Finding Value in Malaysia Property.

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askfind

New Member
Dear Friends.

Brief Intro. I have being investing in real estate since i was 19yrs old, Over the years have picked up a few things about real estate investing vis-a-vis other investment options available out there.

Now almost 2 decades in doing the same thing over and over again, starting off investing in Mumbai, Hong Kong, Singapore and now Malaysia. I have yet to find relatively better value at the current moment in any other place than Kuala Lumpur. I welcome critics to post their comments and will attempt to learn something new in that process.

Real estate is all about one consideration.

1. LOCATION. Its cause of this, that scarcity is developed and prices, rental yields rise. While investing in Malaysia, please consider the following.

"The market here is dependent on foreigners and second home programs, ie retirement etc."

Demand is greater in downtown cities as the influx from rural to urban continues to develop globally, higher oil / transportation/ inflation, simply means end of SURBURBIA, so investing in the right location is the KEY.

That is Kuala Lumpur, The golden Triangle and no where else. I wouldn't even advise buying on the outskirts of KLCC, ie petaling street, let alone mon't kiara or bangsar. For those thinking about Sepang GOLD COAST, Pls think again. The golden triangle is approximately a 3KM radius and there are gems to be found there. Why pay RM600-700psf in bangsar or Mon't Kiara when you can get the same in KLCC.

Note: Malaysia has alot of LAND outside the KLCC Zone and once a couple of years ago they announced no more land in Mon't Kiara, suddently land came on tap and now they are building Mon't Kiara all the way to Segambut.

2. VALUE. The second consideration is, yield to price calculation. For example is how long before your property is paid in full, a relative simply way to understand the value of the property, vis-a-vis rental yields. Just like how equities are valued as PE ratio's, you should check the value of your property and its rental.

A property which is fair valued, equates as 8-12X
decently priced, equates to 13-16x
Over priced, equates to 17X-30x

Property Price: RM400000
Rental: RM30000 pa.

= 13.33X


For example, a rental yield of 8years which equals to the property price is a rarefind and a gem. Almost impossible to find anything like this the world over.

During the property boom of the america's value of rental vs price had almost hit 30X, suggesting a peak in prices is on the cards.

3. Liquidity. Again, no one else besides KLCC there is liquidity in real estate transactions. For a Investor the right question to ask is, Can I get out in an event i want to sell? OR RENT?

In the right location, liquidity can be found at the right price, ie if noone wants to rent, by you lowering the price, can you get a tenant, if so how soon? The same is when you want to sell.

Cause if you are sitting on paper profits, but the unit is vacant, the probability of that unit even getting an offer for sale is relatively low. So whats the use of the paper profit when it can never be converted.

Liquidity is the key, cause when down moves occur there are properties that can sit on the shelf for years without doing anything.

Other Pointers about MALAYSIA.
1) Malaysia is lax with funding, capital is relatively easier for foreigners to get, mortgages are relatively much easier than any other country in WORLD. You will need full cash for deals in Thailand, Vietnam and in other parts, you can only get upto 60% of the property value. 80-85% is available here. Rental documents can also be used as a source of income.

2) Malaysia is a commodity resource economy with huge tracks of land full with natural resources, with having two main sources of OIL, on land and below.

3) Malaysia's climate is one of the best. It sells RAIN to the ARABS, an OASIS and sells SUNSHINE TO THE EUROPEANS.

4) Most land or property can be purchased as FREEHOLD, this is not the case in DUBAI, THAILAND, VIETNAM or CAMBODIA. Even in HK, developers promises are till 2047, as the date of 50yrs from 1997.

END.
Next series. 1) What to invest in and Why? Land, Apartments of Commercial units.
 
erikko

erikko

New Member
Second to Kuala Lumpur (in terms of the best settlement area) what is the next based on the factors you posted
 
A

andyk2

New Member
Don´t be blinkered to KLCC only

Askfind,

You are obviously a real estate agent operating within the confines of the Golden Triangle, and to advocate this as the ONLY area to invest is both misleading and dishonest.

Rental yields in the Golden Triangle average around 7.5%, but by looking on the peripharies of these areas (Jalan Semantan, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ampang) you can find rental yields approaching 10%.

If an investor is looking for capital growth, why not Petaling Jaya, Sentul, Bangsar or Cheras - as the city continues to expand, these locations will become more valuable in price. And what about Putrajaya and Cyberjaya?

The domestic market in Malaysia is the driving force behind property investment in KL - few developers look beyond Malaysian shores for their market (as proven at the Iproperty Expo last weekend) and your quote aboput how the Malaysian market is dependent on "second homers" is rubbish.

Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to invest in land as an investment in Malaysia. There are strict rules governing the criteria under which a foreigner can purchase a property, and if you want to attract business, you should post something along the lines of:-

Malaysia offers the highest ROI of any SE Asia Country

There is a transparent legal and banking system in place based on the UK

Property purchases to foreigners are limited in number, so you will not get the "free-for-all" witnessed in other seasonal "hotspots".

Malaysia has not been affected by the so-called "credit-crunch"

Malaysia has lower buying costs (an important investment factor) than Brazil, Egypt, UK, USA or anywhere in Europe.

Kuala Lumpur offers cheaper $/m2 than UK, USA, UAE; Hong Kong, Singapore etc

Rental Yields in Kuala Lumpur (and most of Malaysia) are higher than China, India, UK and USA.

There is no Capital Gains Tax

Malaysia offers some of the best investment opportunities available at present, but please do not try to blinker the general public when it comes to areas in which to invest - it does you, your industry and your country no credit.

Have a good day

Andy
 
A

askfind

New Member
reply to ERRICO

Here are the relative prices of Properties Around KL.

Bangsar / Mon't Kiara = RM450 - RM900.

Apparently everywhere else is also the same, if you went to other parts of the suburbs its also 450 for new developments.

KL prices are RM550-RM3000.
So in other words if you can grab a lower priced product within KL, ie, OLD buildings, on the fringe of the golden triangle, there in lies your opportunity. Once the subsale market is KL is higher, then only i may consider to invest in Mon't Kiara / Bangsar or anywhere else. Note rental rates outside KLCC zone are relatively much lower than KLCC zone and there is a massive oversupply of condos coming up all over. Including KLCC, where its expected to have 12000 new units to hit the market by 2010.

So here again, your best guess is to trade within the KLCC zone, as when the supply comes, prices will be depressed within KLCC, but they will be worst anywhere else.

When compared to a american suburb and New York city, if both are relatively similar prices, what will you buy? look at the pricing structures at the moment, during the current subprime crisis for indications.
 
A

askfind

New Member
Reply to ANDYK2.

Dear ANDY.
I am not an AGENT and a foreign Investor. FYI.

I am just giving out some facts, started off by stating i have been an avid investor and these are some of the things that i have learn and experienced investing here.

You can buy as many properties as you want, in Malaysia as a foreigner. THIS IS A FACT. We Have. In the old days you needed to ask for exception from BANK NEGERA. First person to get this going, was a VC from HK who invested in AVARE in KL. Once deregulation came in, IE No more FIC etc, this law was removed as well.

2. Transactions in malaysia markets are now lower than earlier this year. If you were invested in 1994 boom, and saw the 1997 crisis, you would realise location is the KEY. When sales are slow, suburbs are even slower and it could be also a case, you wanted to give the unit away at a huge discount but no takers. See historical records for more info.

(Jalan Semantan, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ampang) you can find rental yields approaching 10%. NOT WHEN YOU MARK TO MARKET. On old prices. YES. and even more. The capital appreciation part doesn't work out as well anywhere else outside the zone. pls state some examples of deals known or done.

Yes you can buy LAND as a foreigner. If you have the stomach for it and can do without rentals paying your mortgage, Land values are up, approximately 100% year on year since 2002/3 in KLCC zone.

All i was saying is when you can get a gold for the same or similar price of silver, why buy silver and as a word of caution, i was saying, location is always the key, cause when hard times hit, you can be sure which one will sell first.

BTW there is a lot of land in malaysia, they can simply convert oil palm into a condo development. That is what being done at the moment. like Sepang Gold Coast, there are 4 major islands being build on reclaimed land. Mersing, penang, and the east coast are the others. See Mersing Languna and E&O prop for more info.

cheers.
 
A

askfind

New Member
erikko,

You could look at pockets within KLCC for value. Changkat Bukit Bintang, Tong Shin, is one area. Jalan Damai is also good. But here there are mostly houses for the same prices as Bangsar. Then Down towards Jalan Imbi, Jalan Tun Razak near forum, values in these areas are around 400RM PSF. Look for deals here. neighbouring newer units are quoted at RM650-900 PSF, go into the older buildings, you will find values appreciating in the sub sale markets before any new developments come on tap, due to overhang that is fast approaching.

Avoid deeper Jalan Ampang. As closer towards the twin towers surely is better, Uthant is another good option.

cheers and all the best.
 
A

andyk2

New Member
Facts & Figures comparison

Dear Askfind,

As an investor, I would be interested to receive your views on the following:-

Maytower - Jalan Munshi Abdullah. price/ft2 RM 550 Rental Yield 10%
Seri Maya - Jalan Ampang. Price/ft2 RM 350 Rental Yield 9.75%
Somerset - Seri Bukit Ceylon, Banggsar. Price/ft2 RM 600. Rental Yield 9.5% (Guaranteed on a two year contract)

These are todays prices and todays returns

Compare this to:-

Capsquare RM 1000/ft2 Rental Yield 6.2%
Parkview RM 900/ft2 Rental Yield 8.6%
Marc Residency 1250/ft2 Rental Yield 6.6%

If you are considering off-plan (for investment only)

Commercial Units at Oasis Ari Damansara RM 320/ft2. Anticipated rental yields on completion in 2011 - 11.25%

Properties such as Avare, One KL, Troika, The Oval and the Four Seasons will no doubt attract high rentals because of the prestigue attached to living there, but the investment opportunities are not limited to KLCC.

Land purchases by non-Malays are limited to residential and commercial land only. You cannot buy oil palm, agriculural or Malay reserve land, and therefore the development investor (who wants to buy and build or sub-divide) loses out.

Finally there´s already been plenty written on the forum in relation to fluctuating exchange rates and boom/bust times in Malaysia. To quote figures prior to the Asian Crisis is mis-leading. It would be like quoting figures prior to the sub-prime crisis in the States - it is a different market now.

I wish you good luck with your investments

Andy
 
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askfind

New Member
Dear Andy.

I still stand by the view that supply can be unlimited outside the KLCC area. When Mon't Kiara was first developed, it was an affordable housing area and prices were 150/200, still today units are quoted at 350-450RM onwards with a few exceptions. Cause land seems unlimited in supply there. while in comparision KLCC doesnt have anything new below RM800 today.

My point is this, we should look for an area where land is scare and that is why, they always say location, location and location in real estate investments.

So if you have a chance to purchase anything outside KLCC at 550psf. then look inside KLCC for deals with a slight premium but grab the ones within.

Today you can buy Vista Damai, corinthan (next to troika) at 600psf, these are older buildings, but its the location that counts. Similarly see Megan Avenue 1, office units, paper quotes 450-500psf for a commercial office unit. these are gems the way i see it, cause 550psf is also the price in solaris (mon't kiara),

Another interesting observation here would be, "How can a commercial unit be lower than a residential unit?" since with the commercial unit you could use to make income, business, etc, but residential lacks this. This is simply an opportunity.... cause over time prices will fall back into their respective zones.

In conclusion the sub sales market has to pick up before the new developments. Infact most new projects within KLCC are on hold for the moment till developers can put a price at the new costing of materials.

Maytower - Jalan Munshi Abdullah. price/ft2 RM 550 Rental Yield 10%
Seri Maya - Jalan Ampang. Price/ft2 RM 350 Rental Yield 9.75%
Somerset - Seri Bukit Ceylon, Banggsar. Price/ft2 RM 600. Rental Yield 9.5% (Guaranteed on a two year contract)


--> From these above, i would go with Somerset. Cause there can't be anymore supply and there is a limitation whereas anywhere else its evident where the supply can come from.

Seri Maya was another good one, started off at 220K for a 2 bed room apt, approx RM150/200psf. We had purchased a penthouse there for 579K, 2200sf. This area surely benefits from tenants who want a lower cost of rental as compared to KLCC, but judging from the above if someone can head off to wangsa maju, the same can be said for Bangsar, PJ, etc. But if the prices within KLCC drops. the adjoining areas such as these would have a greater drop in interest. I am also of the opinion that if OIL prices continue higher, Surburbia that they have build all these years world over will have a drastic affect.

My point is this, be prudent. And buy and let, where there is a liquidity, in an event you want to exit, can u exit faster in that area.

where do u think apartments will be snapped up faster,when you seek rentals. In some other areas, the yields may be good, but due to the high cost of entering and exiting in real estate, its simply not enough to exit a property in 2-5yrs. so capital appreciation has to considered and that requires scarcity.

Land purchases by non-Malays are limited to residential and commercial land only.


--> these are the only land that an investor needs. And you can do development on them, if you want. The Malay only land there is plenty of them even in town, but no one touches them even from far. I guess you know why.

All the best.....
 
A

ariecol

New Member
askfind.

great stuff from you!
thanks, and well done.
 
A

ariecol

New Member
andy2k,

fab stuff from you as well.

dont mean to offend sorry.

credits to both of you.

thanks for your info and insights, enjoyed reading it.
 
A

askfind

New Member
For those who are interested....

Here is the Map of the GOLDEN TRIANGLE. Anything out of this map is not within the golden triangle, ie downtown.
 
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A

askfind

New Member
Keep on buying within this zone.

There is never an issue of finding tenants.
We have increased rentals min 20% and as high as 68% (commercial shops).

So where are the gems.

Look for older units, they are quoted at 575-675psf. Where.

Recommended....
A) Vista Damai Condo. 600-675/- psf

B) Megan Avenue 1. Residential and office units, Note: Office units are at 450-550/- psf.

C) The Forum, Prices i would pay, RM350-400/- psf max.

D) CorinThian, Prices RM575-675/- psf

E) SRI KIA PENG, Very close to KLCC, RM650-775/- psf

F) Desa Kuda Lari, RM725-850/- (old building, good buy for enbloc redevelopment, largest last piece of land in town, approx 6 acres., the value of the land will see a enbloc sale sometime in the future.)

G) Stonor Park. 575-675/-

Alot more just look and find. The prices quoted are the prices i would pay for my deals and are the maximum amounts. Each unit differs, do they have a tenant, etc. Renovation within.. How is the occupancy rates?

New buildings in comparsion do not have anything for sale below, RM800/-psf and are as high as RM4000/- psf (four seasons),in time, the disparity gap in prices will close.

good luck hunting....
cheers
 
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ariecol

New Member
yay, can see my props for sale.

west of klcc. Idaman Residence

and south east. 231TR on jalan tun razak.

askfind. are u confident with price disparity will decrease between older development vs. new

very interesting about ur view on older development. as with condo/apartment, you sell lifestyle and address rather than just a home.

i admit i am new in investment though
 
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aneeta

New Member
Suggest any agent in Malaysia

i woul like to invest in Malaysia on ready to move in property with the return on min 10%
 
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ariecol

New Member
i woul like to invest in Malaysia on ready to move in property with the return on min 10%
10%

new built is the only option!

unless you have a very powerful estate agent + a good friend
 
W

waynehyl

Banned
dear all,

Most of you quoted the price in psf! by right we should look at the absolute price as well!
e.g. if an agent telling u that the property is priced RM1200psf, and can be rented at RM6 psf if fully-furnished. (in fact the market rental rate for KLCC condos is in the range of RM5-RM8 psf for fully furnished). What do u think of the rental return in this case? Will not be more than 6% if u add up the furnishing costs. What if the built-up is 3000 sq ft? the total monthly rental will be Rm18000. and the price will be RM3.6 mil.

Then, we should look at the following issues:-

1) do u think nowadays u can easily get a tenant willing to pay RM18k for renting your apartment / condo? Those tenants who are afforable to pay the rental in the range of RM15k-RM30k will be more interested to rent a bungalow than apartments / condos.

2) do u think it's easier to find buyer for your unit if you want to sell more than RM1500 psf (=RM4.5 Mil) ? if you hope to get a gain of at least RM300 psf!

3) what do u think of those condos selling more than RM2k psf? if u are talking about 6% rental yield. That means the rental rate per sq ft must be RM10 per sq ft!!! more than some Grade A office space rental in the city!!! Do u think a foreign company willing to spend RM10 psf which is more expensive than it's office space rent to accommodate its expat?
Needless to say those condos selling more than RM2500 psf!!! RM10 psf budget can rent a 5 star serviced apartment with rountine house-keeping services, what for they want to rent your unit with fully-furnished?

Cheers!
 
H

hazri

New Member
the best spot to invest now is in nusajaya that is located to johor district area..that is where new investor that had really high espectation are looking for a chance..Nusajaya is a key driver of the Iskandar Malaysia (IM),an emerging economic zone in South Johor, Malaysia. Designed to be Asia’s foremost integrated city, Nusajaya is about the convergence of diverse developments on a scale and diversity that has never before been attempted in Malaysia, and is positioned to be the largest and premier fully-integrated urban development in South East Asia. The city is located at the south-western tip of Peninsular Malaysia and is strategically situated in close proximity to Singapore with Singapore’s Central Business District a mere 24km away.

The principal thrust of Nusajaya’s development strategy is to offer the global business and residential markets a sustainable and well-planned community set against a backdrop of landscaped parks and gardens complete with water features and a backdrop of Malaysia’s natural beauty. This iconic, integrated development is propelled by nation-building aspirations, commercial vigor and commitment to stakeholder value enhancement.

hope that you'll give a thought about this info
 
K

Kjarkata

New Member
Great stuff, gives you a complete inside picture and helps to protect your investment. The only think I assume missing is does Malaysia offer residence permits for freehold property owners and can you apply for malaysian citizenship?
 
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andyk2

New Member
Residence Permits and Visa Info

Great stuff, gives you a complete inside picture and helps to protect your investment. The only think I assume missing is does Malaysia offer residence permits for freehold property owners and can you apply for malaysian citizenship?
Limitations on the MM2H program regarding working in Malaysia often lead to enquiries regarding resident visas and work permits. Both are complicated to get and require sponsorship from a Malaysian individual or company. If it is a procedure that you are not experienced with, it may seem daunting, but with patience and perseverence the effort is worthwhile.

The main criteria for obtaining a residents visa is that you have already been in the country (legally) for 5 years. This may be through the MM2H scheme, or via an entry permit. Under certain circumstances, a work permit held consecutively for 5 years may suffice. The government is trying to ease restrictions to assist the Malaysia 2020 program, but the best place to look for updates in the immigration site - Selamat Datang ke Laman Web Rasmi Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia

The work permit application process is bureaucratic and can be lengthy. Employers will often deal with the paperwork on behalf of their expatriate employees but some companies and individuals opt to use the services of an agency. Permits are given for varying periods from six months to several years. Dependents of work permit holders are not allowed to work unless they obtain a permit in their own right. Again we recommend Selamat Datang ke Laman Web Rasmi Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia for all your enquiries as so many criteria apply depending on ones personal circumstances.

Another useful source of information is the Ministry of Home Affairs - Kementerian Dalam Negeri - but the last time we looked their web site was crashing on the useful links, so we prefer to recommend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Official Website for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia - who have a wealth of information about Malaysia and visa requirements.

Alternatively, consult the Malaysian embassy or consultate in your home country, a complehensive list with contact telephone numbers can be found on the Official Website for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia site under "Missions"


PS I heard that there has already been a law change regarding "foreigners" owning commercial premises in Malaysia (Minimum FIC limits raised to RM 500.000) and that this is going to be applied to residential properties from 1st January. Any KL based agents out there available to throw some light on this?

Thanks,

Andy
 
H

hazri

New Member
why dont you guys try in Johor?...nice enviorement and fast developtment
 
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