Goldman in $2bn property push

Goldman in $2bn property push Goldman Sachs has amassed $2bn to use for property investments in Asia, a move likely to intensify competition for assets in fast-growing markets such as China and India. The bank has been a prominent investor in Japanese property for a decade, but has decided to allocate significant resources to real …

Japanese real estate stocks rally on US mortgage aid plan, rising office rents

Japanese real estate stocks rally on US mortgage aid plan, rising office rents Japanese real estate stocks rose in morning trading Friday on hopes that the US government’s rescue plan for struggling homeowners will ultimately improve conditions for real estate investment in Japan. A rise in office rents in central Tokyo last month also heartened …

Feds probe real estate deals

Feds probe real estate deals Federal agents are investigating real estate deals involving Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s wife as part of a three-year corruption probe into allegations of favoritism and fraud within his administration. Several federal sources familiar with the inquiry confirm that agents are interested in hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate commissions …

Real estate industry bill introduced [New Zealand]

Real estate industry bill introduced [New Zealand] Legislation that creates an independent real estate industry watchdog with the power to impose stiff fines and ban “land sharks” has been introduced to Parliament. Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove wants the changes in law by early next year and today’s introduction puts the bill on track for …

Lennar unloads 8,300 residential lots

Lennar unloads 8,300 residential lots [Tampa Bay Florida] Metro Development Group is getting a hold of nearly 4,000 acres of land in seven counties after completing its largest land purchase in company history. Metro, based in Tampa, is buying nearly 4,900 home sites in Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk and Sarasota counties as well as 3,400 other …

Levitt and Sons’ bankruptcy leaves Orlando-area buyers without homes

Levitt and Sons’ bankruptcy leaves Orlando-area buyers without homes The financial collapse of one of America’s legendary home builders has left people throughout Central Florida stuck with unfinished houses, liens against their properties, unopened clubhouses and community pools, and warranties that could be worthless. Many of the victims, scattered throughout the Southeastern United States, don’t …