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• JS-SEZ A Major Boost for Construction and Property Sectors

  The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), spanning 3,500 sq km from Kulai and part of Pontian to Pengerang, is set to transform the region's economic landscape. Analysts highlight that Malaysian contractors, unlike in previous developments such as Forest City, will benefit significantly from the zone's infrastructure demands, including utilities, warehouses, homes, and offices. Focused on public transportation and renewable energy, the zone offers opportunities for railway, solar panel, and road infrastructure projects. With a goal to attract 100 projects and create 100,000 high-value jobs within a decade, the JS-SEZ is supported by government incentives, including a special corporate tax rate, to lure foreign investments and drive demand for industrial buildings and offices.

  Jan. 8, 2025

  Tags: Johor , Malaysia

• Higher Loan Applications in 2024 Reflect Strong Property Market Sentiment

  MIDF Research: Malaysia's total loan applications for property purchases reached RM587.7 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, growing 4.8% year-on-year, despite a slight monthly decline of 2% in November. Buying interest remains strong, supported by a stable Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3% and positive market sentiment. Meanwhile, approved loans rose 6.7% year-on-year to RM259.6 billion, though November saw a 10.8% monthly drop due to a lower approval ratio. The steady approval rate and higher developer sales indicate continued confidence in the property sector heading into 2025.

  Jan. 7, 2025

  Tags: Malaysia

• KL Property Index Soars in 2024, Driving Sector Optimism

  The KL Property Index surged by 31.5% in 2024, outperforming the KLCI’s 12.9% gain, reflecting robust growth in Malaysia’s property sector. MIDF Research maintained a positive outlook for 2025, citing key drivers such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, and a stable Overnight Policy Rate of 3%. Despite a 2% month-on-month decline in loan applications for property purchases in November 2024 (totaling RM55.3 billion), loan applications rose 14% year-on-year, with cumulative applications reaching RM587.7 billion for the year, a 4.8% increase. Loan approvals also grew by 6.7% year-on-year to RM259.6 billion, supporting higher new property sales and signaling sustained market interest.

  Jan. 7, 2025

  Tags: Malaysia

• Singapore's Property Market Faces Potential Cooling Measures Amid Price Surge

  Morgan Stanley reports that a surge in Singapore's housing prices, driven partly by speculative buying, may prompt the government to implement additional cooling measures. Analysts, including Wilson Ng, note that investors are purchasing properties with the intent to sell before completion, potentially leading to a 5% price decline this year due to increased supply and possible policy interventions. The government, preparing for an election year amid affordability concerns, has previously introduced measures such as doubling stamp duties for foreign buyers. Morgan Stanley suggests that future policies might focus on raising seller stamp duties to curb speculative activities.

  Jan. 6, 2025

  Tags: Global

• FDI Inflows Bolster Optimism Among Malaysian Property Players for 2025

  Industry players in Malaysia's real estate sector are optimistic about the market's prospects for 2025, driven by robust foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and a resilient economic environment. According to the Malaysia Commercial Real Estate Investment Sentiment Survey (CREISS) 2025, 91% of respondents expressed optimism about the country's commercial real estate market, with 34% planning to increase their investments. This positive sentiment is supported by RM254.7 billion in approved investments during the first nine months of 2024—a 10.7% increase from 2023. The property market recorded 311,211 transactions valued at RM163 billion in the same period, indicating significant growth compared to the previous year.

  Despite this optimism, challenges such as rising construction costs, increased building vacancy rates, and a high-interest-rate environment persist. The retail segment faces additional hurdles, including brand boycotts leading to declining sales and store closures. Nevertheless, Malaysia's economic outlook remains positive, with solid GDP growth of 5.2% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2024 and a strengthening labor market. Key investment hotspots identified for 2025 include Klang Valley and Johor, with sectors like data centers and industrial/logistics expected to drive the commercial property market forward.

  Jan. 6, 2025

  Tags: Johor , Malaysia , Selangor

• RHB Investment Bank Projects 10% Growth in Malaysia's Property Sales for 2025

  RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHBIB) forecasts a 10% year-on-year increase in Malaysia's property sales for 2025, anticipating that developers will focus on mid-range high-rise projects to address affordability concerns and preserve landbanks. The bank also notes that regions like Iskandar Malaysia are expected to see more project launches, driven by robust economic growth and foreign direct investments. RHBIB maintains an "overweight" rating on the property sector, highlighting developers with strong asset bases and capital management strategies, such as Sime Darby Property, Mah Sing, Sunway, and UEM Sunrise, as top picks.

  Jan. 3, 2025

  Tags: Malaysia

• Malaysian Property Stocks Anticipate Valuation Growth Amid Recurring Income Ventures

  RHB Investment Bank forecasts continued valuation growth for Malaysian property developers in 2025, building on a 32% sector rally in 2024. The bank highlights that developers expanding into ventures like data centers and industrial projects, which generate recurring income, are particularly well-positioned. Notably, companies such as Sunway Bhd and IOI Properties Group Bhd have diversified into these areas, enhancing earnings stability and attracting investor interest.

  RHB suggests that investors consider developers like Sime Darby Property Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd, and Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd, which are leveraging existing landbanks to develop income-yielding assets. The bank maintains an "overweight" rating on the sector, anticipating that smaller-cap developers with strong sales, solid finances, and strategic landbanks will narrow the valuation gap with larger peers. Additionally, developers are expected to focus on mid-range high-rise residential projects to address affordability concerns and optimize land use.

  Jan. 3, 2025

  Tags: Malaysia

• Singapore's Home Prices Rebound on Year-End Sales Boom

  Singapore's private home prices rose by 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, reversing a 0.7% decline from the previous quarter and marking the largest increase in a year. This rebound is attributed to a surge in new project sales and lower borrowing costs, with November seeing the highest number of private units sold in a single month since 2013. For the entire year, home prices increased by 3.9%, continuing an eight-year upward trend. Analysts, including those from Barclays and Citigroup, suggest that the government may introduce additional cooling measures to address housing affordability concerns, especially with an upcoming election. The Urban Redevelopment Authority has noted potential downside risks for 2025, such as possible renewed restrictions on global trade.

  Jan. 2, 2025

  Tags: Global

• China's December Home Sales Stabilize Amid Government Stimulus Measures

  In December 2024, China's residential property market showed signs of stabilization, with home sales remaining flat year-on-year at 451.4 billion yuan (RM276.08 billion), halting the declines observed earlier in the year. This improvement is attributed to the government's recent stimulus efforts, including reduced borrowing costs on existing mortgages, relaxed purchasing restrictions in major cities, and lowered taxes on home acquisitions. These measures have invigorated the market, particularly in first-tier cities like Shanghai, where increased activity may help mitigate nationwide declines.

  Despite this stabilization, the property sector continues to face challenges. Throughout 2024, sales from the top 100 developers declined by 28.1%, a steeper drop compared to the 16.5% decrease in 2023. Looking ahead, institutions like Morgan Stanley and Fitch Ratings project further contractions in 2025, with anticipated declines in both sales volumes and home prices. The government's reaffirmation of its growth target of around 5% for the coming year underscores the ongoing uncertainties in China's economic outlook.

  Dec. 31, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Rehda: Home Affordability in Malaysia Remains Stable Amid Rising Living Costs

  The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) reports that Malaysia's home affordability remains stable despite increasing living costs. Citing data from the National Property Information Centre, Rehda President Datuk Ho Hon Sang notes that the residential property market reached a 10-year high in Q3 2024, with 70,520 transactions valued at nearly RM29 billion, indicating market resilience amid global uncertainties. Additionally, Malaysia's home ownership rate stood at 76.5% in 2022, reflecting stability with potential for improvement.

  Ho acknowledges challenges faced by young professionals in purchasing homes, referencing the EPF Belanjawanku 2024/2025 report, which estimates that a single person in the Klang Valley requires RM2,800 monthly for basic living costs, leaving limited room for savings. He suggests that wage increments and bonuses could aid in achieving homeownership goals. Government initiatives like PR1MA, MyHome, and the Step-Up Financing Scheme for youths, offering lower repayment rates for the first five years, are deemed pivotal in facilitating homeownership. Ho also calls for improved coordination between state and federal agencies to prevent redundancy and emphasizes the need for demand analyses to ensure projects meet market needs.

  Dec. 31, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Demand for Affordable Housing Set to Rise

  The Malaysian property market is projected to maintain steady demand for residential properties, particularly in the affordable housing segment, into 2025. AmInvestment Research notes that the first half of 2024 saw a 6.1% increase in the number of residential property transactions and a 10.4% rise in transaction value year-on-year, according to the National Property Information Centre (Napic). This positive trend is expected to continue, supported by favorable government policies promoting affordable housing, the relaunch of the Malaysia My Second Home programme, and sustained positive labor market conditions.

  Additionally, demand for industrial properties has notably increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, while affordable housing remains consistently sought after by potential buyers. Napic's data for the third quarter of 2024 indicates a slight increase in both the volume and value of housing transactions, with 70,520 units recorded, valued at RM28.74 billion, compared to 68,561 units worth RM28.36 billion in the same quarter the previous year. Overall, the property market has shown improvement, with the number and transaction value rising by 3.1% and 0.3%, respectively, totaling 112,305 transactions valued at RM57.31 billion.

  Dec. 30, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Extended Loan Tenures May Unintentionally Inflate Property Values, Experts Warn

  Critics argue that financing structures like extended loan tenures and intergenerational loans, intended to make homeownership more accessible, might inadvertently drive up property prices, exacerbating the housing affordability crisis. Dr. Yeah Kim Leng, an economics professor at Sunway University, notes that while financing access influences the housing market, it is not the primary driver of rising property prices. He credits Bank Negara Malaysia's prudential lending policies for curbing house price growth in recent years.

  Khazanah Research Institute researcher Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran highlights that longer mortgage tenures can make expensive homes appear more affordable in the short term but result in significantly higher overall costs. For instance, extending a 35-year loan for a RM500,000 home to 40 years increases the total financing cost by 17.4%, adding RM97,428, while reducing monthly payments by only 4.4%. This suggests the need for more incentives and new models, including public-public partnerships, to provide affordable homes to low and middle-income groups, especially first-time buyers.

  Dec. 27, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• China to Focus on Stabilizing Housing Market in 2025

  China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development plans to focus on stabilizing the housing market in 2025 through policies that reduce mortgage rates, lower down payment requirements, and relax purchase restrictions to support first-time homebuyers. The ministry aims to strengthen the recovery seen in 2024 by increasing the supply of affordable housing and improving housing conditions for young people, new urban residents, and migrant workers. Additionally, China intends to expand affordable housing initiatives, promote the renovation of urban villages and old buildings, and shift towards the sale of completed homes to optimize the market and meet housing needs more effectively.

  Dec. 25, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Cargo Ports to Drive Malaysia's Economy and Real Estate in 2025

  Malaysia's cargo ports are projected to significantly boost the nation's economy and real estate sector in 2025. Irhamy Ahmad, CEO of Irhamy Valuers International, anticipates that ports will handle approximately 817 million metric tonnes of goods, contributing around RM690 billion to the GDP. This growth is expected to enhance the logistics and warehousing industries, leading to increased demand for related real estate developments. Notably, Tanjung Pelepas port has been recognized as the fifth most efficient port globally, underscoring Malaysia's strategic position in international trade.

  Dec. 23, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• China's Property Sector Faces Ongoing Challenges Amid Debt Crisis

  China's property sector continues to grapple with significant challenges as the debt crisis enters its fifth year. Recent developments highlight the ongoing struggles of major developers, including China Vanke Co., Ltd., which is under scrutiny by the banking regulator for potential default risks. In Hong Kong, New World Development Co. Ltd. is seeking to delay loan maturities, and Parkview Group has put a landmark commercial complex in Beijing up for sale. These events underscore the persistent liquidity issues and the broader impact on the housing market, which remains a substantial drag on demand for various goods and services.

  Despite government efforts to stabilize the market through measures such as interest rate cuts, reduced purchasing costs, and state guarantees for bond sales by stronger developers, the sector's recovery remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that it may take another one or two years for the market to bottom out, with the possibility of additional defaults in the near future. The situation is further complicated by the spread of distress among developers, including those operating in Hong Kong, indicating that the challenges are not confined to mainland China.

  Dec. 22, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Thailand's Property Boom Attracts Chinese Investors Amid Rising Fraud Risks

  Thailand's real estate market has experienced a significant influx of Chinese investors, who accounted for nearly half of foreign property purchases in 2023. Attracted by affordable international education and lower living costs, many Chinese buyers are investing in cities like Chiang Mai. However, the market's rapid growth has been accompanied by an increase in fraudulent activities. Some investors, unfamiliar with Thai property laws—such as restrictions on foreign ownership of land and individual houses—have fallen victim to scams. For instance, a Chinese investor purchased a villa without realizing that foreigners are prohibited from owning land in Thailand, leading to significant financial losses.

  Legal experts warn that the surge in foreign investment has created opportunities for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting buyers. They advise potential investors to thoroughly understand Thai property regulations and seek professional legal assistance before making purchases. Despite the booming market, the lack of awareness among new investors about local laws has led to increased cases of fraud, underscoring the need for due diligence and caution in Thailand's real estate sector.

  Dec. 21, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Chinese Students Revitalize Hong Kong's Commercial Property Market

  Hong Kong's struggling commercial property sector is experiencing a revival, driven by a surge in Chinese students. Educational institutions are converting office spaces into classrooms, and investors are channeling funds into student accommodations to meet the rising demand from mainland China. This trend has positioned the education sector as a significant contributor to the commercial real estate market, which has been facing challenges due to weak sentiment.

  Government initiatives to transform Hong Kong into an international education hub have led to an increase in non-local student quotas, with mainland Chinese students comprising over 77% of this demographic in the latest academic year. This influx has spurred universities to lease substantial office spaces for educational purposes and has attracted investments in student housing. Projections indicate a shortage of 120,000 student beds by 2028, prompting private equity firms and other investors to invest significantly in dormitories. This development offers a positive outlook for Hong Kong's commercial property market, which has been grappling with oversupply and declining rents.

  Dec. 19, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Malaysia's Property Market Demonstrates Resilience in 2024

  Malaysia's property sector maintained stability throughout 2024, supported by strong demand and new project launches, reflecting sustained investor confidence. The Malaysian House Price Index reported an average home price of RM475,126, marking a modest 0.4% increase from the previous year, indicating market steadiness amid global economic uncertainties. Residential properties were significant, accounting for 50% of the total value and 63% of the volume of all real estate transactions. Developers initiated over 32,000 new landed and high-rise homes in the third quarter, a substantial 50% increase from the second quarter, and delivered nearly 24,000 homes, maintaining a balance between supply and demand.

  Data from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) showed slight increases in both the volume and value of housing transactions in the third quarter, with 70,520 units worth RM28.74 billion, compared to 68,561 units worth RM28.36 billion in the same period the previous year. Overall, the property market performance improved, with transaction numbers and values expanding by 3.1% and 0.3%, respectively. The number of unsold completed units, known as overhang properties, decreased to 21,968 units valued at RM13.85 billion from 22,642 units worth RM14.24 billion in the second quarter. Despite global economic challenges, infrastructure projects like the Rapid Transit Link in Johor and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) are expected to further stimulate economic growth and the property market.

  Dec. 17, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Singapore Home Sales Reach Decade High, Prompting Concerns Over Potential Market Curbs

  In November 2024, Singapore's property market experienced a significant surge, with developers selling 2,557 new private units—the highest monthly sales since March 2013. This resurgence was driven by multiple mass-market project launches, as developers capitalized on declining borrowing costs and pent-up demand. Notably, a suburban project in the eastern region sold over 99% of its 846 available units.

  This boom has renewed speculation about potential government interventions to address housing affordability concerns, especially with elections approaching. Analysts from Barclays have indicated the possibility of more aggressive real estate curbs if the government does not manage the heightened homebuying activity. Additionally, Citigroup forecasts a potential reversal of the recent price decline, which could increase policy risks. In response, the government plans to offer sites for approximately 8,505 private homes in the first half of 2025, up from 8,140 units in the latter half of 2024, to increase land availability for private housing.

  Dec. 16, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Malaysia’s Largest Affordable Housing Project Launched in Penang

  SkyWorld Development Bhd, in partnership with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and its subsidiary PDC Properties, has announced Rumah Bakat Baru Madani, Malaysia's largest affordable housing project. The initiative, situated in Penang, will provide over 35,000 homes for the B40 and M40 income groups. This ambitious project aligns with the federal government’s target under the 12th Malaysia Plan to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2025.

  The joint development agreement was signed on December 10, 2024, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow present. Prime Minister Anwar, expressing personal interest in the project due to his ties to Penang, emphasized expediting its commencement, targeting a groundbreaking ceremony within 45 days.

  Dec. 10, 2024

  Tags: Penang

• Sabah's Property Market Sees Significant Growth

  Sabah's property market has experienced notable growth over the past three years, reflecting the state's robust real estate sector. As of November 30, 2024, the total transaction value for Memorandum of Transfer (MOT) activities, including property ownership transfers, reached RM5.17 billion. This represents a substantial increase compared to RM3.57 billion for the entire year of 2023 and RM4.1 billion in 2022. The 2022 spike was largely attributed to a post-COVID rush, with many delayed transactions being promptly processed by the land office.

  The Sabah Lands and Surveys Department has been instrumental in facilitating this growth by implementing various initiatives to enhance service delivery. These include the introduction of online services, mobile counters, and the establishment of a Land Dealings Electronic Submission System (LADESS) to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Additionally, the department has focused on capacity building and training for its personnel to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives, further contributing to the positive trajectory of Sabah's property market.

  Dec. 7, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia , Sabah

• Johor Maintains Balanced Housing Policy Amid Growing Foreign Interest

  Johor will uphold its existing housing policy despite rising interest from foreign investors, particularly in upmarket residential properties, according to Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, chairman of the state housing and local government committee. Under the current policy, developers are required to allocate 60% of their projects for the open market and 40% for the Rumah Mampu Milik Johor (RMMJ) affordable housing scheme. The policy ensures a balanced housing market, addressing concerns about potential price hikes due to initiatives like the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Additionally, developers are mandated to cap certain property prices at RM300,000 and below, enabling the construction of affordable homes for locals while maintaining market stability.

  The policy also facilitates affordable housing projects by redirecting profits from higher-priced properties (RM600,000 to RM2 million) to subsidize homes priced at RM150,000, which often have an actual market value of RM300,000. In 2023, the state engaged over 100 developers, resulting in the construction of 13,000 affordable homes, with plans for an additional 17,000 units within two years. A recent project in Kota Iskandar introduced 2,000 landed affordable homes in urban areas, priced at RM150,000. Despite increasing land values and construction costs, Johor's strategic policies ensure accessibility for locals while addressing growing demands from foreign investors.

  Dec. 3, 2024

  Tags: Johor

• Sabah: New measures to help Bumiputra buyers

  Starting December 1, 2024, Sabah became the first state in Malaysia to implement transformative amendments to the 30% Bumiputra (Bumi) housing quota policy, aiming to empower Bumi buyers and enhance market inclusivity. Under the revised policy, Bumi buyers now have the right to choose their preferred house lots instead of being allocated specific lots by developers. Restrictions on reselling Bumi-allocated homes have been removed, allowing buyers to sell their properties without limitations. Additionally, developers must extend any discounts offered to non-Bumi buyers—such as a 15% rebate—to include the existing 5% Bumi discount, ensuring equitable benefits. These changes align with the state government's efforts to reduce bureaucracy and improve the liquidity of the property market.

  The policy also ensures parity in property value between Bumi and non-Bumi-owned properties, empowering Bumi buyers to maximize their investments. Industry leaders, such as Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda), view this as a historic move that increases flexibility and opportunities for Bumi buyers while boosting the state’s property market. The changes are expected to stimulate property transactions, attract local and foreign investments, and drive economic growth across sectors like tourism, hospitality, and retail. Simplified processes, such as applying directly to the Lands and Surveys Department for restriction removal, further enhance the ease of transactions for Bumi buyers. The policy retains protections for native land titles, ensuring legal rights remain preserved while fostering a more dynamic and inclusive housing market in Sabah.

  Nov. 30, 2024

  Tags: Sabah

• Property Prices in Asia Set to Rise in 2025, Led by Hong Kong

  Property prices in Asia's major markets are projected to increase in 2025, with Hong Kong leading the gains, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Hong Kong's home values are expected to climb by up to 10%, reversing a 30% slump since 2019, supported by interest rate cuts and relaxed mortgage rules. Australia is set for a 7-8% rise, driven by significant increases in Perth (15%) and Brisbane (10%), while Sydney lags at 5% due to affordability issues. Singapore's property prices are predicted to grow by 3%, fueled by lower interest rates and demand from public homeowners upgrading, though macroeconomic uncertainties and unsold inventory may limit growth. Japan is anticipated to see a 2% rise, with inflationary pressures in cities like Tokyo and Osaka underpinning demand.

  Nov. 21, 2024

  Tags: Global

• Mismatch in Property Values and Income Drives Housing Surplus

  A significant mismatch between property prices and income levels, alongside factors such as high living costs and market oversupply, has fueled a growing surplus of unsold homes in Malaysia, particularly those priced between RM300,000 and RM500,000. Dr. Azizul Azli Ahmad, a property investment expert, attributed this primarily to the financial burden on the M40 income group, whose monthly household incomes of RM4,000 to RM6,000 make it challenging to afford housing repayments of RM1,500 to RM2,500. This segment accounted for 31.9% of unsold properties in Q3 2024, with 7,003 units valued at RM2.78 billion, according to NAPIC data. Non-strategic locations and competition from oversupplied housing in similar price ranges have exacerbated the issue. For instance, government initiatives like PR1MA homes inadvertently prompted developers to flood the market within a limited price bracket.

  Other contributors include evolving generational preferences, with Gen Z favoring a flexible lifestyle over long-term commitments like homeownership. Additionally, concerns over interest rates and lending policies, although stabilized at pre-pandemic levels, deter potential buyers. Dr. Azizul proposed solutions such as reducing housing prices to RM200,000–RM300,000, building homes in strategic locations, and reintroducing government incentives for first-time buyers. He also emphasized the need for wage increases and robust economic policies to enhance affordability. Without such measures, the surplus of unsold homes is likely to persist, further straining the property market and limiting access to homeownership for many Malaysians.

  Nov. 21, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Budget 2025: Record RM421 Billion Allocation Includes Major Housing Initiatives

  Budget 2025, Malaysia's largest federal spending plan at RM421 billion, focuses on reforms, income growth, and cost-of-living solutions. Housing remains a priority, with RM10 billion allocated under the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (HCGS) to assist first-time home buyers with loans up to RM500,000. This initiative, expected to benefit over 20,000 Malaysians, builds on the RM12.8 billion already disbursed to 57,000 home buyers. Additionally, tax reliefs for home purchases between 2025 and 2027 aim to stimulate demand: properties priced up to RM500,000 qualify for up to RM7,000 in tax relief, while homes priced between RM500,000 and RM750,000 qualify for up to RM5,000.

  The budget prioritizes affordable housing with RM900 million allocated for 48 People’s Residency Programs (PRR) and 14 Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) projects, potentially benefiting 17,500 residents by 2025. RM500 million has been earmarked for developing affordable housing on wakaf land, supported by civil servant home financing options. Ceiling rates for public housing and fishermen’s resettlement projects have been raised, with up to RM90,000 allocated for new builds. Maintenance funding includes RM200 million for public strata homes and RM84 million for upgrading facilities in Chinese New Villages. Nearly RM100 million will improve 48 Madani Public Parks, enhancing recreational spaces for urban and rural communities. These measures aim to address homeownership accessibility and elevate living standards nationwide.

  Oct. 21, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Why are Malaysia’s property projects lagging?

  According to malaysianreserve.com, many property developments in Malaysia, initially seen as a sign of urban progress, are now facing substantial delays. These delays are primarily due to insufficient funding, labor shortages, and rising material costs. This situation highlights the challenges within Malaysia’s construction industry and underscores the need for effective measures to mitigate economic impacts and restore investor confidence.

  June 28, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Houseowners Scaling Back on Renovation Plans

  Potential homebuyers are scaling back or even reconsidering their renovation plans after reports revealed that certain vehicles, including those transporting construction materials, are excluded from the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).

  June 15, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• KL Ranked Second-Best City in Southeast Asia by Oxford Economics for 2024

  Kuala Lumpur has been ranked the second-best city in Southeast Asia by the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2024, placing 135th globally out of 1,000 cities. The ranking evaluates cities based on economy, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. KL stands out particularly in human capital, where it ranks 21st globally. The index also ranks Singapore as the top city in Southeast Asia, while New York leads the global list.

  May 21, 2024

  Tags: Kuala_Lumpur , Malaysia

• Penang and Kuala Lumpur Among Asia’s Top Cities for Expats in 2024

  A study by Preply has ranked Penang and Kuala Lumpur among the top cities in Asia for expatriates to live and work. Penang secured 4th place, while Kuala Lumpur ranked 6th, based on criteria like cost of living, safety, and ease of learning the local language. The study highlights Penang's strong appeal to expats for its affordability and cultural richness.

  Globally, Kuala Lumpur was ranked 12th, dropping from its top spot in 2022, yet it remains a favored destination for expats, praised for its vibrant urban life and accessibility.

  May 15, 2024

  Tags: Kuala_Lumpur , Penang

• DOSM: Malaysia's Population Reaches 34 Million in Q1 2024

  The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has estimated the country's population to reach 34 million in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a 1.6% increase compared to the previous year. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 17.5 million males and 16.5 million females. Notably, 70.7% of the population falls within the working-age group (15-64 years), underscoring Malaysia's strong labor force potential. Additionally, the statistics highlight ongoing urbanization trends, with a significant proportion of the population residing in urban areas.

  May 14, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

• Malaysia Faces Rapid Aging and the Rise of Ghost Towns

  Malaysia is experiencing rapid aging, leading to concerns about the rise of "ghost towns" as younger generations migrate to urban areas, leaving rural regions with dwindling populations. The interactive report highlights the demographic shifts, showing how rural areas are increasingly populated by older adults. This trend raises challenges related to economic sustainability, social services, and the need for policies that address both the aging population and the potential decline of these towns.

  April 6, 2024

  Tags: Malaysia

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