Global Macro: The IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3% and blamed higher oil prices and trade disruption tied to the Iran conflict—an environment that can cool demand and pressure housing affordability. Policy & Housing: California’s big federal housing bill is set to become law, but the impact may come through many smaller regulatory tweaks rather than one headline fix. Local Crime & Livability: Federal Way, Washington says car theft is down 80% since 2023 after state changes restored police pursuits for property crimes. Real Estate Markets: In Canada, price growth is stalling in parts of the Prairies and Maritimes as immigration slows and interest rates bite, with Halifax seeing declines. Governance & Property Risk: Georgia’s Transparency International says hundreds of officials declared gifts worth 24 million GEL, including real estate—raising questions about oversight and potential loopholes. Cross-Border Buying: Portugal’s mortgage rules for foreign buyers are workable, but banks apply tougher criteria for non-residents. Commercial Real Estate Tech: Silverstein Properties will roll out AI workplace occupancy analytics to tenants, signaling a new amenity race in office leasing. Development & Investment: Ukraine’s Odesa Investment Congress drew 300+ real estate and recovery stakeholders to discuss reconstruction housing, digital construction, and heritage preservation. Security & Travel: Saudi Arabia warned overstaying entry visas can bring fines up to SR50,000, imprisonment, and deportation—another compliance pressure point for international buyers and tenants.