Construction pro to top agent—KC Lim shares industrial property trends

• KC Lim has been in the real estate industry for 13 years, specialising in the commercial and industrial sectors. With his background in construction, he has found unique opportunities and enjoyment in selling industrial and commercial properties.

KUALA LUMPUR (May 27): “As land in Klang Valley becomes scarcer, investors and business owners should seize the opportunity to buy industrial property as soon as possible to avoid future business expansion costs,” said The Roof Realty Sdn Bhd senior negotiator KC Lim. (pictured)

From a construction engineer to a real estate agent, Lim has been in the real estate industry for 13 years, specialising in the commercial and industrial sectors. With his background in the construction, he has found unique opportunities and enjoyment in selling industrial and commercial properties.

Malaysia's industrial property market is experiencing robust growth, more foreign investors are coming into Malaysia to find the right business site for their business expansion. But what are the prime areas being looked at by such investors?

“Prime areas like Petaling Jaya, Balakong, and Chan Sow Lin lack available industrial land for future development. However, Negeri Sembilan offers significant landbank that investors should explore," Lim shared.

According to him, industrial property investors primarily consider how a location will enhance their business operations. For example, owners of import and export businesses will seek industrial properties closer to ports.

Additionally, investors must watch their budget. "Industrial land is expensive," Lim noted. "As Shah Alam is one of the logistics hotspots, the average transaction price per square foot (psf) there is RM150, with some land prices reaching up to RM200 psf."

He also cautioned that expanding a business in prime areas like Petaling Jaya would be challenging. "For instance, if you are operating a 1-acre factory and plan to expand to 5 acres, such an expansion plan is difficult due to the high cost. You would likely need to consider second and third-tier areas like Banting, Puncak Alam, and Nilai."

His advice to clients looking to buy industrial or commercial property is to act decisively. It's common to find multiple prospects eyeing the same property. This often leads to bidding wars, driving up prices or making sellers less willing to negotiate.

“This is why I emphasise the importance of ‘buying in’ before it’s too late,” he stressed.

In his tenure in the industrial real estate sector, the biggest challenge he faces is navigating the ever-changing regulations from authorities.

“We constantly need to update our knowledge to stay current. To truly serve the premium clients, who are often business owners, you need to understand how the economy and politics can impact their businesses. When you meet such clients, the conversation isn’t just about property specifics. It’s about demonstrating your understanding of these broader influences and engaging in meaningful discussions,” Lim said.

After having more than a decade of experience as a real estate agent, he believes that the most important skill for an agent is to start from zero and be proactive in continually improving your skills. “You also need a strong principle: to genuinely strive to make money for everyone involved in a transaction,” Lim stressed.

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