What usually comes to mind when one mentions Ipoh are the lovely limestone hills, the serene feel to the town and of course, great food. Just about a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, it is becoming a popular spot for city folk to escape the hustle and bustle, especially on the weekends.

WASHINGTON: U.S. housing starts rose more than expected in March to their highest level since November 2008 and permits to build new homes scaled a 17- month high, according to a government report on Friday April 16 that offered hope the housing market recovery remained on course.

SHANGHAI: China policymakers plan to increase the country's land supply for residential properties to curb  escalating home prices, a move which will increase the supply of affordable homes, the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported, quoting the Ministry of Land and Resources.

KUALA LUMPUR:The prime office market in the Klang Valley will see a large supply of new office developments before the year ends. The vacancy rate is expected to rise notwithstanding an expected steady absorption rate, CH Williams Talhar & Wong real estate consultancy said in its 2010 property market outlook report released here on Friday April 16.

KUALA LUMPUR: Starhill Real Estate Investment Trust (Starhill REIT) has entered into sale and purchase agreements for the proposed sale of Starhill Gallery and the Trust's parcels in Lot 10 Shopping Center, both in Kuala Lumpur to Starhill Global REIT in Singapore.

PETALING JAYA: Sunway City Bhd (SunCity) is eyeing a slice of Government-owned prime tracts which will be tendered out to the private sector for development under the New Economic Policy (NEM).  

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) will offer a glimpse of the emirate's urban landscape in the next 30 years using a model structure which highlights real estate dynamics of the largest enclave within the United Arab Emirates.

DUBAI: Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) will showcase its US$422 million (RM1.35 billion) Cedre Villas (pictured) at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010, to be held from April 18 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

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SP Setia (RM4.20; Buy; Price Target: RM4.80; SPSB MK)
Sales on track

KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Corp Bhd is planning to inject its new acquisition of Japan-based ski resort Niseko Village into its Starhill REIT (real estate investment trust) along with its other hospitality properties, said its managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh.