I hear the message about property flipping and there is no doubt that the current plans with the US and UK HQ buildings does allow the society to capitalise on the massive profits made on property purchases in the cities but are these really property flips? Not given the timescales involved. Some of the properties were purchased decades ago. Of course the new purchases and developments give them yet more profit opportunities however there will not be any quick turnaround on these so, again, can it really be property flipping?
I would suggest that rather than this being traditional property flipping, which is based around rapid turnaround, this is a far more long term view. The GB have probably admitted that they are looking at still being around in this world decades from now and are looking at how to secure long term investments. There is never a bad time to get into property, you just need capital.
So, have donations decreased? There is no way of really knowing but seems clear is that there is a rush to purchase and develop properties. Even if they can do it with current cash reserves there is nothing stopping them also taking advantage of the moment and getting people to donate on the back of the works being undertaken.