What industry player says

The steep increase in property prices is not across the board. A report by RAM stated that elastic supply and normalisation of monetary and financing conditions make a property bubble unlikely to develop and that the tension between over-valuation and affordability will ensure a stable and improving market. We believe that the steep price increases are only in scattered locations in KLCC and landed housing units in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area. This does not represent a bubble but a short-term deviation from fundamentals due to isolated speculative activities in the KLCC area for high-end condos.

In the case of landed houses – single and double-storey terrace houses and semi-detached houses – there is a shortage of supply especially in good locations to meet real demand.

As a consequence of this inequilibrium, the limited existing stocks are commanding good secondary market prices while new launches are being sought after.

This is a reflection of actual demand by locals who have to contend with paying a premium for well-located landed properties that are limited in stock and scarce in supply caused by shortage of land particularly in urban areas.

Except for a few selected apartments sold at premium prices in the KLCC areas presumably due to their unique or iconic features, there is still adequate supply in the market at attractive prices especially for owner occupiers.

Our view is that despite the uniqueness of KLCC, it is still neither an investment destination for global investors nor for international speculators.

Capital appreciation except for the short period before the 2008 global financial crises coupled with the Government’s drive to attract investors has been relatively unattractive.

The perceived inconsistency of policies and knee-jerk reaction to such hearsay (that rocketing prices caused by property speculation particularly foreigners) has exacerbated the lack of interest in our world-class properties. Moving forward, the KLCC area needs an infusion of foreign investment to sustain the present price level.

It’s sustainable

TAN SRI LEONG HOY KUM,

Mah Sing Group Bhd president and group chief executive

We think the property market is sustainable and the current buying pattern is backed by sound economic fundamentals and genuine purchasers. A steady employment market and low mortgage rates are encouraging more first time homeowners to buy property. The market is flushed with liquidity and government tax incentives have also encouraged home purchases. Low deposit rates will also act as a push factor to drive property demand. All these factors have encouraged healthy demand for properties. We do not see a strong risk of a property bubble happening yet and there is no sign of overheating. The price increase in properties has not been broad-based, but demand driven and rather selectively in prime locations.

The strong demand and price premium reflect a project’s prime location, concepts and exclusive features. To provide for the buyers, there is also cost for research and development activities. Higher construction and land cost are also factors for the premium price charged for some of the projects.

New launches are concept and lifestyle driven, and have been designed to fit current market needs. For example, residential properties with large built-ups are popular to house three generations under one roof.

Security has become a top priority and that’s why gated and guarded projects are doing very well. In areas like Mont’ Kiara and downtown Kuala Lumpur, residential suites would be the preferred option for singletons, or investors seeking rental returns.

Target the speculators

ELVIN FERNANDEZ,

Khong & Jaafar Sdn Bhd managing director

The residential market this year has been fairly stable. However, on account of the unusual financing packages that we have (e.g. 5/95), interest rates are still low and banks are still giving out loans. There has been a “run-up in prices” in a few selected areas and this is cause for concern. This is the reason for the lower mortgage loan-to-value ratio (LVR) that’s currently being studied by Bank Negara,

You need to tame the real estate cycle. (When property prices go up) it is good for the house owner and for the developer. But it is not good for the country when prices run ahead of fundamentals.

The LVR is a good move. The authorities should be constantly vigilant of house prices running ahead of the fundamentals.

You need specific mechanisms to control the real estate market. In the past, tools used to tame asset bubbles were only monetary in nature, such as interest rates. But when you raise or reduce interest rates, it has a broad effect (and not just specific to real estate).

These policy measures must be such that first-time house buyers are not caught by it while the speculators are targeted.

Looking good for next two years

CHRIS BOYD,

CB Richard Ellis Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive chairman

The Malaysian property market in the first half of 2010 has improved significantly compared to the first half of last year. This is because a lot of developers are launching new projects and are offering easy payment schemes, such as 5/95. This has attracted a lot of buying interests, especially in places where homes are more affordable.

We still expect to see a hike in prices for landed residential properties. This is partly because banks are not holding back on their lending policies.

In countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and China, their central banks have come up with pre-emptive measures to cool the property market.

When Bank Negara announced it was studying the LVR, there were a lot of protests, but I feel this a good move for the market. Perhaps they should exclude certain buyers from the cap of 80% (loan), such as first-time buyers or make it applicable for properties above RM500,000 only.

Make it easier for first-time buyers

CHANG KIM LOONG,

National House Buyer’s Association honorary secretary-general

There are a lot of young professionals (lawyers, architects, engineers) coming into the market today and many of them can’t even afford homes. In Kuala Lumpur, you can’t get a bungalow for RM250,000. The rates of houses are increasing by leaps and bounds every year. It is surpassing the average annual income increment. Unless you have a rich father that can pay for you, the affordability of houses is seriously becoming an issue.

I understand that you have terrace houses within Desa Park City (Kuala Lumpur) that are going for RM1mil. It’s ridiculous! How to afford?

The Government has to come up with some kind of a price-control mechanism for houses. With prices like these, it’s only the rich that can buy, especially foreigners.

(On LVR) There should be a threshold to help curb speculation. For first-time buyers, 90% and onwards loans are fine. But for subsequent purchasers, the quantum should be less. Alternatively, a higher loan quantum (90% and above) should be given for homes that cost less than RM500,000.

No cheap house

MELISSA RAM,

Virgin Properties Sdn Bhd chief operating officer

The local property market is certainly on an uptrend and prices have been escalating. Even when there’s a slight downturn, property prices just don’t seem affected. You just can’t seem to find a cheap house at the moment. (On LVR) I think it’s a good move as it will only encourage people that have the means to purchase property to apply for loans. You should only buy a house if you have the funds.

On the downside, it would mean that poorer people would not be able to afford houses. However, this measure could encourage people to save up before buying a home.