City & Country, The Edge Malaysia

13/01/2025

Paramount Property launched Na Reva, its Bangkok condominium project, at an exclusive Malaysian premiere at its sales gallery in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur last Saturday (Jan 11). Na Reva was first launched in Bangkok last year and at time of print, 30% of the units have been sold.

Paramount Property unveiled Na Reva, its luxury Bangkok condominium project, at an exclusive Malaysian premiere at its sales gallery in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur last Saturday (Jan 11). Na Reva was first launched in Bangkok last year and was introduced to the Malaysian market last Saturday. At time...

13/01/2025

City Motors Group has officially opened its 42-storey Alfa Bangsar mixed-use development located at the intersection of Jalan Maarof and Jalan Tandok in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, last Friday (Jan 10). Also launched is Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar.

City Motors Group has officially opened its 42-storey Alfa Bangsar mixed-use development located at the intersection of Jalan Maarof and Jalan Tandok in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, last Friday (Jan 10).

11/01/2025

The first issue for 2025 reviews the 2024 Malaysian property market and the market outlooks for 2025. The general consensus among local property consultants we spoke to is that 2024 was a strong year, with notable increases in transaction volume and value in the first nine months across all segments, particularly in residential and industrial. This growth was driven by economic stability, investor confidence and a robust financial system, which collectively supported market momentum.

As we enter 2025, consultants are optimistic that the market will remain positive. Key factors include rising minimum wages hence stronger spending power, lower unemployment rate, growing foreign direct investment and more upcoming mega projects and policies that are set to benefit the industry.

Next, we feature a story on bamboo construction, where the founder and CEO of EPIC Collectives Oei John-Son shares his journey in helping the Orang Asli communities build eco-friendly homes using bamboo as an alternative building material.

In the Johor Bahru Housing Property Monitor for 3Q2024, Olive Tree Property Consultants (Johor) Sdn Bhd CEO Samuel Tan observes that Johor Bahru’s residential sector remained active in 3Q2024, and the momentum is likely to continue into 2025 due to several growth catalysts, such as the Forest City Special Financial Zone, the West Coast Expressway, and the realignment of Johor’s weekend to Saturday and Sunday starting this year.

We also have a report on Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd’s maiden project in Johor that was launched on January 11. Occupying the 1.14-acre land where the former Hotel Sentral Johor Bahru once stood, Gen Rise, the new serviced apartment, has a gross development value of RM562 million.

This week’s issue includes a photo gallery showcasing beautiful metro and subway stations around the world, which take design to a whole new level.

Catch up with the latest property news in the January 13 issue of City & Country.

10/01/2025

The floating villas are expected to be completed in 2027 with an investment cost of RM20 million.

Property developer EMKAY Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ipoh-based travel agency Global Net Travel Sdn Bhd to develop floating villas at the Pulau Banding island in Gerik, Perak.

10/01/2025

LBS Bina Group Bhd unveils Centrum Iris in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, the largest mixed development of commercial offerings there with a projected gross development value of RM472 million.

LBS Bina Group Bhd (KL:LBS) has launched Centrum Iris, the second precinct of Cameron Centrum and the largest mixed development of commercial offerings located in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. It has a projected gross development value of RM472 million.

10/01/2025

Gamuda Land and Public Bank has collaborated to offer the industry's first 120% home financing plan, exclusive for the property developer's new product The Clove.

Gamuda Land and Public Bank Bhd (KL:PBBANK) have introduced Malaysia’s first flexible 120% home financing package, the PB SmartLiving scheme, offering new levels of accessibility and affordability for homebuyers.

09/01/2025

Stellaris will occupy a 5.78-acre tract and have a gross development value of RM818 million. The project will feature two 31-storey towers with a total of 1,143 units, offering two- and three-bedroom and dual-key layouts. Unit built-ups will range from 760 sq ft to more than 1,200 sq ft, with prices starting at RM525,000. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.

IJM Land Bhd will unveil its latest serviced apartment development, Stellaris, in the 16-acre (6.47ha) Riana Dutamas master plan in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, this month. This follows the success of the previous two phases of Riana Dutamas, according to IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Chai Ki...

09/01/2025

To maximise and sustain the benefits from these game changers, development planning and building regulations should be reviewed and updated to fully leverage the potential of the property market, according to CBRE | WTW group managing director Tan Ka Leong at the media launch of the real estate consultancy's 2025 Market Outlook Report.

Malaysia's property sector will be mainly driven by the completion of mega infrastructure projects and the transition to new technologies this year, according to CBRE | WTW group managing director Tan Ka Leong at the media launch of the real estate consultancy's 2025 Market Outlook Report earlier on...

08/01/2025

The residential property market in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor displayed contrasting trends in terms of supply and transactions in the third quarter, says Savills Malaysia director of research and consultancy Fong Kean Hwa in presenting The Edge Malaysia | Savills Klang Valley Residential Property Monitor 3Q2024.

He says the residential market in KL is experiencing steady growth, with 5,589 new units completed in 3Q2024, marking a 10.5% rise year on year (y-o-y) from 5,057 units. Incoming supply surged by 23.9% y-o-y, reaching 55,667 units during the quarter, compared with 43,047 units in the same period last year.

The residential property market in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor displayed contrasting trends in terms of supply and transactions in the third quarter, says Savills Malaysia director of research and consultancy Fong Kean Hwa in presenting The Edge Malaysia | Savills Klang Valley Residential ...

07/01/2025

Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, developed by joint venture (JV) company BBCC Development Sdn Bhd, which consists of UDA Holdings Bhd, Eco World Development Group Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund introduces Tuah 1895, a dining and lifestyle hub. It consists of eight lots of which seven lots have confirmed tenants - Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Crab, Thailand’s as i am, Chinese cuisine Ting Shan, a Peranakan Nyonya restaurant called Pak Tok and local food Hock Kee Kopitiam.

It has been over a year since Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur won The Edge Malaysia Excellence in Place Regeneration Award at The Edge Malaysia Property Excellence Awards 2023, and a lot has changed since then. Spread across 19.4 acres, BBCC is a mixed-use transit-oriented ...

06/01/2025

Lion Group’s property division, Lion Group Property, is looking to expand its industrial park portfolio, says the conglomerate’s executive chairman Tan Sri William Cheng.

Anticipating a bright future for the industrial sector, it had shifted its attention to industrial park offerings before the outbreak of Covid-19.

Currently, the industrial park portfolio accounts for 80% of the property division’s revenue. Its flagship offering is the ongoing freehold Banting Industrial City (BIC) in Selangor.

Lion Group’s property division, Lion Group Property, is looking to expand its industrial park portfolio, says the conglomerate’s executive chairman Tan Sri William Cheng. Having built a wide range of properties, Lion Group Property is known especially for its mixed-use development, Band...

06/01/2025

Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd (Iconic Group) has soft launched Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Marriott International Tribute Portfolio Hotel brand, in Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas on Dec 28, 2024. It was developed at a cost of RM180 million and is the first hotel in Penang with the Green Building Index (GBI) rating.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 6): Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd (Iconic Group) has soft launched Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Marriott International Tribute Portfolio Hotel brand, in Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas on Dec 28, 2024. It was developed at a cost of RM180 million and is the first hotel in Penang with the Green Build...

28/12/2024

In our last City & Country issue for 2024, we look at the social aspect of the environment, social and governance triad (ESG) and how some top property developers implement them in their company. This social aspect addresses labour rights, community well-being and empowerment, which when done right benefits everyone in both tangible and intangible ways.

We also have our International Consultants’ Poll who gives us some insight into the property markets from around the world. With many things happening in the world, the consultants are cautiously optimistic of the growth in the markets, particularly in industrial.

There is also a compilation of the key property news for 2024, where we look back at the highs and lows of the real estate market.

Keeping in line with our social theme, we also look at how social enterprises, namely EPIC Homes, Yellow House KL, PWD Smart FarmAbility and EcoKnights, are addressing societal issues and how they are giving back to the community, especially those who are underserved.

We explore what it takes to remodel one’s existing home into a green one. Tips include changing all the house lights to LED as a start, and slowly moving on to installing solar panels, and buying energy efficient fittings and appliances. One small step can make a huge difference.

In our MySpace column, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver Wee shared how the retraction of the Housebuyers Quality Guidebook, that was published in 2014 by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), has come at the right time. The misuses of the guidebook has led to many misunderstandings and misconceptions of house defects and their rectification.

On a lighter note, enjoy the photo gallery of uniquely designed buildings from around the world that lets you know how the imagination is a very powerful thing.

For those celebrating the festive occasion, Merry Christmas, and to everyone, Happy Holidays and wishing you a prosperous and happy New Year. See you all in 2025!

27/12/2024

Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Adrianta Aziz's penchant for art and problem-solving since he was young has naturally led him towards architecture.

Growing up in a kampung with his grandparents, architect Adrianta Aziz enjoyed constructing things from recycled materials. “I made models such as buildings and excavators from the materials,” Adrianta tells City & Country in an interview at the PAM Centre in Bangsar. “After moving i...

26/12/2024

Rien Tan, who established TKCA Architect when he was 29, talks about his design approaches including some of his notable projects such as Skyblox and Sama Square in Setapak and Spectrum House in Subang.

Growing up in the small fishing village of Pontian Kechil in Johor, Rien Tan led a simple life with no high-rises, shopping malls or cinemas. He did, however, see them on programmes screened by the TV channels of neighbouring Singapore and dreamt of one day designing such tall buildings. From the...

25/12/2024

It isn’t every day that a house comes with a lift core space so that the owner may install a lift to the third storey. With Winfar Group’s Seraiya by the Hill development, buyers will have that option.

It isn’t every day that a house comes with a lift core space so that the owner may install a lift to the third storey. With Winfar Group’s Seraiya by the Hill (Seraiya) development, buyers will have that option. “We are building a multigeneration home,” says executive director Chong Yoo...

24/12/2024

Since 2023, Puncakdana Sdn Bhd has ventured into Dengkil with its 62-acre Daun Villa Cybersouth development that will have landed and high-rise residential components and a commercial hub.

The last time City & Country spoke to Puncakdana Sdn Bhd was two years ago, on the launch of Myara Park in Ara Damansara. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the low-density, freehold mixed-use Myara Park has a gross development value (GDV) of nearly RM200 million. The 23-sto...