The RTS Link is expected to significantly boost residential property demand, particularly in prime areas near Bukit Chagar station.

Transportation has indeed played a pivotal role in shaping cities around the world throughout history. By connecting people, goods, and services, efficient transportation systems have not only facilitated economic growth but also influenced the way urban areas are designed, developed, and expanded.

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set to be completed by 2026, is not just a transportation project—it’s a game-changer for Johor Bahru. The RTS Link connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, spanning 4 kilometres. Once operational, it will slash travelling time between the two regions to just 15 minutes, significantly alleviating the chronic traffic congestion on the Johor-Singapore Causeway.

It will pave the way for unprecedented economic growth, urban transformation, and a surge of new mega-developments in Johor’s property market.

Catalysing Residential Growth

As of April 2023, the RTS link was 83% complete, and the demand index for Johor properties had already climbed by 17%. These demand trends are in line with NAPIC’s Property Market Report 2023, which noted a 20% decrease in Johor’s unsold property units from 5,258 in 2022 to 4,228 units by 2023.

This shows that the enhanced connectivity brought by the RTS Link has already begun to elevate the demand for residential properties in Johor Bahru as areas surrounding the stations experience enhanced road connectivity, public transportation, and public infrastructure. Areas near the Bukit Chagar station, such as Lido Waterfront Boulevard, by Tropicana Corporation Berhad, is a prime example of how developers are seizing this opportunity.

Strategically located on 163 acres of reclaimed waterfront land, this RM80 billion Gross Development Value (GDV) integrated development combines luxury living with sustainability. Its first luxurious and branded residential high-rise, Skypark Kepler, was launched in 2024 and will be just a short drive from the Bukit Chagar RTS station. Offering premium amenities and a pedestrian-friendly design, Lido Waterfront Boulevard is poised to set a new standard for urban living in Johor Bahru.

According to Datuk Mark Rozario, Group CEO of Tropicana, Singaporeans, cross-border workers, and expatriates are increasingly viewing Johor Bahru as an attractive alternative to Singapore’s high housing costs. Residential developments in these areas are expected to see significant price appreciation and higher rental yields, but it doesn’t stop there.

“With Johor Bahru becoming increasingly accessible through the RTS Link, the demand for commercial and retail spaces is expected to rise significantly. Tropicana is well-positioned to leverage this trend by developing integrated mixed-use projects that seamlessly combine residential, commercial, and retail elements, particularly in proximity to key RTS stations,” says Datuk Mark Rozario.

“A highlight of our Lido Waterfront Boulevard development will be its pedestrianised passageway, designed to ensure seamless connectivity between the retail and residential components, enhancing convenience for businesses, tourists, and residents alike.

“This thoughtfully curated integration will create dynamic hubs of activity, fostering vibrant communities and attracting sustained footfall. The synergy between our residential and commercial spaces will not only amplify the appeal of our developments but also solidify Tropicana’s role as a driving force in the urban transformation of Johor Bahru, establishing us as a key catalyst for its economic and social revitalisation.”

Tropicana’s Mega-Developments

Leveraging Johor’s immense potential and the highly anticipated completion of the RTS Link, Tropicana is set to develop two landmark townships: Lido Waterfront Boulevard in Johor City Centre and Tropicana Uplands in Gelang Patah. With a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) exceeding RM80 billion, these mega-developments aim to redefine the region and transform it into a vibrant metropolis in Southern Malaysia.

“Coupled with the rental price hike in Singapore and the RTS link which is due for completion in 2026, it presents a significant growth opportunity to the Johor market and now is the right time for Tropicana to roll out more strategic townships to spur our growth plan in the booming Southern state.”

Lido Waterfront Boulevard Green Initiatives

Lido Waterfront Boulevard is a freehold, integrated mixed development focusing on green, smart, and sustainable living.

“Since 2014, we have built over 17 green buildings across Malaysia. Skypark Kepler @ Lido Waterfront Boulevard will be the first GreenRE-certified green building development by Tropicana in Johor. This development will incorporate scenic central parks, lakes & jogging tracks; energy & water-efficient home fittings; green concrete & low VOC paint; dedicated recycling area, high-speed internet connectivity as well as EV charging stations,” he adds.

“Staying true to our commitment to sustainability and innovation, Lido Waterfront Boulevard will be thoughtfully integrated with public infrastructure and feature green pedestrianised passageways, alongside premium amenities. These elements ensure long-term value and adaptability, meeting the evolving needs of residents and businesses as Johor Bahru emerges as a key economic hub in the region,” he shares.

Tropicana Uplands

Located just 25 minutes west of Johor Bahru, Tropicana Uplands is a 314-acre sustainable township offering a harmonious blend of residential and commercial components. This freehold development boasts a prime location, only 15–20 minutes from key landmarks such as the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway, Senai International Airport, Johor State Administrative Centre, and popular family attractions like Legoland. Designed to foster green and sustainable living, the township features a central community park as well as educational and recreational amenities.

The first residential precinct, Aster Heights, achieved a remarkable 100% take-up rate for its 193 units of double-storey terraced houses within five months of its 2021 launch. In 2024, the delivery of Vacant Possession marked another milestone for this thriving community. Building on this success, Tropicana Uplands unveiled Fraser Heights in January 2025. This RM387 million GDV development will span 35.2 acres of freehold land, introducing 518 units of modern double-storey and three-storey linked homes designed for contemporary living.

“With Johor experiencing accelerated growth, Tropicana aims to tap into this huge potential and transform Lido Waterfront Boulevard and Tropicana Uplands into a dynamic metropolis of the Southern region. These two mega townships are envisioned to be the pulse of Johor in 3 to 5 years from now.”