Mortgage Rates: U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates climbed for a third straight week to 6.76% (Freddie Mac), the highest in over 14 months, squeezing buyer budgets and keeping home sales sluggish. Global Development: Hong Kong’s “Northern Metropolis” tech hub plan will bulldoze village land for a massive new district, raising alarms about wildlife, communities, and environmental costs. Luxury Auctions: A restored Queensland estate, “Suthermere” in Ascot, sold for $17m—Australia’s biggest auction result of the week—showing demand for high-end, fully renovated homes. Commercial Real Estate: A heritage warehouse-style office in Sydney’s Millers Point is on the market with a long lease through 2028, targeting investors seeking income stability. Regulation/Platforms: Australia’s ACCC forced REA to remove restrictive contract terms that limited how agents list properties on realestate.com.au. Local Market Pulse: Multiple U.S. county transfer roundups (DeKalb, La Salle, McHenry, Kane, Grundy, Kendall, Will, Berwyn) show steady deal flow, with Princeton’s 1876 home selling for $310k. Property Listings: A Victorian-Edwardian boutique hotel in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay is up for sale under receivership, while a Milwaukee art gallery faces uncertainty after being listed for $2m.