This, the REIT said in a filing yesterday, was due to a lower revenue amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which was however partly cushioned by lower property operating expenses of RM25.49 million versus RM58.40 million previously.

These include small projects, infrastructure development, and rehabilitation of facilities which the government has budgeted RM3.1 billion for their implementation.

Demands are shifting, and a house is today more than just a roof over the head for many — it is part of their lifestyles. Developers know they have to step out of their comfort zones, be flexible and adapt to the discerning homebuyers’ ever-changing wants and needs.

The silver lining is that the gradual resumption of several major infrastructure projects, such as the East Coast Rail Link, Mass Rapid Transit 2, Pan Borneo Highway, Bandar Malaysia, and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System, will help provide some growth support.

In the Budget 2020 announcement last Friday (Oct 11), Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Cabinet has approved the takeover four Klang Valley highways, which will be funded via government-guaranteed borrowings.

All property owners will receive the notices on the increase this month. 

With all these transit-oriented developments becoming available, finding a home that is conducive for live and play, with public transport for easy commuting to work is easier than ever. 

A number of large construction players have expressed interest, including Sunway Construction Group Bhd and IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, while the company that had initially been awarded the contract (by the previous government, through direct negotiation) is still hopeful the contract will be awarded to it.

It would probably be an understatement to say the year 2018 has been an extraordinary year for Malaysia. Here are some of the highlights of 2018's news for the property sector. 

Sentul is experiencing its second spring as it reaps the benefits of connectivity, accessibility and fresh infrastructure.