In Malaysia, the property development sector is among the more high-profiled casualties. In fact, it was like a double blow as the property market had been generally on the decline when the pandemic hit.

So when EcoWorld announced last week it had raked in RM1.32 billion in sales in 2Q2021 ended April, the market sat up.

The one-and-only Gates’ resi­dence is valued at US$130.8 million. It could possibly be one of the most expensive private residences in the world.

“Corporate occupiers will increasingly de­mand real estate solutions that complement their sustainability agendas. This will lead inves­tors to prioritise green investments, propelling the real estate industry transformation towards future-ready green buildings,” said JLL APAC CEO Anthony Couse.

The newly-minted chairman is laying out plans to navigate REITs through Covid-19

Datuk Chang Kim Loong: Our contention is, this fee for a standard form has been charged since 2013. Surely, such costs must have been amortised over the years. Must the banks continue to profit from the sale of forms? Isn’t their major source of income derived from giving out loans?

President/CEO Mohd. Salem Kailany: We have redesigned our logo to make it sharper and stand out. We also have been engaging more with the public and target markets. We need to let them know who we are, what we have done and what we can do for them in the future

The Knight Frank report, which focuses on Hong Kong’s office, residential and retail property markets, said the secondary market continued to reach a new height with 6,258 transactions – a rise of 6.2% month-on-month – the highest growth for over two years.

Datuk Chang Kim Loong: The recent news reports on inflating housing prices caused by discounts and rebates have made many sit up and take notice and the National House Buyers Association (HBA) is glad that commercial banks are aware of such discounting practices by developers and its impact to the property market.

Old houses might have problems that are not obvious to those not technically-trained and these would include issues with the structure, plumbing and wiring.

There are two options before you: An old property located in a matured area, or buy a new property in an upcoming township that promises an array of exciting lifestyle offerings.