- With Malaysia's growing interest in global real estate, Eugene Liew is gearing up his agency to connect local buyers with premium properties abroad, particularly from the UK and Australia.
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 27): To Eugene Liew, real estate is not about the number of transactions you make, but the relationships of trust you build with your clients and team. This client-first approach to real estate has propelled Space Realty into success amongst the luxury residential, commercial and industrial markets.
Beginning his career 20 years ago in 2004 at Henry Butcher Malaysia, Liew first built his specialty in landed property in the Ampang area. He then moved on to Jalin Realty, and continued to hone his knowledge and insights on the industry.
2013 was a pivotal year for Liew, who finally took the leap of faith and began his own real estate business: Space Realty, an acronym for “Super Professional Agents Committed Everyday”.
The satisfaction gained from helping clients navigate such an important milestone in their lives is a key driver for Liew’s passion in real estate. Whether it’s first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors or clients looking to sell their properties, Liew enjoys tackling the variety of challenges head-on, learning and growing from the different nature of each type of transaction.
“I have always been drawn to real estate because of its tangible nature and its ability to significantly impact people's lives. I love that real estate is both a personal and financial decision for most people—a blend of human connection and investment.
“What truly inspired me was the opportunity to build something of my own, especially after I saw the potential to provide a more client-focused and transparent experience,” Liew told EdgeProp.
It has not always been easy, as Liew recounted that making the transition from agent to agency owner required a delicate balancing act between managing the operations of his business and maintaining client relationships.
“It took time and effort, but I overcame all of that by continuously educating myself, adapting to new tools and strategies, and maintaining a strong support network within my team. It has been a journey of learning, growth, and a lot of hard work, but it’s been incredibly rewarding,” recalled Liew.
Charting through challenges of change
In terms of industry challenges, Liew cited the need to navigate market fluctuations and changing trends as a key one.
“It is especially tricky when the economy takes a downturn, and requires a lot of flexibility and a proactive approach to stay ahead of shifts in demand,” he explained.
Part of this involves building strong relationships between clients and your team, according to Liew. This is the main advice he would give to others aspiring to become real estate agents, or those just starting out.
“I would tell my younger self and others entering the industry to focus on building relationships rather than chasing transactions. Real estate is a people-centric business, and trust is key. Be patient, learn continuously, and never underestimate the importance of integrity.
“Do not be afraid to take calculated risks, but always stay grounded and true to your values. Lastly, surround yourself with mentors and a solid team—they will help you grow much faster than you can on your own,” Liew said.
Buy property with long-term view
On buying properties, Liew said real estate decisions should be made with a long-term mindset.
“Whether you're buying a home or making an investment, it’s crucial to think beyond just the immediate financial picture. Consider the potential for growth, the stability of the location, and how the property aligns with your lifestyle or future plans.
“Also, always work with a trusted advisor who has your best interests at heart, not just someone who is looking to close a deal,” he said.
Space Realty currently has a presence in the Malaysian and Australian property markets, particularly Melbourne, and Liew hopes to expand its offerings in Australia, as well as to target other international markets.
“One of my key goals is to diversify our offerings by focusing on marketing international properties—particularly from the UK and Australia—to the Malaysian market. With Malaysia's growing interest in global real estate, I see a real opportunity to connect local buyers with premium properties abroad.
“I also plan to further develop my team and create more opportunities for professional growth. On a personal level, I am excited to continue evolving and embracing new marketing tools and technologies to stay ahead in this competitive industry,” added Liew.
Space Realty has collaborated with EdgeProp Malaysia to provide a platform to showcase their high-quality listings. The partnership also provides Space Realty’s agents with access to the latest property data, to assist in making informed decisions, and helping to solve real estate challenges for the agency’s clients.
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