Austin Hale
Austin Hale of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty earns Maine real estate license
Badger Peabody & Smith Realty team member Austin Hale recently earned his Maine real estate license, expanding his ability to serve clients in both New Hampshire and Maine.
Hale joined Badger Peabody & Smith Realty’s office in North Conway in 2023, but his familiarity with the real estate industry is long standing. As a youngster, he tagged along with his mom, real estate agent Jeana Hale-Dewitt, for many years, travelling to showings and meeting her clients.
“Earning my Maine real estate license puts me in a unique position to assist my Western Maine/Fryeburg area clients who want to sell or purchase a home,” says Hale.
“Austin’s exceptional background and experience in residential and commercial real estate will benefit the sellers and buyers in both states who work with him,” says Vice President of Sales, Brendan Battenfelder. “And, since we work collectively as a firm, he’ll be a great resource for his colleagues as they will be for him.”
Hale was born in North Conway and is a lifelong resident of the Mount Washington Valley. While a student at Plymouth State University where he received a BS in Business Administration, he helped manage student housing for a private company developing skills in leasing, management and problem-solving.
State School property is already back on the market
The state wasted no time in getting the former Laconia State School property back on the market. The day after the deadline passed for would-be buyer Legacy at Laconia, Gov. Chris Sununu’s office issued a press release announcing the property was again available.
“After much work over the last few years by the State, city, and interested developers who have pored over the property, the site is poised to become perhaps the premier development opportunity in the region,” the release stated. “The state Department of Administrative Services with its broker, CBRE, has set up a website and is soliciting interest and offers at 217acresforsalelaconianh.com.”
In the release, Sununu described the opportunity represented by the property as “immense. … The hard work has already been done to prepare the property for sale. I remain optimistic that another buyer will see the opportunity, and when they come knocking, we stand ready to move quickly.”
The state had been working for more than a year to sell the property to Legacy at Laconia, which offered to buy the parcel for $21.5 million, about double the next highest bid. However, after several delays of the date for closing, Legacy was unable to secure financing to follow through on the offer.
Through a spokesperson, Robynne Alexander, the principal developer behind Legacy, issued a statement that expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the city and the state.
“Because of the site’s size and history, many issues arose that could not be foreseen. Unfortunately, delays occurred and markets changed significantly from when the agreement was approved in December 2022. This made it extremely difficult to secure the necessary funding,” Alexander said.
“While we were not successful in bringing the project to fruition, we are very proud of our talented team’s hard work and determination. We thank the state and the city of Laconia for their professionalism and perseverance as we worked together on this important project.” — Adam Drapcho, Laconia Daily Sun
Brian Cavaliere
Construction ally Brian Cavaliere introduces Cavaliere Consulting
Construction expert Brian Cavaliere has introduced his firm Cavaliere Consulting into the sector by helping to transform building projects as a construction ally for homeowners, vacation home owners and business owners.
Brian Cavaliere leverages his extensive background as a former builder and construction superintendent to bridge process gaps and mitigate challenges that often hinder successful building, renovating and remodeling endeavors.
“At Cavaliere Consulting, we believe that every building project deserves an advocate who is dedicated to protecting the client’s interests and ensuring that their vision becomes a reality,” says Brian Cavaliere, founder and CEO. “Our mission is clear: to keep projects on track, manage budgets effectively, and ultimately, to deliver results that exceed our clients’ expectations.”
With a focus on consumer education, protection and advocacy, Cavaliere Consulting offers a comprehensive suite of services aimed at alleviating common barriers encountered during the construction process. From conceptualization to execution, Cavaliere works to clarify client goals, streamline project designs and facilitate seamless communication between all stakeholders involved.
“At the heart of what we do is a commitment to empowering our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions,” adds Cavaliere. “By serving as a trusted advisor and advocate, we ensure that every aspect of the construction journey is carefully managed, allowing our clients to enjoy their homes, businesses, or commercial facilities for years to come.”
For more information, visit www.cavaliereconsulting.com or contact brian@cavaliereconsulting.com.
Global real estate market to grow by 20% and hit a $730 trillion value by 2028
The global housing market inflation has pushed property prices to shocking highs. Since the start of the pandemic, the median sales price of existing homes in the United States has jumped by more than $120,000 and hit $395,000 last month. The cost of a square meter of residential property in European capitals also skyrocketed and hit over €4,000 in France and Germany, or a shocking €10,000 in Portugal. And while buying a house became unaffordable to hundreds of millions of people, the latest price growth has pushed the value of the global real estate market to record highs.
According to data presented by Stocklytics.com, the global real estate market is expected to reach a value of $637 trillion in 2024, or $24 trillion more than last year. By 2028, this figure will grow by a further 20% and hit almost $730 trillion.
The perfect storm of historically low interest rates, increased demand, and limited supply have caused property prices to snowball in recent years. This negative trend has become a topic of widespread concern, with many asking when buying a home will be affordable again. Unfortunately, the incredible surge in home prices is expected to continue in the following years, raising the already shocking value of the real estate market.
According to Statista Market Insights, last year, the global real estate market was valued at $613 trillion, up from roughly $600 trillion a year before. This figure is expected to jump by 4% and hit $637 trillion in 2024. With property prices rising, the following years will bring even more significant growth. Statista expects real estate to become a $700 trillion industry in 2027. By the end of 2028, this figure will jump to nearly $730 trillion, showing almost a $100 trillion increase in four years.
Properties in China and the United States will make nearly one-third of that value. The Chinese real estate industry is expected to hit a $153 trillion value in 2028, up from $135 trillion this year. The US market follows with an 18% four-year growth and a $143 trillion value by 2028.
The transaction value in the global real estate market will also increase significantly in the next four years. Statistics show that 2024 will see $8.29 trillion worth of real estate transactions, up from $7.77 trillion last year. By 2028, this figure will jump by 20% and reach almost $10 trillion.
The Statista survey also showed the average value of residential real estate would jump by 11% in this period. In 2024, the average residential real estate price is expected to amount to $234,700. Over the next four years, this figure will jump by 11% and hit over $261,000.
Hampshire Capital unveils Diversified Real Estate Investment Fund to tap mega-trends in American housing
Hampshire Capital, LLC, a New Hampshire-based national real estate investment firm, announced the launch of the Hampshire Capital Diversified Real Estate Fund I. This $50 million fund offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of multifamily, outdoor hospitality and land development investments in the high-growth Sunbelt region of the U.S.
Leveraging Hampshire Capital’s extensive track record and expertise in real estate investment, development, and management, investors may now access a unique opportunity to participate in a diversified portfolio of properties based on the macroeconomic and demographic trends driving long-term demand for housing. With a focus on strategic asset allocation and active management, the fund aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors in both bull and bear market cycles.
“Our team at Hampshire Capital is thrilled to introduce the Hampshire Diversified Real Estate Fund I,” said Shane Carter, CEO of Hampshire Capital. “With the current market dynamics and evolving investor preferences, we recognized the need for a straight-forward real estate investment solution that prioritizes the preservation of capital while benefitting from the strong market forces driving our housing shortage.”
The Fund’s focus on Class A&B multifamily, outdoor hospitality including RV parks and campgrounds, and land development/entitlement delivers a clear blend of stability, cashflow, high total returns and tax benefits that is fully investor aligned. The company’s “Neighborhoods
First, Assets Second” investment philosophy puts people and thriving communities at the center of its mission to deliver sustainable long-term value to investors and communities alike.
“Our Fund focuses on rarely accessible asset diversification segments in the private equity real estate marketplace,” said Nick Bouquet, COO of Hampshire Capital. “Our fund also charges no fees, which allows for full investor alignment without dilution to the returns.”
For more information about the Hampshire Diversified Real Estate Fund, please visit: hampshirecapital.investnext.com/portal/offerings/5660
Another piece of Chinese owned property in Nashua has come to the public’s attention — the former Daniel Webster College property, encompassing some 52 acres. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess encouraged the Board of Aldermen on Sept. 9 to pass a resolution giving him the authority to seek state and/or federal funds to purchase the property, currently owned by Xinhua Education Consulting Services Corp.
The nonprofit and ReVision Energy expand renewable energy portfolio with new solar panels across five properties in the Monadnock Region
While home prices might be moderating in other parts of the country, the median price of a single-family house in New Hampshire rose to $550,000 in August, the second highest price point this current year. That price is just $3,000 more than the $547,000 recorded in July, but it is $47,500 more than January’s $502,500. The highest median price in 2025 was $569,450, recorded in June and the most ever recorded in the state.
ApprenticeshipNH has partnered with Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont and Elm Grove Companies to launch New Hampshire’s first registered apprenticeship program (RAP) for maintenance technicians
Explore how post-pandemic growth, affordability challenges, and evolving housing trends are transforming the Queen City’s future.
The Lake Estate on Winnisquam sees diamonds and stars in its future
Amid a statewide housing shortage, a religious nonprofit recently opened applications for more than 60 new workforce housing apartments in Peterborough.
Concord considers $535K rail purchase to extend Greenway Trail, raising questions for Scenic Railriders
Relax & Co., which provided an array of services to property owners in the Lake Sunapee area, had already been forced to lay off workers earlier this month.
