Singapore’s real estate market has been experiencing strong growth in recent years, with overall residential prices rising by more than 10% year-on-year in 2022, according to Savills Singapore, with a further 7% year-on-year increase projected for 2023. Singapore residential home prices at these highs can make it difficult for even Singaporeans to afford a Singaporean property.
As a Malaysian working in Singapore, you may be in a much stronger financial position than many of your peers in Malaysia. Instead of waiting to buy a property in Singapore at current prices, consider making the most of what you have now by investing in Malaysian properties.
With a budget of RM 1 million, you can find many luxurious options for your own use or for your family in Malaysia. Converting to Malaysian Ringgit and buying a Malaysian property now also comes with potential currency appreciation, as the Malaysian economy is starting to show strong signs of recovery.
Malaysia’s GDP has increased by 8.9% year-on-year in Q2 2022, and 14.2% in Q3 2022. With median home prices correlating closely to GDP, these are positive signs that Malaysia property prices are expected to further appreciate in the near future.
Here are 10 luxurious properties in Malaysia under RM 1 million that we think are great investment buys right now.
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1. Lakepark City Subang
Subang Jaya is known for its younger crowd, with proximity to many popular hipster cafes and attractions, as well as higher education institutions such as Sunway University, Inti College, and Taylors University. This is a popular location to rent for both international students as well as students from other parts of Malaysia, for those looking at properties for rental yield.
While property prices in this area are known for strong capital appreciation, from rapid development since its early days as a rubber plantation in the 1970s, being a suburb away from the core city centre also means there are plenty of attractively priced properties to make your entry.
Lakepark City Subang is our pick for this area, a serviced apartment at the edge of the scenic Subang Metropark. Experience complete convenience, with F&B retail outlets, groceries and lifestyle shops right at your doorstep. There is also greenery in the form of Central Park which adds to the resort-style of living. Prices start at RM 580,000.
(Image via https://subangjayaresidences.com.my/)
2. MyraCove
Cyberjaya, a previously underdeveloped land of oil palm plantations, is now the nucleus of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) or what is simply known as MSC Malaysia. It now houses offices for MSC Status companies and numerous commercial buildings, hotels and universities have set up in the area.
Located at the heart of CyberJaya, MyraCove is the perfect blend of nature, connectivity and convenience. This property development would be perfect for those looking to live in a serene and low-density space as there’s also a nearby lake to unwind and ease the daily stress.
The nearby Tamarind Square also has a wide variety of shopping and entertainment choices. CyberJaya is known as an educational and digital hub city which makes it a fantastic choice for families who work in Media or Tech, or expats working in any of the many MNCs in this area. Prices start at RM 683,700.
(Image via https://myracove.my/)
3. Arte Mont Kiara
An affluent township within Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara was once a rubber estate but is now an expat-oriented suburb as a result of many lifestyle developments and international schools located there. Half of the population are expatriates from over 30 different countries. Bukit Kiara is one of the few remaining green spots in KL with its serene jungle trails and natural streams.
Situated at the prestigious Mont Kiara at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Arte Mont Kiara is a modern innovative service residence built across 3.3 acres. For the artists at heart, its thumbprint design is unmissable as it’s a replica of the developer, Thomas Chan.
The building appears to be dancing because of its unique floor plate. The property is within walking distance of the LRT line and MRT3 Circle Line Station. Popular malls nearby include Solaris Mont Kiara. Prices start at RM 480,000.
(Image via https://www.facebook.com/artemontkiara/)
4. Bangsar Hill Park
Bangsar is one of KL’s mature and upmarket suburbs. It grew dramatically in the 1990s and is a popular hangout space for yuppies and coffee afficionados, especially the commercial hub in the Telawi area. Bangsar is strongly associated with success and affluence, according to Lou Minn Yian, head of capital markets of Laurelcap Sdn Bhd.
For those who like living in the city center but still want the experience of everyday resort-living, Bangsar Hill Park is an excellent choice. Centrally located between KL and Petaling Jaya, it’s a highly sought-after address and offers residents the full vibrancy, convenience, and lifestyle of Bangsar.
Easily accessible to major highways via Lorong Maarof, residents are also just a five-minute walk away to the Bank Rakyat-Bangsar LRT Station. With 57 storeys in place for this property, you’re set for a panoramic view of the city. Prices start at RM 881,000.
(Image via https://www.thebangsarhillpark.com/)
5. The Jalil
Once a former rubber plantation estate known as Bukit Jalil Estates, the Malaysian government decided to set up the National Sports Complex in the 1990s in the area. It hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games and triggered massive developments to welcome the international crowd. This made Bukit Jalil known as the sporting capital. Located here is the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which is the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia.
Located strategically in the Bukit Jalil neighborhood, the Jalil offers an obstructed and breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur. The Jalil is strategically located in the vicinity of KL Wellness City and Technology Park Malaysia and offers easy access to LRT Alam Sutera and MRT Serdang Raya Utara.
For families and individuals looking for exclusivity and accessibility, the Jalil offers a low-density quiet residential experience with flexible unit layouts. Prices start at RM 403,000.
(Image via https://www.thejalil.com.my/)
6. Tropicana Danga Cove
Johor Bahru is Malaysia’s second largest city with over 2.7 million residents. It’s right across Singapore and rich with natural resources. Mega projects like the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail, and the Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System Link are expected to lead to more property appreciation in Johor Bahru.
For those seeking an exclusive enclave in the Johor Bahru suburb, Tropicana Danga Cove offers is the epitome of upscale modern living, where everything you need is never too far. The development will feature a riverfront leisure zone which will house an amphitheater, mangrove reserve, and a park community zone with a terraced rain garden and central park. Prices start at RM 586,000.
(Image via https://www.archify.com/my/project/tropicana-danga-cove)
7. Quayside JBCC
More than just a typical getaway for Singaporeans and Malaysians alike, Johor Bahru is also home to luxury and premium brands including Porsche, Harley-Davidson, Hersheys, Hard Rock Hotel and Café and the Westin Desaru Coast Resort.
For those looking for a regular weekend getaway from Singapore, Quayside JBCC is your best bet as it’s only 1km away from the CIQ checkpoint. It is located in the Johor Bahru Central Business District and will be in the vicinity of the upcoming Ibrahim Iskandar Business District.
Nearby as well is the famous Tan Hiok Nee Street, a must visit heritage street for tourists and locals alike. This property also offers a good opportunity for a stable rental income from business and leisure travelers to Johor Bahru. Prices start at RM 630,000.
(Image via https://www.yournewasiahome.com/quayside-jbcc/)
8. Pavillion Damansara Heights
Known as the ‘Beverly Hills of Malaysia,’ Damansara Heights is an upscale neighborhood located between Desa Sri Hartamas and Bukit Tunku. Set atop hills, the area offers quite surroundings but still easily accesibility to KL city center as it’s only 15 minutes away. Various multinational corporations, government departments, the National Science Centre and the National Palace are also in the area.
This mega development is in the affluent area of Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur. A comprehensive project, it boasts of luxury residences, a luxury retail mall and a hotel component. For families looking to have it all, KLCC is nearby and is strategically located between Pavillion Damansara Heights MRT station and Manulife-Semantan MRT station.
Nearby schools include Garden International School, Alice Smith International School and HELP University. Other malls within the vicinity include Hartamas Shopping Centre, and 1 Mont Kiara. Prices start at RM 928,000.
(Image via https://1pavilion.com/index.php/en/pavilion-damansara-heights/)
9. Sky Trees Bukit Indah
Bukit Indah is a well-established town in Iskandar Puteri in Johor. It’s main selling point has been accessibility, with one needing only 20 minutes to reach Singapore via the Second Link Crossing and Johor Bahru Town only 15km away. Major retail giants like Tesco, AEON Jusco and Giant are near the township as well.
Located at the heart of Bukit Indah, under Iskandar Flagship Zone B, Sky Trees is perfect for those looking for luxurious living. The ground levels offer lifestyle retail stores and an alfresco courtyard. It’s perfect for young families as it offers a children’s pool and playground. Other amenities include a mini theater room, karaoke room and BBQ pit. Prices start at RM 373,000.
(Image via https://www.spsetia.com/en-us/property/alaysia-(southern)/johor/bukit-indah/collections/sky-trees)
10. Tropicana Grandhill
Highlands borders the states of Selangor and Pahang and is located within the area called Banjaran Titiwangsa which is also referred to as the ‘spine’ of Malaysia. Developments started in 1965 and it is the established City of Entertainment with its bustling hotels and theme parks.
Many Malaysians are looking for a holiday home to get away from the hustle and bustle in Kuala Lumpur. Located near the misty Genting Highlands and just 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur city center, Tropicana Grandhill gives you the opportunity to experience holistic living in beautiful, serviced suites.
Families will enjoy major convenience as the property is right smack in the middle of the major states of Selangor and Pahang. Residents enjoy various gardens, pools, a yoga studio and a wellness/reflexology path while children can enjoy the playground and the games room. Prices start at RM 397,000.
(Image via https://www.mysgprop.com/twinpines-tropicana-grandhill/)
Turn your dreams into reality
Regardless of your investment objectives or desired lifestyle, you will find that there are numerous excellent buying opportunities within the Malaysian property market right now, if you know where to look.
While current inflation and rising interest rates make it prohibitive for property purchasers within the Malaysian domestic market, Malaysians in Singapore with stronger buying power can leverage on this shift to property rental demand and potentially generate steady positive cash flow.
As Malaysia’s employment rate stabilises and the tourism industry is expected to grow due to the reopening of international borders, this is also projected to further contribute to increased foreign rental demand.
With the Malaysian Ringgit expected to continue appreciating against the world’s current largest reserve currency, the US dollar, investments in Malaysian property now are also expected to yield strong currency and capital appreciation.
