The number of inquiries from foreign clients regarding the purchase of luxury real estate in the U.S. during the first five months of 2026 doubled compared to the same period last year, according to an interim report by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury published on July 14.
The calculation is based on data from the international platform JamesEdition and reflects trends in buyer inquiries from January 1 through May 10, 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. Thus, this reflects a rise in interest among potential clients, rather than a doubling in the number of closed deals.
California accounted for the largest share of inquiries from foreign buyers. New York and Florida followed, with New York in particular showing the highest growth rate in interest from abroad. Foreign investors view American premium-class properties as a way to geographically diversify their assets and preserve capital over the long term.
Another trend has been the rise of so-called “landmaxxing”—the acquisition of neighboring homes and land parcels to expand one’s estate, enhance privacy, preserve the view from windows, or create multi-generational family estates. Demand for unique properties—including estates, historic buildings, branded residences, and private islands—has risen by 146%, while interest in land parcels has increased by 97%.
Nearly 40% of luxury real estate professionals surveyed reported that affluent buyers are willing to purchase homes in need of renovation if they are located in a prestigious neighborhood. At the same time, 63% of real estate agents noted an increase in the share of cash transactions among clients in the premium segment, compared to 51% a year earlier.
According to the latest study published by the National Association of Realtors, covering transactions from April 2024 through March 2025, foreigners purchased 78,100 U.S. residential properties with a total value of $56 billion. The number of purchases rose by 44%, and their total value increased by 33.2%. The median price of residential properties purchased by foreign buyers reached a record $494,400, with 47% of transactions paid for entirely in cash.
The top 10 countries of origin for foreign buyers included China with a 15% share, Canada with 14%, Mexico with 8%, India with 6%, the United Kingdom with 4%, as well as Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria, and the UAE, each with 3%. Israel ranked tenth with a 2% share. These figures apply to the entire U.S. residential real estate market, not just the luxury segment.
Among U.S. states, the top destinations for foreign buyers remained Florida, which accounted for 21% of transactions, California—15%, Texas—10%, New York—7%, and Arizona—5%.
New Zealand’s Immigration Service has expanded opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs applying for a Business Investor Work Visa. The changes took effect on July 6, 2026, and pertain to the list of eligible business types, transaction structures, and sources of investment capital.
Applicants are now permitted to acquire franchise businesses that meet the established requirements. Previously, franchises were not considered an acceptable investment vehicle under this program.
Investors are also now permitted to purchase a business of their choice through a New Zealand-registered legal entity that is a tax resident of the country. Additionally, gifted funds or assets may now be used to finance the purchase, provided their lawful origin is verified.
Authorities explain the changes as an effort to align immigration requirements with standard commercial practices and expand the range of available investment opportunities. The reform is expected to make it easier to attract foreign capital, management expertise, and international business connections to New Zealand companies.
The Business Investor Work Visa was introduced on November 24, 2025, for entrepreneurs willing to acquire and personally manage a business already operating in New Zealand. The visa is valid for up to four years and may serve as a basis for subsequently obtaining resident status.
The program offers two investment options. With an investment of at least 1 million New Zealand dollars, an investor may apply for a resident visa after three years of managing the business. An investment of at least 2 million New Zealand dollars allows the investor to take advantage of an expedited process and apply for resident status after 12 months. In this case, the entrepreneur must continue to manage the acquired business for at least three years, including the period after receiving the resident visa.
In addition to the main investment, the applicant must confirm the availability of at least 500,000 New Zealand dollars in reserve funds for living expenses and family support. The applicant must be 55 years of age or younger. They must also have at least three years of relevant business experience or experience in a managerial position and be proficient in English. The application fee starts at 12,380 New Zealand dollars.
The business being acquired must have been operating in New Zealand for at least five years and have at least five full-time equivalent employees. The transaction value, excluding the cost of real estate and GST, must be at least 1 million New Zealand dollars, and the investor’s stake in the company must be at least 25%.
After the acquisition, the entrepreneur is required to actively participate in management, retain at least five jobs, and create at least one additional permanent job for a New Zealand citizen or resident. To transition to a resident visa, the investor must be present in the country for at least 184 days per year.
The value of real estate owned by the company does not count toward the minimum investment amount. This means that purchasing a business along with an expensive building or plot of land does not, in and of itself, guarantee that the program’s financial requirement will be met. The value of the operating business is assessed separately.
According to the industry publication *Investment Migration Insider*, which cites a representative of a New Zealand immigration firm, only one Business Investor Work Visa was approved between November 2025 and March 2026.
The Business Investor Work Visa differs from the Active Investor Plus program. The former is designed for entrepreneurs who purchase and personally manage an existing company. Active Investor Plus is intended primarily for high-net-worth investors and requires an investment of at least 5 million New Zealand dollars in the Growth category or 10 million New Zealand dollars in the Balanced category, without the requirement to actively manage a specific business.
Indian citizens became the largest group of foreign real estate buyers in Dubai in 2026, according to data from the DXB Interact platform, as reported by Gulf Today and Khaleej Times.
According to DXB Interact, Indian buyers accounted for 20.59% of total real estate purchases in the emirate as of late February 2026. In a Khaleej Times article citing Harbor Real Estate and DXB Interact, this figure was rounded to 20.6% as of early 2026.
Buyers from the United Kingdom ranked second with a share of 13.26–13.3%, followed by Egyptian citizens in third place with 12.6%. Next came the United States—about 9%, Pakistan—6.9%, Saudi Arabia and Australia—5.7% each, Germany—about 4.2%, France—3.8%, and Canada—about 3%.
Just outside the top ten, according to DXB Interact, are the Netherlands with a 2.83% share, Russia at 2.5%, Morocco at 2.33%, Spain and Kuwait at 2.11% each, Turkey at 2.05%, and Nigeria at 1.89%.
Analysts attribute foreign buyers’ sustained interest in the Dubai market to political stability, the absence of income tax, the possibility of 100% foreign ownership of properties in freehold zones, and long-term residency programs, including the Golden Visa.
Compact apartments remain the most active segment of the market. According to the Khaleej Times, one-bedroom apartments accounted for 34.9% of sales, or 27,590 transactions; studios accounted for 23.4%, or 18,471 transactions; and two-bedroom apartments accounted for 20.7%, or 16,399 transactions. This demand reflects investors’ interest in liquid properties with a lower entry threshold and rental yield potential.
Among Dubai’s districts, Dubai Islands led in apartment sales with 8.4 billion dirhams, followed by Airport City with 7.2 billion dirhams and Business Bay with 6 billion dirhams. In the villas and buildings segment, Al Yalayis 1 took first place with 10.6 billion dirhams, while Me’aisem Second led the land plots segment with 10.1 billion dirhams.
Harbor Real Estate assesses the current situation as a transition of the Dubai market from a phase of rapid growth to a more sustainable cycle. According to the company, demand is increasingly being driven by end buyers and long-term investors, rather than short-term speculators.
An increase in supply could be an additional factor contributing to market stabilization. According to the Khaleej Times, citing a report by Harbor Real Estate, more than 160,000 residential units are scheduled for completion in 2026, although the actual number of units completed is expected to be significantly lower. For comparison: approximately 39,700 units were completed in 2025, and 30,500 in 2024
Regarding the Dubai real estate market, the ranking of foreign buyers shows that demand remains geographically diversified. India and the United Kingdom retain key positions, but buyers from the Middle East, North Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe also play a significant role. This reinforces Dubai’s status as one of the leading international centers for real estate investment.
Greece has more than 2.2 million vacant homes, accounting for 34.5% of the country’s total housing stock—one of the highest rates in Europe, according to a study by the Parliamentary Budget Office based on data from the 2021 ELSTAT census.
The study’s authors note that the problem in the Greek housing market is linked not only to a lack of new construction but also to the low utilization rate of existing housing stock. While the total number of residential properties increased by 3.5% between 2011 and 2021, the number of homes available for long-term rent decreased by 10.4%, and those listed for sale fell by 33.1%. The number of inactive vacant properties—those not offered for either rent or sale—rose to 1.81 million.
The category of vacant housing includes not only potential properties for purchase or rent, but also second homes, summer cottages, older housing stock, properties in rural areas and on islands, as well as real estate taken off the market due to legal, inheritance, or technical issues. Among the reasons why housing does not return to the market, the study cites inheritance disputes, unclear ownership status, legal complications, high renovation costs, low energy efficiency, and limited demand in certain regions.
For investors, this market structure creates opportunities primarily in the segments of older housing stock, redevelopment, and renovation. Properties that remain vacant due to owners’ reluctance to invest in modernization may enter the market at a discount; however, their investment appeal depends on the total cost after renovation and the potential market price upon sale or long-term lease.
Government support for renovation could be an additional factor. Greece is preparing a housing modernization program worth approximately 500 million euros, which is intended to help return some of the vacant properties to the housing market. According to Greek media reports, the program provides subsidies for repairs and energy efficiency, and eligibility checks are to be conducted via the gov.gr platform.
At the same time, investors should factor in the risk of price adjustments. According to the study’s authors, if the share of vacant and inactive housing returns to 2001 levels within approximately six years, real housing prices in Greece could fall by 15.5–24.6%. This does not imply an automatic collapse of the entire market; however, overvalued properties and locations with limited demand may prove to be the most vulnerable.
The Greek real estate market continues to appreciate for now, but the pace of growth is slowing. According to the Bank of Greece, apartment prices rose by 5.7% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026, following increases of 8.1% in 2025 and 9.1% in 2024. In Athens, growth in the first quarter was 5.2%, and in Thessaloniki, 6.4%.
Relying solely on short-term rentals and the Golden Visa program as the sole rationale for a transaction remains a risk. Research indicates that the impact of short-term rentals on the market as a whole may be limited; however, in central areas of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as popular tourist destinations, they are increasing pressure on the long-term housing market. Therefore, a high-quality asset is not a property purchased solely for a residence permit or Airbnb purposes, but rather a property with a clear legal history, an estimated renovation cost, and sustained demand once it is brought to market.
Shareholders of the industrial and technical company ‘Agromat’ decided to issue Series “J” bonds worth 100 million UAH for public offering, the company reported in the NSSMC system.
According to the announcement, the bond offering is being conducted to optimize the company’s debt portfolio.
It is noted that the bonds are planned to be placed through a public offering exclusively to qualified investors (without a prospectus) via an investment firm acting as a placement agent without providing a guarantee.
AgroMat corporate bonds of Series “H” and “I,” each with a total face value of 100 million UAH, are currently in circulation.
The announcement states that the company’s co-owners, each holding a 28.65% stake, are CEO Serhiy Voitenko, Oksana Reva, and Anatoliy Taday; an additional 10.05% is owned by Olga Bashota, and 4% by Nadiya Rushelyuk.
As previously reported, in September 2024, “Agromat” issued three-year Series “H” bonds worth 100 million UAH for public offering, and in November of the same year, it issued Series “I” bonds for the same amount. The funds raised are planned to be used to expand the retail network.
“Agromat” manufactures and sells ceramic tiles and bathroom fixtures; it was founded in 1993. The company operates through 33 retail locations in 21 cities across Ukraine and online at agromat.ua.
According to information on the company’s website, based on 2025 results, PTK LLC “Agromat” increased its net revenue by 5.2% compared to the previous year—to 3.59 billion UAH—and its net profit by 91.4%, to 148 million UAH. In the first quarter of 2026, net revenue grew by 10.4% compared to the same period last year—to 788.5 million UAH—while net profit decreased from 47.5 million UAH to 199 thousand UAH.
As of the end of 2025, Kredobank was the Agromat Group’s main long-term lender, with loans totaling 34.8 million UAH at interest rates of 15.5% and 24.68%. An additional 3.9 million UAH was accounted for by ProCredit Bank at a rate of 3.77%.
The short-term loan portfolio, totaling 524.5 млн грн as of the end of 2025, consisted of loans from six banks at interest rates ranging from 3.77% to 24.68%: Raiffeisen – 199 млн грн, ProCredit – 153.9 млн грн, OTP – 20 млн грн, Crédit Agricole – 65.6 млн грн, Pivdenny – 19 млн грн, and Kredobank – 66.9 млн грн.
The mining and metallurgical group Metinvest is seeking a new investor to finance a EUR3 billion ($3.4 billion) steel plant in Italy, as the Ukrainian group seeks to reduce its liabilities, according to Bloomberg.
According to the agency, the group is seeking an additional partner for the project at the site of a former steel mill in Piombino on the Tuscan coast. The company wants to strengthen its financing “in light of war-related risks, given Metinvest’s significant operational presence in Ukraine.”
However, as noted, some potential lenders have become more cautious due to heightened geopolitical risks, including the recent conflict in the Middle East.
“As for the debt capital structure, we have good visibility on it, and we are continuing our dialogue with financial institutions to finalize this matter as well,” a Metinvest representative told the agency.
It is worth noting that the Italian government has designated this initiative as a “national strategic project,” and Metinvest Adria—a joint venture (JV) established last year with the Danieli Group to build this state-of-the-art facility—refers to the project as “the revival of steel in Italy.” It is expected to produce 2.7 million metric tons of low-carbon steel per year and create 1,100 jobs in the region.
According to the initial plan, financing was to consist of debt, government grants, and contributions from the JV partners to the share capital. Metinvest agreed to contribute more than EUR500 million, or 75% of the total equity, but is now seeking to reduce this amount to less than EUR300 million.
Bloomberg adds that Metinvest reported receiving “significant support from all stakeholders,” particularly from the Italian government, which has already approved grants and loan guarantees and allocated funds for the construction of a new berth at the Port of Piombino.
“Metinvest’s financial position deteriorated after the company had to use its cash reserves in April to redeem $428 million in bonds. Some of the company’s assets in Ukraine were lost or damaged as a result of the Russian invasion. Operations were also negatively impacted by high energy costs and a labor shortage,” the report states.
In addition, the report notes that S&P Global Ratings upgraded Metinvest’s credit rating this month following the bond repayment, but maintained a “negative” outlook on the business, emphasizing the need to build up cash reserves. According to S&P, Metinvest’s free cash flow stood at $150 million as of early May.
Metinvest is exploring the possibility of raising long-term financing and recently held meetings with investors to discuss the pricing and structure of a potential bond issuance. Like most Ukrainian companies, Metinvest has not tapped the bond market since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite this, the group has managed to meet its financial obligations and reduce its debt burden, according to a Bloomberg report.
Metinvest is a vertically integrated group consisting of mining and metallurgical enterprises. Its facilities are located in Ukraine—in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions—as well as in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The holding company’s main shareholders are the SCM Group (71.24%) and Smart Holding (23.76%). Metinvest Holding LLC is the management company of the Metinvest Group.
