Global Real Estate & Economy Brief — 2025-09-24

🌍 At a Glance

• US Fed Funds Rate: 4.33 (as of 2025-08-01)
• US 30Y Mortgage: 6.26 (as of 2025-09-18)
• ECB Policy Rate: 2.0 [FRED:ECBDFR] as of 2025-09-23
• BoE Bank Rate: 4.00 (as of 2025-08-07)

🇺🇸 United States

• In Greenwich, Conn., a Bucolic Retreat for a High-Powered Adman — Andrew Robertson and his wife are selling their six-acre Greenwich home for $13.75 million.
• With New Plan, Hochul Fast-Tracks Housing Supply — New York's Hochul introduces a program to prioritize manufactured homes for affordable housing.
• Trump Appointees Roll Back Enforcement of Fair Housing Laws — Trump appointees are reportedly undermining enforcement of key fair housing protections.

🇪🇺 Europe

• Tories demand inquiry into claims Labour’s McSweeney misled elections watchdog — The Conservatives are urging an inquiry into Labour's Morgan McSweeney over alleged misleading claims regarding donations to a thinktank.
• Cheryl Tweedy stalker jailed for a year after again breaching restraining order — Cheryl Tweedy's stalker, Daniel Bannister, has been sentenced to one year in prison for repeatedly breaching a restraining order.
• Mahmood vows to change modern slavery laws after bid to deport Eritrean man thwarted — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to amend modern slavery laws following a court ruling against her deportation attempt of an Eritrean man.

🌏 Asia

• Plan for energy bills with low standing charges — The regulator's energy bill plans may be implemented by January, though overall costs are expected to remain high.
• More young people say rising bills now stopping them moving out — Increasing energy costs are preventing many young adults from moving out and securing their own homes.
• Amazon to close its UK grocery stores — Amazon plans to convert five of its UK grocery stores into Whole Foods locations, closing the remaining 14.

🎯 GPT Strategy

🇺🇸 United States

• **Position in Affordable Housing REITs**: Invest in REITs focused on manufactured homes to capitalize on increasing demand for affordable housing. *Risk: Regulatory changes may impact profitability.*
• **Diversify into Urban Multifamily ETFs**: Consider urban multifamily ETFs as demand for rental housing remains strong amid rising home prices. *Risk: Economic downturns could affect occupancy rates.*
• **Hedge with Real Estate Bonds**: Allocate to real estate bonds to mitigate risks from potential housing market volatility and regulatory shifts. *Risk: Interest rate fluctuations may impact bond performance.*

🇪🇺 Europe

• **Positioning Idea**: Consider investing in UK-focused REITs to capitalize on potential political stability as inquiries unfold.
• **Risk Note**: Political uncertainty may impact market sentiment.
• **Positioning Idea**: Explore ETFs focused on social impact investing, as modern slavery law amendments could drive demand for ethical business practices.

🌏 Asia

• **Positioning Idea:** Consider investing in energy-focused REITs to capitalize on rising energy costs.
• **Risk Note:** Regulatory changes could impact profitability.
• **Positioning Idea:** Explore residential REITs targeting affordable housing, as high energy costs hinder young adults' homeownership.

Not financial advice. Educational insights only.