In recent years, the Malaysian real estate market has experienced rapid price growth. This surge in property prices has posed challenges for young buyers and expanding families, particularly those from middle-income and low-income groups, making it difficult for them to own a property, especially a home, which is a fundamental human necessity.
Additionally, Malaysia’s property market has been influenced by local, international, and regional investors. The Edge market report in 2013 highlighted Malaysia as an attractive opportunity for foreign investors due to emerging property markets, supported by government schemes such as Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), and positive economic growth. These factors have enticed foreign investors to invest and reside in Malaysia.
Datuk Siders Sittampalam, Managing Director of PPC International Sdn Bhd, noted that terraced houses and condominiums have seen significant profit returns and capital appreciation, particularly in the Klang Valley property market since the mid-2000s. The trend towards vertical development, such as tall buildings and sky-high housing units, has been driven by the increasing demand for housing, population growth, limited land availability, and the high cost of land development.
Despite the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, changes in government, and trade tensions, the real estate market has experienced a slowdown in property purchases for the rental market. However, certain properties and locations still maintain reasonable demand for rentals.
The primary reason for sustained rental demand is the strategic location of properties. Properties in prime locations, especially high-rise buildings, tend to yield better returns than landed properties. These strategic locations often come with excellent facilities and amenities, such as schools, malls, public transport, attracting buyers and tenants seeking efficient access to workplaces.
Strategic location also plays a crucial role in the rental market for established and old residential housing properties like Damansara Heights and Bangsar. These areas, originally developed with a focus on terraced and detached houses, continue to attract rental demand due to their historical significance and the scarcity of land in modern times, leading to increased property values.
Furthermore, locations catering to the student market, especially those in close proximity to educational institutions like Setapak, Bandar Sunway, Shah Alam, and Kota Damansara, have become hotspots for property investments. The combination of educational facilities, malls, offices, and public transport in these areas creates ideal conditions for long-term returns on rental properties. For instance, areas like Bandar Sunway and Subang offer high yields of 6% to 7% due to a large student population.
In conclusion, the success of property investment, especially in a dynamic market like Kuala Lumpur, depends significantly on the location of the property. Strategic location is crucial for reaching the target market and achieving sustainable returns on property investments in the long run.