Mortgage & Condo Rules: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are tightening condo financing, ending “limited reviews” and requiring condo associations to set aside at least 15% of assessment income for reserves—raising the bar for buyers already wary of fees and special assessments. First-Time Buyer Push (UK): Andy Burnham’s “Your First Home”/Help to Buy-style plan is back in the spotlight, aiming to help first-timers with bigger state-backed loans and smaller deposits—while critics warn it could simply lift prices. Local Cost Pressure (US): Lawrence residents get a 2027 property-tax estimate tool, while Wake Forest-area renters face rising rents as student housing demand tightens. Market Shifts (US): Killeen, Texas is moving toward a buyer’s market as inventory grows and sales slow, giving shoppers more negotiating room. Housing Politics (Spain): Madrid’s housing protests are escalating after an eviction sparked a tent camp in Puerta del Sol, with leaders promising faster action. Global Real Estate Angle: Berlin’s housing crisis stays in focus after election momentum for tougher rules on large landlords. Data Centers as Real Estate Bet: Data center REITs are surging in 2026, fueling new construction interest. Property Transactions (US): Barrington single-family home sells for $940,000; Arlington Heights home sells for $502,000; DeKalb home sells for $350,000.