KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's property market is drawing increasing international attention, with strong fundamentals making it a resilient and appealing destination for investors, particularly from Asia and Europe, said Samuel Tan, founder and chief executive officer of Olive Tree Property Consultants.
He said the country has quietly developed one of Asia's most investable real estate ecosystems, built on solid governance, structured development planning, and broad market accessibility.
"Certainty is what makes the property market strong," Tan told Business Times.
Despite growing international interest, Malaysia's residential property market is domestic-driven.
According to the residential property transaction report by state and ethnic groups for the first half of 2025, issued by the Department of Valuation and Property Services, property transactions by non-citizens amounted to 913 transactions valued at RM1.9 billion.
This represents 0.76 per cent of the total number of transactions and 3.8 per cent of the total transaction value.
With the ongoing rollout of masterplans and economic zones, and integrated developments offering complete ecosystems, Tan expects the number of foreign buyers in Malaysia to gradually increase over time.
Property veteran Prem Kumar said with strong governance, connectivity, liveability, and diverse options, Malaysia's property market continues to stand out as a competitive and resilient investment destination in the region.
He said legal clarity around ownership rights, transactions, and dispute resolution has become a key differentiator, particularly as investors grow more cautious in uncertain times.
But strong governance is only part of the story.
Prem said disciplined development planning has been crucial in shaping sustainable urban growth, ensuring residential, commercial, and industrial projects are coordinated with infrastructure and long-term development goals.
Prem, a registered valuer, estate agent, and property manager with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents, and Property Managers Malaysia, is also a non-executive director of I-Berhad.
Over the past two decades, he has advised on landmark projects including Kuala Lumpur City Centre, KL Sentral, Tun Razak Exchange, Iskandar Puteri Johor, IOI Resort City and several government-linked initiatives.
He said connectivity gives Malaysia an edge.
Its extensive highway network, growing rail system, and well-connected air routes support mobility, boost business efficiency, and strengthen regional integration - benefiting both investors and occupiers.
Liveability adds another layer of appeal. Access to schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities continues to drive demand for residential and mixed-use developments.
"Buyers and tenants are looking at more than just the building itself," Prem said. "They want an entire ecosystem. Education, healthcare, and amenities have become baseline expectations."
He added that Malaysia's commercial property market continues to thrive, supported by high-quality office towers and retail malls, particularly along major growth corridors.
The country's real estate sector is also relatively accessible to foreign investors, with clear guidelines and processes for participation in selected property segments.
"Few markets offer such a wide spectrum of opportunities. Malaysia caters to different population segments and investment goals across residential, commercial, industrial and specialised sectors," Prem said.
