Malaysia real estate market outlook for 2017

> CBRE / WTW report on 2016 overview and 2017 forecasts

the challenging global economic and financial landscape. Domestic demand is said to be the key driver of growth, sustained primarily by economic activity from the private sector. Due to the well diversified nature of our country’s exports, positive growth is projected into the year. However, inflation is expected to remain flat although pressured by increase of several priceadministered items and the weak ringgit exchange rate.

The impact of these cost factors on inflation is expected to be mitigated by continued low global energy prices, generally subdued global inflation and more moderate domestic demand. Supportive fiscal and monetary policies are also expected to help steady the ship for economic growth. GST will strengthen the government’s revenue source to accommodate its fiscal measures.

With the overall weakening ringgit, low crude oil prices coupled with worldwide geo-political issues will continue to plague the economy in 2017. No doubt, the year will be a challenging one, but Malaysia’s economy is anticipated to remain stable with GDP growth estimated at 4.2%.

REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK IN MALAYSIA

As uncertainties and concerns over the large market supply remains unabated, loan growth is expected to slow further as the weak credit cycle continues.

Apart from the stringent loan requirements from financial institutions that are said to have caused the drop in the number of property transactions, the increasing cost of living and economic uncertainties have led to an upswing in worries about job security, resulting in more cautious consumer spending. These and more will have led the market to consist of more genuine purchasers with speculative sentiments not as strong as during the boom period.

As such, supply has remained resilient with greater activity in larger cities. The proposal to boost public servants’ housing loan eligibility proposed by the government, may stimulate some residential sales, apart from other plans to increase the number of units of low and medium cost,