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Written by Yousaf Iqbal, Head of IQI CanadaCanada Real Estate Market – April 2025 OverviewIn April 2025, Canada’s housing market displayed mixed signals. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver experienced noticeable slowdowns, with home sales and prices falling year-over-year due to high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty. In contrast, Quebec maintained strong momentum, with rising sales, increasing prices, and steady buyer activity. National trends highlighted cautious consumer behavior in some regions, while others continued to experience robust demand and price growth.Toronto (GTA)Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) rose from March as part of the usual seasonal trend but remained 23.3% lower than in April 2024, with 5,601 homes sold. Buyers continue to wait for lower interest rates and greater economic certainty.Following the recent federal election, many households are watching Canada’s trade relationship with the United States, as a positive shift could boost consumer confidence and stimulate market activity, noted TRREB President Elechia Barry Sproule.New listings climbed 8.1% year-over-year to 18,836, providing buyers with more options. However, the MLS® Home Price Index fell 5.4%, and the average selling price declined 4.1% to $1,107,463.According to TRREB CIO Jason Mercer, high inventory levels gave buyers more negotiating power, driving down prices across the board. When combined with slightly lower borrowing costs, this trend has helped improve monthly mortgage affordability.VancouverThe housing market slowdown that began earlier in the year persisted in April, with sales down 23.6% year-over-year. Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reported 2,163 residential sales, a sharp drop from the 2,831 sales in April 2024, and 28.2% below the 10-year seasonal average (3,014).New listings totaled 6,850 properties, a 3.4% decrease year-over-year, but still 19.5% above the 10-year seasonal average (5,731). The total inventory reached 16,207 properties, marking a 29.7% increase from April 2024 and 47.6% above the 10-year average.The sales-to-active listings ratio stood at 13.8% overall, broken down as:• Detached homes: 9.9%• Attached homes: 17.5%• Apartments: 15.7%These figures suggest a balanced market, though slightly tilted in favor of buyers, especially in the detached segment.QuebecIn contrast to national trends, Quebec’s real estate market remained resilient in April 2025, with home sales up 10% compared to the same period last year. Prices rose across all property categories—single-family homes, condominiums, and plexes—while days on market decreased, reflecting strong demand.Although active listings held steady, new listings increased by 11%, contributing to a 19% growth in total sales volume, signaling a competitive and active spring market.Click here now for more info!Download

Written by Dustin Trung Nguyen, Head of IQI VietnamVIETNAM REAL ESTATE MARKET OVERVIEWResidential SectorHousing Supply in Ho Chi Minh City Remains LimitedThe residential property supply in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) remained constrained in the early months of 2025, with only 350 condominium units and 58 ready-built townhouses and villas launched, according to CBRE Vietnam.All new launches came from subsequent phases of existing projects, although there have been notable improvements in resolving legal bottlenecks. Duong Thuy Dung, Executive Director of CBRE Vietnam, noted that certain projects—such as a condominium development in District 7—may soon be able to sign sales contracts. Meanwhile, long-delayed housing developments in Thu Duc City, handed over between 2016 and 2019, are expected to finally issue ownership certificates, helping to restore buyer confidence.Data from the municipal People's Committee indicates that approximately 38,000 apartments are expected to receive title deeds in 2025. Since late 2024, new sales activity has resumed in Thu Duc after a two-year halt due to regulatory challenges.Integrated urban township models on HCMC’s outskirts have gained traction, supported by accelerated investment in key infrastructure projects. Experts note that the western region of the city—home to several major developers—is witnessing strong preparations for new launches and robust reservation demand. One urban project near Tan Son Nhat Airport in Tan Phu District recorded over 1,000 reservations within just ten days of its launch.In neighboring Long An Province, investor interest is growing. A green urban township in Ben Luc, near Binh Chanh District, is currently accepting reservations, while a nearly 200-hectare urban area in Duc Hoa has recently broken ground and is expected to launch later this year.The residential market in western HCMC is projected to become increasingly vibrant in the coming quarters. In total, more than 8,600 condominium units and fewer than 1,000 ready built townhouses and villas are expected to launch throughout 2025, predominantly in the suburban zones.In the office segment, Thanh Pham, Associate Director of Research & Consulting Services at CBRE Vietnam, reported strong absorption of newly completed Grade A buildings, with over 4,000 square meters leased in Q1 2025.Commercial SectorHCMC Retail Space Fully Leased Despite High PricesRetail occupancy in Ho Chi Minh City remains near 100%, even as rental rates reach record highs and supply remains stagnant. As of November, most malls in District 1—such as Saigon Centre, Parkson Le Thanh Ton, Vincom, and Diamond Plaza—are nearly fully leased, with only limited availability on basement and upper levels.A leading F&B brand seeking to expand on Dong Khoi Street, one of the city’s most expensive retail corridors, has faced delays due to space shortages. Similarly, a coffee chain has had to revise its business strategy after being unable to secure appropriate space in central locations.“It is extremely difficult to find spacious retail areas in prime malls,” the company stated. “Most are fully occupied.”Property consultancy Avison Young Vietnam confirmed there was no new retail supply in District 1 in Q3, with existing malls at full capacity. Notably, 75% of the city’s 1.5 million square meters of retail space is located in suburban areas.The shortage of prime retail space, combined with strong demand from luxury brands, has pushed rents upward. District 1 retail rents stood at US$275–300 per square meter per month in Q3, according to Avison Young.David Jackson, CEO of Avison Young Vietnam, noted that high-end brands prefer shopping malls in central locations, making competition intense. Luxury labels like Longchamp, Lush, and Popmart have chosen District 1 for flagship stores, despite attractive offers from suburban developments.Office and Industrial Market TrendsCBRE Vietnam’s 2024 Asia-Pacific Office Occupier Survey revealed that competitive rental rates and high-quality service are key factors influencing tenant relocations. In Q1 2025, relocations accounted for 50% of tracked major lease transactions, with the information technology sector leading both in volume (25%) and leased area (31%).Meanwhile, the industrial land market in southern Vietnam maintained a stable 89% occupancy rate. The ready-built warehouse and factory segments saw continued growth, with Q1 occupancy rates reaching 72% and 89%, up 14 and 3 percentage points year-on-year, respectively.Click here now for more info!Download

Written by Lily Chong, Head of IQI AustraliaAUSTRALIA’S HOUSING MARKET REMAINS RESILIENT AMID SOFTENING GROWTHAustralia’s housing market continued its upward trajectory in April, with CoreLogic’s Home Value Index marking a third consecutive month of growth. National dwelling values rose by 0.3%, pushing the median home price to a new record high—adding approximately $2,720 in value over the month.Every capital city posted value gains, with Darwin leading at +1.1%. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest increases of 0.2%. However, April’s growth eased slightly from March’s 0.4%, reflecting subdued buyer sentiment and a dip in auction clearance rates.Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, noted that the February rate cut initially stimulated housing momentum, but its effects are beginning to fade. Broader economic uncertainty—partly driven by international trade tensions and the upcoming federal election—has weighed on consumer confidence, prompting some buyers and sellers to delay their plans.This cooling trend was evident in reduced market activity. Auction volumes dropped to just 644 for the week ending April 20—the quietest Easter auction week since 2019. New listings also declined to 19,650 across the capital cities in the four weeks to April 27, marking a five-year low for this time of year.Looking ahead, market momentum could resume with a potential interest rate cut expected around May 20 and post-election clarity. CoreLogic forecasts modest price growth for the remainder of 2025.Despite the overall gains, not all cities have reached new price peaks. Only mid-sized capitals like Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth have hit record highs. Sydney remains 1.1% below its September 2024 peak, while Melbourne lags 5.4% behind its 2022 high. Hobart, Darwin, and the ACT are still down 11.1%, 2.7%, and 6.4%, respectively.Annual price growth slowed to 3.2% in April—its lowest level since August 2023—underscoring the market's cooling from mid-2024 to early 2025, despite a rebound beginning in February.House values continue to outperform units. Over the past three months, house prices rose by 1.1% across the combined capitals, compared to 0.5% for units. Sydney showed the widest disparity, with house values rising 1.4% while unit values slipped 0.3%. Hobart followed a similar trend. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Adelaide recorded balanced growth, and Perth and Brisbane saw stronger unit price gains.Click here now for more info!Download

The global real estate market saw mixed results in June, with some areas improving and others struggling.What else have you missed in June 2025Click here now for more info!Download

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorRenters, pay attention. You’re still getting a discount, but the window may be closing.That’s one of the insights from Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO Kashif Ansari, who was quoted on the topic in the New Straits Times. His comments bring some hard numbers to the rent vs. buy debate in Malaysia. According to Ansari, rent is still cheaper than it was before COVID, by about RM442 a month.Meanwhile, home prices are steady, up just 0.8 points on the Malaysian House Price Index in 2024. Prices have been kept down in part by a 30% jump in new home launches.The government is helping to keep housing affordable with real support: RM10 billion in housing credit guarantees and tax breaks.Right now, renting still edges out on cost. But that edge is shrinking fast. What’s more, over the long-term, ownership builds wealth.“Renters are still getting a discount nearly half a decade after the pandemic started,” Ansari told the New Straits Times. “But with rent trending upward and home prices stabilising, we expect the rent vs. buy equation to increasingly favour ownership in the coming years.”What First-Time Buyers Should KnowAffordability is quietly improving. Financing is easier thanks to government-backed schemes and stable interest rates.Meanwhile, 75,784 new homes were launched in 2024, a big jump up from just 56,526 the year before.Construction costs are helping keep sales prices down. Building a mid-range high-rise in Kuala Lumpur is 63% cheaper than in Bangkok, and 260% cheaper than in Singapore.That opens the door for more people to own instead of rent.What’s Hot? JohorOne region stands out: Johor. It’s drawing more demand thanks to better transport and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. If you’re looking for future value, Ansari says this is a key location to watch. But be careful about overpaying and select your investment carefully.The Market OutlookOverall, Ansari calls Malaysia’s current property market “healthy” and “stable.” No boom, no bust. He forecasts prices will grow 2%–3% in 2025, thanks to support from the strong economy.“By far, more people own their homes than rent,” he said. “More than three quarters of Malaysians are homeowners.”In 2024, 260,516 people bought homes—up 4% from the year before.CLICK FOR MORE INFO!

Written by Dante Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentIn today’s fast-evolving financial ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re foundational tools transforming how people invest, manage wealth, and make financial decisions. As we reach the midpoint of 2025, understanding the growing impact of these technologies is essential for staying competitive and making informed investment choices. Here's how AI is reshaping the investor’s world.Smarter Portfolio Management with AIAI-powered platforms are now capable of analysing vast amounts of market data in real time to offer personalised investment strategies. Robo-advisors and automated wealth management tools use machine learning to optimise asset allocation based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and market behaviour. This allows even novice investors to access strategies once reserved for high-net-worth individuals.Predictive Analytics and Market ForecastingGone are the days when forecasting was based solely on historical data and human intuition. Today, AI tools digest macroeconomic indicators, news sentiment, and global trends to forecast market movements with increasing accuracy. Hedge funds and institutional investors have already adopted predictive models for identifying short-term and long-term opportunities—retail investors are now beginning to follow suit.Algorithmic Trading and Efficiency GainsAlgorithmic trading uses AI to execute large volumes of trades at high speed based on pre-defined criteria. This method increases market efficiency, reduces human error, and enables investors to act on fleeting opportunities. While most beneficial to institutional players, retail investors now have access to simplified algorithmic tools through modern broker platforms.AI in Real Estate: Valuation and Deal SourcingIn real estate, AI is being used to analyse pricing trends, identify undervalued assets, and predict future value appreciation. Smart algorithms can scan thousands of listings and economic factors to recommend the best locations or properties to invest in. Some platforms even automate property management, streamlining tenant screening, lease tracking, and maintenance scheduling.Risks and Ethical ConsiderationsDespite the advantages, relying solely on AI carries risks. Models can reflect the biases of the data they're trained on, and sudden market shifts can outpace even the smartest algorithms. Investors should use AI as a tool, not a replacement, for sound judgement and due diligence. Understanding how these technologies work and staying informed is crucial to using them effectively and ethically.AI and automation are transforming the financial landscape at an unprecedented pace. From smarter portfolio management andpredictive analytics to real estate investment insights, these tools offer investors a significant edge. However, true success lies incombining technology with human insight, critical thinking, and strategic discipline. As 2025 continues, embrace the benefits of AI—but let wisdom lead the way.CLICK FOR MORE INFO!

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad. GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentThe recently released Laporan Pasaran Harta 2024 by NAPIC confirms what many property players have long observed: terraced houses remain the top choice among Malaysian homebuyers. Despite the rise of high-rise living and new trends in urban design, terraced homes continue to lead the residential property market—both in transaction volume and buyer sentiment.Terraced Homes Top the Chart AgainAccording to the report, Terraced Houses recorded the highest number of residential transactions in 2024, with a total of 112,243 transactions, far surpassing other residential property types. This category includes both single-storey and 2-3 storey variations, although NAPIC does not break down the volume by storey count in transaction data.In terms of new launches, 2-3 storey terraced houses (23,462 units) and single storey terraced houses (16,621 units) together made up 52.9% of all new residential units launched in 2024.This reflects continued market confidence and strong preference for landed properties.The Cultural Comfort of 'Landed Living'Malaysians value space, privacy, and multigenerational living, making terraced homes in suburban areas a top choice. These landed properties offer the comfort of a backyard, renovation potential, and a strong sense of community—features that continue to appeal to middle-income buyers.Affordability Meets Practicality Compared to semi-detached or detached homes, terraced houses provide better affordability while still offering more living space than a typical apartment. This makes them particularly attractive to:First-time homebuyersYoung familiesUpgraders from flats or low-cost apartmentsWith many units priced below RM500,000 in suburban hotspots, terraced homes continue to fall within the sweet spot of affordability.Developer Confidence Reflects Market DemandTerraced homes aren’t just popular in the secondary (subsale) market—they remain a key product in new township developments nationwide. Developers continue to launch them confidently, often positioning terraced units as the cornerstone of integrated projects that include green spaces, schools, and retail facilities.New townships in Selangor (Bandar Puncak Alam, Semenyih), Johor (Bandar Seri Alam, Iskandar Puteri) and Penang Mainland (Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat) clearly illustrate this ongoing demand.Stable Investment OutlookFrom an investment perspective, terraced houses tend to enjoy steady capital appreciation and consistent rental demand.Unlike many high-rise properties, they are less exposed to risks of oversupply and usually maintain better value during market fluctuations. For investors with a medium- to long-term horizon, landed terraced homes remain a solid, dependable asset.In a market shaped by evolving trends and diverse product offerings, terraced houses continue to represent a dependable and practical choice. The data from NAPIC reinforces this lasting appeal, proving yet again that Malaysian buyers prefer landed, affordable, and family-oriented homes. As urban areas expand and affordability remains a central concern, terraced homes are likely to retain their place as Malaysia’s preferred residential option for years to come.CLICK FOR MORE INFO!

Written By Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalMalaysia is accelerating its shift to renewable energy (RE) to meet rising energy demand and its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Solar, hydro, biogas, and biomass are central to this low-carbon transition, backed by strong policies and private sector engagementSolar Leads the ChargeSolar energy is Malaysia’s fastest growing RE source. Through the Large-Scale Solar (LSS) program, over 2 GW of capacity is either operational or in development, with LSS5 upcoming. Rooftop solar is also rising via the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, especially among commercial users.Hydropower & Rural ImpactHydropower remains the most established RE source, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. While large hydro is not always classified as renewable, small hydropower plants are helping provide clean energy to rural communities.Biogas & Biomass: Waste to EnergyMalaysia is leveraging its palm oil and agricultural waste—like POME and empty fruit bunches—for biogas and biomass power generation. These efforts reduce methane emissions and support rural energy access. Supported by Feed-in Tariff (FiT) incentives via SEDA, these projects are growing steadily.National Frameworks Driving the TransitionSeveral national strategies are guiding Malaysia’s clean energy shift: Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS): Offers soft loans and guarantees for RE projects.MyRER (Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap): Targets 31% RE capacity by 2025, 40% by 2035.NETR (National Energy Transition Roadmap): Aims for net-zero by 2050, focusing on energy efficiency and low-carbon tech.National Biomass Action Plan: Boosts biomass uses through supply chain development and rural investment.Current Progress and Future OutlookAs of 2024, 25% of Malaysia’s installed power capacity comes from renewables. While fossil fuels still dominate generation, the trend is shifting. Nationwide, states are developing diverse RE projects, signalling strong momentum.Challenges persist—especially in grid integration for solar and scaling biogas/biomass—but Malaysia’s direction is clear. With policy support, investment, and innovation, the country is well on its way to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.CLICK FOR MORE INFO!