The global real estate sector is at a tipping point in 2025. After years of post-pandemic recovery, economic uncertainty, and most governments waiting for an ideal moment to respond, now most governments are finally moving in the context of controlling inflation, foreign investment stabilization, and housing affordability stabilization. As an investor — domestic or foreign — paying attention to policy on real estate is no longer optional. It’s mandatory.
Let’s cut through some of the biggest real estate news and policy announcements in major investor cities like Singapore, UK, Germany, and the US — and what they really mean for buyers and investors like you.
Singapore: Cooling Measures Reach Their Peak
Singapore took one of the most drastic steps in recent years. The government raised the foreign buyers’ Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) to a staggering 60% in 2023. The government has not even increased the policy until 2025, and while the policy might sound draconian, it is in a broader context.
The city-state is determined to make one’s own home a reality for citizens, and especially young citizens. Foreign investment in private housing has therefore plummeted. Commercial property returns, i.e., office and industrial space, have seen a modest uptick in interest from institutional investors that are exempt from ABSD.
If you are an overseas investor, you can look to switch into office space or REITs, instead of buying direct residential apartments in Singapore.
UK: UK Housing Market In Squeeze Amid New Rent Control Negotiations
The UK housing market, especially in London and Manchester, has remained attractive to investors despite the Brexit shock and economic uncertainty. However, rising inflation rates and stagnant wages have led to an affordability crisis.
Consequently, rent controls are increasingly being debated overtly by some councils, especially in the more desirable areas. While no national legislation of this nature has yet been implemented, pressure is mounting from housing activists and MPs to limit private rental prices.
More key upgrade: The UK government has been reviewing its foreign buyer surcharge and there are initial signs of increasing it. It is yet to occur, but buyers must remain vigilant, particularly when buying a second or third property.
Germany: Tax Reform and Property Law Changes in 2025
The Future of Global Real Estate: What’s Next?
The real estate world is changing — not just domestically, but globally. Regardless of whether you’re in New York, Berlin, Singapore, or London, one thing’s for sure: the next 5 to 10 years will revolutionize how we sell, buy, and live in property.
One of the biggest shifts we’re already seeing is the rise of remote and hybrid work. After the pandemic, many people moved away from expensive city centers to quieter suburbs or even across countries. This has changed demand patterns. Places once overlooked are now booming, and traditional “hotspots” are being forced to adapt.
The second big trend is sustainability. Green certifications, energy efficiency buildings, and smart home technology aren’t “nice-to-haves” — they’re essentials. Buyers, especially younger buyers, are asking questions like, “What’s the carbon footprint of this apartment?” or “How much can I save on utilities here?
Technology is also playing a huge role. From virtual property tours to blockchain land registries, innovation is slowly but surely reducing paperwork, fraud, and delays. Smart contracts are already being tested in markets like the US and Germany.
Governmentally, governments are becoming more active. Additional foreign investment controls, rent controls, and affordable housing incentives are all on the horizon. So investors will need to be even more alert — not just to market prices but to politics and policy as well.
In short, the real estate of the future will be more digital, more sustainable, and more decentralized. And those who are open to evolving alongside it — whether they’re first-time purchasers or foreign investors — are the ones who’ll stay ahead.
