Penang is a beautiful place to live in Malaysia: the delicious food and the island feeling of Penang island. There are so many choices in different areas of Penang for real estate. But in what area do you have to live in Penang? What are the areas that are up and coming now?
Table of contents
Penang Mainland Real Estate Areas
Often overshadowed by the vibrant energy of Penang Island, the mainland at the northwest coast of Malaysia presents a wealth of exciting possibilities for residential real estate investors.
Here, affordability, promising developments, and a convenient location – just a bridge away from the island’s heart – create a compelling proposition. Let’s explore the hidden gems waiting to be discovered on the mainland.
Butterworth
Butterworth, the urban centre of Seberang Perai, boasts a rich history and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Research by the Kurby team (2023) highlights a significant shift in Butterworth’s real estate market over the last decade.
Once a tranquil town, Butterworth has blossomed into a dynamic hub thanks to improved infrastructure, particularly the completion of the Second Penang Bridge in 2014. This enhanced connectivity spurred a surge in residential and commercial real estate development, attracting a growing middle class and businesses.
By the late 2010s, Butterworth had transformed from a budget-friendly alternative to Penang Island into a desirable location in its own right. The market weathered the challenges of the pandemic and is now poised for further growth with ongoing infrastructure projects like the Penang Transport Master Plan.
Butterworth’s story exemplifies Malaysia’s economic and infrastructural advancements. It offers a compelling opportunity for investors and homeowners seeking a blend of affordability and promising potential.
Here are some excellent benefits of living in Butterworth, as highlighted by PropertyGuru:
- Variety of entertainment: Sunway Carnival Mall is just one of the many popular shopping destinations.
- Accessible healthcare: Hospitals like Hospital Seberang Jaya and Bagan Specialist Centre provide quality medical care.
- Excellent educational options: Families have a wide range of schools to choose from, including SMK Bagan Jaya and SMK Convent Butterworth.
- Diverse property market: Butterworth features a variety of freehold properties, with a median price of RM 487,000 per property and RM 273 per square foot.
Simpang Ampat
Simpang Ampat, a sub-district in southern Seberang Perai, might surprise you. Often overshadowed by its bustling neighbours, Simpang Ampat offers a compelling story of untapped potential.
Similar to Butterworth, Simpang Ampat enjoys excellent connectivity with public transportation and higways. Federal Route 1 and the North-South Expressway run directly through the town, providing seamless access to major cities like Butterworth, Kulim, and beyond. The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, easily accessible via the PLUS highway, offers another convenient route.
Public transportation is abundant, with Rapid Penang buses, Central Area Transit buses, and the KTM Simpang Ampat railway station ensuring easy commutes.
Being part of Penang, a renowned Malaysian food haven, Simpang Ampat is a paradise for gourmands. The town boasts a diverse range of eateries and restaurants, from cosy cafes to upscale restaurants, bars, and bistros.
Due to Simpang Ampat’s proximity to the Penang Straits and rivers like Sungai Jawi and Sungai Junjung, fresh seafood takes centre stage on the culinary scene. Diners can indulge in delectable seafood dishes at popular restaurants like Floating Seafood Paradise, Hai Siang Seafood Sdn Bhd, and Tambun Seafood Paradise.
Here are some of the advantages of living in Simpang Ampat, according to PropertyGuru:
- Affordable property: Simpang Ampat offers freehold properties with a median price of MYR 275,000.
- Easy access to healthcare: Residents have access to clinics throughout the town and nearby hospitals like Bukit Mertajam Hospital (16 minutes away).
- Diverse dining options: Simpang Ampat caters to all palates, from cafes to delectable seafood restaurants.
- Educational choices: Families have a variety of options, including national schools, international schools, and universities within driving distance.
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Penang Island Real Estate Areas
Across the channel from the mainland’s bustling development, the well-known Penang Island beckons with a different allure. Here, beautiful beaches and lush greenery offer a peaceful escape, while charming historical pockets and a vibrant cultural scene provide a unique island experience thats why there there always a lot of tourists in Penang Island.
Whether you seek tranquillity or a taste of local life, Penang Island’s diverse landscapes and rich tapestry hold something for every kind of investor or homeowner.
Balik Pulau
Balik Pulau, nestled on the southwestern tip of Penang Island, offers a unique living experience unlike any other in Barat Daya district.
While the rest of the district bustles with development, Balik Pulau retains a peaceful charm, surrounded by verdant hills and boasting the island’s only remaining paddy fields.
Balik Pulau is legendary for its durian – the “King of Fruits.” Every year, durian enthusiasts flock to the area’s numerous orchards to savor this pungent delicacy.
Whether you’re a nature lover seeking tranquility, a foodie with a discerning palate, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape with convenient access to amenities, Balik Pulau offers the perfect balance.
This charming town allows you to experience the best of both worlds – a connection to nature and the comforts of modern living.
According to PropertyGuru, these are the facts about Balik Palua.
- Affordability Abounds: The property market in Balik Pulau is known for its budget-friendly options. You’ll find freehold properties with a median price of MYR 275,000, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers.
- Nature at Your Doorstep: Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the tranquility of Balik Pulau. Lush greenery, serene paddy fields, and proximity to Penang National Park provide a haven for nature enthusiasts.
- A Foodie’s Paradise: Balik Pulau is more than just the “King of Fruits.” Asam Laksa and a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and hawker centers cater to every palate, making it a delight for adventurous eaters.
- Convenience with a Relaxed Pace: Despite its rural charm, Balik Pulau offers essential amenities like banks, a hospital, clinics, schools, and shops. You’ll enjoy a slower pace of life while staying connected to what you need.
Batu Maung
Batu Maung, on the southern tip of Penang Island, is undergoing a transformation, according to Tan (2023)! Mah Sing Group Bhd is reviewing its development plans to offer a wider range of residential and commercial properties, catering to various budgets and needs.
Batu Maung has a strategic position, close to the Penang Bridge, Penang International Airport, schools, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities; Batu Maung offers excellent connectivity and easy access to necessities.
While the exciting developments in Batu Maung promise a wider range of properties and potential growth, Penang’s island charm isn’t lost. Batu Maung’s location still offers a relaxed, seaside vibe.
According to Propsocial, are these things why you must live in Batu Maung:
- Growth Potential: Property prices are expected to rise due to its proximity to the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone and planned infrastructure projects like the light rail transit. This makes it a potentially good investment.
- Existing Amenities: The area offers a comfortable standard of living and amenities like schools, banks, mini markets, and even a shopping complex.
- Proximity to Employment Hubs: Batu Maung’s location near the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone makes it ideal for those working there.
- Spacious Living: Compared to pricier areas like Georgetown, Batu Maung offers the possibility of finding larger homes at more affordable rates.
Jelutong
Jelutong, on Penang Island, is a town with a mix of old and new. While the giant Jelutong trees are gone, the town keeps growing!
Right next to Georgetown, Penang’s capital city, Jelutong is just a 10-minute drive away. This means easy access to everything the city offers, but with a quieter vibe.
Foodies, rejoice! Jelutong’s Van Praagh Road transforms every Friday night into a giant night market with a lot of street food. Unlike some night markets, this one focuses on delicious food. From refreshing drinks to char kway kak and oyster omelettes, there’s something for everyone. Be careful not to eat too much!
Getting around is easy with Rapid Penang buses. The main road, Jalan Jelutong, has frequent buses that can take you wherever you need to go.
Jelutong offers a charming combination. Explore the historic pre-war buildings or relax in a quiet corner. The mainland and the airport are both just a 20-minute drive away, making day trips a breeze. Jelutong gives you the perfect mix of busy nights and peaceful days.
Outlook property market Penang
After the insides of the upcoming Penang areas, we will look at the outlook of the property market. Penang is one of the best places to invest in Malaysia right now, and I will show you why.
According to Hilmy (2024), Penang’s real estate market is rising due to a weak Malaysian Ringgit, attracting foreign investors from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
These investors invest here because of Penang’s reasonable property prices, cultural similarities to their countries, and the allure of retiring in a beautiful location.
According to CBRE|WTW, Penang’s property market is expected to grow steam in 2024 with more new launches, especially high-rise condos on the island and landed properties in Seberang Perai.
Right now, it’s a good time for buyers to snag bargains on high-rise condos in Penang. Big infrastructure projects like a fancy tech hub, a new train line, and a bigger airport are on the way, which should keep property values rising in the long run.
Conclusion
Penang’s real estate landscape offers exciting opportunities for all. Whether you crave the convenience of the mainland’s growth areas like Butterworth and Simpang Ampat, or yearn for the island’s idyllic charm in Balik Pulau or Batu Maung, there’s a perfect fit.
Even seasoned urbanites can find a peaceful haven with a vibrant side in Jelutong. From affordability and natural beauty to excellent infrastructure and cultural richness, Penang’s hidden gems promise a fulfilling and rewarding place to call home.
And, with a booming property market fueled by foreign investment and exciting infrastructure projects, investing in Penang now could be a smart decision for the future. This is especially true for high-rise condos, where buyers can find good deals currently.
Are you interested in investing in Penang after reading this article about its beautiful hidden gems? Fill in the form to connect with our team of Penang real estate experts today!
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