Malaysia Property Trend

Young Malaysians today are aware of a changing value system, where experiences and milestones are equally important. But how do you enjoy life now while planning for the future? You want to travel. You want a home. You want to invest. But can you really have it all? Unlike the general assumption, Gen Z isn’t abandoning traditional financial goals, they’re just redefining what success looks like to them. Owning a home or starting a family still matters, but so does mental wel

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): Malaysia’s home ownership is on the climb, with the figure seeing a moderate pick up last year compared to two years ago. About 78% of households lived in their own homes in 2024, up from 76% in 2022, according to a statement from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Wednesday. Another 19.7% were living in rented living quarters, while 2.4% called quarters home, it added. Home ownership is highest among the top 20% of households (85.5%), foll

(From left) Johor state economic planning division secretary Haji Amirul Haffiz Ariff; Johor Invest Malaysia facilitation centre senior vice president Adny Jaffedon Ahmad; Johor Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) director Mohamad Reduan Mohd Zabri; Johor state Islamic affairs committee chairman Haji Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid; Johor state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han; Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Gha

SHAH ALAM (Dec 30): Joint management bodies (JMBs) are allowed to impose different maintenance charges on parcel owners in mixed development projects like Icon City in Petaling Jaya. High Court Judge Jamhirah Ali said she considered all facts and circumstances in the case and considered a holistic reading of the Strata Management Act, sale-and-purchase agreements and deeds of mutual covenants as well as the relevant schedules and regulations. “I find the JMB was entitled to i

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 18): Malaysia’s property and real estate investment trust (REIT) sectors are entering a policy-driven upcycle, anchored by the government’s plan to deliver one million affordable homes between 2026 and 2035 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, BIMB Securities Research said. In its 2026 sector outlook, BIMB maintained an 'overweight' call on both sectors, citing sustained support from housing incentives, a stable interest-rate environment and rising industrial deman

When buying a property in Malaysia, especially one marketed as an investment, you’ve probably come across the magic term guaranteed rental return (GRR). At first glance, GRR looks like an investor’s dream: predictable income, hassle-free management, and peace of mind, but in reality, this “guarantee” often hides deeper financial risks that can cost you more than you think. Here’s how to spot a genuine property investment opportunity, and avoid falling into a trap. What exactl

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 23): AME Elite Consortium Bhd (KL:AME) is selling five industrial properties in Johor for RM220.8 million cash to CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (KL:CMLT). The properties comprise five single-storey detached factories with two-storey office components, occupying about 17 acres of land and with a total built-up area of about 524,077 square feet within AME Elite’s i-TechValley industrial park in Iskandar Puteri, the company said in a statement. The sale “highlights

KUCHING (Dec 13): Sarawak is prepared to reshape its industrial park development strategy with a stronger focus on future industries, high technology, and a low-carbon economy, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. (pictured) He said the move was informed by lessons drawn from the successful development of the Suzhou Industrial Park in China, following a recent engagement with its administrative authority during a working visit to the city.        The meeting s

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 14): Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will implement a new timetable for KTM Komuter Klang Valley services effective Jan 1, in line with progress under the Klang Valley Double Track Phase II (KVDT2) project. In a statement Sunday, KTMB said the new timetable will apply to the Tanjung Malim–Pelabuhan Klang–Tanjung Malim and Pulau Sebang–Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang routes, reflecting ongoing advancements in KVDT2 works.        The timetable adjustment forms par

Teo Nie Ching, who is also Kulai Member of Parliament boarded the train at the Kulai Station. (Photo from Facebook of Teo Nie Ching) KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 13): Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching described her experience riding the Johor Bahru–Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service (ETS), which began operations on Friday, as very satisfying. The Kulai Member of Parliament boarded the train at the Kulai Station at 4.40pm and reached the KL Sentral Station at 8.50pm.        “

Datuk Augustine Wong is the president of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda). Sheda’s deep dive into the housing industry and Sarawak’s Fiscal Policy      Sarawak’s FY2026 fiscal policy, which dedicates the majority of the development expenditure toward enhancing socio-economic connectivity, is designed to reinforce economic resilience despite challenging national and global conditions. While not directly targeting the housing, construction or

Datuk Johnny Wong is the president of the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda). A strategic dialogue with Shareda on the Land Below The Wind     Sabah’s real estate landscape is navigating a dynamic period of transition, driven by the dual engines of a strong, resource-based economy and a dramatic post-pandemic surge in international tourism, particularly from North Asia. This rapid economic momentum is testing the limits of the state's existing infr

Adrianta Aziz is the president of the Malaysian Association of Architects (PAM). A strategic outlook for Malaysian architecture in 2026     The Malaysian architectural sector is currently navigating a period of intense transformation, driven by ambitious national mandates for sustainability, the necessity of urban renewal and a relentless pace of technological change. The year 2026 is poised to be a pivotal point where strategic vision meets practical implementation, requirin

Ashwin Thurairajah is the executive director of GreenRE Sdn Bhd. Navigating the mandatory shift in property sustainability in 2026     The Malaysian property sector is on the cusp of a profound transformation, driven by the government's firm commitment to its net-zero pathway. In 2026, sustainability moves decisively away from optional, premium feature status to become mandatory compliance, affecting every stage of the project lifecycle from initial design to post-occupancy m

A deep dive into a year of resilience and regulatory shift     The year 2025 has cemented its place as a pivotal period for the Malaysian property market, marking a transition from post-pandemic recovery to regulatory maturity. The market dynamics were characterised by a curious divergence which witnessed a demonstration of strong transactional resilience in value terms, even as volume metrics remained subdued.      This resilience, however, was accompanied by persistent chal

Award-winning negotiators share their optimism for next year’s real estate industry     Fresh off their win at the StarProperty Awards 2025: Realtor Edition, the award-winning negotiators offered a rare glimpse into the future. They provided a sharp synthesis of current buyer expectations and the strategic foresight that underpins their highly bullish market outlook for 2026.     For these winners, recognising that their collective knowledge and impactful voices are the very

Buyers looking for balanced market and long-term value   Much like car brands that tailor their models for various customer types or the layers of an onion, today’s property developers are getting in on the action with houses. As buyers grow more diverse in their lifestyles and interests, it comes as no surprise that, in a market where affordability and life stages play a crucial role, developers are crafting homes that resonate with every unique buyer profile. It is all abou

Johor's property market remains an outlier while the effect of tariff and SST expansion was seen in other major regions. KUALA LUMPUR : Tariff tension and SST expansion have had a dampening effect on several property submarkets in Q3 2025, although the residential sector remains stable with demand continuing to flourish in Johor, according to JLL Malaysia.    Klang Valley’s residential market has recorded an upward price trend of 3% for apartments and condominiums, 1.8% for s

Witnessing the exchange of agreement documents between Ahmad (second from left) and Inn (second from right) was Lim (centre). Looking on are Akmal (left) and Azizah. KUALA LUMPUR : JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp) and CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CGS) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance high-quality investments and operating partnerships for the Johor-Singapore Speci

In Malaysia, real estate holds a dual identity. It is simultaneously the most significant wealth-building tool for families and, paradoxically, the most challenging asset to access when they need it most. Without meticulous estate planning, what is meant to be a legacy often becomes a liability, leaving surviving family members financially exposed and caught in prolonged legal battles. With over RM90bil in inheritance assets frozen or unclaimed in Malaysia as of September 202