I&T Penang Properties Blogs

One of the measures to curb real estate speculative activities in the property sector as announced by the Malaysian Government in its budget 2012 on 7^th October 2011 is the revision of RPGT rate. For properties held and disposed within 2 years, the RPGT rate is 10%. For properties held and disposed within a period exceeding 2 years and up to 5 years, the rate is 5%. Properties held and disposed after 5 years are not subject to RPGT. (refer picture below)

(source picture : btimes )

RPGT has been introduced in Malaysia at multi-tier rates since year 1995 up to 2007. It was suspended from 1st April 2007 to 31st December 2009 in a move to shore up the sluggish Malaysia property sector affected by the world financial crisis.  In January 1, 2010, RPGT was reinstated at a single rate of 5% for all taxable gains (for all disposal within five years). 

Effective  January 1, 2012, property owners and investors who dispose off their property in Malaysia within five years will be subject to the revised RPGT rate on taxable capital gains for sale and purchase agreements signed on or after that date. For disposal of property whereby state consent is required, the date of disposal shall be the date when such conditions have been complied with but not the date of SPA. However, genuine property owner who disposes their property can apply for exemption of RPGT under the following circumstances ie. a) one-in-a-lifetime exemption for malaysian individuals, b) disposal by way of gift ie between parent and child, husband and wife etc.     

Briefly, the computation of RPGT in Malaysia is as follows:-

A)     Disposal  Price ( LESS allowable expenditure ie. upgrading and improvement costs to maintain or enhance the value of the property  and incidental expenditure such as legal fees and stamp duty, agent fees, administration charges etc)   

B)      Acquisition Price ( ADD incidental costs legal fees, agent fees, administration charges etc)

Taxable capital gains = A-B less RM10,000.00 exemption or 10% of the net gains, whichever is higher for an individual. 

 If there is capital gains arising from the disposal of a property after deducting allowance for capital gains exemption up to RM10,000.00 or 10% of the net gains, whichever is higher for an individual, the RPGT rate  shall be 10% on taxable capital gains for disposal within two years and 5% on taxable capital gains for disposal exceeding second years but within fifth years.

In standard practice, A 2% retention sum of the disposal price will be retained by acquirer’s solicitor for RPGT purpose and filing of notification of disposal to Board of Inland Revenue of Malaysia  is required within 60 days. Picture below shows a sample format of the RPGT also known as CKHT form issued by Board of Inland Revenue of Malaysia for your easy reference.

The revision of RPGT rate under the Budget  2012 is considered moderate and  expected to have gradual impact on the property market in key urban areas in KL/Klang Valley, Penang Island and JB where bulk of the property investments and market activities are actively taking place. More  here .

The residential subsector for the state of Penang in the second half of 2010 remains vibrant and continue to be the dominant sector in terms of number of transactions of the Penang Property Market. It is inevitable that home prices are on the rising trend in recent quarters brought about by improving economic conditions nationwide and continued bullish outlook of the Malaysian economic performance. It is also a widely known fact that landed house prices such as single and double storey terraced houses, in particular, Penang Island are amongst the highest in the country which have gone beyond the affordable levels of the medium income groups and new home seekers.

However, first time home buyers can still look for affordable Penang Apartments in the secondary market of Penang Island as there are many choices of medium range apartments priced from RM130,000 to RM220,000 per unit.

Incentive for first time home buyers under Budget 2011

Following the recent budget announcement on 15th October 2010, the government will introduce the “Skim Rumah Pertamaku” or “My First Home Scheme” through Cagamas Berhad to assist the newly-employed younger group earning less than RM3,000 per month to buy a house costing less than RM220,000.00.

First time home buyers will be eligible for 100% FINANCING. First-time house buyers will also be given stamp duty exemption of 50 per cent on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000 as well as stamp duty waiver of up to 50 per cent on loan agreement instruments to finance such first-time purchase of houses. With the exemption in stamp duty, first time home buyers stand to SAVE UP TO RM2,250.00.

Read more :-Full loan for first-time house buyers and Pinjaman rumah 100 % untuk golongan muda.

Perks for first-time house buyers

a)Savings on 50% waiver of stamp duty on transfer instrument:-
House Price say RM220,000.00
1% on first RM100,000.00 – RM1,000.00
2% on balance RM120,000.00 – RM2,400.00
Total RM3,400.00
50% waiver RM 1,700.00

b)Savings on 50% waiver of stamp duty on loan instrument :-
0.5% on full loan say RM220,000.00- RM1,100.00
50% waiver RM 550.00

First time purchaser needs to pay RM2,250.00 only instead of RM4,500.00. Hence, effective savings is RM1,700.00 + RM550.00 = RM2,250.00.

Where to find Penang Apartments ?
Below is our compilation of apartment schemes in selected areas of Penang Island which are within the affordable pricing bracket for first time home seekers where we can help you to locate and own a Penang Apartment at affordable repayments from as low as RM500.00- RM1,000.00 a month. Our company, Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn Bhd is ever ready to assist you to own a Penang Apartment in a hassle-free (no headache to find where to buy), easy and convenience way.

Penang Island Apartment Information
Tanjung Tokong/Tanjung Bungah/Batu Feringgi – Aquarius , Azuria, Bayu Emas, Delima Condo, Ferringhi Delima, Ferringhi Mutiara, Permai Ria, Taman Krsytal, Taman Tegoh
Jelutong – Simphony Park, Mutiara Heights, Mutiara Idaman, Serina Bay, Desa Selatan, Menara Riverview, Taman Jelutong, Taman Cemerlang
Bukit Dumbar – Sinar Bukit Dumbar
Bandar Baru Air Itam – Seri Semarak, Desa Intan, Desa Baiduri, Fortune Court, Sri Impian, Sri Ivory, Sri Krystal, Tanjung Court, Asia Height, BL Garden, Treasure Ville
Padang Tembak - Boundary Court
Paya Terubong – Desa Permata, GL Garden
Perak Road – Casa Impian, Tmn Sri Perak, Tmn Kheng Tian, Kota Emas, Suteramas, Seruan Emas
Gelugor/Bukit Gambier – U Garden, Jade View, Gambier Heights, N-Park, Taman Batu Uban, Villa Sri Kenaga
Bukit Jambul – Taman Bukit Jambul, BJ Court, Desa Daya, Jambul View, Sri Nibong Apt
Batu Lancang/Greenlane – Mewah Court, Desa Green, Kota Emas, Desa Penaga, Eastern Court, Greenlane Heights, Medan Penaga, Taman Sri Damai
Georgetown –Taman Pelangi, Macallum St Ghaut flat, Sri Kota, Medan Samak, Desa Singora
Relau/Sungai Ara – Marina Tower, Taman Desa Relau, Acres Villa, Ara Mas, Desa Alor Vista, Desa Bayan, Relau Vista, Sri Abadi, Sunshine Garden, Villa Kejora, Vista Condo
Sungai Dua- Taman Pekaka, Taman Jubilee, Nipah Emas, Taman Lip Sin
Sungai Nibong/ Bayan Baru – Century Park, Desa Bistari, Gedung Hts, Halaman Cendana, Mahsuri Apartments, Nibong Indah, Taman Jubilee
Bayan Lepas – Saujana Damai, Bayan Permai

Mainland Penang- Seberang Perai Apartment Information
Butterworth – Park View, SeaView (studio unit), Pangsapuri Cantik, Pangsapuri Ria, Vista Perdana, Pantai Apartments, Pangsapuri Sena
Bagan Lallang/ Raja Uda area- Seri Cemerlang, Taman Mesra Indah, Taman Pandan, Pangsapuri Mawar, Pangsapuri Seri Mekar
Bukit Mertajam- Kondo Mutiara, Pangsapuri Seri Pelangi
Prai–Pangsapuri Aman(Prima Prai), Pangsapuri Pesona

Contact us now at +604-6588333 or SMS to 0124072329 to find out how we can assist you to own an affordable Penang Apartment for less than RM1,000.00 a month.

Acres Villa in Sungai Ara, Penang

Asia Height Apartments in Air Item

N-Park in Batu Uban

Jade View Apartments in Gelugor

Park View Tower @Harbour Place in Butterworth

Cassia Resort Condo@ Raja Uda, Butterworth

1. More new property launches - More housing projects are being slated for launching in the second half of this year by established developers in Penang as there is growing optimism amongst housing developers and market players on the recovery of domestic economic and improving market outlook on the property sector. Read more at Penang gears up for more property launches.

2. Property transactions on the rise -According to NAPIC’s press release, there is an increase of 16% in terms of number of property transaction in 1^st Quarter 2010 compared to the corresponding quarter in year 2009 whilst the total transaction values surged significantly, almost 49% from RM16.92bil to RM25.5bil. It is projected that the rise on the property transactions and total values are likely to continue for the forthcoming quarters. The overall property market performance this year is expected to be much better than year 2009 which have been marred by the world financial crisis.

3. Rebound in market demand -The rebound in market demand experienced by the Penang Property sector in the first half of this year is mainly attributable to the pent-up demand after a period of subdue market activities brought about by the impact of the world financial crisis.

Recent reports of higher take up and improving sales performances experienced by Penang’s established housing developers indicates that the market demand has indeed picked up and the demand trend is likely to remain firm in the short term as property investors are flocking back into the property market in anticipation of buoyant economic outlook as well as further price increase following the recent government’s move to implement gradual removal of subsidy on energy and raw materials.

Another factor that could fuel the buoyancy of the property market is the recent strong performance of the Bursa Malaysia KL Composite Index which have recovered over 1,400 points. The stock market has made substantial gains this year and this could boost the property sector.

A local research fund house predicted that Malaysia’s property sector is set to see its biggest residential boom in a decade. The property sector was already entering the early stage of a property “super cycle”. More at OSK bets on Malaysian Property boom.

The Economic Clock - Malaysia’s property sector is currently at the stage of 9 - 12

4. Rising home prices - There is a growing concern that home prices are getting costlier due to the cost push factor as most of the newly launched projects appeared to be in the category of upmarket segment offering luxury housing units.

Penang Island is facing very limited land bank for housing development particularly medium cost housing units and landed homes. With limited supply in land bank, land costs on the Penang Island keep rising and inevitably push up home prices to unprecedented range that go beyond the affordable levels of the majority of the island’s population. A Penang politician MP has recently voiced his concern on rising home prices and has urged the housing ministry to relook into the present housing policy. In the meantime, more parties are urging the state government to review and address the housing issues in Penang which may have an impact on brain drain of Penang employment. The rising prices of homes, if left unchecked, may result in gentrification. Urban gentrification is a phenomenon on socio-cultural changes in an area resulting from wealthier people buying up the housing units in a less prosperous community area.

Despite the onslaught of the global financial downturn, the Penang property sector in general has been resilient and relatively stable with no drastic movement in housing prices. The local housing developers have been better prepared this round to ride through the downturn with the exception of handful housing developers which are forced to slow down their construction activities or delay their project launchings during the height of the crisis. Though there are signs of market softening in 2H 2008 and 1H 2009, market sentiment for Penang property sector in the 2H 2009 has improved remarkably with more buyers/investors flocking back into the market whilst housing developers are beginning to make a come back and roll out more new planned projects in anticipation of improving economy outlook. Transaction activities in both primary as well secondary market are poised to pick up again buoyed by the continued support and lending by Malaysia’s banks with attractive financing packages at low interest rates of 3-4%.

Unlike the previous 1997/98 Asian Financial crisis, the Penang property sector at that time was badly hit due to the credit crunch of the Malaysia banking system and the sudden surge in lending rates to as high as 13%.  As a result, many housing projects were stalled and abandoned, with many developers were either facing cash flow and debt servicing problems and eventually collapsed and wiped off from the marketplace such as Adorna, Penas and Cayman etc. The aftermath of the crisis has crippled the Malaysia housing and construction sector with major property sectors suffered sharp price declines as much as 30-40% from their peak levels whilst the banking system saddled with huge bad loans and high NPLs.

Some notable projects in Penang/Kedah region which have been badly affected since the times of 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis are mostly retail/commercial and several mega projects, some of which are still in abandoned stage and awaiting revival or resuscitation:-

Penang Island

Bayan Central – An uncompleted commercial complex located at Bayan Bayu which commenced construction in 1997 and subsequently stalled.

Bayan Bay Marina and Leisure Resort by Eternal Resources (joint venture between Anson Perdana and PDC) which was originally scheduled for completed by year 2000 but stalled for several years. This multi-million Bayan Mall (now Queensbay Mall) was successfully revived by CP Group and commenced business in 2005.

Mainland Penang (Seberang Perai)

Plaza utama- A commercial complex comprising 6 storey shopping mall, 213 room-hotel and one office block at Bukit Mertajam town. Plaza Utama development commenced in Nov 1995 and completed in 1997. The commercial complex was opened for business after completion but ceased business after a short stint.

View of Plaza Utama in Bukit Mertajam

City Parade at Jalan Megat Harun, Bukit Mertajam – Another completed commercial building which is similarly affected like Plaza Utama and ceased operation after opened for business for a short period.

Both buildings have long been put up for sale by former Danaharta now Prokhas and still looking for potential “white knight” to revive it.

Fasda Heights (Taman Bidara)- a mixed housing project in Macang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam with about 1,000 units which was not fully completed and handover to the purchasers.

Taman Perindustrian Macang Indah- an abandoned SMI industrial park at Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam.

Leisure Tower- A 11-storey integrated commercial complex at Jalan Kampung Gajah, Butterworth by HCC Group originally schedule for completion end of 1999 but only partially completed and abandoned.

Kristal Golf Resort (Suasa Kristal) - a golf resort located at Sungai Bakap, Southern Seberang Perai, ceased operation several years ago and taken over by Danaharta. The site was reportly sold to a private housing developer.

Others approved commercial complexes which have been launched but failed to take off and subsequently shelved are “Plaza Everise” – a planned 2.3 acre commercial complex at Sungai Rambai Commercial Centre and  “Aseania Mall” at Bandar Perda. Both are located within bukit mertajam area. “Plaza Cayman”, another planned commercial project located adjacent to old MPSP building at the heart of Butterworth town.

Kedah

Padang Meha Parklands by MBF Country Homes and Resort (Alamanda) near Kulim– a proposed RM3 billion housing/resort development near Kulim covering 5,200 hectares launched prior to 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis which has since abandoned. Latest report disclosed that the developer has been liquidated in year 2005. More related info here: Developer liquidated, 300 land buyers in the lurch. Others include the 160 hectare  residential resort scheme (Diamond Santuary) in Mukim Padang Meha near Kulim Hi Tech Park and the proposed RM1 billion Diamond Creeks Retreats with 800 hectares of land in Ulu Behrang, Perak near the proposed Proton City.

In a nutshell, the magnitude and severity brought about by the impact of the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis on the Penang property sector is comparatively shorter and much lesser compared to 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis. A healthier and resilient Malaysian banking system, on-going implementation of Malaysia economic stimulus package, Malaysia’s central bank prudent interest rate policy, relaxation of EPF housing withdrawals and other economic liberalization measures, have helped to cushion the impact of the recent economic downturn on the property sector. Malaysia economy is on track for a full recovery next year.

Khazanah Nasional Berhad organized its 6th Khazanah Penang Lecture entitled “The Global Economic Crisis: Implications for Malaysia” at Wawasan Open University last week. More than 300 guests of mostly businessmen attended the talk by Penang-born Professor KS Jomo, a prominent Malaysian economist who is currently serving as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) whilst Mr Andrew Sheng,  another prominent Malaysian economist/chartered accountant chaired the panel discussion after the talk. Many were there at Wawasan Open University to seek their latest views and insights into this complex financial meltdown from global and Asia prospectives ! Related article : Global Financial Crisis and Malaysia Property Outlook.

Wawasan Open University along Jalan Sultan Ahmah Shah
(Northam Road), Penang

Here is Mr Andrew Sheng’s An Asian View Of The Global Financial Crisis. Though economists are of the views that the worst is over and confident level on the global economy outlook is improving, the lingering concerns remain whether the world economy recovery is V-shaped or W-shaped recovery? Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman’s view ; World may witness W-shaped recovery whilst a local Fund Manager has a bullish view; V-shaped recovery has begun.

Malaysian Economy - at which stage of economic clock; 7 or 8 or 9 O’clock ?

Many house owners have the tendency to renovate their new homes exceeding their original budget. It is common to see that house purchasers of newly completed schemes in Penang are “competing” each others in home renovations. Some common renovations visible in Penang’s new residential areas are demolition of front car porch and replaced with a bigger car porch to accommodate two or more cars, hacking down the entire front terrace and facade (without balcony) and replaced with a much bigger car porch incorporating a balcony, extending the rear portion of the house to accommodate a larger kitchen etc.

We have seen house owners carried out major renovations to their houses to the extent that the renovation costs exceeding the purchase price of the house.

Renovations do not always translate to an increase in the value of your home. However, if you’re planning to sell sometime in the future and want to ensure you get the most ROI (Rate of Return), it is important to assess the value renovation. Below are several ways to optimise the cost-value ratio and achieve maximum ROI for your renovations;

a) Avoid renovations with too much customization of personal liking and taste.

If the major renovations and home improvements are customized design to suit to personal liking and lifestyle which is not commonly acceptable in the marketplace sometime in the future, you may not get much of a return when you sell as potential buyers may find these renovations are not value-added renovations but rather owner’s own personal indulgence and lifestyle. Potential buyers may also view it as a liability because he may have to spend more money to change or renovate again.

When choosing tiles, countertops, paint, cabinet doors, kitchen appliances and awnings, go with colors that will stand the test of time even as fashions come and go. Conventional or classic home designs are still the ideal for home renovations because such designs never go out of style and will always attract buyers when you are ready to sell your home.

b) Retain the essence of the original design ambience

Avoid excessive renovations such as changing the structure of house from the original two storey house to become a three storey house or demolition of a front porch and facade and replaced with a totally new design super large car porch with a balcony. Such major renovations could have materially changed the external facade of the house and may render the house no longer blend in with the design ambience of the neighbourhood and this may affect the saleability of the house.

c) Summit proper building plan for new extensions

Check with the building department of the local council MPPP or MPSP and obtain a copy of building  approval guidelines. Engage a licensed draftsman or architect to ensure that the extensions are in compliance with the building guidelines by the local authorities.

A property valuer, when assessing the market value of a house, will give due consideration and only accord full value computation for properly constructed extensions with valid approvals.

d) Value-neutral or value-added renovations

Ascertain whether the renovations to be carried are value-neutral or value-added renovations. Upgrading cement floor with homogenous floor tiles, modernizing a kitchen or upgrading the kitchen into wet and dry cooking area, improving home security system are regarded as value-added renovations whilst demolition of front terrace and house facade and rebuilt it with a large balcony, adding a swimming pool or building a sauna or long bath,  reducing the number of bedrooms to less than three are considered value-neutral renovations.

List down your options before embarking on home renovations. For house buyer who prefers house design with large car porch and balcony, it is wise to compare and weight the option which is more worthwhile and cost effective ? to buy a landed house without a balcony and later renovate it or to look for house design that comes with large car porch and balcony ?.

House Design : 2-storey terraced houses without balcony

Another House Design : 2-storey terraced houses with large car porch and balcony

For more tips on home renovations, go to Renovation quotation.

Very often when house owner decides to sell off his house, they tend to overprice their properties as they calculate their asking price by factor in all the costs incurred during and after acquisition of the house ie. purchase price plus all incidental costs such as payment of legal fees and stamping charges plus  renovations costs, bank interest charges incurred plus exit fees or penalty charges for termination of loan agreement within the lock-in period (if any).

The true fact is that total cost spent on the particular house is NOT necessarily equate to the market price of the house. In an active and uptrend market, house prices tend to go up higher than the total acquisition costs. Conversely, in a weak or depressed market, house prices may go down and fall below the total acquisition costs of the house. The market price of the house is very much influenced by the prevailing economy conditions and market sentiments and more specifically relates to the demand and supply of similar houses in the local area.

For advisory on property investments in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

As competition is heating up amongst the commercial banks for banking on home loans, more new home loan promotions and competitive refinancing packages are available in the market to entice homeowners to refinance their existing loans. Following the latest cut of interest rates by Malaysia’s central bank, most commercial banks have already revised their base lending rates (BLR) from 6.75% to 5.75-6.0%. Update : The Malaysia’s central bank has cut interest rate again on 24th Feb 2009, BLRs of commercial banks have further revised lower to 5.55% - 5.60%. With interest rates trending lower, it is a good time to review, restructure and refinance your existing loans. There are several good reasons that home owners would benefit from switching their loans to a new loan with lower interest rates;

1. Lower your monthly installment payment
2. Debt Consolidation
3. Using the Existing Equity in the Home
4. Shorten the term of your home loan
5. Combine a first and second mortgage
6. Reduce the interest you pay over the life of the loan
7. Switch from conventional housing loan with variable rate to a fixed rate loan or Islamic loan (or vice versa)
8. Eliminate MRTA mortgage insurance

Before opting to refinance, it is important for home owners and property investors to consider the savings or benefits of refinancing vis-a –vis the costs of refinancing. Do your own break-even analysis between long term savings and refinancing costs to determine whether the savings really outweigh the costs of  refinancing or otherwise. More at Making sense of mortgage refinancing and Should I refinance now ?.

However, there are circumstances whereby refinancing might not give you the maximum savings such as when you have short remaining years to retire your loan etc Refer why say no to refinancing.

For Malaysia home owner as well as property investors who are uncertain of holding the property for long term or you have plans to sell off the property in the near term, not all refinancing packages will provide you the best refinancing benefits. Refinancing packages with features of “Zero-Entry Cost” or “Zero-Moving Cost” may not necessarily the best option, depending on your financial needs. Under such packages, although you are not required to pay any processing fee, legal fees, stamp duty, valuation fees upfront, the loans are subject to higher interest rates and imposition of exit fees or early redemption penalty up to 5% of the loan amount (vary from bank to bank) in the event that you choose to redeem your loan within the lock-in period of 5 years. Example if a house owner has to redeem his loan of RM200,000.00 within the lock-in period, he has to pay 5% of exit fees ie RM10,000.00!!!

We have come across property sellers who were stuck with loans with lock-in period and only realised that if they decide to take up a good deal offered by interested buyer, they have to pay the exit fees for redeeming the loan prematurely. On the other hand, if they choose to wait until the expiry of lock-in years ie after 5 years to avoid payment of exit fees, they might lose the opportunity of capitalising gains or losing the sale due to changing market conditions. For investment properties, the better alternative is to look for refinancing packages with no exit fees or shorter lock-in period which give you more flexibility in terms of selling / renting,  though initially you may have to pay slightly higher interest rates and documentation costs, it is still better than paying exit fees which could end up diluting your capital gains.

Below is a simple checklist to guide you on home loan refinancing :-

1 Get information on the current mortgage

For the current mortgage, you should be able to get the following information from the bank:

- the outstanding balance or ringgit amount left on the mortgage;

- the remaining number of years on the mortgage; and

- the interest rate on the loan.

2 Get information on the new loan

For the new loan, you should get information on the following:

- the terms or the number of years of the new loan; and

- the interest rate on the new loan.( the latest interest rate can be as low as BLR - 2.4% )

3 Get the costs of refinancing

The costs you are likely to encounter when refinancing include:

- processing fee or application fee;

- credit check fee;

- legal fees;

- stamp duty;

- disbursements fee;

- valuation fees; and

- redemption fees (if applicable)

4. Shop for best refinancing loan packages that suit you.

- Find out the latest home loan promotions by various lenders in Malaysia :-

-Malaysia Home Loans - What’s New (January 2009)

-Conventional home loan packages

-Islamic Home Financing Packages

-other home loan packages offered by non-bank lenders; AIA, ING

For advisory on property investments in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

New housing scheme by SP Setia in Penang Island

New housing area in Prai

1.Fewer new project launchings - Unlike first quarter last year whereby a slew of new housing projects were launched feverishly, this quarter will likely see a subdue market with fewer housing project launchings judging from the promotional activities and advertisements in the local dailies during the period of year-end holiday seasons and new year festivities. Recent housing advertisements and promotional activities are mostly geared towards “stock clearance sales”, indicating that developers/contractors are attempting to reduce their overhang units or clear their inventory.

2.Softening property prices - Whilst some of the housing developers are still holding on to their selling prices, few have started reverting to their old selling prices after price increment ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000 per unit 5-6 months ago due to escalating costs of fuel and building materials.

Previously, it is common to see developers offering “free legal fees for SPA” only. Now, developers are more “generous” in dishing out perks which include free legal fees for all documentations and absorb all stamping duties on transfer and loan and progressive interest payments during construction period and freebies like LCD TV, air-conditioners, home alarm system, no maintenance charges for first two years etc. Under such packages, If one is to purchase a house costing RM500,000.00 with 95% loan (RM475,000.00), the estimated “savings” can total up to RM35,000.00 - RM45,000.00 per unit or approximately 3-4% of the sales price. The primary market of  Penang Property Sector is likely to see more such offerings and new pro-consumer financial packages such as 5/95 Home Loan Package.

3.Higher overhang units were reported in 3Q08 in the latest NAPIC’s report of which 86% of the overhang units is from Seberang Perai (mainland Penang), which still has abundant of usable lands and is facing stiffer competitions as compared to Penang Island.

In a softening demand environment, developers are shifting strategies to shore up sales and focus more on cash flow management to sustain their projects rather than holding on to their overhang units whilst some may review their project plans to either cater for niche product segment or more affordable products range.  A clearer picture on the take-up rates of the ongoing housing projects which indicating the demand trend will emerge over the next few months when NAPIC releases its 4Q08 and 1Q09 reports.

4. Slower construction activities-Construction activities of some ongoing housing projects have also noticeably slowing down or scaled down in recent months. Several property developers in Penang have already announced plans to defer their projects in the state;here and here.

5. Lower housing supply -Given the global economic downturn and weak domestic market outlook,  the number of new housing supply coming on stream this year may be lower compared to previous good years. It is a challenging times for housing developers to launch new planned projects.

According to Malaysia’s NAPIC Report - Residential Property Stock Report 3Q08(Page 31-33), the Penang State housing stock totals 322,426 units including 1,687 newly completed units in 3Q08. The incoming supply (under construction and works started) is estimated at 51,612 units whilst another 34,648 units planned supply units from housing projects which have been approved as well as those submitted but pending approvals.

On the national front, Malaysia’s housing ministry has projected a lower number of supply of newly completed houses at 80,000 units for year 2009 as compared to annual average of 100,000 units. More at Ministry hopes for 80,000 homes in 2009.

As the property market in Malaysia is taking a breather, the current property downturn has opened up good opportunities for property investors with a long term prospective as Malaysia properties are still comparatively attractive as compared to other regions. For advisory on property investments in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

New housing schemes in Bayan Lepas near Penang International Airport

View of  the newly completed housing scheme in Butterworth town.

Global Financial Crisis

The subprime troubles and the ensuing financial crisis in the US has been called the global financial storm. The crisis, which former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan described as “once in a century credit tsunami” whilst the 2008 Noble Prize Winner U.S. economist Paul Krugman said the crisis bears some resemblance to the Great Depression of the 1920’s.

The IMF has warned of a sharp slowdown in the world economy next year and forecasts that financial sector losses could total US$1.4 trillion(US$1,400,000,000,000.00) whilst as much as twenty million jobs will disappear by the end of next year as a result of the impact of the financial crisis on the global economy, according to UN’s report. The global economic downturn is expected to last two years before it slowly recovers from 2010 onwards as world economy recovery takes time. For visual illustration to the financial crisis, click here.

Malaysia Response

For Malaysia, like other countries in the world, has already felt the impact of the global financial meltdown as Malaysia’s key sectors show signs of slowdown. The Malaysian economy has been resilient in the first-half of 2008, but is increasingly being affected by the global downturn.

According to MIER, Malaysia’s economy may grow at the slowest pace in eight years in 2009 given the dismal outlook for the global economy stemming from the financial turmoil.

In response to the crisis, the Malaysia Government has already announced several measures of economic stabilisation plan ie. a)Bank deposits are guaranteed by the central bank of Malaysia until the end of 2010 and b) Inject RM5 billion into a special- purpose fund Valuecap to support the stock market etc.

To further cushion the effects of the world economy slowdown, Malaysia’s Prime Minister-in-waiting and Finance Minister Najib Tun Razak has announced the RM7 billion Economic Stimulus Package during his Budget 2009 winding-up speech in Parliament on 4th November 2008, details of the stimulus package are here and here.

Impacts on Malaysia Property Sector

Just about 6 months ago, Malaysia’s NAPIC has projected a bullish property outlook for this year. But the property landscape and market sentiments have changed in recent weeks. Recent statements by REHDA’s President as well as commentary of several property industry experts indicating that Malaysia property sectors are showing signs of softening. The weakening of market conditions has also affected the listing of two largest REITs on Bursa Malaysia.

However, the Malaysia property sector is unlikely to face similar degree of market downturn as experienced by Singapore Property Sector. Malaysian property market still remains attractive to foreign investors. Comparatively, properties in Malaysia are still among the cheapest in the region and property investment remains a solid hedge against inflation in the long term.

For property owners and investors seeking for latest update and outlook on Malaysian economy as well as the Malaysia Property Market amidst the global economy slowdown, here are the several upcoming events and seminars by Malaysia institutions of ASLI, MIER and PEPS:-

National Property Housing Summit 2008 by ASLI;
Date : 13 – 14 November 2008
Venue : Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Petaling Jaya

National Economic Outlook Conference 2009-2010 by MIER;
Date: 2 - 3 December 2008
Venue : Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Property Market Outlook 2009 by PEPS;
Date : 20th January 2009
Venue : Sime Darby Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Update (1/1/2009) : Latest statement by PEPS’s President James Wong on Malaysia Property Market Outlook 2009, here and here.

In my many years of practice, I have come across land owners who are unsure about the exact land areas and even boundaries of the lands they own whilst some are confused with the land area conversion units from acre to hectare or relong to hectare and vice versa as different states have different adoption of land area measurement system.

www.intproperties.com blogs into this subject of land area conversion units with an aim to give you a better understanding and guides on the current land area conversion units commonly used in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia ie Penang, Kedah and Perlis as well as the neighbouring country of Thailand.

Hectare, Acre, Relong or Rai

Although Malaysia has officially adopted a metric system since 1982, the British’s imperial units and local units are also very much in use. The computerisation of land titles registration in land offices in Malaysia over the last two decades and the implementation of E Tanah system have replaced much of the old titles and have used International System (SI) unit of hectare in land registrations.

The old unit of acre, which is non-SI, is still widely use in Penang State whilst relong is the local unit commonly used by the people in the Kedah and Perlis States. A browse on the land for sale listing posted on Malaysia’s popular portal of mudah.com shows that relong is still widely use in Kedah. 

In Kedah and Perlis, the early system of land tenure was influenced more by the ancient Thai Law of Property than by the Malay Customary Law. From an early date, ‘surat putus’ (or document of title) was issued by Sultans. Originally, these ‘surat putus’ was a written decision of ‘hakim’ or judge of the state following an ownership dispute, countersigned by the Sultan. The documents recorded the evidence submitted and the decision made together with the dimensions and area of the land concerned and a rough description of its locality and abuttals. The earliest survey of property lots started by 1912 in Kedah.

Whilst in Penang, the land registration inherited the British land tenure system. The English Law of Real Property and Conveyancing continued to be used until they were repealed and substituted with a system of Registration of Titles under the present National Land Code (Penang and Malacca Titles) Act, 1963. More at related article of history of land system.

Across the border to southern Thailand, the common land measurement is Rai. A Rai (Thai ไร่) is a unit of area, equal to 1,600 square metres (40 m × 40 m), used for measuring land area. Its current size is precisely derived from the metre, but is neither part of nor recognized by the modern metric system, the International System (SI). 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai, 1 hectare = 6.25 Rai. Guide on land measurement conversion in Thailand.

In UK, although the non-SI unit of acre is still in use, it will no longer be allowed when land is being registered come January 2010 in compliance with EU Metric Directive-European Union abolishes the British acre.

For advisory on land investments in Malaysia and Penang Properties, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd. or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

HOW TO CALCULATE LAND MEASUREMENT

SI units (Metric )
1 hectare = 10,000 sq meters

Non SI units
1 acre = 43,560 square foot
1 hectare = 2.471 acres

1 relong = 30,976 square feet
1 relong = 484 jempa
1 jempa = 64 sq ft
1 hectare = 3.4748 relong
1 acre = 4 rood
1 rood = 40 pole
1 rood = 10,890 sq. feet
1 pole = 272.25 sq. feet
1 sq meter = 10.76381 sq feet

Example 1
Land Area 5a 2r 20p = 5 + 0.5 + 0.125 = 5.625 acres x 43,560 square feet
= 245,025 square feet
= 22,763.80 square metes
= 2.2763 hectares

Example 2
Agricultural land in Kedah
Land Area 15 relong 50 jempa = 15 x 30,976 square feet + 50 x 64 square feet
= 467,840 square feet
= 43464.16 square metres
= 4.3464 hectares

Example of site plans attached in the old titles in Kedah and Perlis- with unit measurements in both relong and acre

Example of old land titles in Kedah issued in 1950’s