These 5 States Are the Most Popular, According to PropSocial’s Survey

With the local property market showing a positive trajectory in 2023, prospective homebuyers are eagerly resuming their search for the perfect property. As buying a property is a significant investment, homebuyers need to take into consideration various factors, including its proximity to their workplace, schools (particularly relevant for those with children), medical facilities, transportation options, shopping centres, and other amenities.

Taking these factors into account, PropSocial, a platform that helps home buyers search, rent, or buy properties, has undertaken a survey aimed at determining which states are the most popular among homebuyers in terms of accessibility to various amenities such as shopping malls, medical facilities, education, and more. The survey, conducted and voted on by local PropSocial users, sheds light on Malaysia's top 5 most popular states.

We've also included links to our roundups of the best interior designers and home décor ideas for each state in this article. Because, while living in a convenient and well-equipped neighbourhood is essential, it is also equally important to consider the interior of your home to ensure the comfort of all occupants!

1. Selangor (41.99% votes)

Selangor, a thriving state in Malaysia, stands out for its excellent infrastructure, high standards of living, and abundance of business opportunities. The high demand for properties in Selangor is evident from its significantly higher number of property transactions compared to other states in Malaysia. According to PropSocial’s survey, Selangor secured the top position with a total of 11,944 property transactions, while Kuala Lumpur claimed the second spot with 11,129 transactions.

Selangor is renowned for its great accessibility, as the vast majority of its areas are well connected by an extensive network of major highways and efficient public transportation systems. Furthermore, it provides a highly sought-after urban lifestyle, boasting an array of famous malls along with an abundance of eateries, educational institutions, and attractions. Many individuals choose to reside in Selangor due to the ample job opportunities it offers.

When it comes to properties, homebuyers are spoiled for choice, with options ranging from bungalows and terraced houses to luxury condominiums and low-cost flats to suit various budgets.

Explore: Qanvast Picks: Check Out The Top Interior Design Firms in Selangor

2. Kuala Lumpur (35.03% votes)

As the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur plays a significant role as a global transit hub, attracting numerous visitors from around the world. Based on a survey conducted by InterNations with 12,000 respondents in 2021, Kuala Lumpur earned recognition as one of the world's top cities for expatriates to work abroad. There are plenty of business opportunities for locals and expats, and this vibrant metropolis offers the quintessential city experience that appeals to many. It is surrounded by a plethora of renowned shopping malls, well-known eateries, captivating attractions and an exhilarating nightlife scene.

According to the PropSocial survey, the majority of voters who favoured Kuala Lumpur said that their workplaces are located in the city, which explains their preference for residing here.

Due to Kuala Lumpur's status as a regional hub for international investors, properties in the city attract homebuyers from around the globe. As a result, the real estate market in Kuala Lumpur predominantly consists of upscale condominiums and serviced apartments.

Explore: Engage These Top 8 Interior Firms For Your KL Home

3. Johor (9.23% votes)

Johor is a state that presents a harmonious blend of modern and laid-back living near the coast. Here you'll discover plenty of attractions, a wide range of shopping malls, and a warm and welcoming community. Additionally, its proximity to Singapore provides numerous advantages, particularly in terms of the property market, making Johor an appealing destination for investors and homebuyers alike.

Johor has become an attractive choice for Singaporean homebuyers seeking property investments due to the low exchange rate and the comparatively higher property prices in their own country. This creates a favourable situation for Malaysian homebuyers, as they can benefit from reselling properties in Johor given the strong demand from homebuyers from the neighbouring country.

Iskandar Malaysia is one of the major development zones in Johor. It is strategically designed to boost the state’s growth and economy, attracting significant foreign investments and creating numerous job opportunities. The residential sector within Iskandar Malaysia is thriving, offering a wide array of popular options, including luxurious condominiums, serviced apartments, semi-detached houses, bungalows, and terraces.

Explore: 7 Interior Design Firms to Consider If You Are Renovating in Johor

4. Penang (5.65% votes)

Penang, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is a state rich in heritage and vibrant culture. Locals hail Penang as a food paradise, and it has even earned the prestigious title of 'The World's Top 10 Cities for Street Food' according to Forbes (2012). Furthermore, Penang has been recognised as one of the '15 Best Islands in the World to Retire in' by International Living (2021), cementing its status as a desirable retirement destination.

The state offers an idyllic and inviting lifestyle, nestled near serene beaches. Meanwhile, George Town, the capital of Penang, features vibrant street art that depicts island life, along with colonial architecture that represents its rich historical importance.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020–2021, the state has witnessed consistent growth in property transactions. This can be attributed to the robust property market in this extensively developed and highly urbanised state, which makes it a coveted destination for homebuyers seeking profitable investments. However, it is worth noting that property prices in this area are among the highest in Malaysia due to the limited availability of land.

Explore: A Peek Inside Some of the Most Stylish Homes in Penang

5. Negeri Sembilan (5.65% votes)

Negeri Sembilan, which received a similar number of votes as Penang, stands out as a preferred destination for homebuyers due to its advantageous location. Situated amidst major highways, this state offers convenient accessibility to Kuala Lumpur, making it ideal for individuals seeking easy access to the city while enjoying a serene lifestyle away from its bustling hustle and bustle.

On top of that, Seremban and Nilai present a cost of living that is comparatively lower than that of Selangor or Kuala Lumpur. Among the preferred options, Seremban 2 has gained popularity due to its more affordable property prices. It also offers a wide array of amenities akin to those found in larger cities, including shopping malls, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, schools, and recreational parks. Negeri Sembilan also boasts a renowned tourist attraction, Port Dickson, famous for its picturesque beaches.

The sought-after residential properties in this area encompass a range of options, including terraced houses, bungalows, semi-detached houses, condominiums, and apartments.

This article was originally published in PropSocial on September 22, 2022.

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