The property market in Malaysia is seeing a slowdown in 2020; brought on by COVID-19, property overhang and even fear over job security.
Not surprisingly, this has seen a downtrend in the asking prices for properties. And although this spells bad news for some, this is great news for first homebuyers.
The low property prices mean that you now have the opportunity to own a home in established, and once expensive areas in the 4 key states in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor.
This window is, however, going to be temporary as Malaysia’s economy is already on the path to recovery as we head into 2021.
If you’re a first homebuyer, we’d like to help you narrow down your options with the findings from our latest Malaysia Property Market Index (MPMI) report.
We’ve identified the 5 top areas in these states that offer the best buying opportunity based on their median asking prices in the third quarter of 2020 (3Q 2020).
Top 5 Areas In Kuala Lumpur
1) Kuchai Lama (median asking price per square feet [psf] is RM151)
The Kuchai Lama township consists of 9 townships. Located close to the KL city centre, this township is strategically located as it lies in the intersection of multiple highways and roads.
2) Pandan Indah (median asking price psf is RM256)
This major township in Ampang is equipped with facilities of a modern Malaysian town. Pandan Indah is well connected to other towns in Selangor and KL as the town runs through a few major highways.
3) Taman Desa Cheras (median asking price psf is RM306)
Located along Old Klang Road, this housing estate is located close to other neighbouring towns. The neighbourhood offers a large concentration of residences, namely terraced homes, villas and condominiums.
4) Pandan Perdana (median asking price psf is RM326)
Pandan Perdana has amazing accessibility as it is surrounded by many major roads and highways. Located at the edge of Cheras, this township is located close to the city centre and major towns around KL.
5) Taman Ehsan (median asking price psf is RM350)
This township in Kepong is located close to the green lung of KL. Located nearby the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Taman Ehsan also has easy accessibility via some major highways.
Top 5 Areas In Selangor
1) Semenyih (median asking price psf is RM143)
Surrounded by hills, Semenyih is also home to numerous waterfalls. This town also has many notable schools and is served by several major highways.
2) Hulu Selangor (median asking price psf is RM145)
Hulu Selangor is a district located in the northern part of Selangor. One of the major perks of this district is that it borders the states of Perak and Pahang, as well as other major cities. And with the multiple highways that cut across it, makes travelling a breeze.
3) Seri Kembangan (median asking price psf is RM146)
Seri Kembangan is ideally located for travel into the KL city centre as it is located at the intersection of 6 major highways. In addition, this town also has up to 20 education institutions – consisting of public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
4) Rawang (median asking price psf is RM189)
This town is also perfect for those travelling into the KL city centre as it’s just a 25-minute drive away. In addition, there are as many as 30 primary and secondary schools located in and around Rawang.
5) Sepang (median asking price psf is RM199)
The Sepang District covers an area of approximately 600 square kilometers and is famous for the Cyberjaya township, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA 2, and the Sepang International Circuit. It is also close to the country’s administrative capital, Putrajaya.
Top 5 Areas In Penang
1) Penaga (median asking price psf is RM153)
Penaga is a small town in the north of the Penang mainland. It is a relatively quiet town with a community feel. Although located a distance away from Butterworth, it is serviced by several roads and highways, as well as bus services that link the village to other cities and suburbs.
2) Kepala Batas (median asking price psf is RM225)
Also located in the north of the Penang mainland, Kepala Batas borders Kedah. Perfect for a quiet life, this town has two major highways that run through it, connecting it to the rest of the Penang and other states.
3) Bukit Tambun (median asking price psf is RM227)
It’s no surprise that this Bukit Tambun is famous for its seafood as this is a coastal town in Simpang Ampat. Despite the rapid residential and commercial development, Bukit Tambun is still surrounded by lush greenery.
4) Berapit (median asking price psf is RM243)
This small town in Bukit Mertajam is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with its various hiking and nature trails.
5) Sungai Jawi (median asking price psf is RM246)
Located right next to a major highway, Sungai Jawi in the South Seberang Perai district is famous for its golf course, which sits in the shadow of a mountain range.
Top 5 Areas In Johor
1) Rengit (median asking price psf is RM125)
Rengit is a coastal town and is famous for the widely photographed abandoned jetty. This quiet and small town in Batu Pahat is connected to outside through a major highway that runs along it.
2) Semerah (median asking price psf is RM136)
This village town with old shop houses is an up-and-coming residential development. It is located close to the big city – Batu Pahat, which is accessible via a major highway.
3) Ayer Hitam (median asking price psf is RM163)
Nicknamed ‘ceramic town’, Ayer Hitam is famous for its ceramic pottery in Batu Pahat. Located in the intersection of several highways, this town is bustling with people travelling through it from the north and south of the state.
4) Parit Raja (median asking price psf is RM182)
The town has seen substantial growth with the rapid expansion of the Tun Hussein Onn University in Batu Pahat and is geared to become Johor’s education hub.
5) Parit Sulong (median asking price psf is RM251)
Parit Sulong in Batu Pahat is steeped in history. Recognised till this day; the historical Parit Sulong Bridge which was constructed during World War 2. This quiet town has been earmarked for up-and-coming residential developments.
Buying a property in a slowdown not only let you benefit from the low prices but also the incentives provided by the government. One of these is the stamp duty exemption that could save you more than RM10,000.
In addition, due to the cut of the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the interest rates have been at a historical low.
Also, as many sellers are looking to dispose of their property to take advantage of the Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) exemptions, new buyers have more choices on the property that is available in the market.
So, what are you waiting for? Get searching for your first new home in these areas now on our website!
But whether you are looking to buy a property now, or later, it is important to keep your finances in check and to avoid overindulging. If you want to make the dream of owning a home come true, then here are 10 trends you should give up to afford a down payment!
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