
This year’s property data unveils a surprising change in housing search patterns among potential homebuyers and investors. Read on to find out what these shifts in demand trends may mean for the residential property landscape in 2023.
As 2022 comes to a close, it is the time of the year for us to take a look at the most popular Malaysian neighbourhoods among property seekers. The winners in this list are ranked in ascending order by the amount of property-for-sale searches they garnered on iProperty.com.my between January to November 2022.
The latest transaction data for each area is also provided to give insights into consumers’ buying behaviour, whether these searches actually translate into transactions and what are the top property types/projects in each area.
The various lockdowns and economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 impacted house-buying activity in the past couple of years as consumers adopted a more cautious approach. Now that the country is riding out the after-effects of the pandemic and the political landscape has somewhat stabilized, it would be interesting to take a peek at the residential areas that homebuyers and investors might consider transacting in moving forwards.
We have three newcomers in 2022, all located out of the Klang Valley. The pandemic has clearly prompted many consumers to rethink everything about where and how they work and live. The work-from-home trend has enabled us to prioritise personal wants such as better living environments to raise children, proximity to family, and better mental health.
In this article, we will also delve into how these top areas have performed in the past four years, whether they are evergreen residential hotspots or newcomers to this annual list. The areas are ranked in descending order and the number of searches are displayed in percentages (%).
10. Seremban
Taking the 10th spot on the list of most popular neighbourhoods in 2022 is one of the surprise newcomers on the list: Seremban. To understand why Seremban made it into the list, we looked into the latest transaction data from *brickz.my to see which property types buyers have been purchasing here.
Between October 2021 and September 2022, buyers in Seremban mainly bought landed properties — terrace and semi-detached homes. The top two developments with the highest transactions were Taman Seremban Forest Heights and Taman Bukit Galena with an average median price per sq ft of RM339 and RM236 respectively.
As can be seen from the data, property buyers were mainly purchasing landed properties in Seremban. This is the first clear indication that buyers are now looking for more affordable and spacious living spaces outside of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Post-pandemic remote working has allowed them to do this. Commuting into the city is made possible via the Seremban KTM line, which is integrated with the new MRT Line 1 and LRT line extensions in Klang Valley.
We will continue to explore the other neighbourhoods of interest in 2022 and see if this trend of seeking affordable lifestyle homes outside of the city is consistent.
Alternatively, you can shop for your own affordable landed property in Seremban today
9. Shah Alam

Next up on the list of most searched-for residential areas in 2022 is Shah Alam. Shah Alam has appeared on this annual list consistently since 2018. It is a popular destination for home buyers because of its well-planned roads, architecture, serenity, and affordable property price tags.
Its location is also a major contributing factor to its popularity. Shah Alam is close to Subang Jaya, Klang, and Sunway, which provides this peaceful neighbourhood with easy access to all major amenities and conveniences of city living.
Accordingly, 1,392 properties exchanged hands in Shah Alam between October 2021 and September 2022, with Kota Kemuning taking the crown with 111 transactions. This is followed by Alam Impian with 91 transactions, Elmina West with 71 transactions, and Bukit Jelutong with 67 transactions.
Shah Alam has diverse homes for all types of property buyers. Check out this complete list of homes for sale in Shah Alam.
8. Mont Kiara
Mont Kiara takes the eighth spot on the list. Interestingly, the last time Mont Kiara appeared on this list was in 2018.
Mont Kiara is popular among expats for the quality of lifestyle it offers, great infrastructure, and excellent choice of international schools. Its return to this list shows that post-pandemic, some property buyers are now more intent on purchasing a property that fits their desire for vibrant urban living.
One property development that saw the highest number of transactions from October 2021 to September 2022 was Seni Mont Kiara. With a median price of RM2.15 million, 27 properties exchanged hands. This is followed by Vista Kiara (17 transactions) and Residensi 22 Mont Kiara (16 transactions) with median prices of RM570,000 and RM1.965 million respectively.
There are many new upcoming developments in Mont Kiara to fulfil the demand for quality homes in the neighbourhood, all of which are being very well received. Get the complete list of homes for sale in Mont Kiara.
7. Port Dickson

In seventh place is another surprising first-time entry to the list: Port Dickson. Having never been on the list of the most searched neighbourhoods, this interesting discovery is a strong indicator of the future change in property buying patterns.
In fact, this entry to the list could be a signal that real estate outside of the city may begin to gain traction on the market, with the biggest contributing factor being the remote working trend.
Compared to Kuala Lumpur where RM500,000 can barely get you a condominium unit in the city outskirts, the average cost for a terrace home in Port Dickson is only RM200,000. According to brickz.com, the terrace homes in Taman Intan Duyung carry a median price of only RM180,000. A total of 18 transactions took place between October 2021 and September 2022. Next, with 16 transactions each are the terrace homes of Taman Bayu Indera, Lukut, and Taman PD Utama which carry median prices of RM257,500 and RM180,000 respectively.
It is clear from the above that homes in Port Dickson are within an affordable range for most home buyers. This explains the sudden surge of interest in this township in this era of remote working.
Check out the complete list of available homes for sale in Port Dickson.
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE READING
➡️ Top Studio Apartments to rent in KL and Selangor in 2022
➡️ Residential Properties with the Highest Capital Growth in H1 2022
6. Kuching
Yet another surprise newcomer on the block is Kuching. Taking sixth place on the list, the capital of Sarawak has always been a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches, affordable and delicious seafood, and unique indigenous culture.
Prior to this, Kuching had always been a spot for holiday goers, not home buyers. This is a major supporting factor in the theory that post-pandemic property buyers are now looking for a better quality of life and affordable homes.
Among the properties that exchanged hands in Kuching between October 2021 and September 2022, the MJC flat at the Batu Kawah New Township and the leasehold condominium P’Residence garnered the most transactions with 58 properties each. The median price for the flat stood at RM110,000, while the condominium was RM200,000.
The leasehold semi-detached and terrace homes at RPR Bandar Baru Sarawak with a median price of RM182,500 was transacted 32 times, while the freehold bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace homes of Tabuan Jaya were transacted 29 times.
To find your dream home in Sarawak, visit the complete list of properties for sale in Kuching.
5. Puchong

Next up on the list of most searched-for properties is Puchong. Puchong is one of the usual entries on the list, appearing on the list every year except for the year 2020.
Many home buyers choose to stay in Puchong because of its wide selection of homes at affordable prices. It also has great accessibility via the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), allowing residents seamless travel to Subang Jaya and a direct route to Kelana Jaya.
Providing a convenient lifestyle are several malls within the town itself such as the IOI Mall, SetiaWalk Mall, and M Square Mall Puchong. Just slightly out of town in Subang is the popular shopping mall Sunway Pyramid.
Taking a look into the most transacted properties in Puchong for the period between October 2021 and September 2022, it shows that the Sutera Maya condominium with a median price of RM588,000 had the highest number of sales with 5 transactions. This is followed by the serviced residence Residensi Nest and the terrace houses of Lucky Garden (Jalan Puchong) which had a total of 4 transactions and 2 transactions each. Both carried a median price of RM586,500 and RM479,000 each.
To find your next new home in Puchong, check out the list of available homes for sale in Puchong.
4. Johor Bahru
Coming in fourth place on the list is another one of the annual favourites: Johor Bahru. Appearing on this list every year since 2018, homes in Johor Bahru are popular because of their proximity to Singapore.
The spot for homebuyers in Johor Bahru is Taman Johor Jaya, which is only between 15 to 30 minutes drive away from the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex (Johor Bahru Checkpoint). A residential area of bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses, this neighbourhood carries a median price of RM434,000. A total of 118 properties from Taman Johor Jaya exchanged hands between October 2021 and September 2022.
This is followed by the terrace homes of Taman Desa Jaya, which are also about 20 to 30 minutes away from the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex (Johor Bahru Checkpoint) in clear traffic. Carrying a median price of RM362,500, the homes in Taman Desa Jaya transacted 52 times in 2022.
The homes in Taman Molek which are about 20 to 30 minutes away from the CIQ checkpoint are also popular among property buyers with a median price of RM485,000. A total of 49 properties in Taman Molek exchanged hands in 2022.
If you’re looking to get a home close to the Johor-Singapore border, check out the complete list of properties for sale in Johor Bahru close to the Singapore border.
3. Cheras

Coming in the top three is Cheras — another regular in the list of most in-demand neighbourhoods since 2018. Similar to Puchong, Cheras is another popular residential area because of its central location and affordable homes. Depending on where in Cheras the property is located, residents could be just 15 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Taking a look at the top transacted properties in Cheras between the years 2021 and 2022, Taman Midah is the most popular, presumably because of its location. It is only about 15 minutes from the city centre. The landed properties in Taman Midah carry a median price of RM750,000 with a total of 29 transactions in 2022.
Following that is the residential neighbourhood of Taynton View located about 15 to 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre. Recording a total of 22 transactions between October 2021 and September 2022, the bungalows and terrace houses in this neighbourhood carry a median price of RM837,500.
Properties in Cheras are known not only for their affordability but also for their rentability. So, whether you’re a home buyer or investor, if you’re looking for a great property, view the complete list of homes for sale in Cheras.
2. Petaling Jaya
Scoring second position in the list of most searched-for properties in 2022 is Petaling Jaya. Petaling Jaya is yet another regular on the most in-demand neighbourhood list since 2018.
Officially granted city status in 2006, Petaling Jaya is only 10 to 15 minutes from both Kuala Lumpur and Subang Jaya in clear traffic. Property buyers who are seeking a quiet home close to the city’s conveniences usually pick Petaling Jaya. The prices of the homes here are, however, quite steep.
According to brickz.com, the neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya that transacted the most from October 2021 to September 2022 is SS2 with 49 transactions. With an average median price of RM1,000,000, homes in SS2 are not cheap but well located for own stay or rental. It is close to the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) and is also within proximity of a wide range of F&B outlets, bus routes, morning markets, night markets, and sundry stores.
SS3, which is slightly further from SS2, has a significantly lower median price of RM895,000. It is further away from the main roads, highways, and amenities, which explains its lower pricing. This neighbourhood filed 36 transactions in the past year.
And finally, recording a total of 33 transactions in the past year are the landed properties of SS22, Damansara Jaya, with a median price of RM1.36 million.
As can be seen, prices of properties in Petaling Jaya are at the higher end. Buyers who seek a home here can however be assured of their prestige, and the value of the home and environment they are getting.
To find a home in this township, check out all the homes for sale in Petaling Jaya.
MORE: Expat Guides: Best Rental Properties for Expats in KL and Selangor
1. Ipoh

The neighbourhood that takes the top spot in this year’s list is Ipoh.
This is a city that had never been on the property buyers’ radar before as it is too far away from the city of Kuala Lumpur. Similar to Kuching, Ipoh had always been more of a holiday destination rather than a home-buying destination.
A quick look at brickz.com indicates a total of 1,916 recorded transactions in Ipoh between October 2021 and September 2022 — a significant number for a place once considered a small town. Recording the most transactions is the Panorama Lapangan Perdana flats with 45 transactions and a median price of RM70,000.
This is followed by the terrace homes of Taman Cempaka which recorded 43 transactions and a median price of RM170,000. Next are the semi-detached and terrace houses of Taman Ipoh with 34 transactions.
Homes in Ipoh are aplenty and varied, with a suitable one for every property hunter. If you are seeking a home here, look through the list of available homes for sale in Ipoh.
Rounding up 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions in the lives of people and the economy and unanticipated changes in the property market, as can be seen in this list of the most searched-for neighbourhoods in 2022.
Cheras, Johor Bahru, Petaling Jaya, and Shah Alam have been a fixture since 2018 but Port Dickson, Kuching, and Seremban are surprise entries, as all three were better known as holiday destinations rather than home-buying destinations.
It is unclear if the change in pattern is caused by the new remote working culture or if buyers and investors see the current situation as a good time to invest in affordable family homes and holiday homes, as the desire for well-being and travel increases post-pandemic. With a newfound freedom to stay at home, it is a strong possibility that buyers are indeed seeking more attractively priced homes in a better environment outside of the city borders. We will be keeping a close watch on 2023’s list of most searched-for neighbourhoods and their property transactions to ascertain if this is a short- or long-term trend.
Footnotes
- The search data is sourced from iProperty.com.my between January – November 2022, and it does not represent the whole residential property market in Malaysia.
- The term search is defined as when a property consumer searches for a property in a certain location and lands on a search result page on iProperty.com.my.
- *Analytics from brickz.my is based on the data available at the date of publication and may be subject to revision as and when more current data becomes available. Readers are encouraged to seek independent advice before making any investment.