Blogs

Investing in real estate is as much about anticipating the future as it is about assessing the present. In Malaysia, transport infrastructure developments are proving to be one of the most reliable indicators of where property values will rise. For investors and homebuyers alike, tuning into transport news—new rails, LRT, transit-oriented developments (TODs), cross-border links—can yield valuable clues about up-and-coming property hotspots. Below, we explore the latest transport projects shaping Malaysia’s property landscape, the regions to watch, how to capitalize on them, and how working with the top real estate agents malaysia can make a big difference in making the right call.

 

Why Transport Projects Matter

Transport improves connectivity: shorter commutes, better access to amenities, reduced travel costs. These translate into:

• Demand increases in areas close to stations or transit hubs.
• Price premiums for convenience and access.
• More rapid growth in infrastructure-linked zones than in outlying areas without transport improvements.

Recent data shows that residential transactions and property values in states with strong transport or transit plans are significantly outperforming. For example:

• In Johor, property prices rose 4.7% in H1 2025, as infrastructure improvements like RTS, ETS, and upcoming Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) spur demand.
• For Malaysia overall, residential transaction value in 2024 reached MYR 106.92 billion, up 5.9% YoY across about 260,516 units transacted. (Global Property Guide)

Key Transport Developments Creating Hotspots

Project / Trend	Status / Timeline	Hotspot Regions / Expected Impact
Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link	Approximately 80% completed as of early 2025; expected full completion by 2026. (iProperty)	Johor Bahru, especially around Bukit Chagar and surrounding corridors. Properties near the RTS route already seeing price per square foot increases (condominiums +4.6%, serviced residences +10.4%).
Penang: Mutiara LRT / PTMP (Penang Transport Master Plan)	The Mutiara LRT Line (29.5 km) is under construction; slated to connect George Town to Bayan Lepas and across the strait. (Wikipedia)	Jelutong, Gelugor, Bayan Lepas; cross-strait link areas; new developments near planned stations will benefit.
Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS)	Phase 1 progress at ~29.9% as of mid-2025; Blue Line expected Q4 2026 (though slightly delayed) and other lines later.	Kuching city areas near planned stations; connectivity to airport and port likely to raise land and residential values.
MRT Circle Line (MRT3) in Klang Valley	Approved; construction expected to begin around 2028, full operations later (target ~2032). (Wikipedia)	Areas in KL and Selangor along the loop: Bukit Kiara Selatan, Setapak, Cheras, Ampang, Salak South, etc. Locations currently under-served may gain strong appreciation.

 

Emerging Property Hotspots to Watch

Given the transport news, several states or regions are showing up in multiple forecasts or reports as likely to outperform:

• Johor: With RTS, cross-border economic zones, strong developer activity. Transaction volume and value already showing solid growth: Johor contributed ~ 16.3% of Malaysia’s residential transaction volume in 2024.
• Klang Valley / Selangor: Continued expansion of MRT, LRT, and feeder networks; housing demand remains strong, especially for properties that are accessible yet not in the high-cost core. 
• Penang: Infrastructure projects like the Mutiara LRT and expressway expansions / bypasses are making suburbs more viable, increasing interest in Seberang Perai and fringe areas. 
• Sarawak (Kuching): As KUTS advances, connectivity will improve; the city may see spillovers in land value, residential projects, and commercial demand.

 

How to Leverage Transport News in Choice of Property

To properly future-proof your real estate portfolio, here are smart steps to take:

1. Map planned transport lines and hubs

Look at government documents, planning agencies, local council approvals, and updates on timelines. Projects that are confirmed, funded, and in active construction are stronger bets.

2. Gauge walking distance / last-mile access

Even if a station is planned, its value depends on how easy it is to get to: feeder buses, roads, sidewalks, parking, etc.

3. Check supply vs demand in the area

Areas near new lines often see new launches; but over-supply can dampen gains. Monitor unsold housing units (“overhang”), demographic trends, unit types being built.

4. Assess affordability and price growth

If prices are already very high, gains may be smaller; mid-tiers or suburbs with improving connectivity often offer better upside. Also consider rental demand if holding for income.

5. Monitor regulatory / approval risk

Transport projects often suffer delays or changes. Keep updated on planning permissions, environmental impact assessments, and funding.

Role of Top Real Estate Agents Malaysia in Spotting & Securing Hotspots

Working with the top real estate agents in malaysia can give you advantages such as:

• Inside knowledge of upcoming transport projects and likely uplift zones. They may know station alignments, land acquisition zones, and government plans before the general public.
• Early access to upcoming developments or exclusive listings near transit hubs.
• Help in analysing price per square foot, sales performance, rental yields, and risk in different precincts.
• Navigating legal, zoning, regulatory aspects — especially as they relate to infrastructure corridors.

When choosing an agent, look for ones who: have a track record in areas undergoing transport upgrades; good local presence; history of successful investments; transparent reporting of data.

Recent Data Snapshot (2024-2025)

• Total residential transactions in Malaysia in 2024: about 260,516 units, up ~ 4% from 2023; transaction value ~ MYR 106.92 billion (up ~ 5.9%) (Global Property Guide)
• Johor in H1 2024: contributed 15.3% of Malaysia’s total residential transactions (≈ 18,648 units), valued at RM9.02 billion. Johor also led new launches with ~ 23.6% of new units nationally in H1 2024. (iProperty)

 

Practical Tips for Investors & Homebuyers

• If you’re buying years ahead, target areas around RTS stations, new LRT/MRT lines, or upcoming TOD zones.
• For shorter-term capital appreciation, properties close to ongoing construction or near “coming soon” transport hubs may offer faster gains.
• Diversify: a mix of core city high-rise + suburban landed properties in up-and-coming corridors.
• Keep cash flow in mind: select properties that also offer good rental demand, especially in transit-rich zones.
• Maintain liquidity and keep updated: transport planning changes, so adaptability helps.

Example Case: Johor Bahru RTS & Iskandar Malaysia

One of the clearest case studies is Johor Bahru:

• The RTS linking Bukit Chagar (JB) with Woodlands North (Singapore) is expected to dramatically improve cross-border commuting.( iProperty)
• Already, properties near the RTS route have shown PSF growth: condos ~ +4.64%, serviced residences ~ +10.42% in certain corridors. (iProperty)
• Because of Johor’s location and spillover from Singapore demand, developers have been launching many new projects there; population growth (~1.6% annually between 2015-2022) keeps demand alive. (iProperty)

This combination of strategic infrastructure, demand, and growth makes Johor a prime illustration of how transport news translates into property opportunity.

FAQs

1. How far in advance should I start watching transport news before buying property?

Ideally, at least 2-5 years ahead of expected project completion is good. That gives time for pricing to be more favourable, until optimism has fully priced in the uplift.

2. Are properties near transport hubs always more expensive?

Yes, often so—but “expensive” does not always equal better value. Premiums can be high, and if many similar projects are in the pipeline, supply may catch up. It’s crucial to compare relative price gains and not just absolute price.

3. How do I assess which real estate agent is among the “top real estate agents malaysia”?

Look for agents who have:

• Verified experience selling in or near infrastructure-linked zones;
• Transparent data on past transactions and understanding of psf trends;
• Good local network, especially with developers, planning authorities;
• Testimonials and a track record of guiding investors to profitable hotspots.

 

Conclusion

Transport developments are among the most powerful levers in shaping Malaysia’s property hotspots. By staying updated on projects like RTS, MRT, LRT, and urban transport schemes, you can spot where growth is likely, and position your portfolio to benefit. Working with one of the top real estate agents malaysia can accelerate this process—ensuring you make informed, timely decisions rather than chasing trends after they peak. If you’re considering property investment or purchasing a home, now is a good time to align your strategy with transport-driven growth corridors. Do your research, partner well, and invest with foresight.