Mortgage & Affordability: Freddie Mac says the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped to 7.03% (from 6.3% a year ago), a move blamed on the Iran war’s energy shock and higher bond yields—another squeeze for a weak U.S. housing market. Climate & Disclosure: California’s SB 253 climate disclosure rules may let major polluters dodge most Scope 3 reporting, according to a Public Citizen analysis of CARB draft guidelines. Coastal Risk: Southern California communities face renewed beach loss and sinkhole damage as El Niño-driven swells hit, with officials warning conditions could worsen into winter. Housing Market Pressure (Australia): Reuters reports Australia’s housing slump is cutting “turnover” more than prices, draining spending across the property supply chain. Local Housing Costs (U.S.): A real estate executive argues the real barrier to mobility is an “obstacle course” of property taxes, insurance spikes, and local regulatory friction. Real Estate Finance (India): SEBI approved major updates to portfolio management, settlements, REIT/InvIT-related rules, and expanded accredited investor access. Global Investment & Property: Dubai Land Department brought “Dubai RE connect” to Bengaluru to court Indian investors, highlighting H1 2026 project completions and regulatory support. Infrastructure & Development (Azerbaijan): Officials say the Middle Corridor and industrial parks are boosting Azerbaijan’s push to attract manufacturing and exports. Sanctions & Settlements: The UK, France, and Canada plan sanctions targeting trade tied to Israeli settlements, including services and real estate expansion. Property Data/Tech: Baseline partnered with Xactus so private lenders can order credit and flood verification reports inside their lending workflow.