Here is a sneak peek into what your friends and neighbours were looking at this year! This listicle provides the perfect snapshot for first-time homeowners and savvy investors who are looking to make their next property move in Malaysia.
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There is a saying in the property world, “Caveat Emptor”. This Latin phrase loosely translates to “let him beware” or in other words, “let the buyer beware”. The philosophy behind this saying is that buyers shall perform their own due diligence before buying a property.
And what better way to start your due diligence than to take a look at what other property consumers have been searching for? We have compiled the top 10 areas which recorded the highest number of searches on iProperty.com.my among home seekers and property enthusiasts who visited the site from January to November in 2021. 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.
The top 10 areas are ranked in ascending order and the weightage of searches for that specific area is displayed in terms of percentages (%). Here is the rundown for the most popular neighbourhoods in Malaysia:
10. CYBERJAYA
Search percentage: 6.67%
Rounding up the list is Cyberjaya with 6.67%. Cyberjaya is synonymous with the Multimedia Super Corridor. When it comes to MSC status buildings, Cyber Jaya is unrivalled. An MSC status building allows for unrestricted employment of local and foreign knowledge workers.
Prima, Century Square, Enterprise Building, Quill, SME Technopreneur Centre and Emerio are among a long list of big, international names which have subsidiaries based in Cyberjaya.
Since the pandemic has pushed us to pursue more technological advancements, more and more start-ups have emerged in the vicinity. We can anticipate that the expat market is bound to pick up in the area. With Cyberjaya appearing in this list, it could mean that more people have been looking to either invest in rental properties or move here themselves as job opportunities arise.
Read our ultimate neighbourhood guide on Cyberjaya.
9. AMPANG
Search percentage: 6.77%
Ampang, which slid down by 3 slots since 2020, would be another location that boasts its high-end property among other developments. The price per sq ft for high-end residential units in the area top RM720 – RM750 per sq ft which is about RM300 less when compared to properties in KL City Centre. Ampang is home to quite a few gated communities and guarded developments like Laman Oakleaf, Taman Andaman Ukay and Taman Saujana.
Being located right next to the City Centre, Ampang is a great alternative for those who would like to travel a short distance for a lavish night out into the city and go back home to a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle for quiet enjoyment. Your home will be lighter on your wallet too!
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE READING:
Top 10 most searched areas by Malaysian homebuyers in 2020
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8. KOTA DAMANSARA
Search percentage: 7.05%
Creeping in at 8th place is none other than Kota Damansara, a commendable increase from its 10th spot back in 2020. What could possibly be the reason for this place to grasp people’s interest you say? How about the recently completed e-commerce hub, the first-of-its-kind in Malaysia. EmHub and its 669,000 sq ft of space would have reached the ears of investors, connecting the dots for them with the upcoming workforce and the demand for housing in the vicinity.
Kota Damansara has much more residential developments planned as well such as The Estana and a mixed development by PKNS. Homeowners and investors are definitely keeping their eyes open for opportunities to enter this market.
Find out what it is like living in Kota Damansara.
7. KL CITY CENTRE
Search percentage: 7.62%
Last making an appearance in 2018, KL City Centre recorded 7.62% of searches in 2021. The city centre is a special place as it is home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and surrounding this is a number of luxurious serviced apartments. Rentals for these units range between RM4,000 – RM15,000 and popular developments include The Grid, 6 Stonor, The Binjai, One Stonor, Suria Stonor, The Oval, Desa Kudalari, Binjai 8, Binjai Residence, Le Nouvel Klcc.
You might be surprised to know that more high-end projects have entered the local market such as Ascott Star KLCC and Eaton Residences. It is also noteworthy to mention that the price per sq ft of KL City high-end residences has slightly reduced from RM1,005 – RM1,056 in 2020 to RM1,000 – RM1,040 in 2021 which could be the reason for its emergence in this list. Now that the nation is in the endemic phase, interest in high-end homes in strategic locations in the city is inching back up.
MORE: Are short term rentals like Airbnb legal? Here’s 5 things property owners should know
6. SUBANG JAYA
Search percentage: 9.07%
Subang Jaya has made an appearance in 2018 and 2019 but not in 2020. With 9.07% of searches recorded this year, Subang Jaya has made its way back into the hearts of homeowners and investors. Similar to Puchong, you are able to find a wide variety when it comes to property types. From gated and guarded to high rise residential and even SoHo units. This diverse community is serviced by iconic malls such as Sunway Pyramid, Empire Subang and Subang Parade.
Subang Jaya also boasts an array of universities and colleges! From our homegrown SEGi College and Inti International College to the international Monash University – this makes it a youthful area and you can just feel that energy!
Read our ultimate guide on Subang Jaya here.
5. PUCHONG
Search percentage: 9.21%
Now, Puchong’s movement on this list has been rather volatile. In 2020, Puchong did not make the cut. In 2019, it was in 10th place and in 2018, it was in 2nd place.
There is a diaspora of property developments in Puchong which provides for low, middle and high-income communities. Fun fact, based on brickz.my data – a leasehold flat was sold for RM40,000 and a leasehold bungalow was sold for RM3.4 million in Puchong, all of which happened in the same year of 2020.
This is merely the surface of what the property market looks like in Puchong and we would recommend any property enthusiast to dwell deeper for a better understanding. This self-sufficient township has a full range of educational institutions to cater to all ages, plenty of good eats and recreational offerings. Find out what is it like living in Puchong?
4. JOHOR BAHRU
Percentage of searches: 9.39%
Once in the first place back in 2020, Johor has slid down to the fourth spot with 9.39% searches in 2021. JB will always be on our watch list as its opportunities are endless – millions of people cross the causeway every day for work, leisure or travel in Singapore (pandemic aside of course). Similar to some most searched locations in 2020, JB has experienced a slight decline in its property market as the pandemic has closed its borders to Singapore. Based on NAPIC’s data, Johor recorded the highest residential property overhang as of Q3 2021 with 16,343 units of serviced apartments left unsold.
According to the H1 2021 Portal Demand Analytics by iProperty.com.my, there was considerable interest for spacious landed properties in Iskandar Puteri priced up to RM1 million and sized more than 2,000 sq ft.
If you’ve been looking high and low for a house that is more affordable, you’re in luck as we have compiled the list of seven townships in Johor with properties below RM650,000 here.
3. CHERAS
Percentage of views: 14.56%
In the third spot, Cheras came in close with 14.56%, rivalling Shah Alam. Cheras is a mature neighbourhood with a well-established community. You will be able to indulge in local restaurants which have been there for over a decade. On top of that, you will have easy access to Sunway Velocity Mall, IKEA Cheras and MyTOWN Shopping Centre which give you the best of both worlds: the charm of the old and the variety from the new. To top that, those who live in Cheras will be able to enjoy seamless commute via the new MRT – there are 11 MRT stops within Cheras alone!
A quick search online reveals 30 new high rise residential developments which have come onto the Cheras property market in the past 2 years. This is a good sign as Cheras was previously known for its many Tamans and landed property. Now, Cheras is set to cater for young couples and families, as well as young professionals working in the city.
In case you’re curious, here’s the list of the 10 most popular condominiums in Cheras to make it easier for you to check them all.
2. SHAH ALAM
Search percentage: 14.64%
Shah Alam climbed into second place, garnering 14.64% of the total searches. This residential borough has undergone significant urbanization while still being able to keep nature intact. Its combination of property developments from noteworthy developers such as Mah Sing Group Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, and Gamuda Bhd, has respectfully incorporated wide walking paths and plenty of greenery.
Yes, developments in Shah Alam has very well been adhering to the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) where section 21B states that development proposals shall include measures for the protection, preservation and improvement of its physical environment and natural topography, unlike some other locations in the Klang Valley which have been a hit and miss on this.
Jokes aside, Shah Alam provides for a wide range of residential property from high rise condominiums to landed property which is suitable for any homeowner/investor. These homes are complemented by public parks, various private schools and public universities as well as local attractions.
Moreover, when the LRT3 starts operation in 2024, six of the stations will be passing through Shah Alam. Here are the 4 properties which are located less than 3km away from the LRT 3 stations: 4 Properties in Shah Alam near LRT Bandar Utama-Klang Line (LRT3)
1. PETALING JAYA
Search percentage: 15.02%
Fondly referred to as PJ, this popular neighbourhood grabbing the top spot comes as no surprise as many locals, especially families favour PJ for its suburban life offering. Chock full of local eateries, hipster cafes, family parks, neighbourhood malls and schools, PJ also has the distinct advantage of being situated right next to Kuala Lumpur – making it a favourite among young couples who work in the city too.
PJ has steadily climbed the ranks of our annual list over the years – it was in the sixth spot in 2019 and climbed up to second place in 2020. An upcoming development to keep an eye on is the enhanced public transportation connectivity in PJ. The LRT 3 which is slated for completion in 2024 will provide PJ with 5 new LRT stations – One Utama (MRT 1 Sungai-Buloh Kajang Line interchange), Kayu Ara, BU11, Dataran Prima and Kelana Indah.
And that is a wrap. This list provides you with a good place to start when searching for a property to purchase. However, we would urge all property seekers to continue their research with the many services provided here on iProperty.com.my such as Loancare, Great Property Deals and Property Guides.
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DISCLAIMER: Analytics 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 prior to making any investment.