THE WORLD PROPERTY JOURNAL

U.S. employment rates typically have a positive impact on the housing economy as it can lead to an increase in potential home buyers and a decrease in negative equity.

According to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Commerce Department, single-family gains helped offset a drop in multifamily production as total housing starts edged 0.9 percent lower in June 2019 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.25 million units.

According to the California Association of Realtors, after rebounding in May, California home sales fell below the benchmark 400,000 level in June 2019 as sales declined from both the previous month and year.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending July 12, 2019, mortgage applications in the U.S. decreased 1.1 percent from one week earlier. Last week's results included an adjustment for the Fourth of July holiday.

Tightening availability of tech talent in leading office markets has spurred hiring momentum in smaller and upstart markets in the U.S. and Canada - such as Tucson, Ariz., and Waterloo, Ont. - as expanding tech employers seek additional labor pools.

U.S. builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes rose one point to 65 in July 2019. This marks the sixth consecutive month that sentiment levels have held at a steady range in the low- to mid-60s.

Slovenia is home to the world's fastest rising house prices with average values accelerating 18.2% year-on-year. Falling unemployment, low interest rates and until recently, limited supply, are behind the strong price growth.

Panama, the winner of the 2019 Global Retirement Index, has been a constant in the Index, but this year marks the 10th time it's reached the #1 spot--climbing from third place to scoop the top prize.

According to a new Global Retirement Index by International Living Magazine, Costa Rica won the top spot for U.S. expats to retire in 2018.

Panama-based Red Frog Beach Island Resort & Spa announced this week the resort's newest amenity, La Rosa Beach Club. The new addition features event and meeting spaces, a bar, a restaurant, a stunning waterfall and an infinity-edge pool.

According to InternationalLiving.com's 2018 Global Retirement Index, Costa Rica takes the top spot for the first time in the index's history.

The recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake that stunned Mexico City (and surrounding states of Mexico, Morelos and Puebla) is now having a strong impact on Mexico's commercial real estate market.

According to global property advisor Knight Frank, sentiment is the key driver of activity in prime regional markets in the U.K.. Uncertainty surrounding the UK's political landscape means discretionary buyers and sellers are cautious. Consequently, pricing has been subdued and stock levels are muted.

According to global real estate consultant JLL, three outlet centres are currently under construction in the Russia's capital, two of them with a total area of 61,000 square meters will enter the market this year.

According to UK's Office for National Statistics, which tracks internal moves within the UK, migration from London to other parts of the UK reached its highest ever level in 2018.

According to Daft.ie latest Ireland Sales Report, home prices in the second quarter of 2019 were 3.7% higher than a year previously, the lowest rate of inflation since late 2013.

According to international real estate consultant Knight Frank, despite the unknown outcome of Brexit, underlying demand for London's super-prime property remains resilient.

Global real estate consultant Knight Frank is reporting that economic uncertainty of Brexit, coupled with the complexities of the planning system and rising build costs, have exerted pressure on London land values at the turn of 2019.

According to new research by global real estate consultant JLL, smart city initiatives in Asia Pacific will not reach their potential if they focus on delivering cutting-edge technologies without paying enough attention to the needs and experiences of citizens.

Global commercial property consultant CBRE is reporting that in recent years, the main retail areas of Tokyo have seen an increase in pop-up stores - short-term sales spaces aimed to promote new product launches or cater to seasonal demand.

Only two remaining residential sites to be tendered on the Kai Tak runway could enjoy Victoria Harbour views after the government awarded the tender for Kai Tak Area 4C Site 1 site.

According to global real estate consultant JLL, although the US-China trade war has cast a shadow over Hong Kong's economy, the industrial property market continues to be a bright spot.

Rising cost of leasing prime office space accelerated across the globe due to continued economic growth, job gains and limited availability of prime space in certain markets.

According to JLL's latest Residential Sales Market Monitor Report, the price premium commanded by new mass residential flats sized 752 sq. ft and under on Hong Kong Island against the New Territories has narrowed from 90% to 79% over the past five years.

According to the Property Monitor's latest Dubai House Price Index, the average annual house price in Dubai decreased by 12% in March 2019, with some communities registering even higher price declines.

According to the latest Dubai House Price Index, the average annual home price in Dubai decreased by 10.6% in February 2019, with some communities registering even higher price declines.

According to STR, hotels in the Middle East reported negative April 2018 performance results, while hotels in Africa posted growth across the three key performance metrics.

The Abu Dhabi property market heavily favored renters and buyers in Q1 of 2018, with market data showing price decreases in all areas. both apartments and villas across the sales and rental sectors became increasingly affordable in Q1.

According to STR, hotels across the Middle East reported mixed Q1 2018 performance results, while hotels in Africa posted growth across the three key performance metrics.

Residential rents across Dubai registered no change during the first quarter of 2018, helping improve the annual rate of change to -3.1%, from -7.7% at the end of last year.