TOKYO: For the mere sum of US$55 million (RM167.75 million) Japan's central bank has lit a spark under the property market that if sustained could help the authorities in their prolonged battle with deflation.

SINGAPORE: CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest real estate company, reported higher than expected quarterly net profit on Tuesday, Feb 22, although the number was 41% down from a year ago due to smaller one off gains.

The company's results come on the back of concerns that China and Singapore's recent measures to curb rising real estate prices may hurt its sales.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong's coming budget is expected to offer short-term handouts to residents to soften the sting of rapidly rising prices, and further moves to try to cool the booming property market.

The budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, which Financial Secretary John Tsang will present to lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb 23, comes as Hong Kong enjoys strong growth.

KUALA LUMPUR: With the recent unveiling of the proposed alignment for the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line, a clearer picture has emerged of the early big winners from the expected gains from key property projects along the public transport infrastructure.

REAL Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have been becoming more popular in the global market. The global REIT market has experienced significant growth in the past 20 years, with an additional 20 countries adopting REIT legislation or equivalents.

KUALA LUMPUR: Dijaya Corp Bhd posted a net profit of RM36 million for its fourth quarter (4Q 2010) ended Dec 31, 2010, ending its financial year (FYE 2010) with a cumulative RM49.41 million.

Its net profit for FYE 2010 was lower than the RM59.46 million recorded in FYE 2009, said Dijaya on Monday, Feb 21 in a Bursa Malaysia announcement.

HONG KONG: Legend Holdings — parent of computer group Lenovo Group Ltd — and its property unit Raycom Real Estate aim to listing in Hong Kong and in China between 2014 and 2016, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday, Feb 21.