Landslides Swallowed Up Houses in California. Owners Still Have to Pay | Kanebridge News
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Landslides Swallowed Up Houses in California. Owners Still Have to Pay

Ongoing slides have caused devastating damage to homes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, but owners remain on the hook for mortgages and other monthly fees—even if their properties are completely destroyed

By NANCY KEATES
Fri, Sep 27, 2024 10:18amGrey Clock 10 min

When Nic and Alison Grillo bought their home seven years ago in the Seaview neighbourhood of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., south of Los Angeles, Nic knew that the wider Palos Verdes Peninsula had multiple landslide zones. He grew up there.

But he had never heard of any issues happening in Seaview itself. An adjacent neighbourhood, called Portuguese Bend, is where there had been slides since the 1950s. Nic studied the geologist’s report he received and hired an inspector before closing on their four-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot, 1956 ranch house for $1.195 million. “I felt comfortable buying,” he says.

Then, in the summer of 2023, his neighbourhood started coming apart.

Today, there are foot-long cracks on the outside and inside of his house. Since June, two houses nearby have partially collapsed due to landslides and have been deemed unsafe; others were abandoned by owners spooked by the constant creaking of their houses as they were pulled apart by the ground crumbling beneath them. Power and gas were cut off in September, and some worry the sewage system will be next, which would mandate evacuation.

Nic, 45, estimates that he and Alison, a 42-year-old health clerk at an elementary school, have spent more than $25,000 over the past few months in an attempt to stay in their home. He bought a Tesla power wall and solar panels a few years ago, in case there were occasional power outages, but he never anticipated having to use them indefinitely. Now he’s added a generator, a propane tank, and a tankless water heater. They are using an REI solar camp stove to cook until they get hooked up to propane. They go days without showers.

Alison says they don’t want to leave, since two of their children are still in local schools. However, she says it has been hard not to get overwhelmed by it all. “This isn’t sustainable,” she says.

Nic, who works in medical-device sales, says he can’t afford to buy another house somewhere else because he doesn’t see any chance of selling the one he already owns, even at a discount, given what’s happening around it. His homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damages caused by land movement, which is standard for policies in the U.S.

“It’s scary. We are just taking it one day at a time,” he says.

Life in a Slide Zone

The roads on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean south of Los Angeles, have been cracking for decades. A landslide in 1956 damaged over 100 houses in Portuguese Bend and has been moving ever since. In 1980, farther up in the city of Rolling Hills, a section known as the Flying Triangle started sliding. The movement was at a rate of 5 to 7 feet a year.

Now, triggered in part by periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past two years, the rate of land movement has increased significantly. Some areas had reached a velocity of 7 to 13 inches a week and are currently averaging about 8 inches a week, or about 80 times faster than it was moving, on average, in October 2022, according to Mike Phipps, a geologist whose firm was hired by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

Geologists discovered a second slide this summer that is about twice as deep as the other tracked slides. That has been pushing out the slide area to almost double its size, from 380 acres to nearly 700 acres, says Phipps. A major concern is that it will continue to expand farther uphill, he says. Movement in another adjacent city, Rolling Hills, led SoCalGas to shut off gas on Sept. 16 to 37 homes, with a warning that power would follow in coming days.

About 44% of the country is at risk for a landslide, according to a new report by the United States Geological Survey. Homeowners in one of the Palos Verdes Peninsula slide areas, as in any of the areas across the U.S. that have been hit by landslides, such as Washington and western Pennsylvania, find themselves in a unique kind of financial hell. Insurance companies don’t write standard homeowner policies that cover landslide losses and surplus landslide policies aren’t available right now in California, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Mortgage companies expect loans to be paid, even if the underlying asset no longer exists or is damaged with no chance of repair; forbearance and forgiveness decisions are up to the individual bank, and they are loath to grant them.

Although some state legislatures, such as in Pennsylvania, are working to address the lack of financial recourse for slide victims, no measures are currently under way in California. If the area were declared a major disaster by President Biden, it would trigger access to emergency funds for individual homeowners via the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but the state of California hasn’t yet requested this declaration, saying the current situation doesn’t meet federal requirements for such action.

As a result, owners who don’t want to declare bankruptcy must still pay their mortgages, property taxes—barring a reassessment, which can sometimes take months—homeowner association and other fees, even if their home, and the land it sat on, no longer exists. For those whose homes are damaged, owners are left with few options except to either walk away or stay put and hope their home doesn’t sustain any further damage. Others believe the landslides will abate at some point in the future and trust that they will be able to sell their home when potential buyers simply forget about the landslide threat.

Wei Yen, 74, a retired finance officer, and his wife, Leesa Yen, 66, a teacher, owned one of eight homes that, in July 2023, slid off a cliff into a canyon in Rolling Hills Estates, in an area that had never had a landslide before. It is completely separate from the Portuguese Bend slide complex. The city has a mixture of townhomes and single-family homes that sell for anywhere from $1 million to $4 million. Five other homes were badly damaged.

The Yens bought their 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome on Peartree Lane in Rolling Hills Estates in 2010 for $765,000. In early July 2023, Leesa noticed a skinny, 7-foot-long crack on the tiled patio outside the front door. A few days later, Wei noticed that the crack had expanded. The next day, one of their neighbors called the fire department over similar cracks. The department advised all the homeowners in the surrounding block to pack up essentials just in case. About six hours later, Wei was given 15 minutes to evacuate by the fire chief. By 9 a.m. the next day, the house, and the land on which it sat, started sliding into the adjacent canyon. “I was lucky to get out of there in time,” says Wei.

Now, a year later, the Yens’ home equity is gone. The property had been worth $1.55 million, according to Zillow , just before the slide. Now it is worthless, according to a letter from the city assessor’s office. They have a small mortgage, which they have no plans to ask the bank to modify because they worry their credit rating will be impacted and because they say they can afford it and feel responsible.

They are renting an apartment and had to buy new furniture and clothing, all of which is eating into their retirement savings. They lost what they estimate is around $500,000 worth of items that were precious to them, including antiques and art Wei collected throughout Asia in the 16 years he lived in Hong Kong. They are worried about looters, since the bottom of the slide is right next to a public trail. The danger of the collapsed structure has kept the Yens and public officials from going in.

“Mentally it’s very challenging,” he says. “I’m talking to a therapist for the first time in my life. I’m decimated by this. I see no way out. We asked for help and everyone said they’d do their best, but it’s been empty promises.”

“I didn’t realise I would have to start worrying again about finances in my 70s, ” he says. He says he might have to find a job.

Over in Seaview, Matt Stelwagen, 44, a supply-chain manager for a hospital, and his family moved out of their home in August. He bought his house in June 2022 for $2.5875 million. It was meant to be his forever home, where he and his wife could raise their son, who was 1 year old at the time. The pool cracked in July 2023. Over the next year, the floors started coming apart and the windows and doors would no longer shut. The floors became so uneven he could feel the house tilt, he says. The creaking noises at night from the moving and cracking were terrifying.

“We got to a point where mentally it was better for our stress levels and our son to get out,” he says. They are still paying the mortgage and taxes on the house, along with the rent on the house where they now live, a financial burden he says is staggering: His housing cost is now more than half his income. He’s paying for it through his salary and from savings. “We are stretched,” he says. “You make it work because you’re a parent and you want to provide a stable home life.”

He plans to get the house reassessed so he doesn’t have to pay such high taxes.

“We are exhausted,” says Stelwagen. He says he’s gone through stages, first feeling scared, then really upset and angry, and most recently putting his head down and trying to figure out what to do. “No one will come in with a cape and save me,” he says.

No One With a Cape

Efforts to stabilise the Portuguese Bend slide complex, moving for decades, stepped up in August 2023, when the city of Rancho Palos Verdes received a $23 million federal grant from FEMA. But the discovery this past summer of the deeper slide has made mitigation much more complicated.  The project is being revised because of emergency work and the discovery of the deeper movement. Whether current attempts to slow the movement will be successful is still uncertain, says the geologist Phipps. The landslide velocity has decelerated since July, but it is still moving a foot a week in some areas. That means within a week of drilling a well to dewater the ground, that well could be damaged by the landslide. “It’s a Herculean task,” he says.

Lacking other financial recourse, dozens of residents affected by the slides in Seaview and Portuguese Bend have individually and jointly filed legal claims, alleging myriad failures that have contributed to the slide activity, including insufficient stormwater sewers and drains. Defendants include the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, the city of Rolling Hills, CalWater, Los Angeles County, and the Rolling Hills Community Association of Rancho Palos Verdes, exposing hundreds of homeowners in Rolling Hills to liability.

Rancho Palos Verdes mayor John Cruikshank says he fully understands why people are frustrated. He thinks Southern California Edison should be more open to alternative energy sources, such as power walls and solar; he’s working to get the state to expand its emergency declaration and to request FEMA funding so that both will also support individual homeowners who have been displaced. But suing the city doesn’t make sense, he says. Of its 15,000 homes, about 400 are in the landslide area. “Everyone’s tax dollars are going to help. Why are we being sued by people who we are trying to help?” he says.

These legal fights could take years to resolve and owners are in need of assistance now. Aside from some small local outreach efforts, not much has been forthcoming. One of the biggest supporters after the 2023 Peartree slide in Rolling Hills Estates was a local high-school student named Christian Yoshino, who lives down the street from where the houses collapsed. He went door to door asking for donations, raising about $5,300 that was distributed to affected homeowners, based on need, by the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula for necessities such as medicine, clothing and beds.

A lack of help is the norm in many communities affected by landslides, which have been exacerbated in recent years due to extreme weather events such as heavy rainstorms and fires that destabilise soil. Some states are trying. In Pennsylvania, where a landslide outside Pittsburgh last January forced homeowners to evacuate, a bill to create a new state landslide-insurance program for homeowners is up for consideration by the House of Representatives.

After a landslide in the city of Ketchikan, Alaska, damaged homes and killed one person in August 2024, affected residents were allowed to apply for assistance and temporary housing programs. In Washington state, where a mudslide in 2014 east of Oso destroyed dozens of homes and killed more than two dozen people, the governor successfully got President Obama to declare a major disaster, opening up FEMA aid to homeowners and funding a one-time program to buy back properties in the Oso slide.

A Buying Opportunity?

Until the power was cut in September, homes were still selling in Portuguese Bend and Seaview, says Jason Buck, with Re/Max Estate Properties. A 1,834-square-foot house in Seaview sold for $1.78 million in July, not far off its listing price. A four-bedroom, 1,994-square-foot house in the heart of upper Portuguese Bend sold for $800,000 in May, 22% lower than its listing price. But, Buck says, news of the damage and gas and power cuts have started to affect prices on houses in areas near the slide zone.

Buyers are now backing out of deals. Charlie Raine, a real-estate agent for Coastal Legacy, currently has a listing for a four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house in Seaview. It first went on the market in June 2024 for $1.95 million. It is currently listed at $1.45 million. Raine says buyers terminated an agreement in August after they saw news-media images of the house in the same shot as a construction project that made it look like a disaster zone. A second buyer, five days into a 12-day escrow, backed out after the power was cut in September.

During showings, Raine uses a cardboard model he made to demonstrate how lifting a house and inserting steel I-beams can, he says, keep it from damage when the earth moves due to fissures. It is a technique his own parents used on their home in 1986 in the Flying Triangle in Rolling Hills and which other homeowners are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to do now in Portuguese Bend.

The marketing for Raine’s listing now includes a note that warns that the home has been adversely affected by the land movement in Seaview, but assures potential buyers that “there are methods available to retrofit the foundation and isolate the affected portion of the home from the movement.”

Rancho Palos Verdes is currently waiving permit fees for what it calls “temporary solutions” such as placing homes on cargo structures and inserting I-beams. Amy Recenmacher, a professor of civil and environmental engineering practice at the University of Southern California, says even if horizontal beams under the house could stop the house from splitting apart, they wouldn’t stop it from moving in a big slide. Placing a reinforced house atop vertical footings to stop it from moving with the slide is impractical in many cases; to be effective, the footings would have to be set into stationary ground or bedrock below the active slide. The Portuguese Bend slide extends hundreds and hundreds of feet deep.

Alejandro Bustillos, president, AB Structural Design, who drew the plan for Raine, says the design isn’t aimed at big hillside collapses; he says it works when fissures appear under a house causing slow movement because adjustable supports allow the house to “follow the movement without breaking apart.”

The price on a house across the street from Raine’s listing just dropped to $999,000 on Sept. 12 from $1.39 million after an investment group backed out of a contract. The listing, advertised on Zillow as an “enchanting storybook home,” with three bedrooms, 1,800 square feet and a new renovation, now says: “Seller has found replacement home and is ready to move immediately. +Incredible Opportunity + NON CONTINGENT CASH OFFERS ONLY.” The listing also warns that gas and electricity have been disconnected by the city.

In the upper section of Portuguese Bend, an area full of artists and teachers where the damage is particularly bad, residents are thinking long term. Tyson Schilz, 40, an electrical contractor, spent $875,000 in 2014 building a 3,700-square-foot, five-bedroom home in an area called Monks Lots, where landowners won a lawsuit in 2008 to overturn a building moratorium put in place by the city in 1978 over landslide concerns.

In December, Schilz realized his house was ripping in two pieces, so he decided to finish the job, spending several hundred thousand dollars raising it and splitting the roof in two. He cut the utilities and reinstalled them into the two, separated halves, among other measures.

“We’re not crying crocodile tears,” says Schilz. “It was always in the back of my mind that it could slide one day.” He is renting a place in nearby Manhattan Beach for the next year while his son finishes high school. He is hoping that in 10 years or so the land will have settled and everyone will have forgotten what happened, at which time he will either move back or sell. “I’m long landslide,” he says.

Corrections & Amplifications undefined SoCalGas cut gas to 37 homes on Sept. 16. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said it had cut gas to 35 homes. (Corrected on Sept. 20)



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A beach club-inspired pool deck with sun-kissed terraces invites moments of leisure by the water’s edge, while a state-of-the-art wellness studio with yoga rooms, a spa, and a cold plunge pool offers a complete retreat for rejuvenation. A sophisticated residents’ lounge, private cinema, boardroom for discreet meetings, co-working café, golf simulator, and a family-friendly crèche ensure that every aspect of modern living is effortlessly catered to.

Residents also benefit from personalised services curated to enhance daily life, including 24-hour concierge, valet, housekeeping, move-in coordination, pet care, and a full suite of à la carte offerings — from in-home spa treatments and childcare to event planning and personal training.

World-Class Services and Marriott Bonvoy Privileges

Adding further distinction to ownership at Résidences Du Port, residents are granted Gold Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy™, the world’s leading travel loyalty program. This privilege unlocks access to a global network of over 7,000 hotels and resorts across 130 countries, alongside preferred rates, curated lifestyle experiences, and wellness benefits — creating a truly elevated living experience that extends far beyond home.

Rooted in the fine art of hospitality, the offering ensures that every day at Résidences Du Port feels effortless, curated, and truly extraordinary.

Fares Bou Atme of Prime Marina Property Developers, commented: “With Résidences Du Port, we are proud to deliver a project that combines boutique understated luxury with Dubai’s cosmopolitan energy. This launch represents a defining moment for Dubai Marina and branded living in the region. Our strategic collaboration with Devmark and Marriott International has been instrumental to realizing this vision.”

Richard Aybar, Managing Director of Devmark, said: “Résidences Du Port is a truly distinctive project that speaks to discerning buyers seeking sophistication, intimacy, and waterfront prestige. As demand for boutique branded residences continues to grow — and opportunities for prime land become increasingly limited — transformative infill developments like this present a compelling path forward. With its Riviera-inspired design, curated amenities, and brand-backed services, Résidences Du Port offers not only an exceptional lifestyle experience, but also a rare investment opportunity in one of Dubai’s most iconic waterfront settings.”

Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President – Mixed-Use Development, EMEA at Marriott International said: “We are proud to collaborate with FIM Prime Marina Holding Ltd. bringing Marriott International’s debut Autograph Collection Residence in Dubai and the UAE. This standalone development offers a rare and remarkable opportunity to own a branded home and prime real estate in Dubai Marina. True to the Autograph Collection brand ethos of ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else’, Résidences Du Port comes with its unique design narrative made richer with an array of luxurious amenities and renowned services by Marriott.”

A fully furnished show apartment is now open at the Devmark Gallery, offering buyers an opportunity to explore the development’s design language and living experience firsthand. Scheduled for handover in Q2 2026, Résidences Du Port is now available for private sales through Devmark. An exclusive opportunity awaits discerning homeowners to be part of Dubai Marina’s next iconic chapter.

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TownX Partners with Knight Frank to Lease 20,000+ Sqft of Retail Space at Luma Park Views

Dubai’s TownX has partnered with Knight Frank to lease over 20,000 square feet of retail space at Luma Park Views, Jumeirah Village Circle. The development includes car parking and EV charging stations, reflecting TownX’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and user experience.

Wed, Jun 11, 2025 2 min

TownX, one of Dubai’s fastest-growing real estate developers with an AED 4 billion project portfolio, has signed an exclusive agreement with global real estate consultancy Knight Frank to lease over 20,000 square feet of prime retail space at Luma Park Views, located in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai.

Knight Frank will serve as the exclusive leasing partner for the entire retail component of this development.

Luma Park Views boasts modern retail spaces designed to meet the demands of today’s market, featuring dedicated car parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—amenities that underscore the development’s commitment to convenience and sustainability.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director of TownX, commented: “Partnering with Knight Frank for the exclusive leasing of retail space at Luma Park Views is a significant step in our vision to deliver integrated, community-focused developments. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and user experience is reflected not only in our retail offerings but also in our broader project portfolio, including our recent Arjan acquisition which will further enrich Dubai’s evolving real estate landscape.”

TownX is also set to offer a premium retail space exceeding 30,000 square feet at 11 Hills Park, a landmark development situated in the heart of Dubai Science Park. The project boasts two sky pools, two state-of-the-art gyms, and 558 residential units, with completion anticipated in Q1 2027.

TownX has recently made headlines with its acquisition of one of Arjan’s largest land plots, valued at AED 110 million, covering 400,000 square feet of sellable area. This move highlights TownX’s ambitious growth strategy and its dedication to creating high-quality residential communities beyond Dubai’s traditional prime locations.

Daniel Rosso, Senior Manager – Retail Commercial Agency, Knight Frank, said: “Our exclusive partnership with TownX reinforces Knight Frank’s commitment to providing exceptional retail leasing solutions in Dubai’s rapidly expanding communities. Luma Park Views offers a strategic location with cutting-edge facilities that cater to evolving retail needs, and we are excited to bring quality tenants to this new destination.”

Founded in 2017, TownX has so far delivered over 967 units and is currently developing 2,125 apartments, including projects like Easy18, Easy19, Luma21, and Luma22 in JVC, as well as 11 Hills Park at Dubai Science Park.

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QUBE Development and The Lux Collective Partner to Launch Premium Branded Residences in Dubai

QUBE Development has partnered with The Lux Collective to launch a luxury residential project in Dubai, set to be completed in 2028. The project will combine sustainable real estate with world-class hospitality, aiming to redefine luxury living in the Middle East region. The partnership aligns with QUBE Development’s global growth strategy.

Wed, Jun 11, 2025 2 min

QUBE Development has announced a strategic partnership with The Lux Collective, the globally recognized hospitality group behind its flagship brand, LUX*. This collaboration marks the Middle East debut of LUX* branded residences through the exclusive launch of a new luxury residential project scheduled to be completed in 2028.

This partnership unites two industry visionaries, QUBE Development and The Lux Collective, both renowned for their commitment to design excellence, innovation, and premium living experiences. The project is set to redefine luxury living in Dubai, combining the best in residential development and world-class hospitality.

QUBE Development has rapidly gained recognition for its pioneering approach to real estate, focusing on creating sustainable communities that appeal to a modern, discerning clientele. The company is known for delivering future-ready urban spaces that prioritize lifestyle, comfort, and cutting-edge design.

The Lux Collective is an award-winning global hospitality group, known for its signature brands and commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations. Its flagship brand, LUX*, is celebrated worldwide for offering an exceptional standard of hospitality, focused on creating vibrant, memorable experiences with a focus on design, service, and well-being.

“Our collaboration with The Lux Collective is rooted in a shared commitment to purposeful disruption,” said Egor Molchanov, CEO of QUBE Development. “We are drawn to partners who think beyond the conventional, and The Lux Collective team brings a perspective that aligns with how we see the future of luxurious residential living.”

“In line with our progressive global growth strategy and focus on the Middle East region, this collaboration with QUBE Development marks a meaningful expansion for our luxury flagship brand LUX* in Dubai,” said Olivier Chavy, CEO of The Lux Collective. “QUBE is a respected developer with a clear passion for premium projects and regional growth. We are excited to partner with a team that shares our values and commitment to sustainability and excellence.”

Dubai’s branded residences market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, solidifying the city’s position as a global leader in the luxury real estate segment. In H1 2024, Dubai recorded 5,592 branded residence sales, with a total transaction value of AED 28.8 billion, accounting for 7.2% of all property transactions by volume and 12.6% by value.

Demand continues to grow, driven by global investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking prestige, service, and lifestyle in a secure and future-focused destination. According to Morgan’s International Realty’s second half 2024 report, buyers are also paying a premium of up to 42% per square foot for branded residences, underlining the strength and desirability of this sector.

With aligned values and complementary expertise, QUBE Development and The Lux Collective are pioneering a new era in branded residences, designed not only to impress and express but to elevate. Together, they offer residents an experience that transcends expectation and invites them into a lifestyle that goes beyond the imaginable.

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Jeff Bezos’s Beverly Hills Neighbour Puts Sleek Mansion up for Sale

The nearly 10,000-square-foot home stands right at the entrance to the Amazon billionaire’s grand, $165 million estate.

By CHAVA GOURARIE
Wed, Jun 11, 2025 2 min

A home that’s right at the entrance to Jeff Bezos’s Beverly HIlls estate, which the billionaire purchased for $165 million in 2020, is now on the market asking $19.8 million.

Shaded by mature olive trees, the three-story modern mansion on Angelo Drive spans nearly 10,000 square feet, and includes five bedrooms, a bar and lounge, a home cinema, a pool with floating benches, and a 15-car garage.

The modern home centers around a striking wood staircase that extends through all three floors, creating an eye-shaped spiral.

Other design choices include a full-height black marble fireplace, herringbone wood flooring, grayscale marble backsplashes in the kitchen and bathroom, banks of floor-to-ceiling windows and a seating area in the middle of the pool.

There is also an outdoor kitchen and eating area poolside, and a living space with sliding doors that open directly onto the pool deck, for indoor/outdoor living.

The home was built in 2021 and designed by Gabbay Architects for the owner, who purchased the underlying property for $4.1 million in 2015, according to property records accessed through PropertyShark.

The seller, who runs a Beverly Hills-based plastic surgery practice, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Benedict Canyon house came to market Friday with Tomer Fridman of Christie’s International Real Estate. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Bezos estate is also known as the Warner Estate, named after its first owner, Hollywood mogul Jack Warner of the Warner Bros.

After Warner, the 9-acre estate was owned by music executive and film producer David Geffen, followed by Bezos. The property includes a palatial Gregorian Revival mansion built in 1939 and designed by architect Florence Yoch to befit the status of one of the most powerful men in Hollywood.

At $19.8 million, the new listing offers quite a deal compared to other properties neighbouring Bezos. In Florida, the owner of a vacant lot next door to the Amazon founder’s estate on Indian Creek Island is asking $150 million for it.

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Commercial Property Market Set to Rebound Through 2026

Knight Frank’s latest Horizon 2025 update signals renewed confidence in Australian commercial real estate, with signs of recovery accelerating across cities and sectors.

By Jeni O'Dowd
Wed, Jun 11, 2025 2 min

The recovery of Australia’s commercial property sector is expected to gather pace throughout 2025 and into 2026, according to new research released by Knight Frank.

The update to the firm’s Horizon 2025 outlook finds that the sector is “sequentially turning the corner back to growth,” with fundamentals for long-term expansion firmly in place.

While global risks, such as the impact of US-imposed tariffs, still linger, the report notes the worst may be behind the market.

Knight Frank Chief Economist Ben Burston said: “In this respect, property is better placed than other asset classes to withstand the trade war,” adding that volatility in equity and fixed income markets has made property a more attractive option once again.

Following a period of disruption, retail and industrial asset values were the first to recover, with all segments and cities returning to growth by late 2024.

“Office values have also now turned positive in Q1, off the back of improving prospects for core CBD assets despite pockets of over-supply elsewhere,” Burston said.

The report also points to increasing liquidity, with large-scale acquisitions becoming more common and investor confidence returning amid expectations of further interest rate cuts.

“Property markets will respond to the rate-cutting cycle, and the shift in the outlook raises the prospect of yield compression in the second half of the year, starting in the most favoured core markets,” said Burston.

Industrial and logistics assets are leading the charge, with competition intensifying for prime properties in Brisbane and Sydney.

Meanwhile, the living sectors continue to gain ground, with nearly 16,000 new student accommodation and build-to-rent units under construction and more than 20,000 approved for future development.

With asset values now well below replacement cost and market rents lagging, Knight Frank reports a growing pool of investors positioning themselves in core markets to take advantage of cyclical recovery and medium-term rental growth.

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Award Winning Glebe Home Breaks Tradition

A bold, white vision of modern design, this award-winning Glebe home breaks from tradition with futuristic curves, arched windows and a $5.5m price tag.

By Kirsten Craze
Mon, Jun 9, 2025 2 min

Straddling Sydney’s city fringe and the inner west, Glebe is known for its architectural heritage and peppering of period terrace houses. 

This Ferry Rd house is none of that. Its a boldly white, contemporary residence that merges futuristic curves and striking arches. The adventurous departure from the neighbourhoods historic streetscape paid off for the innovative architects, snagging the top Australian design award. 

In 2020, Surry Hills-based firm Chenchow Little earned the Wilkinson Award for Residential Architecture for Glebe House. 

Now the rare real estate find is on the market with Harriet France of Sothebys International Realty, set to go to auction on June 3 with a price guide of $5.5m. 

Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little didnt have much to work with, just a small 374 sq m site surrounded by Victorian terraces and modern apartment blocks.

Their goal was to maximise the capacity of the tight block and create a functional, liveable space for a growing family. The result is a head-turning two-storey home with curves in all the right places. 

Unlike its traditional Victorian neighbours, number 38 is a modern marvel that is as remarkable as it is practical. The signature white-clad four-bedroom house is a grand design in a pint-sized spot. 

A dilapidated cottage on the site was demolished to make way for the award-winning home, which the architects crafted to be sympathetic to the existing built environment. The arched openings and windows have been created to pay homage to the grand portico entrance of the Victorian house next door. 

The ground floor houses the main living areas framed by vast arched windows and polished concrete floors. A multipurpose rumpus or work-from-home space features bespoke cabinetry. The Corian and oak kitchen has integrated appliances, and the open-plan lounge and dining room spill out onto a covered terrace and rock garden. 

There is also a concealed powder room and laundry, plus a store room all on the lower level, further showcasing the savvy use of space. 

Complementary to the external sculpted lines, a central curved staircase connects the two levels, while the double-height void allows for an abundance of natural light. 

Inverted-arch windows upstairs create a scalloped framework to capture the Anzac Bridge and city skyline views while providing privacy for the upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms. 

In the main bedroom, there is a shower en-suite with a skylight and built-ins, and the three remaining bedrooms share a full, family-friendly bathroom with a freestanding tub.  

Additional features of the Glebe property include off-street parking, underfloor heating, Sonos sound system, double glazing, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. 

Sitting less than 300m from the light rail and Glebe Rowing Club, the award-winning home is close to waterfront parklands, the eateries of Glebe Point Rd, as well as the University of Sydney and Broadway within easy reach. 

 

Glebe House at 38 Ferry Rd, Glebe  is listed with Harriet France of Sothebys International Realty, and will be auctioned on on June 3 with a price guide of $5.5m

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Bahrain’s Sama Bay Project enters fast track

Bahrain’s Millet Engineering Bureau has completed the second phase of the Sama Bay development, covering over 90% of the 75,000 sq m area on the Galali waterfront. The project includes 14 retail units, 14 food trucks, two public beaches, seaside dining venues, an open-air fitness gym, and six architecturally distinct buildings with sea views.

Mon, Jun 9, 2025 2 min

Bahrain-based Millet Engineering Bureau has announced that work is in full swing at the Sama Bay development located on the Galali waterfront with its second phase over 90% completed.

According to the Bureau, the initial phase of Sama Bay covered a total area of 75,000 sq m in a prime coastal location.

This phase introduces a vibrant mix of facilities including 14 retail units with flexible leasing options, 14 food trucks integrated within an open-air service zone, and two fully equipped public beaches designed to accommodate recreational and leisure activities.

As the firm overseeing the design and implementation of Sama Bay project, Millet Engineering Bureau said it was delighted to see the project on track for full delivery in the near future.

The second phase represents a pivotal advancement, introducing an exclusive array of seaside dining venues designed to deliver exceptional culinary experiences in an idyllic setting, said a statement from the Bureau.

These additions are set to further elevate the project’s profile as a signature destination and a driver of both tourism and economic growth, in alignment with Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and the national development goals outlined in Economic Vision 2030.

It also features the ‘Al Nakheel Premium,’ a state-of-the-art open-air fitness gym nestled in a natural environment, alongside multiple sports amenities such as a football field, padel courts, and a variety of outdoor seating areas distributed throughout designated relaxation and social zones, said the statement.

Dr Salman Alghatam, the General Manager of Millet Engineering Bureau, stated that work on Sama Bay has progressed in alignment with the project’s master schedule and in accordance with the highest engineering and quality standards.

“In a remarkably short span, the project has emerged as a flagship destination for tourism, recreation, and lifestyle activities, drawing widespread interest from Muharraq residents, citizens, and international visitors alike,” stated Dr Alghatam.

“Its strategic coastal setting, combined with thoughtfully designed spaces, offers a seamless and enriching experience that meets a broad spectrum of interests while delivering outstanding quality and comfort,” he added.

Dr. Alghatam pointed out that since the launch of Phase I, the Sama Bay has attracted strong visitor engagement and served as a venue for major public events such as Bahrain Sports Day, affirming its role as a dynamic hub for wellness and community life.

The second and final phase of the project significantly elevates the waterfront experience through the addition of six architecturally distinct buildings with direct sea views, each designed to accommodate two restaurants, he stated.

Together, these 12 venues will offer a diverse array of dining experiences, thoughtfully curated to appeal to a wide range of tastes and culinary preferences, he added.

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Abu Dhabi approves $1.3bln housing benefits package for citizens

Abu Dhabi has approved a housing benefits package worth AED4.62 billion ($1.3 billion) to address the housing needs of 3,052 Emirati citizens, including housing loans and exemptions for 190, limited-income retirees, and deceased citizens, aiming for comprehensive development.

Mon, Jun 9, 2025 2 min

Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth AED4.62 billion ($1.3 billion) ahead of Eid Al Adha, that will cater to the housing needs of 3,052 Emirati citizens.

This comes following the directives of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to AED4.4 billion benefiting 2,862 citizens, and exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling AED212 million benefiting 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens, reported Wam.

The disbursement of the second housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects the leadership’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing the wellbeing and stability of Emirati families, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation’s progress, in line with UAE Year of Community objectives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing community solidarity.

This package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to AED11.38 billion, it stated.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: “The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership’s commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life.”

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: “The second housing package of 2025 highlights the depth of our leadership’s strategic vision to build a prosperous future, enhancing quality of life and providing sustainable housing solutions that meet Emirati citizens’ needs and aspirations.”

The housing benefits package follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of AED250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan instalments, and a wide range of other services and facilities.

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MAG Group reveals debut residential project in Jordan

Dubai-based MAG Group Holding has launched its first luxury residential project, Riviera Heights, within Jordan’s Marsa Zayed, the largest mixed-use beachfront community. The project aims to transform a 320-hectare section of Jordan’s Red Sea coast into an international tourism and residential destination, including four 35-storey luxury apartment buildings and 1,250 seafront apartments.

Mon, Jun 9, 2025 2 min

MAG Group Holding, a leading Dubai real estate developer, has launched its first luxury residential project – Riviera Heights – within Jordan’s largest mixed-use beach front community Marsa Zayed.

Riviera Heights is the first project in a plan to transform a 320-hectare section of Jordan’s Red Sea coast into an international tourism and residential destination.

Land owner AD Ports Group in February appointed Dubai-based MAG Group Holding to develop Marsa Zayed, which will open a southern gateway to Jordan’s main attractions, the Unesco World Heritage Site Petra and Wadi Rum Protected Area.

Riviera Heights will consist of four, 35-storey luxury apartment buildings, spread over 51,000 sq m, located on the southern edge of the Marsa Zayed development area. The development will include more than 1,250 seafront apartments.

On the new project, Founder and Chairman Moafaq A. Al Gaddah said: “Riviera Heights captures the true essence of Jordan – its warmth, heritage, and culture. We are breathing a new life and economic vitality into Aqaba by creating vibrant spaces that foster genuine connection to its extraordinary Red Sea coastline.”

“Together with AD Ports Group, our vision is to cultivate a destination with wide appeal to a wide range of discriminating travellers, where everyone feels a true sense of belonging,” he stated.

Marsa Zayed is Jordan’s flagship tourism venture and ranks among the Middle East’s most ambitious real estate development projects.

Riviera Heights will be built next to the Phase 1 development of Marsa Zayed, which will eventually span 1.2 km of Red Sea beachfront, and include a marina, a hotel, hotel apartments with a beach club, an Old Souq marketplace with 50 retail shops, a yacht club, and a visitor’s centre.

Giving a project update, MAG Group said site works are currently underway, and the project is due for handover by Q1 2028.

AD Ports Group Managing Director and CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said: “We welcome the launch of Riviera Heights, which marks the official beginning of construction in Marsa Zayed, the Red Sea’s newest and most exciting tourism and residential development.”

“Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group and MAG Group Holding are making a strategic investment in Jordan’s economy that will bring long-term jobs and economic growth to a region defined by its unique natural coastal beauty,” he stated.

According to him, Riviera Heights lays the foundation for Marsa Zayed’s vision of a vibrant, contemporary waterfront community.

By combining distinctive homes, rich cultural offerings, and a lively social scene in one exceptional setting, it marks a significant milestone for Aqaba, he added.

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Alef Group Breaks Ground on $299M Landmark Project in Sharjah

Alef, a Sharjah real estate developer, has completed the construction of Al Mamsha Raseel, the third zone of its ‘Al Mamsha’ development, offering 2,210 modern residential units with private balconies.

Sun, Jun 8, 2025 < 1 min

Alef Group, a leading real estate developer in Sharjah, has officially broken ground on Al Mamsha Raseel, the third zone of its landmark ‘Al Mamsha’ development located in Muwaileh.

Valued at AED 1.1 billion ($299.4 million), the project is expected to be completed by December 2028.

Al Mamsha Raseel will offer 2,210 modern residential units, ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments, each with private balconies.

The development will also feature lush green spaces, water features and interactive fountains, all designed to deliver a fully integrated living experience that prioritises quality of life and aligns with Sharjah’s progressive urban vision, it stated.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Alef officials, representatives from CC7, the contracting company, as well as representatives from the design and engineering teams.

The event reflected the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence and quality across every stage of the development.

Announcing the launch, Alef said the Al Mamsha Raseel project is a strategic step in its journey to redefine the concept of residential communities in Sharjah.

The project focuses on developing an urban environment that prioritises human well-being and integrates quality of life, sustainability, and urban innovation, it stated.

Al Mamsha is Sharjah’s first fully walkable community, designed to offer a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment that adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and urban planning.

The addition of Al Mamsha Raseel reinforces Alef’s commitment to creating high-quality living spaces that meet the evolving aspirations of residents and investors alike, it added.

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