By Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentMalaysia’s property market has just shattered records, delivering its strongest performance in the past decade, according to the latest Property Market 2024 Snapshots by NAPIC. This isn’t just growth—it’s a full-blown boom, solidifying Malaysia’s reputation as a real estate powerhouse in Southeast Asia.Breaking Records: Transaction Volume & Value Skyrocket2024 was a landmark year for Malaysia’s property sector:Transaction volume surged to an all-time high of 420,545, marking a 5.4% increase from 2023.Total transaction value skyrocketed to RM232.3 billion, reflecting a remarkable 18.0% year-on-year growth.This isn’t just a rebound—it’s a clear signal that Malaysia’s property market is firing on all cylinders.Residential Sector: The Heartbeat of the MarketThe residential sector remains the backbone of Malaysia’s property market, contributing 62.0% of total transactions.260,516 residential transactions were recorded, with a total value of RM106.92 billion.What’s driving this demand? A perfect storm of factors:Government incentives – Affordable housing schemes and stamp duty exemptions are making homeownership more accessible than ever.Urban migration – Cities like Selangor, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur are buzzing with activity as more people flock to urban centers for jobs and opportunities.Stable financing – Low interest rates and flexible loan packages are encouraging both first-time buyers and seasoned investors to enter the market.Commercial & Industrial Sectors: Riding the Wave of GrowthThe commercial property market isn’t just keeping up—it’s thriving:45,985 transactions valued at RM58.06 billionThe sector claimed 25.0% of the total transaction valueDemand for office spaces and retail units is rising, fueled by Malaysia’s expanding business ecosystemMeanwhile, the industrial sector is quietly stealing the show:8,783 transactions worth RM27.86 billion, making up 12.0% of the total market valueAs Malaysia cements its position as a regional logistics hub, industrial properties—especially logistics and warehousing—are becoming a goldmine for investorsRegional Powerhouses: Who’s Leading the Charge?Some states are clearly leading the property boom:Selangor – The undisputed champion, with 77,713 transactions. It’s not just a property market—it’s a property empire.Johor – A close second with 66,894 transactions, thanks to booming industrial developments and its strategic location near Singapore.Perak – A dark horse with 46,538 transactions, showing steady growth in both residential and commercial segments.Market Value BreakdownCentral Region (Kuala Lumpur & Selangor) – RM103.27 billion, accounting for 44.5% of the total market value.Southern Region (Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan) – RM63.99 billion (27.5%).Johor is emerging as a major investment hotspot, attracting both local and international buyers.What’s Next? The Future Looks BrightThe momentum isn’t slowing down. With major infrastructure projects nearing completion, property demand is expected to skyrocket:East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)West Coast Expressway (WCE)2025 OutlookAnalysts predict another record-breaking year, driven by:Economic stabilityProactive government policiesMalaysia’s growing appeal as a regional investment hubFor investors, developers, and homebuyers, the message is clear: Malaysia’s property market is where the action is. Whether you’re looking to buy your dream home, expand your portfolio, or tap into the next big opportunity, the time to act is now.click for more info!
Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers International Malaysia’s power sector has undergone significant transformation, shifting from a reliance on fossil fuels to a more diversified and sustainable energy mix. Concerns over environmental sustainability, energy security, and efficiency have driven efforts to modernize and repower existing power plants while prioritizing cleaner energy sources.For decades, coal-fired power plants played a crucial role in Malaysia’s electricity supply, with major facilities like the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station (4,100 MW) in Perak and the Tanjung Bin Power Station (2,244 MW) in Johor contributing significantly to national generation. However, Malaysia has pledged to halt new coal plant construction and gradually phase out existing plants, marking a crucial step toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving a net-zero energy transition. For example, the Sejingkat Power Plant in Sarawak is set to cease operations by 2026.The Role of Hydropower in Malaysia’s Energy TransitionHydropower remains a key pillar of Malaysia’s renewable energy strategy, particularly in Sarawak. The Bakun (2,400 MW) and Murum (944 MW) dams provide a substantial share of the region’s electricity.Upcoming hydroelectric projects reflect continued investment in sustainable energy, including:Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project (300 MW) – KelantanBaleh Hydroelectric Project (1,285 MW) – SarawakThe Expansion of Cleaner Natural Gas TechnologiesIn addition to hydropower, Malaysia is expanding its Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Recent and upcoming CCGT plants include:Edra Melaka (2,242 MW, 2022)Pulau Indah (1,200 MW, 2024)Pulau Bunting Power Plant (1,600 MW, upcoming)Miri Power Plant (500 MW, upcoming)Kapar Combined Cycle Power Plant (2,100 MW, 2031)These projects highlight Malaysia’s long-term commitment to a cleaner energy transition.Instead of building new fossil-fuel-based plants, Malaysia is prioritizing:Rebuilding, upgrading, and repowering existing power stations to improveefficiency and reduce emissions.Repowering projects, such as the Paka Repowering Project inTerengganu, where the Sultan Ismail Power Station (decommissioned in2019) is being repowered with advanced technology. Set for completion in2030, this project aims to increase output while minimizing environmentalimpact.Recognition & Future OutlookMalaysia’s energy transition efforts have earned regional recognition,ranking second in Southeast Asia on the Energy Transition Index in 2024.Modernization and Repowering of Existing Power PlantsMeanwhile, the decommissioning of older plants like the Sultan IsmailPower Station (1988) and the mothballed Lumut GB3 (2002) reflects effortsto modernize the energy sector.As older fossil-fuel plants are retired and new, cleaner facilities comeonline, Malaysia is advancing toward agreener, more resilient power sector. Thefocus on repowering, modernizing, andintegrating renewable enknaergy sourceswill be pivotal in securing a sustainableenergy future.click for more info!
By Shaen Saeed, IQI Chief Economist“You can’t fathom the modern world without putting chips at the center of the story. Advanced chipmaking will return to America in 2025, more than a decade after the country lost its edge in semiconductor manufacturing to TSMC. TSMC is making a huge investment of more than $100 billion in Arizona… The American government hopes that chipmakers will produce almost a fifth of all leading-edge chips domestically by 2030.”The competition is intensifying. China and the USA are vying for the top position, and semiconductors play a crucial role in shaping the global economy.Major Players in the Semiconductor Market:USAChinaGermanySouth KoreaMalaysiaNetherlandsNew Entrants in the Semiconductor Market:IndiaUAEJapanVietnamGlobal Re Balancing - Dollar At A Crossroad. History RepeatsGlobal Re Balancing - Dollar At A Crossroad. History RepeatsA graph showing the value of the stock market. In my view, we areon the brink of a global rebalancing.Historically, when the dollar enters a structural downtrend, hardassets tend to significantly outperform U.S. equities.What is the usual outcome of austerity combined with lowerrates? A weaker dollarWhile fiscal consolidation is essential for restoring investorconfidence in U.S. Treasuries and reducing long-term interestrates, one of the most immediate and effective ways to lowergovernment spending is for the Fed to cut interest rates itself.This issue likely indicates that the U.S. dollar is at a criticaljuncture in history, and the significance of the chart cannot beoverstated.USA vs. Europe – Reordering Global Financial MarketsAccording to the Financial Times, fund managers have stated thatTrump’s Make America Great Again agenda has, instead, triggereda Make Europe Great Again trade, which is reshaping globalfinancial markets.click for more info!
Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic AdvisorThe world’s wealthiest investors are focusing on prime international real estate destinations such as Bali, Dubai, Phuket, and Kuala Lumpur. These hotspots offer strong returns, lifestyle appeal, and long-term value appreciation.Here’s why you should consider investing alongside them.Bali: Tourism-Driven GrowthWhy Invest? High occupancy rates, growing digital nomad demand, and affordable property prices.Who’s Investing? Entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.Best Investments: Villas in Canggu, beachfront properties in Uluwatu.Dubai: The Global Property HubWhy Invest? No income tax, high rental yields, and strong capital appreciation.Who’s Investing? Middle Eastern and Western investors.Best Investments: Apartments in Dubai Marina, developments in Downtown Dubai.Phuket: Luxury Island RetreatWhy Invest? High rental demand, low cost of living, and strong tourism growth.Who’s Investing? Asian and European buyers.Best Investments: Beachfront villas in Patong, luxury condos in Kamala.Kuala Lumpur: Emerging Metropolitan HotspotWhy Invest? Affordable luxury, high rental yields, and strong expat demand.Who’s Investing? Business professionals and expatriates.Best Investments: High-rise condos in KLCC, serviced apartments in Bukit Bintang.Why Invest Now?Appreciation Potential: Rising demand is driving property values higher.Passive Income: High tourism rates ensure strong rental yields.Portfolio Diversification: Global real estate investments offer protection against economic downturns.Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy luxury living while your investment grows.The wealthy are securing prime properties before prices soar. Follow their lead and be part of the next global realestate boom!click for more info!
Written by Lily Chong, Head of IQI AustraliaCoreLogic’s national Home Value Index rose by 0.3% in February, signaling an end to a brief three-month downturn that had lowered home values by 0.4%. While the increase was modest, it was widespread, with most regions except Darwin (-0.1%) and Regional Victoria (flat) experiencing growth.Key trends include:Melbourne and Hobart lead gains: Both cities saw a 0.4% rise, reversing Melbourne’s ten-month streak of declining values.Mid-sized capitals slowing: Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, previously the strongest markets, recorded slower monthly growth (0.2%-0.3%). While Adelaide (1.2%) and Brisbane (0.9%) still lead quarterly gains, Perth’s growth has decelerated to 0.3%.Premium market rebound: Sydney and Melbourne’s upper-tier housing markets, which faced sharp declines, are now driving growth, consistent with past trends of high-value markets responding first to rate cuts.CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, attributes the market improvement to rising buyer confidence, influenced by expectations of lower interest rates, rather than increased borrowing capacity. Auction clearance rates have also returned to long-term averages, further indicating improved market sentiment.In February, national rents increased by 0.6%, marking the strongest monthly rise since May last year. However, this remains below the 0.9% increase recorded in February 2023 and the 1.2% surge in February 2021 during the rental boom.Key trends:Seasonal influence: Rental growth typically accelerates in the first quarter due to seasonal patterns, rather than underlying market shifts.Annual growth slowing: Over the past 12 months, rents have risen by 4.1%, the slowest annual increase since early 2021. Despite this, the growth rate remains double the pre-pandemic average of 2.0%.Declining growth in key cities: Darwin saw the sharpest slowdown, with annual rent growth dropping from a peak of 25% during the pandemic to just 1.4%. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane unit rents have also slowed significantly, with annual growth now at 2.7%, 3.2%, and 3.3%, respectively—down from peaks above 15%.Impact of migration and household changes: The easing of net overseas migration and a shift towards larger households have reduced rental demand, especially in major cities.Rental growth in some markets: Hobart, the ACT, and Darwin’s unit market have experienced slight rental growth improvements compared to last year, albeit from previously weak conditions.CoreLogic’s Tim Lawless attributes the overall slowdown to normalizing migration trends and changing household sizes, which have alleviated some pressure on the rental market.FOR MORE UPDATE NEWSLATTER, CLICK HERE!
The global real estate market saw mixed results in April, with some areas improving and others struggling.What else have you missed in April 2025CLick here now! for more info
Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorFears about DeepSeek’s impact on Malaysia’s data centre market are turning into excitement, according to analysis from Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group CEO, Kashif Ansari. His insights were featured in more than a dozen media outlets this month in Malaysia and China. “DeepSeek shocked the world with a large language model that seems comparable to those offered by competitors like OpenAI, but at a fraction of the cost,” said Mr. Ansari.“Cheaper AI models like DeepSeek's will most likely drive demand for data centres in Malaysia even higher. That’s because cheaper AI will enable the widespread use of AI-powered tools that, until now, have been too expensive to be widely adopted."According to Mr. Ansari, large language models need to become more affordable before AI can be widely used. That’s one reason the world’s largest AI companies have, until now, earned very little revenue to offset their enormous expenses.Mr. Ansari said, “DeepSeek seems to have made massive progress in affordability. It charges just one-fifteenth of what its more established competitor, Anthropic, charges for tokens.“You can put it this way: when it costs less to get an AI model to do something, people will start asking AI to do more and more tasks. That growth will create unprecedented demand for data centres, including in Malaysia. “For the real estate industry here in Malaysia, this meansthat demand for land suitable for data centres will remain strong — and could possibly grow."Mr. Ansari pointed out that Malaysia stands to benefit significantly from the advancements DeepSeek appears to be bringing about.“Until this month, we all thought Malaysia would need billions of dollars to build its own language model,” he said. “But now it looks like Malaysia could afford to create its own language models and deploy AI into research, education, and the broader economy."“Malaysian consumers will also benefit because cheap AI will be integrated into the tools and services they rely on every day. For AI to truly transform the daily lives of the rakyat, it needs to be affordable and accessible to all." He added, “We weren’t able to put a mobile phone into everyone’s hands until they became inexpensive enough, and we won’t be able to provide people with the benefits of AI-powered tools and services unless they are just as affordable. After the DeepSeek earthquake, it is suddenly possible to imagine AI powering more and more of the services we use daily. AI has the potential to impact our lives as profoundly as electricity once did”.Click for more info!
Written by Dante Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentAs we move through 2025, the global real estate landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for investors. Understanding the current trends is crucial for making informed decisions. Here are the key developments shaping the market this year:1. Recovery in Investment ActivityAfter a two-year downturn, the global property market began to recover in 2024, with transaction volumes and values stabilizing. This positive momentum is expected to continue in 2025, driven by lower interest rates that facilitate better alignment between buyers and sellers on pricing. However, investors are becoming more selective, focusing on specific sectors and assets that align with broader socioeconomic and technological shifts.2. Sector-Specific Investment PreferencesInvestors are showing increased interest in residential properties, hotels, and warehouses, while the office sector continues to face challenges due to the rise of hybrid working models and high renovation costs for older buildings. In Europe, the total value of property deals increased by 4% to €189 billion, with office investments experiencing a 10% decline, marking the sector's worst performance since 2009.3. Emphasis on Sustainable and ESG InvestmentsThere is a growing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in real estate investments. Investors are increasingly prioritizing green buildings and carbon-neutral developments, recognizing the long-term value and resilience these assets offer in a rapidly changing regulatory and environmental landscape. As more governments implement stricter sustainability requirements, properties with strong ESG credentials are likely to outperform traditional assets.4. Technological Integration, Smart Cities, and Data CentresThe integration of technology into real estate is accelerating, with advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and smart city initiatives reshaping the industry. The rising demand for data centres has also emerged as a significant trend. As digital infrastructure becomes more critical, investors are recognising data centres as a resilient and high-growth asset class. With the expansion of cloud computing, AI, and increased internet usage, data centres are positioned to be one of the most lucrative real estate investments in 2025.5. Navigating Economic and Geopolitical RisksWhile the outlook for 2025 remains optimistic, investors must remain vigilant about potential risks, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and the possibility of a resurgence in inflation. Proactive risk management, diversification, and staying updated on global events will be essential for navigating these uncertainties effectively.ConclusionThe global real estate market in 2025 offers a dynamic environment with evolving trends. By focusing on recovering sectors, embracing sustainability, leveraging technological advancements, investing in data centres, and remaining aware of economic and geopolitical risks, investors can make strategic decisions to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.click for more info!