As of January 2025, the Malaysian property market is experiencing several notable trends.
As Malaysia’s property landscape continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping into a year of significant shifts in buyer preferences, investment strategies, and market trends. With changing economic conditions, new government policies, and lifestyle shifts, Malaysians are rethinking how and where they invest in real estate. From the rising demand for smart, sustainable homes to the growing appeal of suburban townships and transit-oriented developments, homebuyers and investors are adapting to new opportunities and challenges.
In this article, we explore the key factors influencing property buying trends in Malaysia for 2025. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply keeping an eye on the real estate landscape, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions in the year ahead.
1. Purchasing Properties Outside of KL City Centres
In 2025, more Malaysians are looking beyond city centres for their dream homes, favouring suburban areas for affordability, space, and a better quality of life.
Affordability and Value for Money
With city property prices remaining high, young families and first-time buyers are seeking alternatives in suburban townships. These areas offer better value per square foot, vast green spaces, and modern amenities comparable to properties in the city centre, making them an attractive option for those seeking affordable long-term housing solutions.
Market Supply and Growth Trends
As of Q3 2024, Klang Valley’s residential market showed moderate growth, with 2.1 million existing units in supply. The landed property segment, in particular, saw a 2% year-on-year increase, with Selangor contributing 99% of this growth, primarily in Sepang, Klang, and Kuala Selangor. The surge in demand in these areas is a response to the developers introducing well-planned townships with modern amenities, catering to families and professionals looking for a balanced lifestyle.
(Source: NAPIC, CBRE | WTW Research & Consulting.)
A Shift in Needs and Lifestyle Preferences
Post-pandemic needs and lifestyle shifts continue to influence buyer behaviour, with many prioritizing work-from-home-friendly spaces, easy access to nature, and self-sufficient communities with schools, retail hubs, and healthcare facilities within reach.
One standout example is Bandar Bukit Raja, which integrates green spaces and multi-generational living into its master plan offering a lifestyle that aligns with modern buyer expectations.
Investment Potential
For investors, emerging townships present opportunities for long-term capital appreciation and rental demand, particularly in areas undergoing rapid development. As urban expansion continues, early movers in emerging townships stand to benefit from price appreciation driven by infrastructure upgrades and economic growth.
2. Landed Homes vs. High-Rise Living: What’s Driving Buyer Preferences?
In 2025, Malaysians continue to reflect a strong preference for landed properties, particularly homebuyers seeking larger living spaces, privacy, and the appeal of suburban living. However, high-rise developments, especially those integrated with transit-oriented developments (TODs), remain in demand due to their urban convenience, improved connectivity, and access to lifestyle amenities.
Continued Demand for Landed Homes
Landed properties have historically been a preferred choice for Malaysian buyers, and this trend remains consistent. With increasing flexibility in work arrangements, more homebuyers are prioritizing spacious homes with gardens, private outdoor areas, and a sense of community. This has led to a 2% year-on-year increase in landed property supply, with Selangor contributing 99% of the growth, particularly in Sepang, Klang, and Kuala Selangor. (Source: NAPIC, CBRE | WTW Research & Consulting.)
The sub-sale market also showed steady growth, with transaction volume increasing by 6% and transaction value rising by 7% in the first nine months of 2024. The highest levels of activity were recorded in Hulu Langat and Klang, indicating strong demand for landed homes in these growing suburban districts.
The Increasing Demand for Lifestyle-Oriented Developments
Today, homebuyers are not only looking for larger homes — they want a holistic living experience. This has driven demand for townships that offer:
- Recreational facilities – jogging tracks, cycling paths, and clubhouses
- Green spaces & parks – encouraging active and healthy lifestyles
- Integrated retail & commercial hubs – for convenience and self-sustaining communities
With homebuyers increasingly drawn to holistic living environments, developments that offer green spaces, recreational facilities, and integrated hubs are set to remain in high demand, meeting both lifestyle needs and long-term community sustainability.
Transit-oriented Developments (TOD) Remain Relevant
Even though the demand for landed properties is strong, high-rise developments continue to attract urban dwellers and investors, especially those that provide direct access to public transportation.
Key reasons why TODs remain popular include:
- Direct access to MRT, LRT, and the upcoming MRT3 stations
- Comprehensive urban amenities – malls, co-working spaces, and entertainment hubs
- Ideal for investors & young professionals seeking convenience and rental income
With Malaysia’s focus on expanding public transport networks, TODs are expected to remain a competitive segment in the high-rise property market, catering to buyers who prioritize connectivity over space.
The Growing Appeal of Properties That Promote an Active Lifestyle
Today’s homebuyers are increasingly drawn to properties that promote wellness-oriented and an active lifestyle. This shift is largely influenced by the rising emphasis on sustainability, well-being, and nature-integrated developments. While comprehensive data on buyer preferences for such properties remain limited, the demand for homes with ample recreational spaces and access to nature is evident.
New townships are designed to encourage outdoor activities and social engagement, featuring:
- Jogging & cycling tracks
- Community parks & green spaces
Sustainable, eco-friendly living environments
Government initiatives, such as the enhancement of 48 Madani Public Parks, further reinforce the push for health-conscious, nature-inspired living.
One standout example is Bandar Bukit Raja (BBR), a township meticulously designed around biodiversity and wellness. Spanning 180 acres of town park and featuring an extensive 75km of interconnected jogging and cycling tracks, BBR provides an ideal setting for active and health-conscious residents.
As more developers align their projects with wellness and sustainability, properties that offer green and active living environments are expected to remain highly desirable in 2025.
New Neighborhoods vs. Mature Neighborhoods
As urban expansion continues, the choice between new and mature neighbourhoods largely depends on individual priorities. Those seeking established communities, accessibility and established amenities may gravitate toward mature areas such as Bangsar, Mont Kiara, and Sri Hartamas. The typical characteristics of a mature neighbourhood include:
- Well-developed with top-tier amenities & infrastructure but comes with higher property prices.
- Proximity to business hubs, schools, and retail centres, though traffic congestion can be an issue.
- High demand due to convenience and accessibility but offers limited room for future growth.
On the other hand, buyers looking for affordability, investment potential, and future growth opportunities are more likely to explore emerging townships such as Bandar Bukit Raja, Sepang, and Klang for advantages such as:
- More affordable, spacious homes
- Future growth potential with ongoing developments
- Self-sustaining communities with modern amenities
While mature neighbourhoods provide unmatched convenience and connectivity, newer townships offer greater affordability, long-term growth potential, and a well-planned living environment. Whether you prioritize an urban lifestyle with immediate access to amenities or seek a spacious home in a thriving, future-ready community, the right investment depends on your lifestyle, needs, and long-term goals.
Affordable Homes for a Better Quality of Life
Affordability remains a critical factor for homebuyers. As property prices in city hubs remain high, more buyers are looking toward modern townships for spacious, affordable homes that align with evolving lifestyle needs.
For instance, while city living offers immediate accessibility, the pandemic has skewed property preferences toward suburban homes as they provide better value, larger built-up areas, and a peaceful environment, which are ideal for growing families and remote workers.
ADIRA, From the Legacy Collection: Where Space Meets Functionality
ADIRA introduces thoughtfully designed 20′ x 75′ two-storey link homes ranging from 1,910 sq. ft. to 2,174 sq. ft., offering:
- 4 spacious bedrooms & 4 bathrooms, ideal for multi-generational living or expanding families
- Open-plan layouts designed for flexibility and customization
- A versatile nook under the stairs, perfect for storage, a kids’ play area, or a study space
- An 8-ft backyard, allowing room for home expansions or a private garden
- 4.7 acres of green space, creating a vibrant community hub for social gatherings and outdoor activities
With modern townships like Bandar Bukit Raja offering a self-sustaining ecosystem, excellent connectivity, and future growth potential, buyers can enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle without compromising on space, quality, or affordability.