Month: January 2025
The Reformation of Real Property Valuation: Insights on the RPVARA and its implementing Rules and Regulations
The Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) overhauls the Philippines’ approach to valuing real property. The RPVARA aims to create transparency in property assessments. Key Objectives of the RPVARA The RPVARA aims to establish a single valuation base for taxation by standardizing assessment practices across the country. It requires a National Valuation Database….
Chinese Investments in the U.S. Likely to Stay Low Amid Trump-Era Tensions
Chinese investments in the U.S. have plummeted since Trump’s first term. Experts say this trend is unlikely to reverse anytime soon. A combination of U.S.-China tensions, increased regulatory scrutiny, and geopolitical rivalries has contributed to a sustained drop in cross-border capital flows between the world’s two largest economies. A Sharp Decline in Chinese Investment Chinese…
Asia-Pacific Markets Edge Higher as Investors Eye Trump Policy Developments
Asia-Pacific stock markets mostly rose on Monday. Investors awaited clarity on economic policies under former President Donald Trump. The market movements show cautious optimism. Markets Show Mixed Performance Key indices across Asia-Pacific displayed gains, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 edging up 0.6% and South Korea’s Kospi rising 0.8% as technology and automotive stocks led the way….
Mortgage Market Faces Headwinds: Demand Fluctuates as Interest Rates Reach New Highs
Mortgage demand has been very volatile lately. Rising interest rates have created mixed reactions in the housing market. For homebuyers and homeowners alike, the latest surge in mortgage rates is a critical factor influencing whether they decide to enter or remain in the market. The mortgage rates have hit their highest levels since May, causing…
Ceasefire Holds in Gaza Amid Rising Tensions in West Bank: Aid Reaches Gaza, Settler Attacks Escalate
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire is held in Gaza. This has led to major developments in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the region’s complex, volatile situation. While the ceasefire has allowed vital aid to reach the beleaguered Gaza Strip, the West Bank has witnessed a surge in settler attacks, further intensifying tensions in the occupied territories….
Pune Real Estate Sees Major Growth: Registrations Up 25% and Stamp Duty Revenue Climbs 33% in 2024
Pune’s real estate market experienced significant growth in 2024, with property registrations rising by 25% to 190,025, compared to 152,323 the previous year. This surge also led to a 33% increase in stamp duty collections, totaling ₹7,098 crore. Central areas of Pune, particularly those close to key employment hubs, continue to be the most sought-after…
Maharashtra’s Potential Increase in Ready Reckoner Rates Could Raise Property Costs for Buyers
Maharashtra’s government is considering an increase in the Ready Reckoner (RR) rates by nearly 10% for the upcoming year, which could have a significant impact on homebuyers. The RR rates set the minimum value for property deals. They affect stamp duty and registration fees. This could raise property prices, especially for land. Developers warn that…
Danube Properties Sets Sights on $3 Billion in Sales, Targeting India for 25% of Business
Danube Properties, a leading real estate developer in Dubai, has ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to sell over $3 billion worth of homes. The company is particularly focused on attracting buyers from India, with expectations that Indian customers will account for around 25% of total sales this year. The company’s expansion strategy includes the opening…
Why US-Based NRIs are Flocking to North Bengaluru’s Real Estate Market
Bengaluru is a better investment spot for NRIs, especially in the U.S. Many US-based NRIs are drawn to North Bengaluru for several reasons. One of the primary reasons for this interest is North Bengaluru’s proximity to Kempegowda International Airport. This convenience, along with ongoing infrastructural developments like new metro lines and the Peripheral Ring Road,…
Germany Reaffirms Green Energy Commitment Despite Trump’s Paris Agreement Withdrawal
On January 20, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. This has reignited global concerns over climate change. Germany has pledged to stay on its green energy path, despite criticism from environmentalists and world leaders. Trump’s decision to abandon the international climate accord comes as part of a…