to attract lifestyle-driven investment. Strong tourism recovery and limited supply in prime areas like Canggu and Uluwatu are supporting demand for villas and short-term rental properties, offering both income generation and capital appreciation potential.India: Domestic Demand and Tech-Led ExpansionIndia’s real estate market is becoming more structured and transparent, driven by strong domestic demand. Key cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad are benefiting from rapid growth in the technology sector and a rising middle class, supporting long-term expansion across residential and commercial segments.OutlookIn 2026, global real estate investment is increasingly driven by long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market cycles. Markets with strong demographics, infrastructure development, and economic diversification are expected to outperform. For investors, the key opportunity lies in positioning capital in regions where urbanisation, policy stability, and global connectivity continue to support sustained demand.Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

Greece’s real estate market is emerging as one of Europe’s most compelling investment destinations in 2026, driven by a combination of stability, strong returns, and increasing international demand.Why Investors Are Moving to GreeceGlobal uncertainty is driving a clear shift in capital flows. Investors, particularly from the Eastern Mediterranean, are increasingly allocating funds into European-regulated markets like Greece as a hedge against geopolitical risks.This “flight to stability” is becoming more evident, with capital inflows rising significantly and more investors treating Greece as a strategic portfolio diversification market.Strong Growth and Yield PotentialGreece continues to offer competitive returns compared to traditional European markets. Prime residential areas such as the Athenian Riviera are seeing solid price growth, while emerging destinations like Paros are attracting high-net-worth buyers seeking exclusivity and long-term value.In addition, short-term rental markets in lifestyle destinations are delivering attractive yields, supported by strong tourism demand and extended seasonal activity.The Rise of the “Green Premium”Sustainability is becoming a key value driver in Greece’s property market. Assets with ESG certifications are commanding higher rental yields and resale value, reflecting growing demand for energy-efficient and future-ready developments.This trend is expected to strengthen further as global investors prioritise environmentally responsible investments.Policy Support Driving DemandThe Greek Golden Visa programme continues to play a major role in attracting international buyers. Despite adjustments in investment thresholds, the programme remains highly competitive, with many investors combining residency benefits with income-generating rental strategies.This has reinforced Greece’s position as both a lifestyle destination and a long-term investment hub.Overall, Greece presents a strong investment case in 2026. With its combination of capital security, rising demand, and competitive yields, the market is increasingly seen as a strategic option for investors looking to diversify and secure long-term growth.Download to see insights from other country marketsDownload

The April 2026 global real estate newsletter highlights a global property market that is becoming increasingly selective, shaped by shifting demand patterns, geopolitical influences, and evolving economic conditions.In Australia, the market is showing a clear split. While Sydney and Melbourne remain relatively flat, cities like Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide are leading growth, supported by strong demand and limited housing supply. This reflects a broader trend where investors are moving towards more affordable and high-growth markets rather than traditional hotspots.Across Asia, market dynamics continue to diverge. Hong Kong is seeing signs of recovery with improving office demand and stable residential prices, while Vietnam faces pressure from rising mortgage rates that are slowing buyer activity. At the same time, large-scale urban developments across Vietnam highlight strong long-term growth potential.In Southeast Asia, Malaysia is strengthening investor confidence through regulatory reforms that improve transparency and buyer protection, while Thailand’s market is adjusting with rising supply, particularly in the condominium segment. Singapore, on the other hand, has seen a rebound in new home sales, driven by fresh project launches and continued demand in suburban areas.Globally, investor attention is increasingly shifting towards markets with strong fundamentals. Greece is emerging as a strategic safe haven with rising capital inflows, while Dubai continues to demonstrate long-term resilience supported by pro-investment policies and consistent demand. Saudi Arabia is also gaining traction, driven by Vision 2030 reforms and large-scale developments that are transforming its real estate landscape.Meanwhile, Canada’s housing market is becoming more balanced as inventory rises and prices adjust, offering buyers greater choice. Pakistan is experiencing short-term caution due to geopolitical tensions, although this may create entry opportunities for long-term investors. India is seeing growing demand for luxury and land-based developments, reflecting a shift in preferences among high-net-worth buyers.From a global perspective, the economic outlook remains stable but uncertain. Inflation is easing and interest rates are expected to gradually decline, supporting investor confidence. However, geopolitical risks and energy market volatility continue to influence investment strategies, with real estate increasingly viewed as a long-term, stable asset within diversified portfolios.Overall, global property markets in 2026 are no longer moving in a single direction. Instead, success depends on identifying the right markets, understanding local dynamics, and positioning early in areas with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.Discover More HereDownload

The February 2026 global real estate newsletter highlights a shift toward a more balanced and mature property market worldwide. While inflation is easing and interest rates are stabilising in many economies, investment activity is increasingly focused on markets supported by strong demographics, infrastructure investment, and policy reforms. Regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia continue to attract global capital due to population growth, urban development, and economic diversification. Rather than speculative growth, 2026 is shaping up to be a year for strategic and disciplined property investment.Several regional markets show resilient housing demand despite varying economic pressures. In Australia, home values rose modestly in early 2026 due to limited housing supply and steady buyer demand, though affordability constraints may slow future growth. Greece’s capital, Athens, is transitioning from a recovery phase to a stable investment market with steady price growth and strong foreign buyer participation. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s property sector is gradually recovering, with improving office absorption and steady residential sales despite slightly elevated vacancy levels.Across Asia, property markets are experiencing structural shifts driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development. Vietnam’s major cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are seeing rapidly rising apartment prices, with premium developments attracting strong demand due to integrated amenities and modern living environments. Bali’s property market remains attractive for international investors due to strong tourism recovery and limited land supply, though most foreign buyers invest through long-term leasehold arrangements. In Malaysia, government policy such as the extended stamp duty exemption for homes below RM500,000 is helping first-time buyers enter the market and supporting activity in the affordable housing segment.In the Middle East, real estate markets continue to benefit from long-term economic transformation and global migration trends. Saudi Arabia’s property sector is expanding under Vision 2030 initiatives, with increasing investor interest in master-planned communities and infrastructure-linked developments. Dubai’s residential market is evolving into a more mature phase following several years of rapid growth, supported by population inflows, business migration, and strong demand from global wealth investors. Overall, global property markets in 2026 are moving toward stability and long-term value creation, with investors prioritising locations that offer sustainable economic fundamentals and infrastructure-driven growth.Discover More HereDownload

As we highlighted in our recent guide on the three financial weapons of 2026, the biggest hurdle for first-time homebuyers is not always the monthly repayment. It is the upfront cash required to sign the papers. Recognizing this, the government's move in Budget 2026 to extend the 100% stamp duty exemption is a strategic gamechanger. Here is why this extension creates a critical window of opportunity for you. 1. The Relief is Significant (and Extended to 2027) The government has officially extended the full stamp duty exemption for first-time homebuyers on properties priced below RM 500,000 until December 31, 2027. This is immediate cash preservation. On a RM 500,000 home, the stamp duty for the Memorandum of Transfer (MOT) and loan agreement would typically cost you around RM 11,000. With this exemption, that RM 11,000 stays in your pocket. This is money that can now be used for renovation, furniture, or an emergency fund. 2. Targeting the Market’s Sweet Spot This policy is not random; it is precise. Data shows that the sub-RM 500,000 segment currently accounts for 77.7% of all residential transactions in Malaysia. By focusing on this tier, the initiative does two things. First, it supports many Malaysians who are looking for affordable, mid-market homes. Second, it encourages the absorption of existing property stock, ensuring the housing market remains liquid and active. 3. Why You Shouldn't Wait While the extension runs until the end of 2027, the wider economic context matters. Property prices in the affordable segment are likely to appreciate as demand surges due to this incentive. Furthermore, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) reports an upward trend in affordable housing prices of around 2% to 4% annually. Waiting until the deadline approaches could mean facing higher property prices, negating the savings from the stamp duty waiver. The "window of opportunity" is not just about the tax break; it is about securing a property while prices are still stable in early 2026. Conclusion Budget 2026 has removed a significant barrier to entry. If you are a first-time buyer eyeing a property under RM 500,000, the government has effectively removed your entry barrier. The path is clear. Now is the time to walk through it. Discover More HereDownload

Dubai’s property market is experimenting with a new model that could significantly increase the number of investors and the amount of capital flowing into the emirate’s real estate sector.  Instead of buying whole homes or villas, investors can now buy fractional digital shares of property using blockchain-based tokenisation. Units are sold for as little as about $545, which is a dramatic drop from the millions usually required to own a luxury home in Dubai. Kashif Ansari, co-founder and group CEO of Juwai IQI, says Dubai’s push here signals ambition to lead globally by broadening access to property investment. But he stresses that the model’s success hinges on three pillars: a steady supply of tokenised assets, expanded participation for foreign investors, and development of a truly active secondary market where shares trade continuously. Top regional media covered Kashif’s thoughts on this theme, including Gulf Today and London Stock Exchange Group-owned Zawya. From Kashif’s vantage point, tokenisation won’t replace traditional property demand. Instead, he sees it as complementary. It will expand the pool of capital without displacing institutional buyers.  He points to China’s investor base as an example. Only a small fraction of Chinese can afford to purchase full properties in Dubai, but the population that could purchase tokenized shares is some 15-times larger. Discover More HereDownload