Real Estate

The escalating demand for data is driving a new real estate frontier: “powered land.” Beyond traditional data centers, securing land with guaranteed access to substantial electrical capacity is now paramount. Hines estimates an additional 40,000 acres are needed to support projected growth. This has led to a focus on power infrastructure and entitlements, turning power rights into investable assets. Tech giants and energy producers are increasingly competing for powered land, reflecting energy security’s critical role in the digital economy. Investors are recognizing that enabling computation, not just building square footage, is key, with firms deploying capital to secure strategic sites globally.

Zillow has launched a real estate application within ChatGPT, allowing users to search for properties using conversational AI. Users can ask questions about housing options, explore listings with photos and pricing, and seamlessly transition to Zillow’s platform for viewings, agent connections, and financing. This integration streamlines initial property discovery by leveraging Zillow’s data and AI capabilities within the popular ChatGPT interface. The app supports various listing types and plans to incorporate new construction and 3D tours.

Walker & Dunlop expands its EMEA Capital Markets team with the hire of Aaron Knight as Senior Managing Director and co-head. Based in London, Knight will focus on sourcing debt and equity capital across diverse asset classes, including traditional and alternative investments. His expertise will drive Walker & Dunlop’s growth in the evolving European real estate market. This strategic move underscores Walker & Dunlop’s commitment to building a strong presence in the EMEA region.

Opendoor is undergoing a major transformation led by co-founder Keith Rabois and new CEO Kaz Nejatian, following investor pressure and leadership changes. Rabois plans to streamline operations, reduce headcount significantly from 1,400 to around 200, and reinstate in-person work. These changes aim to address profitability concerns and refocus the company’s strategy. While the initial market reaction was positive, analysts remain cautious about the underlying fundamentals and persistent cash burn. The company’s future depends on successful implementation of the turnaround plan.

Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) is opening a new phase of luxury single-family homes in San Antonio’s Shavano Highlands. Homes on 90-foot-wide lots range from 3,198 to over 5,184 square feet, with 4-5 bedrooms, 3.5-6.5 bathrooms, and 3-4 car garages. Prices start at $1 million. The gated community offers access to Salado Creek Greenway trails and is served by the Northside Independent School District. The high price point might limit the buyer pool.

Opendoor (OPEN) shares surged 50% after appointing Kaz Nejatian as CEO and Keith Rabois as Chairman, boosting investor confidence. The stock, up over 400% year-to-date, hit a 52-week high. The leadership change, following the previous CEO’s resignation due to investor pressure, is seen as a potential turnaround. Hedge fund manager Eric Jackson has actively supported Opendoor’s resurgence. Analysts are monitoring Opendoor’s ability to scale and manage inventory risk for long-term success.

Opendoor appointed Kaz Nejatian as CEO, replacing Carrie Wheeler, while co-founder Keith Rabois becomes chairman. The news triggered a 30% stock surge after hours, rebounding from a record low. Rabois and Eric Jackson had publicly criticized Wheeler’s leadership. The leadership change follows a period of high volatility, including a potential Nasdaq delisting and subsequent “meme stock” surge. Nejatian’s experience at Shopify is expected to benefit Opendoor’s platform. The company aims for sustained profitability in the challenging iBuying real estate market.

On September 8, 2025, Millrose Properties, Inc. announced the pricing of a $750 million private offering of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2032, an upsize of $250 million. Proceeds will repay a $500 million term loan and be used for general corporate purposes. The offering, expected to close September 11, 2025, is targeted at qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons, as the notes are not registered under the Securities Act. The 6.25% coupon reflects market conditions and investor confidence in Millrose’s strategy of developing residential land for home builders.

LGI Homes’ August 2025 closings offer insights into the housing market. Beyond raw numbers, analysis reveals influences of interest rates, consumer confidence, and regional economies. Comparing LGI’s performance to competitors like D.R. Horton and Lennar is vital. Technological advancements, including smart home features and BIM, and ESG factors impact sales. Geographic footprint and supply chain disruptions also play a role. These closings reflect macroeconomic trends, strategic decisions, and consumer preferences, shaping the housing market landscape. Investors should monitor upcoming data from LGIH for further evaluation.

A Chinese national, Zhang Shuqing, who owns a significant stake in Ounajima Island near Okinawa, Japan, intends to increase her holdings. Currently controlling 720 out of over 900 ownership rights, she initially gained attention for purchasing the 700,000-square-meter island. Zhang has no immediate development plans, considering leaving it to her children. A helicopter landing pad is under construction for company retreats. Described as therapeutic with excellent diving and camping, the uninhabited island once housed Ryukyu limestone extraction settlements and features wild goats and coral reefs. The closest point to mainland China is approximately 700 kilometers.