Manhattan's office leasing in Q4 2025 saw its strongest performance in six years, driven by return-to-office trends, tech hiring, and demand from industries like finance and AI, leading to higher rents and a tightening supply, though surplus still remains from the pandemic.
The industrial outdoor storage (IOS) sector is experiencing a significant boom due to demand from AI and quantum infrastructure projects, with rent growth doubling since 2020 and attracting major investments, despite challenges like zoning restrictions and land scarcity.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Robb Report
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt purchased Aaron Spelling's former mansion in Holmby Hills for $110 million, significantly below its original $165 million asking price, adding to his extensive luxury real estate portfolio in Los Angeles.
A couple purchased two prime waterfront homes in Longport for $19 million, demolished them, and plans to build a single new residence on the combined lot, highlighting the trend of valuing land over existing structures in high-end real estate.
A house in San Francisco's Russian Hill is listed for under $500,000, but it comes with a catch: a tenant with a lease until 2053 paying below-market rent. The property is seen as a long-term investment opportunity, ideal for those willing to wait decades to realize its full potential.
Kristina Knighten and Paul Cordier, TEFL-certified teachers living in the UAE, initially saved to buy a home in Chicago but opted for a $25,000 house in Italy instead. They faced challenges with U.S. mortgage lenders and fell in love with a property in Lago d'Iseo. Despite delays and increased renovation costs, they are committed to transforming their Italian home, finding joy in the process and the connection to its history.
Realty Income Corporation reported strong Q4 earnings, exceeding revenue expectations with $1.08 billion in revenue and net income of $218 million. The company's adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) of $1.01 per share was slightly below expectations, but the guidance for same-store rent growth and acquisition volume for 2024 looks promising. Despite a slight AFFO miss, the company's strong performance and future outlook suggest a bright future, making Realty Income Corporation shares a buy for long-term investment, especially for income-seeking investors.
Real-estate tycoon Ian Jacobs, heir of the Reichmann real-estate dynasty, plans to purchase $900 million worth of vacant office space in San Francisco through a venture called 'Project Uris.' The city's high vacancy rates, driven by homelessness, crime, and work-from-home trends, have created an opportunity for value investing in real estate. Jacobs aims to buy 3 million square feet of office space at a significant discount and has already secured $75 million in commitments for the project. This move mirrors similar urban revitalization efforts in other cities and comes as US office vacancy rates reach a 40-year high.
Former Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby testified in her federal mortgage fraud trial, detailing her relationship with her ex-husband, financial struggles, and real estate ventures. Prosecutors allege she failed to disclose a tax lien and made false statements during property purchases. Mosby claimed she trusted her husband but was unaware of his financial issues. She also described intense scrutiny after the Freddie Gray case and her decision to run for office. The trial continues with cross-examination.
Blackstone's president Jonathan Gray predicts that commercial real estate values are bottoming and sees a potential recovery on the horizon, prompting the private equity giant to make significant real estate transactions and invest its $65 billion in available funds into the dislocated market. Gray highlights the firm's focus on residential real estate, particularly single-family and multi-family rentals, as well as its history of profiting from periods of uncertainty, such as during the Savings and Loans crisis and the aftermath of the Great Recession.
A six-floor luxury house in San Francisco has seen its value plummet by $10 million in just three years, selling for $20 million in January 2020 and then again for $10 million in November. The property, located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, features four bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a five-car garage, and a guest apartment. The decline in home values in San Francisco has been attributed to a recent slump in the city's housing market, with median prices falling from a peak of around $1.6 million in April 2022 to $1.2 million in January.
Housing affordability in the U.S. is at an all-time low, particularly for first-time homebuyers, due to factors such as aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and excess stimulus spending during the pandemic. The Fed's actions may indicate a desire to increase the number of renters and support the growing investor class. To navigate this situation, individuals are advised to focus on owning their primary residence and investing in rental properties to secure housing affordability in the future. Cash flow from rental properties is emphasized over property values, as it provides stability and financial independence.
Major U.S. indexes experienced significant drops as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell into negative territory for the year, while the 10-year Treasury yield reached a 16-year high of 4.8%. Asian markets followed suit, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi both losing around 2%. In other news, job openings in the U.S. exceeded expectations in August, but hires and the number of quits remained relatively unchanged. Foreign investment in Japan's real estate market rose by 45% in the first half of 2023, driven by loose monetary policy and a weak yen. Additionally, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a no-confidence vote, and Citi suggests that investors looking to capitalize on India's economic growth should consider sectors beyond technology. The financial markets are experiencing a breakdown in the narrative of long-term low interest rates, leading to rising Treasury yields and expectations of more rate hikes, which caused stocks to plummet. Investors are concerned about further volatility and potential new market lows if rates continue to rise.
Dave Ramsey, a popular radio personality and financial expert, strongly advised against a North Carolina woman's plan to refinance her home in order to purchase a vacation rental property. Ramsey emphasized the challenges and risks associated with running an Airbnb, including the demanding nature of maintaining the property, dealing with short-term tenants, potential property damage, and the possibility of changing regulations. Instead, Ramsey suggested alternative options for earning passive income, such as investing in low-income rentals or exploring real estate investment trusts (REITs) and crowdfunding platforms.
Realty Income Corporation has announced a $950 million investment in the Bellagio Las Vegas, valuing the property at $5.1 billion. The investment will be made through a joint venture with Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, with Realty Income acquiring a 21.9% indirect interest in the property. The Bellagio is subject to an existing triple net lease with MGM Resorts International and features 4,000 guestrooms, gaming space, and meeting facilities. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2023.