Bathroom USA: Luxury Products Group (LPG), a leading buying group for independent luxury bath, kitchen, lighting, and hardware showrooms, has reported 10% year-over-year growth, outperforming the broader market during a year marked by significant consolidation and disruption within the buying group sector.  While many in the industry faced mergers, shifting alliances, and economic uncertainty, LPG maintained steady performance through strong member engagement, disciplined ven

Heat Pump Adoption in Eastern Europe Government subsidies have been a key policy lever driving heat pump adoption across Europe. In Eastern Europe, where household incomes are generally lower than in western Europe and legacy heating systems remain widespread, financial support has been particularly important in lowering entry barriers. At the same time, energy policies have also played a supportive role, as EU-level legislation such as the Fit for 55 package, the Revised Ene

Bauhaus Partners with Mirakl to Launch Online Marketplace GERMANY: German DIY market leader Bauhaus has formed a strategic partnership with French technology start-up Mirakl to develop its own online marketplace, which went live in August 2025. Using Mirakl’s marketplace technology, Bauhaus aims to significantly expand its online assortment by adding thousands of products from third-party sellers, strengthening its digital offering and customer choice. Founded in 2012, Mirakl

Austrian Residential Construction Shows Strong Signs of Recovery AUSTRIA: New residential construction in Austria is clearly moving into a recovery phase, driven mainly by strong growth in detached and semi-detached housing. According to Statistics Austria and BRANCHENRADAR, approvals for new residential units rose by 23.1% in the first three quarters of 2025, with a sharp 42.3% increase in the third quarter alone. Private households are once again investing heavily, supporti

First Supply Broadens Chicagoland Footprint with Able Distributors Acquisition USA: First Supply has strengthened its position in the Chicagoland market by acquiring Able Distributors, an established heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) supplier with four branch locations in Chicago, South Chicago, Northfield and McHenry. The deal supports First Supply’s long-term growth strategy in a key Midwest region and adds 48 new team members to its workforce. Able Distributors, know

Solar Panels and Heat Pumps Set to Become Costlier in 2026 USA: The expiration of the 30% federal tax credit for residential solar and battery systems at the end of 2025 will make home electrification more expensive for many homeowners in 2026, even if equipment list prices remain unchanged. Leased systems keep credits until the end of 2027, and new lease-to-own and prepaid-lease models are emerging so installers can pass savings to customers. Added costs from tariffs and new

Punjab to Launch Large-Scale Affordable Housing Programme INDIA: The Punjab government is set to begin construction of 37,000 housing units under the Punjab Affordable Housing Programme (PAHP), a World Bank-funded initiative worth US$250 million over five years. Of the total, 20,000 homes will be built on state-owned land using World Bank financing, while the remainder will be delivered through private sector participation. Preparatory work is well advanced, with 41 governmen

Philippines Expands Housing and Urban Development Agenda for 2026 PHILIPPINES: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has outlined an expanded housing and urban development strategy for 2026 under its recalibrated Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH)  programme. The revised approach is now beneficiary-focused, allowing households to choose between vertical housing, house-and-lot units, or lot-only options. DHSUD aims to deliver 90,000 housing u

Canada and UAE to Begin Economic Partnership Negotiations CANADA: Canada and the UAE will begin negotiations next month on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters. Ottawa hopes the talks will deepen ties with the Gulf and attract investment particularly into liquefied natural gas and green-energy projects, part of a broader strategy to diversify exports away from the United States amid tariff pressures. Abu Dhab

Portugal Approves 2026 Budget with Strong Emphasis on Housing and Infrastructure PORTUGAL: Portugal’s parliament has approved the 2026 budget, allocating US$7.5 billion (€6.9bn) to housing and transport infrastructure as part of a broader plan to support growth while maintaining fiscal discipline. The centre-right minority government projects GDP growth of around 2.3% and a fourth consecutive budget surplus, alongside a reduction in public debt to about 88% of GDP. Total expe

Sign Free Trade Agreement Indonesia: Indonesia and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed a free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at strengthening two-way trade, Indonesia’s trade ministry said. The agreement was signed over the weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia, and was witnessed by Russian President Vladimir Putin along with leaders of EAEU member states Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Indonesia was represented at the signing by Trade Mini

World’s Fourth-Largest Economy India: India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to calculations cited in the Indian government’s end-of-year economic review. Based on current trends, the review projects that India will overtake Germany within the next three years to become the world’s third-largest economy, trailing only the United States and China. India’s gross domestic product has already reached around USD 4.18 trillion and is proje