Malaysia

Condominium prices in Kuala Lumpur are reasonable at between US$1,500 to US$3,000 per square metre (sq. m.)

The extraordinary stability of residential property prices in Malaysia – rising in some years by 2% or 3%, falling in other years by a few per cent – means that the observer is never shocked by a sudden boom or price-collapse. In inflation-adjusted terms, prices have been almost completely stable for the past 15 years.

Given that Malaysia is a large place and relatively thinly populated, there are obvious limits to capital appreciation prospects (arguably, except in ‘dormitory town’ areas for neighbouring Singapore).

Therefore, the prime attraction of property ownership in Kuala Lumpur is income. Gross rental yields have fallen somewhat over the past year. Rents have not kept pace as nominal prices have risen. Yet the decline has been gentle, almost invisible. The 120 sq. m. condominium category remains the best-paying investment, with gross returns of 7%, but last year, our researchers found that rental yields averaged over 8% for this size.

Gross rental yields on condominiums generally range from 5% to 7%. Bungalows have lower yields, typically just over 4%.

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