By Viktor Chong viktorchong@thestar.com.my

“Buy property then wait, not wait then buy property,” said Chan.

PETALING JAYA: While the volume of property transactions might go down, the average transacted prices have always been on a steady rise since 2001, a proof that the value of the property goes up over time regardless of the market, said Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents secretary-general Chan Ai Cheng.

Speaking at the StarProperty.my Post GE-14 Forum, Chan said the drop of the average transacted price during 2013, 2014 and 2015 is possibly due to the implementation of Goods and Services Tax, adding that the market sentiment and tightening of loan policy resulted in the dip of transaction volume in 2017.

However, she said the property market trend for the past 17 years from 2001 to 2018 had shown a steady rise in value, peaking in the year 2011 and 2012, and that the trend of over seventeen years cannot be wrong.

The comparison made between the first quarter of the year 2016 to the first quarter of the year 2017.

According to Chan, the volume of transactions for the year 2017 has dropped considerably when compared to the year 2016, but the value is still increasing. Based on her research using information from National Property Information Centre (Napic), she said industrial developments are the only one that suffered in 2017 with a drop in value by 4.2%.

“A seller’s market is a condition where there are more buyers than there are properties for sale,” said Chan, adding that the situation happened in 2011 and 2012.

The buyer’s market, on the other hand, is signified by the surplus of properties for sale, slower transaction rates and the buyers, picking and choosing among the available supply pool.

“During the slow down and slum time, we will see many agent sign boards being placed for a long time, cash flow of investors have reduced, the difficulty of obtaining finance and property prices maintaining, with properties taking a much longer time to sell.

Chan uses the real estate clock to determine the state of the Malaysian property market.

“In the recovery phase, people will frequently talk about the market sustainability.

“The people are confident and positive towards the market outlook, and they are ready for the future,” said Chan, stating that most people reflected such an attitude.

The new government under Pakatan Rakyat are proposing changes in many areas that will affect the property factor, and change will always take time.

As a fundamental rule, Chan believed that property is a medium to long-term investment and property has no choice but to increase in value.

“Property is a hedge against inflation and a basic human need,” she said, adding that the property market is turning around.

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Changes in store for property sector

[Small House in a Big World] Old houses, new prices

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PETALING JAYA: Investment has always been a daunting task, especially with many different terms and jargons which might confuse those who want to embark in their investment venture.

To shed light on the market, Propwall will be hosting Propwall CORE, an investment forum. The online property platform was created to inform and share investment insights as well as tips on how to capitalise on the property market.

The event will be held from 12pm to 3pm on July 7 at Cybertorium, level 3, Menara Star, Petaling Jaya. Four speakers will be presenting on the six cornerstones of evaluating property investment.

Some of them include Cornerstone Realty Director of Sales and Marketing Wong Yau Long and DAX Venture chief executive officer and co-founder Timothy Ho. They will share their knowledge on the property segment and give pointers on the investment opportunities that lie in the current landscape.

Ho said this forum is different from the previous iterations as the talk-forum provides a more holistic and down to earth sharing on how one can rationally evaluate property investment.

“Three different perspectives will be discussed and shared – an accidental investor, a very successful property agent, and a young upcoming property developer,” he said.

Concerning investment opportunities, he said that it is an excellent time to buy, especially in the secondary market, citing house owners who are willing to sell off their properties at a competitive price.

Although the pricing might be a good indicator, other factors should also be understood to ensure that the investment would bear fruits in the future.

“Owners would be more flexible in term of pricing, and it is time to source for right-buy properties.

“Ultimately it is about investing in a prime location and having the right property, and it does not matter whether it is commercial or residential as long as the property appreciates and provides a good yield,” said Ho.

Commenting on the market, Ho conceded that the property market has been affected by the recent economic and political events. Even so, there are still opportunities in the market if one is diligent enough.

“When demand is slow and supply overflows, there are definitely better deals in the market,” he said, adding that it is important to do one’s homework.

Log on to http://bit.ly/2KxNbgH to register.

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PETALING JAYA: With the aim to showcase the region’s finest real estate industry talents, boosting awareness and highlighting top quality agencies, agents and services, StarProperty.my Real Estate Awards (SREA) 2018 is now open for registration.

The SREA premiered in 2017 and had played a significant role in highlighting the dedicated and outstanding players in the real estate industry to the public.

“We hope that through the StarProperty.my Real Estate Awards 2018, agents, negotiators and agencies will be given the recognition and appreciation that they rightfully deserve.

“The awards and titles they win will further boost their career and elevate their presence in the real estate industry”, said Propwall.my head of sales Kent Thew.

Last year, the All-Star Agency Awards were won by IQI Realty Sdn Bhd, Vivahomes Realty Sdn Bhd, and CBD Properties Sdn Bhd, with three stars each. The Outstanding Agent Award was bagged by CBD Properties Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Adrian Wang. Another interesting award is the Deal of the year Award that was won by Vivahomes Realty Sdn Bhd senior negotiator Ng Hang Wai.  

The submission for the StarProperty.my Real Estate Awards 2018 closes on July 30 and to register, visit bit.ly/srea2018.

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SHAH ALAM: StarProperty.my is offering a new way to view properties for house hunters, as the property portal added a digital twist with their virtual fair happening from now to 31 July.

Done in conjunction with StarProperty.my Fair held at Aeon Mall Shah Alam recently, for potential homebuyers who have missed the showcase happened previously via their dedicated online platform – http://virtualfair.starproperty.my/.

It offers a unique 360° experience for visitors as they can get close via virtual reality which enables them to view the development.

Visitors can now view the interior of a house of their liking from their preferred developer using the platform which has digitally reproduced to give an immersive experience for the end user.

The virtual fair would feature reputable developers namely, IJM Land Bhd, ACMAR International, PJ Midtown, Sunsuria Bhd, I&P (a member of Setia), Bandar Setia Alam Sdn Bhd, MCT Bhd and Naza TTDI.

Within the website, users are able to click on their favourite developer to view what is offered during the fair.

Done to extend the portal’s reach of audience and increase visitors engagement even when the fair has wrapped up, StarProperty.my offers an online view for audiences – all from the comforts of their home.

The virtual fair is accessible 24-hours, with visitors regardless of time zones will be able to access anytime they like.

Giving the visitors the experience of the house walk-through, without having the hassle of visiting the showroom themselves.

The post StarProperty.my returns with virtual fair appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Registration of Awards open until July 25 (Wednesday). 

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar cutting the cake for his birthday celebration while Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow (left) and Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai look on at the StarProperty.my Awards 2017

By Aisyah Suwardi

PETALING JAYA: Following the successful inauguration of the StarProperty.my Awards: Jewels of Johor last year, the prestigious award is back again for the second time this year.

The award aims to reward the real estate developers who have contributed to the expansion of Johor’s real estate industry, breaking new grounds with creativity and innovation in housing design and practice.

Home to the Southern Economic Growth Corridor, Johor has slowly evolved over the years with its upgraded facilities and infrastructures, leading to booming investments and business opportunities.

“With the influx of domestic and foreign investments that will ensure demand for residential and commercial properties, Johor is indeed a prime location as the next property hotspot,” said Star Media Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Wong also added that the Jewels of Johor awards programme was essential to acknowledge the need to diverge the market interest to other parts of Malaysia.

StarProperty.my assistant general manager Ernest Towle said that currently, the real estate industry is robust, and not just on the residential sector.

“This award can be a great platform to showcase the variety of exceptional projects available in Johor,” Towle explained.

The notable winners of last year Southern Award included Eco World Development Group Bhd, bagging three Excellence awards for their projects Eco Summer, Eco Botanic, and Eco Springs.

For their Horizon Hills project, Gamuda Land received the Excellence award for The Best Comprehensive Township whereas Country Garden Danga Bay Sdn Bhd won The Best Waterfront Development and two other categories for their project Country Garden Danga Bay.

i-Park Development Sdn Bhd emerged as the winner in The Best Industrial Park Development, and UMLand Bhd shined with their projects UMLand Seri Austin and Aster 2.

The registration of this year’s Jewels of Johor award is open until July 25 (Wednesday). Register now at bit.ly/JewelsofJohor2018.

The post Hunt on for next Jewels of Johor appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman (second from the left) receiving a certificate of participation from Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. With them are Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (right) and chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.

WHILE the change of government has affected several infrastructure projects with a direct impact on the development of the region, the future of Johor remains bright with its strategic location and other upcoming projects that enhance the connectivity of the region.

The proximity with Singapore, where thousands of people travel every day from Johor to the island and vice versa, has both presented a need as well as an opportunity to improve the connectivity and variety of transportation options.

Spread over 19,210 sq km of land, the prospect of Johor has been boosted by the establishment of the southern development corridor region, which has been named as Iskandar Malaysia.

The importance of Johor as a gateway to both local and international destinations has only been proven by the existing 15 highways serving the Johor state, with two of them the Johor Causeway and Second Link Crossing connecting Malaysia with Singapore.

While some projects have been halted, the region is expected to bounce back with ongoing and upcoming projects in various industries, including recent announcement on plans to set up tourism information centres in all 10 districts, as well as the reported discussions on a Chinese company to invest over RM1bil to set up a tyre manufacturing plant in the state.

StarProperty.my Awards: Jewels of Johor, recognising the resilience of Johor that holds tremendous potential for future development, is back for the second time this year.

Last year, Gamuda Land and Country Garden Danga Bay Sdn Bhd bagged the Excellence awards in the category of the Best Comprehensive Township and The Best Waterfront Development respectively.

The award winners include Eco World Development Group Bhd for their projects Eco Summer, Eco Botanic, and Eco Springs.

Ipark Development Sdn Bhd and UMLand Bhd were also among the prestigious awards recipient during last year event.

The registration of this year’s Jewels of Johor award is open now until July 25 (Wednesday). Register now at bit.ly/JewelsofJohor2018.

The post On the resilience of Johor appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

PETALING JAYA: The next in the series of StarProperty Fair is being held at AEON MALL Cheras Selatan, showcasing some of the latest developments in the country by reputable developers.

The fair will be held from Sept 25 to 30 (Tuesday to Sunday) from 10am to 10pm.

The exhibition features developers such as Handy Goals Development (Subsidiary Of V Development), Orando Holdings Sdn Bhd, Iwajib Property Sdn Bhd and Platinum Victory, with various types of properties for families looking for a home.

The fair will also be offering activities for adults and children, including “Decorate Your Cookie Workshop” conducted by Malaysian Institute of Baking. The children will be able to decorate their chosen cookie in the workshop. To join, pre-register at http://bit.ly/2NvdjcN and visit the fair.          

Moreover, visitors will also stand a chance to win holiday and shopping vouchers worth RM10,000. Photobook vouchers are also up for grabs to those who take part in a survey.

For more information, visit fair.starproperty.my.

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We’re back at it again!

StarProperty.my will be organising a roadshow at the Atria Shopping Gallery this weekend (from 28th September to 30th September) – and here’s why you simply cannot miss it!

1. Relive your childhood memories

Remember the good old days when you used to create miniature replicas of your dream home out of Legos, or even from scratch out of ice cream sticks? Well, dream no more. Come and participate in our Build and Paint Workshop to experience the enjoyment of building and painting miniature house models – maturity is entirely optional.

2. Kids get to have some fun too!

Before you go strolling around and shopping at Atria, get your kids to join the “Children Omelette Making” contest. If you choose to stick around, it would be an absolute joy to watch your kid experiencing the delight of cooking whilst socialising with the other contestants. In addition to getting an early start on college, your child stands the chance to win some attractive prizes as well!

Image Credit: quickmeme.com

3. Go home with a new healthy recipe in mind!

Since nothing beats a home cooked meal, we’ve curated a special cooking demonstration this weekend so you could join us in learning how to cook a healthy yet scrumptious meal.

4. Gain expert knowledge on real estate from our seminars, free-of-charge!

We have four experienced speakers coming over to speak about topics relevant to today’s real estate market.

Image credit: RealEstateMemes.com

On Saturday (29th September), Tee Kiat Siong – the group managing director of Maxxan Group, and Agnes Wong – the managing director of Syarikat Ong, will be sharing their thoughts on survival and success in the realm of property investment. While Sunday (30th September) will see Adrian Yeo – founder and managing partner of AdrianYeo PLT, and Charles Tan – founder and executive editor of KopiandProperty.com, will be speaking on the subjects of investment vehicles and opportunities.

5. Discover new and exciting developments being showcased

For more information about the event, you ought to visit our website fair.starproperty.my – and do visit our Facebook page for latest updates on the event.

Written by: Pravina Kaur Sandhu

The post 5 reasons to visit the 2018 StarProperty.my Roadshow at Atria Shopping Gallery appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

StarProperty.my will be organising another fun-filled fair showcasing recently unveiled developments from the nation’s most reputable developers! This time, on the Centre Court of AEON Mall Cheras Selatan, between the 25th and 30th of September.

Does your child have a penchant for anything artsy? As one of this fair’s activities include a Decorate Your Cookie Workshop, we would like your child to join us in decorating our delicious and as-yet plain cookies!

To ensure that your child gets to create a masterpiece by decorating their own cookie, we’ve come up with some easy ways to design the prettiest cookie at the ball!

1. Frost it up!

Image by Freepik

Your child can turn their unadorned cookie into something almost too pretty to be eaten with just a few flourishes. Begin by generously frosting a cookie with icing using a small spatula.

2. They say “patience is a virtue”

Image credit: Flickr

Once the cookie’s first coat of frosting has dried, your child may then decorate their cookie by laying on a different colour of icing to add some striking contrast or any other details that come to mind.

3. Add a touch of magic

Image credit: Wikipedia

Now it’s time to sprinkle some coloured sugar, edible glitter, or any other pretty embellishments, and voila!

What say you? Are you ready to put your child’s cookie decorating skills to the test?

The event will be drawing real estate industry insiders and property investment rockstars from around the region to share their experiences, answer questions, and highlight paths to success. While your child is occupied with transforming baked dough into prized treasures, there will also be some exciting property exhibitions – and shopping vouchers worth up to RM10,000 up for grabs.

Click here to pre-register!

For more information about the fair, do visit fair.starproperty.my

Written by: Pravina Kaur Sandhu

The post Get your children to create a masterpiece this weekend! appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Prospective home buyers will be pleased to know that the largest-ever edition of the Malaysia Secondary and Primary Property Exhibition (MASPEX ‘18) has begun.

Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA), MASPEX ’18 has begun and will be held on the ground floor concourse of Damansara Utama’s Starling Mall’s this weekend (from 28th to 30th September, 2018).

This fourth iteration of the MASPEX exhibition is themed “Bringing the Best of Both Worlds: Secondary & Primary Properties”, and is aimed at showcasing over 1,000 properties from 25 exhibitors in a wide range of property types and price brackets. Prominent exhibitors occupied booths along the Starling Mall’s ground floor to provide prospective home buyers with personal consultation.

Officially launching the exhibition, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Zuraida, spoke on her ministry’s support for the event: “The ministry’s long-term goal is to build a mature, resilient property market. And for that, we need the backing of all stakeholders, including real estate agents.”

Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Zuraida, addressing visitors and members of the media during the launch of MASPEX ’18 at The Starling Mall.

The minister continued with an infectious optimism: “If all stakeholders – the ministry, property developers, estate agents, and local and state governments work together, I am certain that our goals can be fulfilled. I hope that there is balance – that industry players can meet consumer demand while still providing an essential service – which is to provide homes for Malaysians.”

YB Zuraida, speaking of her ministry’s objectives and support for MIEA and the MASPEX event.

MIEA President Eric Lim said: “Our aim in hosting this exhibition is to address the challenges in the Malaysian property market by sharing MIEA’s extensive property knowledge and best practices to help all Malaysians find their dream home or next investment.”

On the objectives of his organisation, Lim said: “MIEA is keen to engage with all stakeholders, including the ministry, in order to help all Malaysians find the home of their dreams. As the voice of Malaysian real estate agents, we are uniquely positioned to voice the people’s concerns to the ministry, as well as articulate the ministry’s initiatives to the people.”

Left to right: K. Soma Sundram (CEO of the MIEA), Eric Lim (MIEA President), YB Zuraida (Minister of Housing and Local Government), and Ahmad Zamzuri (MASPEX ’18 Chairman).

The weekend of 29th and 30th September will feature informative talks from noon to 5pm, each presentation will provide home buyers with deep insight and meaningful perspectives from property industry insiders including Siva Shanker (Head of Investment at Axis REIT Managers Berhad), K. Soma Sundram (CEO of the MIEA), Soo Seng Fei (Head of Business Stretegy at the Reapfield Academy), Govindasamy Balaguru (the principal of GDS Properties), Sr. Chan Wai Seen (Executive Director of CCO & Associates, KL), Abe Nazz (CEO of Daimyo United), Ivan Chan (of the law firm Messrs Amir Toh Francis & Partners), Christopher Lim (CEO of Triterra Metropolis), Selvi Kanagasabai (of Adha Selvi & Associates), and Ahyat Ishak (CEO of the Greater Synergy Group)

Upon the conclusion of this weekend’s MASPEX at the Starling Mall, the MIEA will be hosting another iteration of the exhibition at the Queensbay Mall in Penang, from 25th to 28th October.

The post MASPEX 2018 has begun at the Starling Mall appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

PETALING JAYA: StarProperty.my Fair is back to Puchong, offering a list of attractive discounts and latest developments by reputable developers catering to first-time homebuyers, upgraders and investors.

The fair will be held from Oct 3 to 7 (Wed to Sun) from 10am to 10pm at IOI Mall, Puchong. 

Discounts up to 15% will be provided by various developers who will be showcasing landed and high-rise developments. Besides, visitors will also enjoy rebates up to RM3,000 for bookings done during the fair.

The fair features reputable property developers namely Sunsuria Bhd, Paramount Property Development Sdn Bhd, Matrix Concepts Holding Bhd, Plenitude, Ayer Holdings Bhd, Gamuda Land, IOI Properties Group Bhd, Tropicana Aman Sdn Bhd, IJM Land Bhd, Symphony Life Bhd, Platinum Victory and ASM Development (KL) Sdn Bhd.

Pre-register now at bit.ly/fairreg to stand a chance to win a pair of movie tickets.

Fair visitors will also stand a chance to win shopping vouchers worth RM10,000.

For more information, visit fair.starproperty.my.

The post Land a property of your choice at StarProperty.my fair appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Johor stakeholders take the state to new heights

By Aisyah Suwardi aisyahs@thestar.com.my

WITH its strategic location in Peninsular Malaysia and vast land area of 19,102sq km, Johor was in good stead when crowned the country’s southern economic corridor in 2006. Since then, the state has grown from strength to strength with innovative developments and outstanding projects.

The contributions of property developers in building the state into the next Klang Valley have been recognised through the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor.

Back for its second year, the awards honour distinguished developers in 13 categories. The awards night on Sept 18 was graced by Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar receiving the token of appreciation from Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow while Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim (left) and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (right) look on during the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor.

To celebrate the event, StarProperty.my has published a coffee table book titled Jewels of Johor: Johor Most Exceptional Development 2018/2019. Inside the book, the Ruler noted that the modernisation of Johor has helped to improve the lives of his subjects and heaved the economy to new heights.

“One sector in particular that has made a major impact on Johor’s economy is the real estate market, which I hope will provide more quality homes for all Johoreans,” said Sultan Ibrahim.

Also present at the event were Star Media Group Bhd chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and chief revenue officer Lydia Wang.

He said: “Johor has become a leading investment destination that offers quality businesses and trade opportunities as well as numerous mega projects to spur growth.

(From left to right) Johor State Financial officer YB Tuan Haji Rahim Bin Nin, Star Media Group chairman Fu Ah Kiow, Johor Corporation director Datuk Haji Azmi Bin Rohani, Johor Housing and Rural Development Committee chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad, Star Media Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief revenue officer Lydia Wang and StarProperty Business Unit assistant manager Ernest Bernard Towle during the awards.

“The influx of domestic and foreign investments will boost demand for residential and commercial properties, thus positioning the state as the next real estate hotspot.”

Members of the public are invited to view the winning projects at the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor Showcase which will be held from Oct 16 to 21 (Tuesday to Saturday), 10am- 10pm, at Aeon Mall Tebrau City and Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, Johor Baru. Go to fair.starproperty.my for more information.

The coffee table book will showcase the various exceptional project entries, on top of sharing a further insight on the Johor market. StarProperty.my is giving out 100 copies of the book. Register at http://bit.ly/2xUGbSy to be among the lucky recipients.

Visit bit.ly/jewelsofjohor2018 to know more about the awards.

The post The Southern Corridor widens appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

Johor developers impress judges with their flexibility in meeting market demand

By Aisyah Suwardi aisyahs@thestar.com.my

(from left): Joharudin Samion, Ernest Towle, Liow Toh Sen, Teo Ki Yuee, Mahayuddin Makmin, Ngoh Wei Ching, Hazri Bin Abdul Aziz, and Star Media Group Johor Bureau chief Nelson Benjamin during the judging session.

EARLIER this year, industry experts predicted a stable property market with a slight upward trend. But soon after Malaysia’s historic GE14 of May 9, circumstances changed and public sentiment fluctuated.

The introduction of new policies together with the cancellation of several mega projects have affected the property market and impacted developers.

Acknowledging the tight market conditions currently, judges of the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor are nevertheless impressed by this year’s project entries.

“From the projects shown to us, we can see how developers are trying their best to meet the demand of customers by coming out with the best property specifications to satisfy house buyers,” said Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector Malaysia (PEPS) Johor branch vice-chairman Sr Mahayuddin Makmin.

On top of conducting detailed market research, developers have started incorporating environment- friendly designs and concepts in their projects.

“This aspect of the entries is highly pleasing,” said Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) Johor chairman Liew Toh Sen.

“The projects have taken into consideration the importance of caring for the environment by adopting the greenery concept.

“I believe that the dedication of developers in trying to come up with fresh ideas is what helps them thrive at this arduous time,” added Liew.

Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) southern chapter president Ar Hazri Abdul Aziz reckons that the property trend for Johor is transport-oriented development.

“I foresee Johor being developed around a transportation hub, whereby the improved accessibility of the area will attract buyers and investors,” he explained.

Echoing Hazri’s opinion, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) southern branch chairman Ir Teo Ki Yuee elaborated how the future development of Johor Baru would be relying on connectivity.

“With great public transportation to connect places in Johor, for example from Iskandar Puteri to the suburbs of Kulai and Kempas, I am sure more professionals will be encouraged to move to down south,” he said.

Teo is eagerly awaiting the rapid- transit system (RTS) that will connect Johor and Singapore, and notes that the project could help in Johor’s growth.

Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Johor branch immediate past chairman Sr Dr Ngoh Wei Ching believes that the Johor property market has plenty of room to grow.

“The vast potential of the JB market can be realised if our new federal government can come up with a friendly policy that will benefit the first- time house buyer as well as local and foreign investors,” he said.

Ngoh added that the local government could contribute by resolving the Singapore-JB Customs traffic jam, which would boost the Johor property market.

With over 12 categories being judged for The StarProperty Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor and one category for Best Choice as voted by the public, the judges had a hard time picking the winners.

“It will be close between the contestants, but I believe at the end of the day that those developers having the passion to deliver their promises to buyers and can ensure that the customers love their products, will receive the accolades,” said StarProperty Sdn Bhd assistant general manager Ernest Towle.

Acknowledging the fierce competition this year, Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) southern chapter chairman LAr Joharudin Samion added that eventually, the developers or projects that meet all the criteria listed by the organisers will rise above the rest.

StarProperty.my is giving out 100 copies of  “Jewels of Johor: Johor’s Most Exceptional Development 2018/2019″ coffee table book. Register at bit.ly/2xUGbSy to be among the lucky recipients. Visit bit.ly/jewelsofjohor2018 to learn more about the awards.

Members of the public are invited to view the winning projects at the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor Showcase which will be held from Oct 16 to 21 (Tuesday to Saturday), 10am- 10pm, at Aeon Mall Tebrau City and Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, Johor Baru. Go to fair.starproperty.my for more information.

The post Adapting to tough times appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

JOHOR has emerged as the state with the second highest transactions after Selangor in Q2 of 2018, according to a report by the National Property Information Centre (Napic).

With 10,058 transactions worth RM4.34bil, Johor Baru and Kulai which fall under Iskandar Malaysia take up 57% of the total purchases and 70% of the value. This shows that the focus is still on the southern economic corridor.

Iskandar Malaysia, which covers 2,217sq km, is envisaged to become a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing by 2050. As of March 2018, it received over RM262bil in investments and remains steadfast in making Johor the next Klang Valley.

“I am proud to lead the new state government,” said Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian. “We will keep improving, and create more positive changes across the state especially in increasing job opportunities and ensuring that property developments grow progressively for all Johoreans,” he added.

Statistics do not lie. Homeowners and investors alike are increasingly looking south, considering Johor’s vibrant economy and prowess in the fields of housing and development.

The most outstanding projects in the state will be compiled by StarProperty.my in the second edition of Jewels of Johor: Johor’s Most Exceptional Developments 2018/2019.

The coffee-table book, which showcases and illustrates the phenomenal property developments in Johor, is a must-have for every home buyer and investor keen on owning the best properties in the state.

“This book catalogues notable projects by admirable developers that are making robust strides in evolving and augmenting the real estate landscape of Johor,” said StarProperty.my assistant general manager Ernest Towle.

“Their bespoke developments showcased in this book not only tell what they are capable of but also inform the world of their vision about building a more exciting future for Johor,” he added.

StarProperty.my is giving away 100 copies of the coffee-table book. Join our contest to be one of the lucky recipients. Join the contest to be one of the lucky recipients.

The post Contest: Win “Jewels of Johor: Johor’s Most Exceptional Development 2018/2019″ coffee table book appeared first on Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal.

PETALING JAYA: The StarProperty.my fair has always been consistent in showcasing some of the best properties that the market has to offer.

As a property exhibition, it has grown with the developers and consumers to bring in quality products that cater to different market segments. To end this year with a bang, the StarProperty.my fair will be organising their last expo at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Nov 17 and 18.

The StarProperty.my KLCC fair is the culmination of the expo for the year, bringing to the market a plethora of developments that are bound to suit the needs of the customers. The products showcased will target home buyers, first-timers, upgraders and even investors.

StarProperty.my assistant general manager Ernest Towle said that the expo will also feature some of the most esteemed names in the property sector.

“We have some of the most reputable developers participating in our fair, and it is the best time for those who are in the market hunting for new housing opportunities,” he said.

“With the number of quality products that we are showcasing in our fair, it is certain that there is something for everybody at the StarProperty.my KLCC Fair,” said Ernest, adding that the products range from high rise to landed properties.

He is confident that the final fair of the year can attract vibrant crowds from the surrounding area, namely the prospective buyers in the Klang Valley and beyond.

Some of the developments showcased include winners of the previous StarProperty.my Awards, a yearly award ceremony held by the property news platform to honour some of the best properties in the country.

Want to be part of one of the biggest property fair in Malaysia? Sign up as an exhibitor for the StarProperty.my KLCC fair. Spaces are currently limited. For more information, visit goo.gl/mdxEuf

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Best developers of the southern region showcase their projects and discuss the Johor market
The night September 18 was a celebration for most developers and also a time for contemplation to improve themselves. It had been tough for the judges to pick the winners because of the stellar entries from the eager participants.

Gracing the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor awards night was the Johor Ruler himself, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, and prince Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim. With so many prominent faces and experienced developers gathered under one roof, there’s bound to be many interesting opinions thrown around as the professionals discuss the Johor market as well as their esteemed projects.

Optimism for Johor market

(fourth from left:) Front Concept Sdn Bhd marketing executive Julian Seow, assistant general manager Chan Wei Chun, project director Quay Chew Keong, general manager Ling Ngie Soon and the team posing with their trophies at the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor.

The expression of people’s confidence is best noted in their actions. Major players in the field of development have entered the fray and they are going big, with an expectation for bigger returns in the foreseeable future.

“Johor is one of the most aggressive places after Kuala Lumpur,” said UMLand Seri Austin chief executive officer K.K. Wong, adding that there were developments going on at a fast pace, especially with the “big boys” from Kuala Lumpur coming down to Johor Baru.

Wong said that the investments and projects coming in would cause a boom in population and employment.

Country View Bhd head of sales Andrew Tan claimed that a cumulative investment flow of up to RM262bil had been channelled into the state in the first quarter of 2018. He said the High Speed Rail (HSR) project, due to commence in 2020, would also make a difference.

Sunway Iskandar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Gerard Soosay likened the proximity of Johor and Singapore to the Shenzhen and Hong Kong model, stating that there is much potential. “This is probably why Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah invested in 1,800 acres of land in Johor with gross development value (GDV) of RM30bil,” he said.

Front Concept Sdn Bhd project director Quay Chew Keong was concerned about the current property glut, saying there was over-development in the high-rise sector.

However, he notes that some bright spots remain in the market. “For the last two years, we have managed to clear all our stocks and we are now launching new projects,” said Quay.

He added that the 650 high-rise units that the company developed were mostly taken, leaving a surplus stock of less than 10%.

With the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connection coming in, Quay believes that the market will be receptive towards more affordable and quality products.

Mah Sing Group Bhd Southern Region senior general manager Benjamin Ong said developers who catered to the owner-occupier market should have no problem selling their products. “In the current Johor market, most property buyers are owner-occupiers – be it industrial, commercial or residential,” he said, adding that the investor market was still soft but with potential for growth.

Standing out in the crowd

(fourth from left) Star Media Group managing director/chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Johor Land Bhd chairman Datuk Kamaruzzaman bin Abu Kassim, and managing director Hj Lukman Bin Hj Abu Bakar with the team attending the awards night.

Competition among industrial peers often requires them to up the ante. Some developers make bold statements while others weave intrinsic values that are subtle yet captivating to house buyers. Regardless, these elements elevate one township from the another.

“The key to a good development is sustainability because we aim to grow along with our customers for the long term,” said AME Development Sdn Bhd marketing director Cheryl Lim.

She added that i-Park development incorporates a well-managed green industrial park with integrated amenities, which is complemented by infrastructure and easy access to seaports, airports and highways.

Soosay said the build-own-operate model that formed Sunway’s core was a deciding factor in differentiating themselves from competitors.

“We have 12 business units, among them hospitals PH World Development Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer Joseph Pang receiving merit award for The Best Landed Development for the D’Art 18 Collection 2@Taman Tropika. and malls,” he said, adding that they make up Sunway’s integrated development. “We own it, build it, and operate it.”

Soosay said that the Big Box, a project lined up for 2019, will look into large functional format retail while keeping cost low. “That is going be something unique because I don’t think it has been done in Malaysia before.” He said that the X Park, which will be coming up next to the Big Box, will feature sports such as go-kart, paintball, badminton and futsal. Others include water sports on the lake. “Also, we have 288 units of hotel and office space, all in one location,” he added.

Distinctive Resources Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Lim Ech Chan mentioned that the defining features of their development are the facilities.

“We have heated pools on the sky lounge as well as two badminton courts plus the landscape park,” he said, adding that an architect from Bali was brought in to create the feeling of living in a resort in the city.

Emphasising the concept of art, nature and people, PH World Development Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer Joseph Pang believes that the integration of these elements would create a sustainable and emotional space for buyers. “People are the ultimate users of space, hence we have to be people centric when designing the space and approaching our customers.”

Celebrating the workforce

Country Garden PacificView Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Md Othman Bin Hj Yusof receiving the special mention category from Tunku Ismail, while Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow (left) and Johor Housing and Rural Development Committee chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad and Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai look on.

The bedrock of every functional organisation involves the spirit of unity and cooperation. UEM Sunrise Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib echoes this statement by celebrating the people who drive the company.

“What makes us successful is the passion shown by the workforce within UEM Sunrise,” said Anwar. “We are very blessed to be receiving the award, and getting to catch up with old friends.”

Johor Land Bhd managing director Lukman Abu Bakar is thankful for being part of a larger group that is Johor Corporation (JCorp) and benefiting from the support of the parent company.

He said the company had been in Johor for over 46 years. Today it has 700 employees and a good track record, especially with the developments in Pasir Gudang.

Horizon Hills Development Sdn Bhd general manager Jim Woon thanked his team members and parent company Gamuda-UEM Sunrise for “giving us the opportunity to develop such a beautiful property in Johor.”

The project are also featured in  “Jewels of Johor: Johor’s Most Exceptional Development 2018/2019″ coffee table book. StarProperty.my is giving out 100 copies of the book. Register at bit.ly/2xUGbSy to be among the lucky recipients. Visit bit.ly/jewelsofjohor2018 to learn more about the awards.

Members of the public are invited to view the winning projects at the StarProperty.my Awards 2018: Jewels of Johor Showcase which will be held from Oct 16 to 21 (Tuesday to Saturday), 10am- 10pm, at Aeon Mall Tebrau City and Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, Johor Baru. Go to fair.starproperty.my for more information.

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Congratulations to our winners! You have found our ghostwriters!

Below is the list of winners who have set free our writers.

CHANG SZE MUN
CHEE WEI HOOK
CHEW KIM CHENG
CHEW KIM SION
CHUAH HO MENG
DANIEL JOHNNY DAVID
ERNA MALIA MOHD RAJION
GOH PEY LIN
JASYANTHRI A/P NADARAJA
JULIAN CHOY MIN CHIANG
KEVIN JANAHAN A/L BALAKRISHANAN
LIEW JUN YEE
LIEW SENG YIN
LOH WEI LIK
M.NITHYA A/P MATHURAY
MOHD ZUFINO MOHD ZULKAFLI
NG JIN SHENG
RAJES A/P POORANALINGAM
SHUMITA A/P GANASAMOORTHY
TAN BOON SIEW
TAN PHIEK LEE
TEOH WOOI KHENG
TRUSHNA PATEL
WENDY OOI SU GHEE

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By Viktor Chong

The hunt is on for the perfect home, and house buyers are leaving no stones unturned. From landed developments, to high rises and the luxurious villas, the property market is filled with various products that are bound to meet buyers’ expectations.

According to the Rehda Property Industry Survey 1H2018 report, first time home buyers are coming out in droves, making them the majority of house buyers at 43%. As Malaysians, it is common for us to experience a sense of completeness when we finally have a place of our own to call home.

To further complement the people’s need to own houses, helpful developers are also coming out with quality and affordable housing. Already, 65% of the property launches were reported to be at RM500,000 and below with 47% participants saying that they have affordable housing components in their development. This is a worthy cause, albeit a challenging one as developers face an uphill obstacle.

To honour the developers and their work, the StarProperty.my Awards has returned for the fourth time to showcase the most prominent developers in the Malaysian industry. Large or small, townships as a collective unit define the lifeblood of a nation; on a smaller scale, developments and their locations greatly influence our daily life.

The StarProperty.my Awards were made to honour the developers who have so meticulously crafted abodes, connect the myriad roads and ultimately, shelter our loved ones. Among the various categories of awards that will be given there include the Cornerstone Developments, the Five Elements Developments and the Best Touch and Feel Developments.

These are merely a few of the numerous awards that will be given out to the worthy participants. The StarProperty.my Awards 2019 welcomes all developers, large and small to pit their skills and township concepts for these grand prizes.  

Register your interest for the StarProperty.my Awards 2019 now!

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BY NG PAU LING

KUALA LUMPUR: The local property market has reached the end of the current market cycle – this is the reading of seasoned property investor and speaker Teoh Eng Poh.

“The real estate market will move to a new cycle next year and gradually improve through 2020.

“Although the current focus is affordable housing, investors should also keep an eye on tourism-related properties, given the increasing number of China’s travellers,” he said.

Teoh is among the prominent experts and academicians from the fields of real estate development and investment to speak at the upcoming StarProperty.my Forum 2018 titled “Will Malaysia face a property winter in 2019”.

With two decades of experience in property sales, marketing and corporate office leasing, Teoh will present the talk “No HSR. So what’s next?” at the forum.

Supplementing the forum is a panel discussion involving experts such as UM Land director Datuk Charlie Chia Lui Meng, Asian Land Realty Sdn Bhd director Warrick Singh and Eaglenest Realty principal Ong Poh See – with StarProperty.my assistant general manager Ernest Towle serving as moderator.

Other speakers include Jeffrey Cheah Institute of South-East Asia director of economic studies programme professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng, Syarikat Ong managing partner Agnes Wong and Ho Chin Soon Research founder Ho Chin Soon.

StarProperty.my Forum 2018 will be held on Dec 1 from 9.30am to 5pm at Menara Star, Level 2, Cybertorium.

Grab the promotion ticket for two, now at RM150 (regular price is RM150 per pax), only valid for the first 50 registrants on a first come, first served basis. Walk-in counter is available at Menara Star from Monday to Friday (10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm).

Ticket holders also stand a chance to mingle with the experts for an exclusive breakfast and lunch session. There will also be free admission, but will not include the breakfast and lunch session.

Visit bit.ly/forecast2019 for more information or registration.

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The StarProperty.my 2018 Forum on 1st December brought together another inspiring line-up of speakers to dispel myths surrounding the property market and reveal the trajectory of 2019.

Beginning with an overview of Malaysia’s economic performance in comparison with the ASEAN region and the rest of the world, Jeffrey Cheah Institute on South-East Asia director of the economic studies programme Dr Yeah Kim Leng described the nation’s apparent property dilemma as part of a global economic cycle that has seen property prices fall by 13% to 15% around the world. In Dr Yeah’s own words: there are “reassuring signs of growth, but sustainability over the long-term remains to be proven.”

In the midst of what seems to be a grim global environment, Malaysia is apparently still among the most affordable and promising places to invest in property. Properties here are still increasing in value with each passing year – but the increases are steady. In 2018, Malaysia has shown the lowest increase in property prices among the five largest ASEAN members (around one percent), compared with the regional average of five percent – an insight that paints talk of a property bubble as unwarranted fear-mongering.

Syarikat Ong managing partner and tax expert Agnes Wong takes a magnifying glass to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s Nov 2 tabling of Budget 2019 in Parliament, extracting key details demonstrating that the new government’s attempts to house the nation are on track – albeit in a time-frame that may be less than optimal. Some of the proposed concessions such as stamp duty waivers will only be in effect for a period of six months – and given the holiday periods in the first half of 2019 – there is a daunting shortage of time for homebuyers to take advantage of the temporary reprieve from taxation.

Agnes also had some thoughtful insights on the effects of the 21st century on the property landscape. Citing the successes of new disruptive technologies such as ride-hailing platforms and co-working spaces, she said, “The digital economy will not just disrupt businesses, it will will alter the landscape of townships.”

Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd founder and chairman took to the stage to exhibit some of his most treasured birds-eye views – using both vintage and recent photographs captured via drones to present slices of breathtakingly rapid growth in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Iskandar. In addition to presenting the spread of urban development, Ho’s valuable perspectives also helped to demonstrate the pitfalls of restricted development and to disrupt concerns surrounding deferred mega-infrastructure projects such as the High Speed Rail (HSR).

Using photographs captured from both sides of the causeway, Ho Chin Soon’s images demonstrated that even with the postponement of the HSR, development around Singapore marches on. The veteran suggested that Johor Bahru and – with the HSR – vast swathes of the mainland as far north as Batu Pahat may eventually be known as “the 29th district” of the island nation. Ho predicts that in a few short years, the prices of properties in JB, especially those surrounding the upcoming Woodlands North MRT station on the Thomson East Coast line, may exceed even those in central Kuala Lumpur.

MCT Bhd senior general manager and seasoned property investor Teoh Eng Poh presented a case for commercial property owners to be positive in the current climate. According to Teoh, the need for China’s burgeoning online platforms (especially those operating in ride-hailing, hotel stays, and travel) to expand beyond their noted dependance on domestic revenue could benefit the owners of unused commercial properties in Malaysia.

Stirring the audience into a near-frenzy with his buoyant personality and animated presentation, Teoh calls on Malaysian property owners to adopt a more positive mindset in light of China’s needs. Teoh suggests that with a recognition of China’s wealthy middle-class and untapped potential in Malaysia’s service industry, Malaysia’s appeal as a tourism destination could rival that of Thailand and Vietnam – an insight that had almost every investor in attendance rethinking the possibility of utilising their residential properties as hotels instead.

Environology dot com Sdn Bhd director and consultant Stephen Chin utilised I-Ching (Yi Jing), a set of divination principles derived from ancient Imperial Chinese texts (such as the Book of Changes), to forecast the ebbs and flows of 2019. While Chin’s predictions suggest that caution and perseverance will be the keys to survival in a tumultuous year to come, the nature of 2019 will present opportunities for industries embodying the geomantic element of wood to grow.

The day’s events closed with a panel discussion moderated by StarProperty.my assistant general manager Ernest Towle and attended by UMLand Group chief executive officer Datuk Charlie Chia, Asian Land Realty Sdn Bhd director Warrick Singh, Eaglenest Realty principal Ong Poh See, and Ho Chin Soon – during which attendants posed their questions and voiced their concerns. The panel discussion saw fears assuaged and inspirations bolstered by a common understanding that despite the apparent gathering of dark clouds, Malaysia is prepared – perhaps more than most citizens would readily admit – to weather the storm.

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