The first half of 2020 has ended, with the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak we have witnessed the highest market volatility in this decade.

Read up on past Weekly Vantage Points to find out the hottest news during the period of Q2 2020.

The retail business is anticipated to suffer one of the worst performing quarters as many countries were at near standstill in the last few months.

As countries emerge from lockdowns, stakeholders move focus from fire-fighting to managing the post COVID-19 era in the real estate investment circle.

Despite concerns of a second virus wave as governments gradually ease lockdown measures, market confidence has begun to turn the corner in certain cities.

Major US cities such as Seattle and Austin are experiencing quick recovery in the housing market, whereas UK home prices fell for a third straight month.

Deal consummations had been significantly hampered by social distancing measures as well as the wide big-ask spreads between buyers and sellers. Yet even as volumes have pulled back, a stirring of eager capital sitting on the sidelines have not gone unnoticed.

As countries begin to re-open their economies, more news and data points emerge to give a glimpse of the impact of the pandemic on the real estate market so far.

While transaction volumes have fallen, certain sectors are experiencing a strong pick up in investment interest.

Over a third of the world’s population is now living under some form of lockdown due to coronavirus.

Although some reports have forecasted up to 20% drop in property prices, there is consensus that a rebound will follow very quickly once the dust settles.

With many countries extending their lockdown period to hunker down and wait out the storm, the world continues struggle with containing the spread of COVID-19.

As the pandemic episode continues to play out in many parts of the world, early data points are streaming in, giving a glimpse of the potential impact.