Latest news with #KashifAnsari
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
OPR rate cut to boost Malaysia property demand, say analysts
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent reduction in Malaysia's Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) is expected to stimulate moderate property demand in the second half of 2025, particularly in the mid-range segment, while the high-end market remains strong, analysts say. Bank Negara Malaysia's decision to lower the OPR to 2.75 per cent on July 10 has already led to increased property viewings and home loan inquiries. 'This reduction improves affordability. A borrower financing a RM500,000 home could save around RM66 per month, adding up to RM23,000 over a 30-year loan,' said Kashif Ansari, co-founder and CEO of IQI. Despite a general slowdown in the property market, luxury homes priced above RM1 million saw a 5.6 per cent year-on-year increase in transactions, according to the National Property Information Centre (Napic). Demand remains firm in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, driven by affluent buyers seeking prime locations. Residential prices in major urban centres have remained stable, with serviced apartments and condominiums in the Klang Valley recording price increases of 1.8 to 2.3 per cent. 'These figures reflect sustained demand and market stabilisation following the post-pandemic recovery,' said Jamie Tan, managing director of JLL Malaysia. However, the sub-RM500,000 segment faces affordability challenges, with transaction volumes declining due to rising living costs and stagnant wages. Developers and policymakers are urged to focus on boosting supply in the RM200,000 to RM500,000 range, where demand is high but availability is limited. Infrastructure continues to drive property values, with homes near MRT and LRT stations commanding premium prices. Properties within 400 metres of MRT stations on the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line sold at a 9.5 per cent premium post-completion, according to a study by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Johor's property market is also thriving, supported by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. Serviced apartment prices in strategic areas like Bukit Chagar have surged by up to 20.4 per cent. Analysts stress the need for holistic urban planning and consistent policies to sustain market growth. 'Developers must align projects with real community needs, not just profit margins,' said Tan. - Bernama
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Juwai IQI: Malaysia set to receive Chinese investment inflow of at least RM30b this year
KUALA LUMPUR: Juwai IQI expects Malaysia to see Chinese investment inflow of at least RM30 billion this year, with battery and solar component plants accounting for a larger share. Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said 2024 was the second-biggest gain ever in terms of Chinese capital, with RM31 billion finding its way to Malaysia. 'Total investment in 2024 was more than double that of 2023 and the most since 2015. Looking ahead, we expect at least RM30 billion in Chinese investment this year,' he said in a statement today. He said that Malaysia's economy is riding a wave of foreign inflows, and China and Hong Kong continue to be the largest sources. 'Malaysia is proving once again that it is a key Asian economy. We benefit greatly from being part of Asean and from having a big economy like China in our neighbourhood,' he said. Kashif also noted that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a big winner, with Johor being the destination for large-scale industrial and logistics projects. 'The SEZ is a major point of interest for our corporate clients in China, especially manufacturers,' he said. With Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan targeting high-value manufacturing and green growth, investor interest is expected to sustain in 2025, especially in renewable energy and advanced electronics. 'The government is offering deep tax breaks, quick licensing, and sector blueprints. That's why we expect another year of at least RM30 billion in Chinese investment,' he added. – Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia set to draw minimum RM30bil investment from China: Juwai IQI
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is poised to attract another major investment of at least RM30 billion from China this year driven by investor confidence and improving economic relations between the two countries, according to new data from Juwai IQI. Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said the surge in investment followed the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia in April. The visit saw important agreements signed in the semiconductor and aviation sectors. Kashif said the visit was seen as a pivotal moment that set the direction for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) activities throughout the year. "In 2024, China's total investment to Malaysia reach RM31 billion, more than double the amount recorded in 2023 and the highest since 2015. We expect another year of at least RM30 billion in Chinese investment in 2025. "This time, battery and solar component plants will most likely account for a larger share," he said in a statement. He said the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project was a prime example of long-term value creation with the project being managed by China Communications Construction. The latter employs more than 16,000 Malaysians directly including joint contractors, Bumiputera companies and carrying out 40 per cent of the public works. "Once it is complete, projections say it will boost Malaysia's gross domestic product by 3.8 per cent. "And while job numbers are difficult to predict, the GDP growth would likely generate more than 90,000 new jobs to the economy. For example, Malaysia's 5.1 per cent GDP growth in 2024 created about 127,000 new private sector jobs," he said. Kashif pointed out Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as the big winner as the state attracts large-scale industrial and logistics projects. "The zone is a major point of interest for our corporate clients in China, especially manufacturers. We get the same questions from company after company that is considering moving to the area. "Chinese companies' top three questions about the special economic zone have to do with the headline tax incentives on offer, which flagship zone best matches their industry and the speed of cross-border cargo clearance." He added that the strong inflow of direct investment will have a significant impact on the real estate market, with high demand expected for industrial and logistics property. He said the new steel plant and battery facility are examples of projects that are driving surging demand for large-scale industrial land. "The fact that construction forms 52 per cent of total Chinese inbound capital flows suggests direct and robust investment into assets like factories, transport and logistics centres. "The property markets in the Johor special economic zone, Greater Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are all likely to benefit," he added.
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Juwai IQI Projects Chinese Investment To Be Around RM30 Bln For 2025
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Juwai IQI expects Malaysia to see Chinese investment inflow of at least RM30 billion this year, with battery and solar component plants accounting for a larger share. Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said 2024 was the second-biggest gain ever in terms of Chinese capital, with RM31 billion finding its way to Malaysia. 'Total investment in 2024 was more than double that of 2023 and the most since 2015. Looking ahead, we expect at least RM30 billion in Chinese investment this year,' he said in a statement today. He said that Malaysia's economy is riding a wave of foreign inflows, and China and Hong Kong continue to be the largest sources. 'Malaysia is proving once again that it is a key Asian economy. We benefit greatly from being part of ASEAN and from having a big economy like China in our neighbourhood,' he said. Kashif also noted that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a big winner, with Johor being the destination for large-scale industrial and logistics projects. 'The SEZ is a major point of interest for our corporate clients in China, especially manufacturers,' he said. With Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan targeting high-value manufacturing and green growth, investor interest is expected to sustain in 2025, especially in renewable energy and advanced electronics. 'The government is offering deep tax breaks, quick licensing, and sector blueprints. That's why we expect another year of at least RM30 billion in Chinese investment,' he added.
Business Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Chinese buyers spent 83% more on US homes this year
[WASHINGTON] Chinese buyers remained the largest group of foreign investors in US residential real estate by both US dollar value and number of purchases. They acquired US$13.7 billion worth of homes in the US from April 2024 through March, representing an 83 per cent jump from a year earlier, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors. The data shows that Chinese buyers are brushing aside concerns over US-China geopolitical tensions and tighter visa policies. Instead, they are actively seeking overseas assets as a hedge against China's economic slowdown following years of regulatory crackdowns on the private sector. Chinese buyers 'were more likely to pay in all cash than any other buyer group,' said Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari. He added that the US is considered a safe place for property investment due to its relatively good yields and well regulated market. California remained the top choice for Chinese buyers, attracting 36 per cent of purchases, followed by Maryland and New York, each accounting for 9 per cent, according to the data. About 66 per cent of buyers said the homes were intended for personal use, including as primary residences, student housing or vacation homes. Chinese buyers bought 11,700 homes during the period, almost double the number from the previous year. They also continue to boast the highest average purchase price at US$1.2 million among all foreign buyers, the report says. They accounted for 15 per cent of all foreign home purchases. Their spending still remained below the 2017 peak of US$31.7 billion, the report shows. Overall, foreign buyers purchased US$56 billion worth of US existing homes during the same period, a 33 per cent increase from a year earlier. They bought 78,100 properties, a 44 per cent jump and the first year-over-year increase since 2017. BLOOMBERG
