Housing affordability: Mortgage payments for new buyers eased in July, with the MBA reporting a median $2,175—down $16 from June—though rates remain a drag and buyers are still cautious. Regulatory shake-up (China): China’s central bank moved to end “pre-sale mortgage” funding, requiring mortgage disbursement after completion registration, tightening credit for leveraged developers while favoring better-capitalized builders. MLS/competition: Compass said it reached an antitrust settlement with Washington’s NWMLS, adding a “First Look” status to give sellers more control while keeping broad broker access. Tech-enabled property management: Structure Properties launched in Austin with a data-driven, asset-management approach for multifamily owners. Market plumbing (Singapore): Propely launched Singapore’s first verified, no-agent condo marketplace aimed at cutting commissions and reducing information friction. Commercial permitting (Portland): Portland published weekly highlights including major building permits and river/overlay adjustments tied to hotel-adjacent parking. Investment & capital markets: Americold closed a $1.3B North American cold storage JV with EQT, while Postal Realty Trust earned inaugural BBB ratings from Fitch. Local development friction (US): Ballston Spa residents pushed back on a scaled-back mixed-use plan that now targets 168 units. Self-storage deal: TPG bought a Leominster, Mass. self-storage property for $7.87M.