Newsletter

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalMalaysia is rapidly reshaping its urban landscape with world-class infrastructure, and one of the most significant catalysts for future growth is the MRT 3 Circle Line. Designed to complete the Klang Valley rail loop, MRT 3 will not only redefine mobility but also unlock new opportunities in the property sector.The 51.6-kilometre line will loop around Kuala Lumpur and connect with the MRT, LRT, KTM, and Monorail networks through 10 interchange stations. It will feature 33 stations in total—including 7 underground (with 1 provisional) and 26 elevated (with 2 provisional). This extensive coverage is set to enhance accessibility across both mature and emerging neighbourhoods.Public feedback has been strongly supportive, with 93% in favour during the 2024 inspection. Communities and developers can expect growth corridors to emerge along the alignment, as enhanced connectivity typically drives higher land values, stronger housing demand, and new commercial potential.With final approval granted in July 2025, land acquisition is now underway. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2032. Once operational, MRT 3 will ease congestion, shorten commutes, and transform Greater Kuala Lumpur’s property market by creating new growth corridors and investment hotspots.Juwai IQI October NewsletterDownload Now!

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentBudget 2026: What Homebuyers, Developers and Investors Should ExpectMalaysia’s upcoming Budget 2026, set to be announced on 10 October 2025, is expected to significantly influence the property market. A key concern for homebuyers is whether the stamp duty exemption on properties up to RM500,000 will be extended beyond 31 December 2025. If extended, it would continue supporting affordability and encourage first-time buyers, especially those targeting the RM300k–RM500k segment. However, if it expires, a surge in property transactions may occur before year-end, followed by a market slowdown. With current mortgage rates at a manageable 2.75%, this presents a short-term opportunity for buyers despite broader affordability challenges.For developers, Budget 2026 may offer targeted incentives and stronger backing for financing schemes like SJKP, which supports up to 120% financing for qualified buyers, especially gig workers and low-income households. These measures could help reduce unsold inventory and support market stability amid economic uncertainty. Investors, meanwhile, will closely watch changes to Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT), especially the stricter self-assessment and documentation process. Budget 2026 is anticipated to serve as a turning point, prompting all stakeholders, buyers, developers, and investors—to reassess their strategies in what is likely to be a redefined and opportunity-laden market in 2026 and beyond.Juwai IQI October NewsletterDownload Now!

Written by Hamid R. Azarmi. Head of Business DevelopmentWith interest rates diverging across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and inflation still a major concern, investors need to be more thoughtful than ever. For example, U.S. tech stocks have seen massive gains this year, especially in AI and chip-making, but many experts believe they’re overvalued. Instead of chasing trends, investors might look at sectors with long-term growth like clean energy, infrastructure, and logistics. In Europe, green energy funds and carbon credit ETFs are drawing fresh interest. Meanwhile, short-term government bonds in countries like Canada and Australia are now offering yields over 4.5%, giving investors a safer way to earn income. Holding some of these bonds alongside growth-focused stocks can create a more balanced portfolio.Tactical Diversification and Global PositioningPutting all your eggs in one country or even one asset class remains risky in today’s market. Take Malaysia, for instance: while regulatory tightening around data centres has raised concerns, it’s also a sign of the government's commitment to long-term digital infrastructure sustainability and national cybersecurity. This move could pave the way for more resilient and compliant tech growth, attracting serious institutional investment in the future. Meanwhile, India continues to boom in both manufacturing and tech, and Brazil benefits from a commodity export surge driven by global demand especially in mining and agriculture. Investors might consider global ETFs focused on these regions for diversified exposure. Adding real assets such as farmland funds or REITs in fast-growing cities can also serve as a hedge against inflation. And always maintain some cash or highly liquid assets (like money market funds) to seize opportunities during market dips. In a world of constant change, flexibility and global awareness are your best allies.For more countries updateDownload Now!

Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic AdvisorAs Q4 of 2025 begins, Dubai remains a standout in the global real estate market, attracting investors with its strong liquidity, high rental yields, and investor-friendly environment. Backed by ongoing infrastructure development and a continuous flow of international capital, Dubai offers both income stability and capital appreciation, making it a preferred destination amid global uncertainty.In Southeast Asia, Vietnam and the Philippines are emerging as investment hotspots due to urban expansion, foreign investment, and a rising middle class. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Manila, and Cebu are drawing attention from growth-focused investors. Georgia also continues to attract yield-driven buyers, particularly in Tbilisi and Batumi, thanks to its low entry costs and liberal property ownership rules.In Europe and Latin America, Portugal’s inland regions offer long-term potential, while countries like Albania and Moldova present early-stage opportunities. Meanwhile, Mexico and Colombia benefit from nearshoring and tourism-driven growth. For October, a smart strategy combines secure, high-liquidity markets like Dubai and Lisbon with higher-growth plays in Southeast Asia and Latin America, especially as global trade shifts favor these regions.Juwai IQI October NewsletterDownload Now!

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistFinancial Innuendos and Market Emotions. Reading between the Lines.The markets are dancing between what we might call economic escapades and mercantile mischief. We’re seeing a landscape where the S&P 500 is climbing, electricity prices are surging, beef and industrial metals are on the rise, and even precious metals are glittering at new heights. Equities are at all-time highs while currencies are meandering in unpredictable directions. In essence, the marketplace finds itself in a convoluted state of mind, one where it’s hard to discern where the next escapade ends and the next mischief begins over the coming quarters.And so, the entire financial market landscape has transformed dramatically in the last 17 years. We’re witnessing shifts of a magnitude not seen in a generation. There’s a palpable flip in the nature of asset classes: equities are behaving like bonds, bonds are behaving like equities, and suddenly everyone’s a daytime trader navigating this grand economic escapade. In the end, the markets are indeed in a realm of mercantile mischief, where the only certainty is that the rules are being rewritten in real time.FED Action in September - Rate Cut and Late to the Party.There is now a 100% chance of a September rate cut and an 8% chance that it will be 50 bps. How do US stocks perform when the Fed is cutting interest rates? Over the last 25 years, recessions or macro events have been a negative trigger for stocks, not the Fed cutting rates. The Fed usually cuts rates in response to economic weakness, but it’s often too late.Treasury Market is Sending a Signal - Investors to Stay Awake and Agile10-Year Treasury Yield plunges to 4.1%, its lowest level in 5 months. ConvolutedGold Market Outlook - Yellow Metals Shine in the MarketOn 20 January 1980, gold reached $850 per ounce – equivalent to $3,590 in today’s dollars – during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. economic history, marked by a collapsing currency, runaway inflation, and recession. Today, with gold trading around $3,650 per ounce, it has surpassed that milestone and is up 39% year to date. With rate cuts on the horizon and inflation showing little sign of slowing, the bull market for gold and other hard assets appears far from over.Discover more by reading here!Download Now!

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR DirectorTSaudi Arabia is making a historic move by opening its residential real estate market to non-resident foreign buyers starting January 2026. This marks a pivotal shift that could reshape the entire Gulf property landscape, positioning the Kingdom alongside Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a regional investment magnet. Juwai IQI Group CEO Kashif Ansari believes this will provide a clear path for foreign ownership and anticipates strong momentum from high-net-worth investors—particularly in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Major projects like The Line, Laheq Island, and the Red Sea development showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in scale, design, and sustainability, with The Line envisioned as a 170 km-long linear city. Already, engagement from Chinese firms has tripled, contributing over US$19 billion in developments. While Makkah and Medina attract Muslim buyers, Riyadh and Jeddah are set to lead international interest. The anticipated introduction of golden visa-style residency incentives, similar to those in Dubai, could further supercharge demand. As these mega-developments come to life, Saudi Arabia isn’t aiming to compete with its neighbors but to elevate the Gulf region into a globally dynamic investment corridor. This is just the beginning of a transformational journey. For more countries updateDownload Now!

The contents of this article were contributed by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic Advisor.In the second half of 2025, global real estate investors are focusing on markets that combine strong rental yields, capital appreciation, and strategic growth potential. The United Arab Emirates—particularly Dubai—continues to lead with robust price growth, high liquidity, and investor-friendly policies, while Seoul and Tokyo offer stability and consistent capital gains due to limited supply and institutional interest. Portugal’s Lisbon remains attractive for EU residency and property growth, with its interior regions gaining traction post-Golden Visa reforms. Georgia presents an early-stage opportunity with 8–12% rental yields and liberal ownership rules, while Latin America (especially Colombia and Mexico) benefits from tourism, nearshoring, and resilient rental markets. Southeast Asian cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Manila, and Cebu are becoming increasingly appealing due to rapid urbanization and strong foreign demand, though better suited for experienced investors. Meanwhile, emerging European nations such as Moldova, Lithuania, and North Macedonia offer high yields and low entry costs, ideal for early adopters. South Africa’s Cape Town rounds out the top picks with strong luxury market growth and lifestyle appeal. For yield-focused strategies, the UAE, Georgia, and Latin America stand out; for capital growth and long-term value, investors should consider Seoul, Dubai, Lisbon, and Cape Town. For more countries updateDownload Now!

By Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentMalaysia’s property market reached a decade-high in 2024, recording over 420,000 transactions worth RM232.3 billion, with residential properties making up the majority. While Q1 2025 saw a slight cooldown—with transactions down 5.6% in volume and 12.9% in value—this appears more like a breather than a downturn. Johor led market activity, and new launches were concentrated in the RM300k–RM500k range. Landed homes continued to outperform high-rise units in sales. However, a sizable residential overhang persists, especially in high-rise and serviced apartments, particularly in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. Price trends reflect growing market polarization. While terraced and semi-detached homes saw modest price gains, high-rise units declined slightly. Demand is softening in the sub-RM500k segments, while the RM500k–RM1 million and above RM1 million categories showed resilience, indicating sustained buying power among higher-income groups. Despite a dip in new sales, residential development remains active, with a strong pipeline of completions and new starts. With lower financing costs and targeted incentives, Malaysia’s mid-market—particularly landed homes in well-located areas—offers promising potential for the rest of 2025. For more countries updateDownload Now!