As expected, the fair did not overwhelm with the sheer number of attendees but was rather impressed by the quality and intent of those who came. Conversations with exhibitors from around the globe echoed the same sentiment: while we may have anticipated more foot traffic, those who visited the booths came not to pass time but to explore, to learn, and to invest.

There was a striking level of sophistication among the visitors, both local Singaporeans and international attendees. Their interest in overseas property opportunities was deep, targeted, and focused. From the perspective of an exhibitor, a speaker, and a panelist, it was clear that this event succeeded in creating the right platform for meaningful dialogue, strategic networking, and ultimately, trust-building between professionals and buyers.

As a real estate professional and Global Ambassador of The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, I was especially proud to witness so many of our member companies not only present but actively participating, sharing knowledge at the booth, contributing to panel discussions, and enhancing the fair’s global credibility. It is in events like this that our network shows its true value: seasoned professionals from every corner of the world, coming together under one shared mission, to elevate the standards of our industry.

I had the privilege once again to be part of this momentum, both as a moderator and a panelist. This time I joined a Fireside Chat with Abhii Dabas of INTRIC Technologies and Stavroula “Vicky” Vamvaka of Newdeal Group, where we spoke candidly about the challenges and revelations that come with buying a property abroad. The session offered real, firsthand perspectives on what international buyers wish they had known before their first overseas investment, from legal surprises to hidden costs, and judging by the audience’s reactions and follow-up questions, this kind of grounded, experience-driven insight was exactly what they came for.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Paulo Lopes;

What made this second day particularly compelling was the depth and professionalism of the content presented throughout the sessions. The morning began with a remarkable spotlight by Moubin Faizullah-Khan of GetGround on how AI and automation are streamlining global property investment, turning what once took weeks into a process that now takes minutes, and allowing investors to focus on strategy instead of bureaucracy.

From there, the quality of discussion only grew. Experts like Jennifer Chia, Marian Dzhenkov, Minoli Wickramasinghe, and Joel Kwok unpacked everything from inflation-proof investment strategies to Residential 101 for new buyers. The audience, far from passive listeners, were deeply engaged, asking questions and often lining up afterwards to speak directly with panelists. This wasn’t just another real estate event, it was a professional development platform for serious investors and advisors.

The international nature of the program also stood out. Developers and consultants from Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia shared market-specific strategies that were both practical and visionary. The discussion on buying property abroad brought together João Reis from JLL Portugal, Travis Coleman from Australia’s Belle Property, and Ivan Varat from Croatia’s San Patrik Real Estate. It was a clear demonstration that, while each market is unique, the investor’s need for transparency, local expertise, and post-sale support is universal.

Later in the day, Giles Adams from ThirdHome gave a fascinating presentation on the rise of luxury home exchange, now a $5 billion global industry, highlighting how it’s changing the landscape of second-home ownership and discretionary property use. And as the day progressed, the conversations turned increasingly into PropTech and hybrid investment models, with speakers like Matt Silver, Sam Ansell, and Hannah Yulo-Luccini showing how next-gen products are reshaping buyer expectations.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Paulo Lopes;

For me, the true success of the Global Property Expo lies not only in the sessions and connections made, but in the position, it now claims within the APAC region: it is becoming the fair where global and regional professionals must be. It is a showcase of best practices, forward-thinking, and international collaboration, all in one of the world’s most dynamic property hubs, Singapore.

As a participant, speaker, and ambassador, I left the second day not only inspired but proud. Proud of the role Portugal continues to play as a trusted investment destination, proud of Casaiberia’s presence alongside our colleagues from JLL Portugal, and deeply proud to represent LeadingRE, whose global members once again demonstrated their thought leadership and unmatched professionalism.

This event is not just a reflection of where global real estate is, it’s a preview of where it’s going. And APAC, with its energy, growth, and openness to innovation, is at the heart of that journey.

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Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes