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International property consultants DTZ Debenham Tie Leung gives an overview on how the Klang Valley property market in 1st Quarter 2006
Business space (office)
|
Existing Stock |
|
|
Rents |
|
|
'000 sf |
QQQ chg |
|
'000 sf |
QQQ chg |
| Golden Triangle |
24,130 |
1.8% |
Prime city centre |
5.14 |
2.8% |
| Central Commercial Area |
13,390 |
0.0% |
Secondary city centre |
3.50 |
2.9% |
| Decentralised Areas |
13,290 |
2.7% |
|
|
|
| Other Areas in Klang Valley |
11,500 |
0.0% |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Positive outlook in the office market
The office market performed well in 2005 with key market indicators such as rental and occupancy
showing slight improvements particularly in the Grade A office space . This year, demandfor office
space is expected to continue to be skewedtowards prime accommodation and the business service sector
being the main source of the growth in demand.
In the first quarter of 2006, one new building was completed. The Chulan Tower, previously named
Menara LTAT, is locatedalong Jalan Bukit Bintang and has a nett lettable area of approximately
284,500 sf. However, total office stock within KLC increased by 1.3% to 50.8 mil sf, due to the minor
reclassificationof Menara Palas (344,000 sf) which is geographically located within Selangor into the
KLC stock. Being located off Jalan Ampang, this property is essentially a fringe city property.
Some 650,000 sf of new supply are expected to enter the market by end of this year and these are all
located in the decentralized area.
During the review period, among the more notable leases include Asian Financial Bank moving into Kenanga
International (16,500 sf), Volkswagen setting up base in Wisma UOA Bangsar (30,000 sf), Scan Associates in
Menara Naluri (30,000 sf) and PM Securities in Menara PMI (15,000 sf).
The average asking rental for a Grade A office in the Golden Triangle currently hovers around RM5.00 psf.
This is expected to go up in the next six months in the light of a tightening market due to the stronger demand
and limited supply. Meanwhile, rentals at secondary grade buildings continue to remain stable with increases
expected at selective buildings namely those located in proximity to LRT and monorail stations which will
benefit from the recent increase in oil prices and the greater acceptance of public transport.
No significant movement was noted in the average occupancy levels of KLC office, remaining within last
quarter's 87% - 88% range. On YOY basis, the average occupancy has increased by 0.7%.
During the quarter, there was a new launch of PJ Exchange (300,000 sf), a strata office project, off The
Federal Highway, priced from RM400 psf. This project continued the recent trend of strata development which has
picked up momentum, especially in Petaling Jaya which is re-establishing its commercial role as a popular
decentralized office location.
Overall, the outlook for the office market remains positive for 2006. As this sub-sector of the property market
is considered still in recovery mode, and with demand persistently strong over the last few quarters, further
improvement in terms of overall rental and occupancy are expected in the mid-term barring any unforeseen events on
the external front.

Retail
|
Existing Stock |
|
|
Rents |
|
'000 sf |
QQQ chg |
|
'000 sf |
| Overall Klang Valley |
30,970 |
0.0% |
KLC (city centre) |
RM18-40 |
| KLC |
16,930 |
0.0% |
Suburban(PJ) |
RM10-28 |
| Suburban Area |
14,040 |
0.0% |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A challenging year for the retail market
The retail sector is likely to feel a significant slacking of private consumption as consumer sentiment as
represented by the Consumer Sentiment Index dropped by a large 26 points to 90.1 point in the 1Q06 from 116.1 point
in 4Q05. This was also reflected in the quarterly retail sales growth which registered 4.4% against 4.8% in the
corresponding period last year.
The 30 sen fuel hike for petrol on 28 February reflected the government's desire to further reduce oil subsidies
as part of its fiscal consolidation drive. This has raised concern about rising inflation which is expected to rise
above the 3.2 % registered for February.
The recent interest hike of 25 basis points and the proposed increase in utility cost could further hurt consumer
spending in the months ahead, which is already on the wane as the market begins to feel the pinch of rising prices
of goods all around. The government however remains optimistic that private consumption and domestic spending will
remain resilient in 2006 on the back of strong economic fundamentals and expected growth of 6% for the whole year.
As at end 1Q 2006, with no new completions, total retail stock in Klang Valley remained unchanged at 31 mil sf.
KLC dominated supply with 17.1 mil sf whereas in the suburban areas, total retail space amounted to 13.8mil sf.
Some 1.36 mil sf of new supply is expected to enter the market this year comprising three hypermarkets and several
shopping malls. The most anticipated one will be the Cineleisure in Mutiara Damansara with 258,000 sf of retail space.
The other proposed supply comprises of Mydin Mall, Klang City Square, Harbour Place, Equine Square and a Jusco mall at
Balakong. All of these are located in the suburban areas and in Klang.
During the review period, overall occupancy is stable, with a marginal increase of 0.2% point to 86.7% from 86.5%
in the previous quarter. Most hypermarkets and prime centers such as Suria KLCC, Midvalley and One Utama continue to
post full occupancy. Rental rates have remained stable across the board.
With private consumption dampened by rising inflation and interest rates, the retail sector will likely to see more
challenging times. Nevertheless stimulation from economic activities from the 9th Malaysia Plan and the recent high
prices for palm oil could mitigate some of the negative effects.
For the whole of 2006, Malaysia is expected to register retail sales growth of 8.8% according to the latest
MasterIndex of Retail Forecast released by MasterCard International.
Residential
Major Residentail Launches in 1Q06
| Development |
No. Units |
Type of Property |
Pricing(Range/Average) |
| Kiara 1888 |
182 |
Condominium |
RM320 - 420 psf |
| Seri Maya (Savanna) |
437 |
Condominium |
RM250 - 422 psf |
| Laman 38 |
38 |
Condominium |
RM236 - 413 psf |
Source: DTZ Research Mar 2006
Market slowly feeling the pinch
The overall residential market for 1Q 2006 was rather subdued as prospective purchasers reflected on the impact of
the recent hike in fuel prices and interest rate. The lower consumer sentiment will definitely have short term impact on
purchasing decision for big ticket items such as houses especially at the mid to lower end of the market where the effect
is likely to be felt most.
New launches in the quarter were mainly for up-market condominiums like Kiara 1888, Seri Maya (Savanna), Park 19 and
Laman 38. Sale rates of luxury condominiums for some strategically, located projects increased by 3% to 5% whilst other
reported no significant progress in their sales. There were also 2 previews of new projects at Mont Kiara, namely The
Meridin (228 units) and Verve Suites, the latter targeting at a very youngish and fashionable market segment. Some
proposed launches continued to be delayed by KL City Hall's review on the status of development approvals for apartments
on commercial zoned sites.
Several projects were completed, mainly in Mont Kiara during 1Q 2006 were Mont Kiara Aman (344 units), I-Zen Kiara 2
(238 units), La Grande Kiara (298 units). Stonor Park was also completed, being the first of the new super-condos in the
KLCC since the late 1990s. Due to the large number of units completed in Mont Kiara, there could be a mid-term impact on
rental rates in this sub-market which has a well established expatriate community. Asking rental for part-furnished units
at Stonor Park is about RM4.60 psf/month which is about 10-15% above current average rate of comparable projects.
All in, developers are likely to face a challenging time ahead not withstanding that the economy of the country continue
to be projected to grow at a satisfactory rate.
Investment
Major Investment Sales in 1Q06
| Property, Location |
Type |
En-block Price (RM mil) |
Price psf (RM) |
| Wisma Merais, PJ |
Office |
57 |
358 |
| Wisma TM |
Office |
70 |
314 |
| Plaza Cygal Tower 2 |
Office |
92.3 |
329 |
| HP Tower |
Office |
130 |
373 |
| Menara HLA |
Office |
221 |
539 |
| Mutiara Rini |
Office |
168.3 |
500 |
| Selayang Mall |
Retail |
120 |
329 |
| South City Plaza Blk A |
Office |
8.9 |
270 |
| South City Plaza Blk B |
Office |
9.1 |
271 |
| Wisma Denmark |
Office |
130 |
473 |
Source: DTZ Research Mar 2006
Investment market remains active
During the first quarter, the investment market continued to be extremely active with some 22 properties being transacted
across the country with an aggregated value of RM2.08 billion. Featured prominently during this period is Amanah Raya which
purchased 9 of these assets for their proposed REIT and is setting the benchmark for such structured sale and lease back
deals. These assets ranged from a retail mall, industrial assets, to 3 hotels.
The REITs were also active with AmFirst Property Trust purchasing Wisma Merais whilst Mapletree Logistic Trust Management
Ltd of Singapore secured 3 logistic properties in Subang/Shah Alam. The quarter also saw the listing of Tower REIT by
Guocoland (M) Bhd which is part of the Hong Leong Group which comprises 2 prime office buildings located in Jalan Kia Peng
and Jalan Semantan in Damansara Heights.
Interestingly the range of assets transacted involved not just the traditional office and retail sectors but are seeing
more industrial and even hospitality sectors. The latter being the sale and lease back of 3 hotels, one each in Langkawi
Island, Alor Setar and Cherating, by the Holiday Villa chain to Amanah Raya Bhd at graduating yields, from 6.7% for the
first year to 7.3% by the 10th year.
Axis REIT continued it aggressive growth in its portfolio with another strategic acquisition involving a warehouse
belonging to MISC Logistic in Klang at a yield of 12.8%. Since it listing, this fund has added 3 new assets to its initial portfolio.
Going forward, we do see a convergence of yield rates across the various sectors and continuing interests by investors
although this will be somewhat affected by the hikes in interest rate which is undergoing an upward cycle.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
AREA TAXANOMY
Study Area
Klang Valley & Environs (KVE) is located centrally within the
State of Selangor. KV itself accommodates the Kuala Lumpur
City (KLC) and the State's District of Petaling, Klang,
Gombak and Hulu Langat. Its environs would include surrounding
growth areas such as Cyberjaya, Putrajaya City and
the Sepang localities. The KVE property market is divided
into two distinct geographical areas: KLC and other areas in
KVE (OKVE).
Business Space (office)
The office market in KLC is sub-divided into three submarkets:
Central Commercial Area (CCA), Golden Triangle
(GT) and Decentralised Areas (DA). DA will comprise areas
fringing the city centre. The office market within OKV is subdivided
into six sub-markets - Petaling Jaya (PJ, Subang
Jaya (SJ), Shah Alam (SA), Klang, Puchong and Ampang.
Retail
Retail complexes within city and main town centres are referred
to as "urban areas". Those located within commercial
areas of residential estates in KV, other than city or town
centres, are defined as "suburban".
STOCK
Business Space (office)
Refers to purpose-built office or mixed-use premises with net
lettable areas of 50,000 sq ft or more. It excludes buildings
developed and solely used by Federal and State Government
or government-related organisations. The stock is defined
into two distinct categories as follows:
Prime - buildings are those with advanced "Building Automation
System", high level of computerised M&E and 'state-ofthe-
art' telecommunication.
Secondary - buildings are those with average/basic office
accommodation.
Retail
Stock includes purpose-built shopping complexes with net
lettable areas of 50,000 sq ft or more. The stock is defined
into two distinct categories as follows:
Prime - complexes with good layout, design, management,
maintenance, image, facilities, internal finishes and tenant
mix, and high-level computerised M&E.
Secondary - complexes that provide average/basic retail
space.
NEW SUPPLY
Refers to the supply of new properties confirmed i.e. projects
with planning approval and there are definite plans to proceed
with the development or under construction at the time
of reporting. The year for new supply refers to the year in
which the projects/units are expected to receive Certificate of
Fitness for occupation.
ABSORPTION
Refers to the total number of net take up of accommodation
or units in new projects being leased or sold. Resale of units
is excluded.
RENTS
Average gross rents are computed based on a basket of
properties, inclusive of service charges. Office - typical net
floor size adopted are between 2,000 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft.
Retail - only rents of prime speciality retail shops, e.g. those
with good frontage or pedestrian footage, are included in the
publication.
MARKET PRICES
Market prices are reported on per sq ft (psf) basis on net floor
areas. The office and retail market are reflective of en bloc
sales evidence (referring to the sale of entire land and building).
This report should not be used as a basis for entering into transactions without seeking further qualified professional advice. Whilst
facts have been rigorously checked, DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung, or its related companies, will take no responsibility for any damage or
loss suffered as a result of any inadvertent inaccuracy or incorrectness within the report. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or means by any person or persons without the expressed written permission of the author.
DTZ has over 8,000 staff operating from 193 offices in 46 countries. Our internet address is www.dtzresearch.com.
For further information please contact

DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung,
32.03 Level 32 Menara Citibank,
165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +6 03 2161 7228
Fax: +6 03 2161 1633
Email: mail@dtz.com.my
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