Today's Real Estate Pulse
Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire U.S. Homebuilder in $6.8B Deal
Berkshire Hathaway, now led by CEO Greg Abel, announced a $6.8 billion acquisition of a U.S. homebuilder, marking the conglomerate’s first major entry into residential construction. The purchase is intended to add stable, long‑term cash flow from the housing sector to Berkshire’s portfolio.
Also developing:
Antler Launches UK Flagship on Regent Street
British travel brand Antler has opened its first standalone UK flagship at 100 Regent Street, London, in partnership with retail design agency Checkland Kindleysides. The six‑metre layered table and floral art installation create an immersive, sensorial journey that showcases Antler’s 110‑year travel legacy. Visitors can interact directly with luggage collections, moving through panoramic landscapes and seasonal installations. CEO Kirsty Glenne called the store a defining moment that underscores Antler’s confidence in physical retail and its global expansion strategy.
Luxury Cut: The Spring 2026 Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking
The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com’s Spring 2026 luxury‑housing ranking shows a dramatic reshuffle, with Santa Fe, NM soaring to No. 1 and Pittsfield, MA debuting at No. 2. Six new metros cracked the top‑10, while former leaders Detroit and St. Louis fell out...
The Spring 2026 Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking
The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com released their Spring 2026 Housing Market Ranking, highlighting 200 U.S. metros based on affordability, supply, economic health and climate risk. South Bend‑Mishawaka, IN‑MI reclaimed the top spot, while Flint, MI surged to #10 after a 27.6%...
Nobu Residences at 619 Brickell Miami 75-Story Foster and Partners Tower Launches Sales
Developers 13th Floor Investments and Key International have launched sales for Nobu Residences at 619 Brickell, Miami’s first Nobu‑branded luxury tower. Designed by Foster + Partners, the 75‑story, 296‑unit tower offers 90,000 sq ft of amenities and a dedicated Nobu restaurant. Units range from...
Which Makes More Financial Sense in 2026: Buying or Renting?
Desjardins’ latest report finds that rising home prices and borrowing costs are making ownership less affordable, while a surge in rental supply is softening rents and boosting tenant incentives. Vacancy rates in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area climbed to...
Gensler Co-Chair Warns Of The Hidden Costs Of Hot Desking
Gensler co‑chair Diane Hoskins warns that hot‑desking, adopted to shrink office footprints after COVID, is eroding employee focus, belonging and overall performance. Gensler’s 2026 Global Workplace Survey shows 60% of staff prefer a dedicated desk, with assigned seating delivering 80%...
The $562 Million LA Mansion Built for Royals that Just Hit the Market
A Bel‑Air mansion originally built for Qatar’s Al Thani royal family has been listed for $562 million, potentially setting a U.S. residential sales record. The 70,000‑square‑foot estate, completed in 2018, cost $350 million to construct and sits on eight acres with 39 bedrooms,...
MJ Gleeson Warns Building Cost Inflation Prompting ‘High Caution’
MJ Gleeson warned that building‑cost inflation, driven by the Iran‑war‑induced supply‑chain squeeze, is forcing the housebuilder into "higher than usual caution" on land and financing decisions. Despite a modest uptick in net reservation rates to 0.88 from 0.86, the firm’s...
Porsche Design Tower Bangkok Sets New Standard for Branded Residences
At the Singapore Yachting Festival 2026, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok was unveiled as an ultra‑luxury branded residence featuring only 22 sky‑villas. The development translates Porsche’s high‑performance automotive DNA into residential architecture, highlighted by a private “Passion Space” garage and a...
House Prices Rise in April as Market Proves ‘Remarkable Resilience’
UK house prices surprised analysts by jumping 0.4% month‑on‑month in April, lifting the annual growth rate to 3% from 2.2% in March. Nationwide’s index placed the average home at £278,880 (about $354,000). The rise comes despite consumer confidence slipping to...
Legendre Lands City of London Office Refurb
Legendre has secured a contract to refurbish a six‑storey City of London building, creating 54,000 sq ft of office space and adding two new floors under the Oriel St Bride’s name. The scheme will retain about 90% of the existing structure and employ...
Grade II-Listed Homes in England for Sale – in Pictures
A new catalogue of Grade II‑listed homes across England highlights a diverse range of heritage properties now on the market, from a thatched cottage in Somerset priced at about $1.08 million to a neo‑Jacobean townhouse in London listed for roughly $3.81 million. Prices...
UK April Nationwide House Prices +0.4% vs -0.3% M/M Expected
Nationwide’s April data showed UK house prices rising 0.4% month‑on‑month, beating the -0.3% consensus forecast. The average dwelling price climbed to £278,880, roughly $354,000, marking a 3.0% annual gain—the strongest since May 2023. Despite heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle...
Housing Secretary Accuses Greens of Hypocrisy on Housing
Housing Secretary Steve Reed accused the Green Party of hypocrisy, saying it publicly backs renters while blocking new housing. He cited data showing Green‑controlled councils have opposed or delayed at least 49,000 London homes, including affordable schemes. Reed framed the...
Former Knight Frank Partners Launch New Agency
Former Knight Frank partners Jonny Wish and Chris Priestley have launched Priestley Wish, an independent estate agency based in Stratford‑upon‑Avon. The firm is split into New Homes & Residential Sales and Land & Development divisions, drawing on more than 40 years...
The Multifamily Operations Daily Huddle: The Discipline of the First Conversation
The article argues that the first conversation with a new hire is the cornerstone of effective onboarding in multifamily operations. Rather than treating orientation as paperwork, leaders should use that initial interaction to transmit culture, clarify performance expectations, and show...
CMN Funding Closes $630,000 Rapid‑Track Refinance on Wichita Office Building
Albany‑based CMN Funding finalized a $630,000 refinance loan for an office building in Wichita, Kansas, in less than 45 days. The rapid‑track transaction underscores the lender’s ability to move quickly in a market where office owners are seeking flexible capital...
Housing Inventory Rebounds, Nearing 2018 Levels by 2026
Active housing inventory by April: April 2018 -> 1,102,064 📉 April 2019 -> 1,137,198 📈 April 2020 -> 941,733 📉 April 2021 -> 435,663 📉 April 2022 -> 379,978 📉 April 2023 -> 562,966 📈 April 2024 -> 734,318 📈 April 2025 -> 959,251 📈 April 2026 ->...
Yorkshire Gleeson Homes Marks Completion Before Full Compliance
#GLE I’d always assumed that house builders only recognised development completion when all units were solved and all statutory/planning conditions were satisfied https://t.co/e7N3CogoQI Not so in Yorkshire Gleeson Homes division .. @tradermark72 may be able to shed some light on the topic...
In the Shadow of Iran Diplomacy, Pakistan Bulldozes Hundreds of Homes of the Poor
On April 14, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad ordered the demolition of homes in the Noori Bagh neighborhood, giving residents only an hour to vacate. Families, some of whom have lived there for seven generations, were forced onto...
Australian Government’s Housing Advisor Hides Shortage
The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (NHSAC) warned in its May 2025 State of the Housing System report that Australia’s housing shortage would grow by about 79,000 homes by 2028‑29. The council’s forecast for 2024‑25 assumed 179,000 new dwellings would...
Letting Agency Launches New Residential Sales Brand in Repositioning Move
College and County, an Oxford‑based lettings agency, has rebranded its sales division as Hunt Residential. The new brand, launched in 2024, consolidates the sales arm that began in 2019 under founder Darren Hunt. Existing sales staff and client relationships remain...
Healthy Homes: The Next Big Real Estate Payday
Developers across the U.S. are embedding health‑focused systems—air filtration, circadian lighting, water purification, and on‑site wellness services—into new residential projects. Luxury towers such as the Ritz‑Carlton Residences and Ytech’s Brickell tower command prices above $2.5 million and $4.4 million, while North Development’s...
FIBRA Prologis Posts Q1 2026 Earnings, Net Earnings Rise 8% on Strong Industrial Rent Growth
FIBRA Prologis announced Q1 2026 results, posting net earnings of $0.1067 per CBFI, an 8% increase year‑over‑year, driven by 59.6% effective rent growth and 97% occupancy across its Class‑A industrial portfolio. The REIT’s leverage held at 25% with $1.1 billion in...
Ascendri, Vave and Acrisure Launch $10 Million MGA to Cover High‑Value California Homes
Ascendri Insurance Services, with backing from Acrisure and its newly‑acquired MGA Vave, has opened a $10 million capacity ladder and a managing general agency to write excess‑and‑surplus coverage for California homes valued up to $10 million. The move targets a segment of...
Zoopla Aims to Help Agents Target Self-Managing Landlords with New Content Hub
Zoopla has launched a new content hub that provides agents with guides and landlord‑focused articles aimed at self‑managing property owners. The hub breaks down the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act and other compliance changes into practical summaries. With roughly 80% of...
Second Phase of $1.5B Metropica Development Begins Construction in Sunrise, FL
Construction has begun on Metropica’s second phase in Sunrise, Florida, a $1.5 billion mixed‑use project spanning 65 acres. The expansion adds 2,583 residential units, 650,000 sq ft of office space, 485,000 sq ft of commercial space, and 480 hotel rooms. Initial work focuses on 900...
Will the Iran War Crash House Prices?
Australian property values recorded their first national decline of the year in April, slipping 0.1% after March’s surprising resilience. The slowdown reflects higher interest rates, persistent inflation, global uncertainty tied to the Iran war, and looming tax changes for investors....
First American Data & Analytics’ FraudGuard® Solution Enhances Warehouse Lending Speed and Confidence in Forta Solutions’ Agility ™ Platform
First American Data & Analytics announced that its FraudGuard® fraud‑detection solution is now integrated into Forta Solutions’ Agility™ warehouse‑lending platform. The embedded tool uses advanced analytics to flag borrower identity fraud, undisclosed liabilities, occupancy misrepresentation and valuation anomalies at the...
Freddie Mac Reveals Shifting Mortgage Rate Trends
Freddie Mac reported the national average 30‑year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.30%, up seven basis points, while the 15‑year rate ticked to 5.64%, up six basis points. Despite the weekly increase, rates are still 46 basis points lower than...
Keep Housing Costs Below 10% to Retire Early
MAX Mortgage or Rent you should pay based on salary: - $40K salary: $833 - $50K salary: $1,041 - $60K salary: $1,250 - $70K salary: $1,458 - $80K salary: $1,666 - $90K salary: $1,875 - $100K salary: $2,083 - $110K salary: $2,291 - $120K salary: $2,500 - $150K salary: $3,250 -...
TRD PolicyPro: Pied-À-Terre Tax Fluctuations, State Bill Targets Condo Lawsuit Risk
New York City is weighing a pied‑à‑terre tax that could generate between $340 million and $510 million a year, depending on exemptions for rentals, co‑ops and mixed‑use buildings. Governor Hochul’s office estimates roughly $500 million from about 13,000 high‑value secondary residences. Meanwhile, state...
VantageScore Impact on MBS Market Likely Minimal
VantageScore’s influence on the mortgage‑backed securities (MBS) market is expected to remain marginal. Despite a 2023 model upgrade and limited pilot programs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to require FICO scores for loan eligibility, keeping VantageScore adoption under 5%...
Maryland Court Blocks Commercial Landlords From Springing Surprise Eviction Charges
The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that commercial landlords cannot evict tenants based on surprise additional‑rent charges lacking proper notice. The court affirmed that pre‑suit notice statutes apply only to residential leases, and possession may be sought only for rent actually...
Former Extell CEO Snaps up Scarsdale Retail Hub From Saks Global
Former Extell Development CEO Sush Torgalkar, through his Sagehall fund, bought the 200,000‑square‑foot former Saks OFF 5th site at 750 White Plains Road in Scarsdale for $80 million, or $400 per square foot. The suburban retail hub is 64% occupied, hosting tenants such...
Realtracs Opens MLS Service Nationally
Realtracs, Tennessee's largest multiple listing service, announced a nationwide rollout, partnering with Compass International Holdings and United Real Estate to feed listings into its platform. The MLS, which currently supports about 19,000 subscribers across six southeastern states, aims to scale...
Images: At Historic East Atlanta Village Corner, Retail Revival Underway
Pellerin Real Estate has completed demolition of the former Truist Bank at 514 Flat Shoals Avenue, a historic corner building in East Atlanta Village, and is preparing to lease the 12,000‑square‑foot space as multiple retail suites. The structure, built between...
American Assets Trust Q1 2026 FFO Rises to $0.51 as Office Leasing Remains Strong
American Assets Trust (AAT) posted first‑quarter 2026 earnings with funds from operations (FFO) climbing to $0.51 per diluted share, a $0.04 increase year‑over‑year. The gain reflects lower G&A costs, new rental income from recent acquisitions, and solid office leasing activity,...
AI-Powered Permitting Takes Off in Bakersfield with Symbium Partnership
Bakersfield has become the first U.S. city to roll out an AI‑driven instant permitting system, teaming with San Francisco‑based startup Symbium. The platform automates approvals for solar, EV charging, energy storage, reroofs and HVAC upgrades, offering developers a faster path...
191 Peachtree Loan Flagged Due To Dwindling Tenants And Revenue
Banyan Street Capital’s 191 Peachtree Tower, bought for $268 M in 2016, now faces a watch‑listed $80 M CMBS loan as occupancy slumped to 58% and cash flow fell more than 30%. The property’s net operating income dropped from $21.9 M to $14.1 M, and...
CoStar Posts 23% Q1 Revenue Surge, Extends Double‑Digit Growth to 60 Quarters
CoStar Group announced a 23% jump in first‑quarter revenue, its 60th consecutive quarter of double‑digit growth. The surge, driven by a 20% lift in new bookings and AI‑enhanced Homes.com activity, prompted the company to raise its full‑year adjusted EBITDA guidance...
A New 3-Way Data Share in the Southeast; 2 MLSs Partner with BPP
Multiple regional MLSs are forming data‑sharing alliances to broaden listing visibility and simplify agent workflows. In the Southeast, FMLS, Greater Chattanooga Realtors and ValleyMLS now share listings across Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Meanwhile, NorthstarMLS and California’s CREB have teamed with...
Sacramento Median and Average Prices Mirror Since 2014
Similar vibes. The average and median have been twinning since 2014 in the Sacramento region. Check out the up and down seasonal rhythm too. Remember, part of the up and down has to do with larger homes selling in the...
‘April Delivered’ as Spring Homebuying Season Picks up Momentum
April’s housing data shows the spring market gaining traction after a sluggish start. Pending home sales reached 96,000, the highest weekly total since 2022, while new listings rose 1.1% year‑over‑year and 8.7% month‑over‑month. Purchase‑type mortgage applications jumped 21% compared with...
Iran Conflict, Oil Shocks and Fed Uncertainty Could Keep Mortgage Rates Sticky
Mortgage rates ticked up to 6.30% for the week ending April 30, halting a three‑week decline. The rise follows oil price spikes tied to the U.S.–Iran conflict, which reignited inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve kept policy rates steady, citing inflation risks,...
PennyMac Brings $415.7 Million in RMBS to Market
PennyMac’s PMT Loan Trust 2026‑INV5 is launching a $415.7 million residential mortgage‑backed securities (RMBS) offering. The pool comprises 1,095 fixed‑rate mortgages, with 75.4% secured by investment‑property loans and the remainder by second homes. Tranches A‑6 through A‑30 carry a 5.00% coupon,...
Easement Setback? Backup Plan Secured Rental Success
Part 1: Easement Issues. This was a first for me 😂 This was supposed to be flip. Basically everything went wrong. But we were still able to rent it out because we had a back up plan. Follow @chasecalhoun.realestate for more...
Stop Waiting—Great Deals Exist at One‑third Price
People on this site are somehow still “waiting for the market to drop” meanwhile I’m about to submit an offer on a deal at 1/3rd the 2022 sale price If you’re not seeing deals right now, you have a problem
Anthropic to Lease Entire 330 Hudson, Redefining NYC AI Hub
#AI takeover on #HudsonSt. #Anthropic, the co behind #Claude, set to lease the entire #330Hudson. That's 466KSF. #HudsonSquare w/never be the same. #AEW #realestate #CRE #tech #NYC #Mythos #SanFran #JLL https://t.co/Q4MmpTrfy2
NYC Rent Control Changes Spawn Thousands of Second Homes
Relatively recent changes to NYC's rent control system likely led to thousands of rent-controlled second homes https://t.co/Ow8vHAm1rq