Real Estate & Property Investment News in Malaysia from Propertyshowrooms.com

Luxury property prices in Kuala Lumpur fall

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The value of prime residential property in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia fell by 5.6 per cent over the course of 2011.

In the latest Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index, the city was ranked 20th out of 23 locations surveyed based on the annual decline in real estate prices.

However, the data indicates this downward trend in Kuala Lumpur is beginning to slow, with such assets shedding just 0.6 per cent of their value during the final quarter of last year.

Kate Everett-Allen, of Knight Frank's international residential research team, explained prime property markets around the world continued to outperform their mainstream counterparts, despite seeing prices slide over the last 12 months.

She added any climb in real estate values experienced in 2012 will be bolstered by a "flight of capital from troubled world regions", coupled with a desire among investors to expand their property portfolios rather than focus on other asset classes.

A report published last month by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia found increasing optimism among the nation's house builders, with 74 per cent of those questioned expecting prices of homes to rise this year.

Malaysia house prices expected to climb

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Developers in Malaysia believe house prices in the nation are likely to increase over the coming 12 months, new research has revealed.

A survey conducted by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (REHDA) found that around 74 per cent of respondents anticipate a rise in the cost of residential property during 2012.

Of those, 36 per cent are predicting a ten to 20 per cent jump, while 31 per cent believe the hike will be under ten per cent. The remaining seven per cent thought prices could rise by more than one-fifth.

The increasing cost of purchasing a property in Malaysia has been attributed to the higher price of labour and materials.

As a result, optimism about the state of the country's real estate sector is lower than it was six months ago, the REHDA study found.

Speaking at the launch of the research, president of the organisation Datuk Seri Michael Yam said: "Our members are more cautious towards market conditions due to more compliance requirements imposed on the housing industry, global economic uncertainty and inadequate information and data with regards to on-stream demand and supply."

In March, the REHDA will host the Malaysia Property Exhibition, which is expected to lead to real estate sales of between 50 million and 100 million Malaysian ringgits (£10.4 million and £20.8 million), Bernama News Agency reported.

Minor correction predicted for Malaysia property prices

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Property values in Malaysia, particularly in the office, luxury condominium and serviced apartment sectors in Kuala Lumpur, are expected to undergo a marginal correction in 2012.

Bernama, the Malaysian news agency, reported on a statement made by James Wong, immediate past president of the Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector, Malaysia (PEPS), ahead of the Malaysian Property Summit 2012.

Mr Wong commented: "Prices for landed property, industrial and retail sector, would however remain stable."

He also predicted tightening lending criteria will reduce the number of potential buyers in the country's real estate market.

Mr Wong went on to highlight certain areas of the nation where both sales and prices have climbed recently. Among them are Setiawan, Segamat and Kota Kinabalu, he stated.

Last month, government agency Malaysia Property Inc attended a real estate exhibition in Hong Kong with the intention of promoting the country as an investment hotspot, Bernama reported.

Malaysia promoted as investment hotspot

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Government agency Malaysia Property Inc (MPI) has been promoting the nation as a top destination for real estate investment at global events.

Bernama, the Malaysian National News Agency, reported the organisation's attendance at the MIPIM Asia 2011 event in Hong Kong last month was successful.

Speaking to the news provider, chief executive officer of the body Kumar Tharmalingam explained this is the first of several such exhibitions the agency will be going to.

"Malaysia was given prominent feature as a real estate investment destination, with an opportunity to profile participating Malaysian companies and their track record in the region," he stated.

The aim is to attract more foreign investment in the Malaysian property sector, Mr Tharmalingam added.

In the latest Knight Frank Global House Price Index, the country was ranked 11th, recording an annual increase of 6.6 per cent in the value of residential real estate during the third quarter of this year.

Kuala Lumpur 'may see downturn in apartment demand'

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Demand for luxury apartments in the Malaysian city of Kuala Lumpur is expected to fall over the coming year, a new study suggests.

The Malaysia Star reported on the predictions by DTZ Research, which were published in its Property Times market analysis, and revealed that the high-end residential sector in the city is likely to suffer from an influx of new supply.

According to the organisation, a raft of projects either at or nearing completion will put pressure on the market.

DTZ noted that around 5,384 units are due to go on the market in 2012, with more than 2,000 new apartments put up for sale during the third quarter of this year.

The news provider quoted the report as saying: "The residential sector experienced significant completions in the quarter and this will put pressure on rentals, especially in the larger prime condominium units where demand has not kept pace."

Last month, the Business Standard revealed that the country's government is targeting Indian investors in an attempt to encourage them to invest in the Malaysian real estate market.

Malaysia real estate attracting overseas investors

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Real estate in Malaysia is proving popular with investors from overseas, particularly those hailing from the Middle East, new research shows.

Propertywire reported on a study by IP Global, which revealed that the amount of funds from Middle Eastern investors being ploughed into property developments in Malaysia increased by 11.4 per cent during the third quarter of 2011, compared to the same period a year earlier.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur was singled out as a hotspot in the market due to the 11.4 per cent annual growth recorded in IP Global's house index.

Founder and managing director of the organisation Tim Murphy told the publication: "Malaysia is a sensible market and tends to perform more steadily than the rest of Asia."

He noted that tight regulation prevents investors from buying and selling quickly, thereby avoiding "a boom and bust scenario".

Earlier this month, Knight Frank released data showing that the global housing market is at its weakest point since 2009, although Asia continued to outperform other regions, registering year-on-year price growth of eight per cent during the second quarter of this year.

Malaysian retail property 'on the up'

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Values of Malaysian real estate in the retail sector are being pushed higher by investor interest, it has been noted.

Speaking to Business Times, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Malaysia managing director Alan Soo explained that there is a "strong appetite" for assets such as shopping malls among foreign and domestic investors.

He told the publication that yields in Malaysia currently stand at between six and seven per cent, which is almost double what is available in some of the other markets in south-east Asia.

Mr Soo also pointed out that many real estate investment trusts and funds are "finding the growth potential here compelling".

Earlier this month, Jones Lang LaSalle published a report into the Asia Pacific office markets and found that such properties in Kuala Lumpur had experienced year-on-year declines in both capital values and rents during the second quarter of 2011. Overall, average real estate prices in the city centre fell by 0.9 per cent over this period.

Penang property prices rise

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Real estate values on the Malaysian island of Penang have increased rapidly since the introduction of new legislation, it has been revealed.

Speaking to Star Property, deputy chairman of the state Barisan working committee Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman claimed that the state government's decision to raise land premium rates had caused property prices to go up.

"When the state government increases the premium as it wishes, the developers are forced to increase the value of the houses. It is a simple cause-and-effect factor," he commented.

Last month, a panel of experts at the Star Property Fair 2011 all agreed that the housing market in Penang is likely to grow over the course of the year.

Chairman of the Real Estate Housing Developers Association Datuk Jerry Chan noted that there is "a lot of confidence" in the sector on the island, adding that there are local and foreign buyers who want to invest in property in Penang.

Malaysia 'a popular choice' among Singaporean investors

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Investors in Singapore are increasingly turning to the Malaysian property market because real estate in their own country is considered too expensive.

This is the finding of a survey released by Property Guru, which discovered that 37 per cent of respondents are investing in housing in neighbouring Malaysia, making it the most popular foreign nation among Singaporeans looking for somewhere to buy real estate.

Furthermore, some 45 per cent of those questioned said they would consider purchasing a property outside the country.

Commenting on the data, director of Singapore Tenancy Management Tom O'Reilly told Channelnewsasia.com that people can afford to buy several houses or flats in Malaysia for the same amount of money as just one in Singapore.

"Malaysia as a country has extremely strong fundamentals and the property market in Malaysia tends to be a lot less volatile than Singapore," he stated.

Mr O'Reilly added that being able to purchase multiple assets allows investors to "diversify risk but also still generate a positive return".

Malaysian residential properties 'have prospect for growth'

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian property market has the chance for growth, one investment expert from the region has claimed.

Speaking to the Malaysian National News Agency Bernama, John Saunders, chief executive officer of MGPA Asia, stated that residential property in the country is "realistically priced" when compared to other locations in the region.

He went on to add that as a result, there is the chance for the value of properties to "appreciate further".

Mr Saunders noted that investors are increasingly looking to buy an older building in a prime location, refurbish it and then sell it for a profit, because this has become more economical than acquiring a new development.

According to the recently released Knight Frank Global Property Index, the Malaysian residential market has seen values rise 6.4 per cent in a year, with prices registering growth of 1.4 per cent in the past six months.

The country ranked tenth in the list of 50 nations compiled by the organisation, with six other locations in the Asia-Pacific region also experiencing rising house prices.

Malaysian market boosted by residential sales

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian property market was boosted by an increase in residential sales over the course of 2010, with them making up 60.2 per cent of the total volume.

According to the country's Property Market Report 2010, 226,874 residential property transactions worth RM 50.65 billion (£10 billion) were recorded last year.

The report noted that the country's market grew by more than 15 per cent in the first half of 2010, by 8.5 per cent in the third quarter and 4.8 per cent in the final three months of the year.

In particular, terraced houses are the most sought-after house type in Malaysia representing 36.3 per cent of transactions, followed by condominiums or apartments and low-cost houses.

"The market slowed down as construction activity in the residential sub-sector showed the 'cautious behaviour' of developers," says the report.

It follows comments made by Nick Mar, chief executive of Homesgofast.com, who claimed that Malaysia boasts one of the best foreign property markets at present, along with Turkey, Spain and Brazil.

Malaysian property prices to rise in 2011

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Residential values in parts of Malaysia are expected to rise in 2011, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years.

This is according to real estate services company CH Williams Tahir & Wong, which noted that prices in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor will remain on their upward trend.

The company's managing director Foo Gee Jen said this year's growth in the prime areas is projected to be between ten and 15 per cent, an article by Property Report revealed.

With prices expected to rise in the coming years, property in Malaysia offers some excellent opportunities for foreign buyers and investors.

Investor speculation in the Malaysian market has been triggered by fears of property bubble forming as a result of the government's decision to introduce a maximum lending limit of 70 per cent for third house financing.

"The government announcement to lower the cap on the loan-to-value ratio for third house financing gave a bit of psychological effect on people," Mr Jen said.

Strong house price growth seen in Malaysia

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Economic recovery in Malaysia combined with political stability in the country helped to contribute to the strongest house price growth since 2000, it has been claimed.

Property Report has revealed that the national house price index in Malaysia rose 6.2 per cent year-on-year during quarter three 2010.

This is in addition to annual increases on 6.2 per cent and 5.7 per cent in quarter two and quarter one respectively.

"Part of the keen growth in the real estate sector has certainly been encouraged also by the governments' retreat from a plan to re-impose five per cent capital gains tax, first abolished in 2007 and then touted again in 2009," the news provider explained.

Meanwhile, Knight Frank has claimed that stability and affordability combined with the creation of new jobs means that an increasing number of investors are looking to buy property in Malaysia.

The organisation has forecast a jump in the number of buyers as a result of ex-pats and investors moving to the country to work for the new Economic Transformation Programme.

Malaysia to see a surge of investors

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Stability and affordability combined with the creation of new jobs means that an increasing number of investors are looking to buy property in Malaysia, one consultancy has suggested.

Knight Frank has forecast a jump in the number of buyers as a result of ex-pats and investors moving to the country to work for the new Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

"The expatriates will be here for the duration of the projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit, among others. They would need a place to stay," Eric Ooi, managing director of Knight Frank Malaysia, told New Straights Times Property

Indeed, Mr Ooi said that he expects more than 15 per cent of luxury property purchases in Malaysia this year will be by foreigners.

Buyers from Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan are buying condos, apartments and bungalows in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Bangsar, Mont' Kiara and Kenny Hills areas, he added.

Malaysian property is 'second cheapest in region'

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Potential investors looking to buy property in Malaysia will be pleased to learn that the average price of apartments in the country is the second lowest in the surrounding region.

Figures released by Global Property Guide have shown that only Indonesia offers city apartments for a lower cost than Malaysia.

"In comparison, the average price of city apartments in Singapore is almost eight times more than in Malaysia, beating even Australian prices, which are almost five times higher than Malaysian city apartments," the news provider explains..

"Other countries surveyed included Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand, where high-rise residential properties in the city cost more than in Malaysia."

Meanwhile, Property Report recently claimed that developers in the country are confident about the health of the real estate market.

This is despite recent cooling measures being introduced by the central bank in an attempt to control the market.

Under the new rules, home buyers who have signed up for two mortgages and intend to apply for a third loan are required to finance only 70 per cent of the home value.

Developers in Malaysia 'unaffected' by cooling measures

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property developers in Malaysia remain confident about the health of the country's real estate market, despite the implementation of further cooling measures by the central bank.

Under the terms of the new rules, home buyers who have signed up for two mortgages and intend to apply for a third loan are required to finance only 70 per cent of the home value.

An article by Property Report has stated that several developers have found that the measures have had little or no impact on sales levels, those looking to buy real estate in Malaysia may be interested to learn.

Yeo Kong Meng, personal assistant of principal at The Haven Sdn Bhd, confirmed to the news provider that the new rules have not affected sales so far.

"60-70 per cent of our customers are home buyers, while 30 per cent buy property for investment. Many of our house buyers have high disposable incomes so paying a higher deposit for their new property is not an issue," he explained.

Malaysia expected to keep interest rates at the current level

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian central bank is expected to hold interest rates at their current level in order to support its economic growth.

Bloomberg reports that while the country has enjoyed a robust increase in its economy for the first half of the year, the outlook for 2011 remains uncertain "given external developments".

The news is likely to interest individuals with an interest in buying property in Malaysia, with it expected to have a knock-on effect on the real estate market.

Earlier this month, governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz announced that interest rates are at "appropriate levels" to curb inflation, although concerns have been raised that not enough is being done to prevent other asset bubbles forming.

"While Malaysia is not experiencing a general property bubble, targeted pre-emptive measures are appropriate to moderate the increases in property prices that are evident in selected locations that are speculative in nature," Mr Zeti said last week.

Malaysian govt implements cooling measures

Tue, 9 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals looking for property in Malaysia may be interested to learn that the country has become the latest to implement cooling measures.

The government followed the example set by China, Hong Kong and Singapore to help stabilise the soaring real estate sector, Reuters has reported.

To this end, the country's central bank imposed a new loan-to-value ration of 70 per cent on homebuyers purchasing a third residential property.

Furthermore, Malaysia's central bank downplayed any fears that a bubble was forming in the country, noting that average growth trends for real estate remain at manageable levels.

"The measure aims to support a stable and sustainable property market and promote the continued affordability of homes for the general public," the bank said in a statement.

Reuters added that many analysts feel that the new measures reflects the rising concern over questionable mortgage lending practices and household debt in Malaysia, which is the highest in Asia.

Asia Pacific 'leading global real estate recovery'

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Asia Pacific region is leading the global property market recovery, which could be good news for anyone interested in property in Malaysia.

According to the second quarter International Residential Review from Chesterton Humberts, an increase in high worth individuals has helped fuel recovery in the region, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia and China.

"Disparities in the performance of global residential markets remain apparent in the post-recession era. The star performers are in the Asia Pacific region while recovery in Europe and North America is more laboured with transaction volumes remaining well below pre-recession levels," said Andrew Hawkins, head of international at Chesteron Humberts.

He added that appetite for prime residential property both for lifestyle and investment reasons remains "firm".

Earlier this year, Property Abroad stated that Malaysia's property market could benefit from the nation's strong tourism industry and the fact that its economy is recovering at a quicker pace than many other countries.

Government restrictions hampering developments in Malaysia

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Government restrictions on foreign workers could have a large impact on the number of new projects being built in Malaysia, it has been claimed.

According to the Star Property, the country's FIABCI president Datuk Richard Fong warned that rules preventing foreign workers entering the country could have a negative effect on developers.

"We have already seen the effect of tightening the labour market five years ago when workers were sent home on an amnesty programme. We will have the same problem again," the news provider reported him as saying.

"When the workers finally returned, we had to retrain them because they were unskilled. The workers returned but the issue that cropped up was quality, which in turn led to high rates of defects in the properties."

The Malaysian property market could be set to benefit from the economic recovery in Asia, Property Abroad recently suggested.

A growing tourism market and strengthening economy are likely to be beneficial to the country's real estate sector.

Malaysian property market to benefit from economic and tourism revivals

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian property market could be set to benefit from the economic recovery in Asia, it has been claimed.

Property Abroad has suggested that the real estate market in the destination will benefit from exiting its short recession and burgeoning tourism market.

Malaysia has always been a favoured destination for tourists in Asia and around the world and as such, could lead to a resurgence in overseas property investors.

"Regional tourism is the investors' best friend because it gives them the opportunity for high-yield holiday lets and sometimes even longer-term holiday lets," the website stated.

Furthermore, the market could receive a boost from the current political troubles being experienced in Thailand, with potential investors looking for a more stable country to buy property in.

Earlier this year, PrimeLocation.com reported that the government in Malaysia is doing a good job attracting British buyers to the country.

Initiatives like the Malaysian My Second Home Visa programme and the lack of capital gains tax when selling a property make investing in the country a viable option for many.

Malaysian property market bolstered by new development

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The property market in Malaysia has received a boost with news that an Australian developer is investing millions of dollars in the country to create an exclusive beach resort, it has been revealed.

Approximately 520 million USD is being pumped into the region of Johor by the Walker Group to create a waterfront residential enclave designed to attract foreign investment to the country.

The development in Senibong Cove will be completed over a decade-long period of time and in numerous stages - the first of which will contain 244 new houses.

When fully completed the development is set to feature in excess of 2,200 homes including bungalows, semi-detached houses and terraced properties.

In addition, an integrated marina and clubhouse will be built to compliment over 8,000 square metres of shopping space and a 3,500-square metre recreation club.

The destination of Johor in Malaysia is also to benefit from the construction of the county's first-ever theme park in an attempt to attract more tourists to the destination.

Long-term investors in the UK enjoying low interest rates

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Long-term property investors in the UK are benefiting from conditions caused by the financial downturn, it has been claimed.

The news comes after it was revealed that many new landlords were struggling to cope with their new purchases.

Mark Garner, managing director at LettingZone, explained that long-term investors were enjoying the current situation.

"For existing professional landlords, it has never been better because interest rates are at an all-time low so with the property you bought a while ago, the cash flow is looking really good," he said.

However, Mr Garner did concede that many new landlords who entered the rental market within the last three years, were struggling because of the global economic crisis.

Earlier this week, LSL Property Services reported that on average rents rose by 0.3 per cent in February 2010, an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to last year.

The rental company stated that based on current performance, investors looking to buy-to-let could return an average of 8.5 per cent on their properties over the coming 12 months.

Economic recovery boosting Malaysian property market

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Speedy

economic recovery in Malaysia

is expected to have a significant effect on the country's property market, it has been suggested.

Datuk Abdullah Thalith Md Thani, director general of Valuation and Property Services Department at the Malaysian Finance Ministry, said that the demand for property was returning.

The growing demand for produce and increasing cost of things such as rubber and crude oil is also helping recovery.

He added: "The property market for this year will improve as the number of transactions involving new housing and construction activities increases."

Furthermore, Mr Abdullah Thalith said that the government would continue in its attempts to make the

Malaysian property

market appealing to foreign investors.

He cited the liberalisation of the Foreign Investment Committee as one particular measure being used to increase buyer confidence.

According to property website Prime Location, the government in Malaysia is doing a good job attracting British buyers to the country.

With initiatives like the Malaysian My Second Home Visa programme and the lack of capital gains tax when selling a property, investment in the country is seen as a viable option for many.

Malaysian government are helping make the country an attractive investment prospect

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian government's keenness to attract foreign property buyers is helping to make the country an attractive investment prospect for many, it has been reported.

According to UK property website Prime Location, recently Malaysia has been drawing a "steady stream" of British buyers looking for retirement, investment and holiday homes.

Government initiatives such as the Malaysian My Second Home Visa programme and the lack of capital gains tax when selling a property have made it a good investment prospect, the website reports.

Meanwhile, news has emerged that the Foreign Investment Committee is making plans for a deregulation of investment guidelines to make it easier for overseas purchasers.

Malaysia has plenty of natural appeal, with large forests, a warm climate and unspoiled beaches.

It is also one of south-east Asia's most developed countries, boasting rapid economic growth in recent years.

Homesgofast.com has put the country in its top ten places for overseas investment in 2010.

Malaysian property market needs to do more to secure foreign investment

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The domestic property market in Malaysia will do well in 2010, but more needs to be done to attract overseas investors to the country, it has been claimed.

Malaysian national news agency Bernama has reported that the MIDF Amanah Investment Bank has suggested the residential property market will thrive, driven by increasing demand in the medium-high sector.

However, the bank believes that greater efforts are required in order to secure foreign investment in the country, as currently, foreign buyers in Malaysia are able to benefit from tax incentives and MSC status benefits.

"Our survey with key developers shows purchasing interest remained high, with take-up rates of new projects at an average of 70 per cent just from private previews or the first few days of the launch," Bernama quoted MIDF as saying.

Meanwhile, a report released by research company RNCOS stated that Malaysia's tourism sector is set to grow by nine per cent between 2009 and 2012.

Malaysia's property market set for growth in 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property in Malaysia has been given a positive outlook for 2010 by one expert.

Malaysian newspaper the Star has reported that investors could see a five to ten per cent increase in house prices in the country.

However, James Wong, president of the Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia, remains cautious, saying that a significant jump in prices was not expected.

"Condominiums and apartments are currently selling well and landed property prices, which had held through the economic crisis last year, are expected to grow this year," Mr Wong said to the paper.

Economic recovery will be the biggest factor influencing property market performance and Malaysia's GDP is expected to climb two to three per cent in 2010.

Meanwhile, Mr Wong believes that many developers that postponed property launches last year would not do the same in the coming months, adding that investors could take advantage of a five per cent drop in prices last year.

Malaysian Industrial Development Finance recently highlighted the improving economic outlook as a key factor in attracting potential investors.

Malaysia could be an attractive investment opportunity in 2010

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rising demand and an improving economic outlook are likely to be key factors in attracting investors to Malaysia, it has been claimed.

A report from Malaysian Industrial Development Finance (MIDF) shows that these factors are likely to make property investment in the country an attractive proposition for many in the coming year.

But MIDF warned that the withdrawal of cheap credit, absence of attractive promotions and favourable regulations may have a detrimental effect in the long term.

"Sales demand for residential properties is expected to remain buoyant as investors continue to deem it as one of the more liquid hedging asset. Speculators are also taking advantage of the current market sentiment to lock-in on gains," they said.

A survey of key property developers in the region found that none of them were planning on slowing down the rate at which they were developing new property.

Earlier this month the Malaysian government decided to limit the reintroduction of capital gains tax to properties sold within five years of their purchase date, something that Malaysia's Property Investment Organisation claimed was indicative of its favourable view towards property investment.

Malaysian government has 'favourable' view towards investment

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Malaysian government's decision to limit the reintroduction of capital gains tax (RPGT) on real estate is indicative of the favourable view it holds towards property investment, it has been claimed.

Malaysia's Property Investment Organisation (MPI) has voiced its approval over the new plans.

The move means that the only properties that will now be taxed are ones sold in under five years of their original purchase date.

In an interview with the Overseas Property Professional website an MPI spokesperson said that they were pleased that the government had taken on board feedback given to them from within the industry.

"This policy still reflects the government's pro-investment [position] and yet would safeguard the Malaysian property industry against speculation. As serious property investors usually take a longer view of their investment horizon, the amendment to the RPGT would appeal to this target group of investors for the industry," he said to the property website.

Last year Property Abroad reported that Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, the housing and local government minister, had expressed optimism about the near future as the Malaysian economy improves.

Malaysia tipped for recovery

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malaysia has been predicted to see further property market recovery soon, it has been noted.

Property Abroad reported that housing and local government minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha has expressed optimism about the near future as the economy improves.

Speaking at the recent National Property and Housing Summit 2009, he said: "Prices of houses are expected to see further upside, driven by huge liquidity in the economy as well as further rebound in residential rent."

Mr Ha also said the overall economic revival around the world would benefit the country's property market.

The portal stated that Malaysia could offer a number of advantages for UK residents, with legal documents written in English and no inheritance tax.

Earlier this month, chairman of Regroup Associates Christopher Boyd wrote in the Kuala Lumpur-based Star Online that the country has good long-term prospects.

He said this is the case as Malaysia has a low population and rich resources, a combination making it attractive to immigrants from heavily-populated neighbouring countries.

Eastern growth 'set to boost Malaysian property'

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The economic and population growth of Asia is set to drive property values upwards in Malaysia in the years ahead, it has been predicted.

Writing in the Kuala Lumpur-based Star Online, chairman of Regroup Associates Christopher Boyd stated that in view of the large increases in both people and economic output to come from India and China, Malaysia will benefit from its geographical proximity.

"Malaysia, as an under-populated resource-rich country, will become increasingly attractive", he suggested, arguing that property prices will rise as large-scale immigration comes in the form of increasingly educated and affluent workers from other Asian countries.

A three-bedroom bungalow within one hour's drive of Kuala Lumpur can be bought for RM250,000 (GBP46,000), Mr Boyd stated, while plots in rural areas are also available at bargain prices.

In August of this year, developers Eastern & Oriental said the market was holding up well in the country, despite the world economic climate.

Malaysian real estate developers reveal plans

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Two more real estate developers have announced plans to take advantage of the improving conditions in the Malaysian property market.

Selangor Dredging has confirmed it will launch a project consisting of houses and apartments in Taman Melawati and a condominium development in Petaling Jaya before the end of March 2010.

Teh Lip Kim, Selangor Dredging's managing director, told Bernama there had already been strong interest in the properties in Petaling Jaya.

She added: "We will conduct our projects prudently and be sensitive to the prevailing market scenario. At present, we are already seeing some improvement in the demand for properties."

Meanwhile, Eastern & Oriental has revealed it intends to launch real estate projects worth MYR 4 billion (GBP 678 million) in Kuala Lumpur and Penang over the next three years.

It explained that demand for property in Malaysia is strong despite the economic downturn and that sales had been good at its existing developments.

News of the projects comes just weeks after Mah Sing Group announced plans to build a residential development on a 46-acre site close to Kuala Lumpur in order to take advantage of the full-scale recovery in the Malaysian property market it expects to see in 2010.

Malaysia property market 'beginning to recover'

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The property market in Malaysia is beginning to show signs of recovery following the global recession, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Business Times, managing director of real estate valuation firm Khong & Jaafar Sdn Bhd Elvin Fernandez said that initiatives from developers have helped the market to avoid collapse in the first half of 2009 after it suffered for the majority of 2008.

"We believe property transactions will start to move upwards given time," he told the news source, news that may interest those considering investing in property in the country.

Mr Fernandez added that it is important that the supply of homes is regulated according to demand, as failing to do would result in the formation of housing bubbles, which would have a negative effect on the market if they were to burst.

The Global Property Guide for 2009 revealed last month that average rental incomes for real estate in Malaysia are more than nine per cent.

Malaysia property market 'remains steady'

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malaysia's property market has managed to weather the global economic storm, according to an international study.

The independent Global Property Guide for 2009 placed the country in ninth place out of a total of 91 territories, indicating that its housing market remains relatively stable.

Average rental incomes for Malaysia are more than nine per cent and property company DSR Asset Management highlighted the benefits of investing in housing in the archipelago island of Langkawi.

Located off Malaysia's west coast, the destination is described as have a "particularly benign climate and stunning environment", with white sand beaches, five star resorts, mountains, good shopping, rainforest, sports activities and coral reefs.

The island was designated a Unesco world geopark in 2007 and development has been carefully controlled as a result, with direct flights from major cities expected to push up its property prices.

A recent article on the Choices website asserted that property in Malaysia offers UK investors "excellent" value for money because of current favourable exchange rates.

Malaysia real estate investment 'value for money'

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Malaysia real estate investment offers Britons good value for money because of a favourable exchange rate between the ringgit and the pound.

This is the claim of a new article on the Choices website, which states that an increasing number of opportunities are opening up in the country in light of the price and its popularity as a holiday destination.

"At today's rate of 5.85 Malaysian ringitts to the British pound, Malaysia represents excellent value for both the holidaymaker and the property investor," the piece says.

In addition, it notes that properties of equivalent value are generally of better quality in Malaysia than in Europe, while the government has introduced tax breaks to incite investors.

Further announcements regarding the liberalisation of regulations surrounding foreign property ownership in the country are expected to be made by prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Invest Malaysia 2009 conference this week, according to the Star Online.

Malaysian property 'is undervalued'

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Property in Malaysia

is the most undervalued in the South-East Asia region, it has been claimed.

Such a comment was made when discussing the country's market by Christopher Chadd, head of research at developing market support firm Property Frontiers.

Mr Chadd said that Malaysia has held up well in the face of the credit crunch, although its economy has not fully escaped the effects of the world economic downturn, with the housing market and economic growth seeing a "slight" slowdown.

Despite this, he stated, the country remains a "fantastic" one to invest in, adding: "We believe the market remains undervalued compared to the rest of South-East Asia."

Mr Chadd noted the country still contains strong features that are favourable to its property market, including ones popular with Britons such as the climate, safety, good infrastructure and transport links to Australasia.

Property magazine Homes Overseas recently identified Malaysia as the

top country to invest

in during 2009.

Malaysia's border area tipped for property

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those looking for the best places to invest in property in Malaysia should look to the area near to Singapore, it has been suggested.

Chris Chadd, the head of research at emerging markets support firm Property Frontiers, said that while Kuala Lumpur is good, there are places where better returns can be achieved, one being Johor Bahru.

He stated that because this area is only 15 minutes north of Singapore and many people are commuting into the city state to work, the area has "a lot of potential".

Mr Chadd noted: "Property can be purchased in Johor Bahru for a tenth of the price in Singapore."

He suggested that the country will see more investments as a result of new low-cost flights there when the world economy recovers.

In November Air Asia X launched a service between Stansted and Kuala Lumpur, with one-way prices staring at £99.

Malaysian Tourist Arrivals Increase In December

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(RTTNews) - Tourist arrivals into Malaysia rose 9.2% year-on-year in December, a report by Tourism Malaysia said Friday. The report said December recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals of 2....

Tourism and travel may stagnate or decrease

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tourism and travel may well stagnate or even decrease in 2009 says an executive of one of the leading travel and tour companies in Malaysia. Reliance Pacific Bhd CEO Datin Irene Gan shares her views...

Malaysia Airlines scraps domestic fuel surcharges

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Flag carrier Malaysia Airlines said Tuesday it will scrap fuel surcharges for domestic flights as part of efforts to boost air travel amid an economic slowdown. The airline s...

Crisis A "Golden Opportunity" For Islamic Banking

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(AFP)--The global economic crisis has handed the Islamic finance sector a "golden opportunity" to show it is a better alternative to capitalism...

Sime Darby gets govt nod for Labu LCCT plan

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Sime Darby Bhd has received the government’s approval to proceed with the proposed private low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) project in Labu, Negri Sembilan...

Monitoring ringgit speculation

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RINGGIT speculation abroad should be monitored so that Malaysia does not become a victim of opportunistic groups seeking to gain from the fall of the local currency, Datuk Muhammad Salleh Majid said...

Malaysia central bank says more stimulus measures may be needed

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Malaysia is unlikely to slip into recession despite slowing exports, but the economy may require another round of stimulus measures, the central bank chief said in comments published Wednesday...

Drop in building material prices benefits contractors and Govt

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

THE slump in building material prices will not only benefit contractors but also save the Government a significant amount of money. In the middle of this year, the Government agreed to include the...

Investor sentiment likely to remain fragile next year

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investor sentiment likely to remain fragile next year Kuala Lumpur: Investor sentiment will likely remain fragile next year amid concerns of developments in the United States and the global...

Malaysia market 'still attracting investors'

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overseas investment in the Malaysian property market is remaining strong despite the current economic climate, it has been suggested.

Chief executive officer of TH Properties Zaharuddin Saidon made the claim at the launch of a new property organisation in the country, The Edge Daily reports.

Speaking at the event, Mr Saidon was quoted as stating that despite some investors reconsidering their position due to the credit crunch, many are still choosing to purchase property in the country.

"This [the foreign participation] will be in high-end [residential properties]," he remarked, adding that the relative safety of the Malaysian property market is attracting cash-rich investors.

Buyers who have yet to decide about making a purchase in the country and are looking for reassurance that the location is still a viable option for investment may welcome the news.

TH Properties has been operating in the real estate market for over 22 years and is currently developing a new flagship project, @enstek, which is located nearby to Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Malaysia will not be insulated from dismal global outlook

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) may be revising its forecast of 3.4% gross domestic product (GDP) growth for next year to less than 3%. According to executive directo...

RM500m Lahad Datu airport project to get priority under 10MP

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

RM500m Lahad Datu airport project to get priority under 10MP Lahad Datu: The Government will give priority to the construction of a new airport for Lahad Datu, costing RM500 million, during the 10...

Low cost service from Stansted to Malaysia launched

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A new budget airline long haul route has been launched, connecting Europe and Asia. AirAsia X yesterday announced flights from London to Malaysia, where passengers can connect to flights to Australia.

Booking for AirAsia X's London-Kuala Lumpur service opened yesterday. Tickets are available from £99 one way. Passengers travelling to the Malaysian capital will benefit from five flights per week from Stansted Airport.

"AirAsia X's London-Kuala Lumpur route is the realisation of a long held ambition to open up affordable access between Malaysia and Europe. We have an incredible route network and at £99, the opportunity for Londoners and Europeans to explore the region has never been greater," said Tony Fernandes, CEO of the AirAsia Group.

"This new route will benefit everyone, enabling magnificent holidays in beautiful locations, encouraging economic and tourism activity...As time passes there will be more promotions and the fare could well fall further - we always look to make the fare as low as possible," he added.

AirAsia X already flies to Australia from Kuala Lumpur, enabling passengers to continue their low cost flight. Travellers will be able to catch connecting flights to Perth, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

The airline is the low cost, long haul affiliate of AirAsia and covers destinations which are more than four hours in flight duration from Kuala Lumpur.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.