KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 12): The first issue for 2025 reviews the 2024 Malaysian property market and the market outlook for 2025. Notable increases in transaction volume and value in the first nine months of 2024 were recorded across all segments, particularly in residential and industrial. This growth was driven by economic stability, investor confidence and a robust financial system, which collectively supported market momentum. As we enter 2025, property consultants are optimistic that the market will remain positive. Key factors include rising minimum wages, hence stronger spending power; lower unemployment rate; growing foreign direct investment; and more upcoming mega projects and policies that are set to benefit the industry.

Next, we feature a story on bamboo construction, where EPIC Collectives founder and chief executive officer Oei John-Son shares his journey in helping the Orang Asli communities build eco-friendly homes using bamboo as an alternative building material.

In the Johor Bahru Housing Property Monitor for 3Q2024, Olive Tree Property Consultants (Johor) Sdn Bhd CEO Samuel Tan observes that Johor Bahru’s residential sector remained active in 3Q2024, and the momentum is likely to continue into 2025 due to several growth catalysts, such as the Forest City Special Financial Zone, the West Coast Expressway, and the realignment of Johor’s weekend to Saturday and Sunday starting this year.

Meanwhile, Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd’s maiden project in Johor was launched on Jan 11. Occupying the 1.14-acre land where the former Hotel Sentral Johor Bahru once stood, Gen Rise, the new serviced apartment, has a gross development value of RM562 million.

This week’s issue also includes a photo gallery showcasing beautiful metro and subway stations around the world, which takes design to a whole new level. In our MySpace column, GreenRE Sdn Bhd senior assessor Colin Timothy Santhakumar writes an opinion piece on how data centres are becoming greener and what it takes to be a green data centre.

In Singapore, local consultants conclude that the Singapore property market ended the year on good footing despite a sluggish start. New home sales leapt 60% quarter-on-quarter in 3Q2024, which was partly attributed to the 50-basis-point interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in September.

Catch up with the latest property news in the Jan 13 issue of City & Country.

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