The Malaysian property market has gone through a difficult patch and while no one can predict the future accurately, 2017 is not expected to be rosy either. Thus, it is imperative that decisions are made based on due diligence and careful study of the property market, say local property experts. But as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. Find out what the real estate industry has to say about the year that has passed and what areas investors and homebuyers need to look at this year.

NEXT to signing on the dotted line of a marriage certificate, one of the biggest commitments in life is inking a Sale and Purchase Agreement. It requires us to lay out our life savings and, for most of us, procure almost a life-long debt. Though the groundwork involved may not be as extensive as tying the nuptial knot, it would be wise to make informed decisions.

Check out the key features of various schemes for first-time homebuyers.

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments a person can commit to in a lifetime. A substantial amount of research and money is often needed to purchase a property. Often, a first-time homebuyer may be so overwhelmed with the process that they may overlook some important things and add more stress to their buying experience.

To help set us on our way in our property investment quest in 2017, TheEdgeProperty.com asked 20 real estate consultants, agents and negotiators to tell us their choice of the best property investment locations in Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley for 2017.

We believe the group will resume its growth trajectory in FY2017 given more construction works in the pipeline, especially under government initiatives such as the Economic Transformation Programme, transit-oriented development and the corridor and city transformation programmes.

Overall, the site covers a total area of 486 acres (196.7ha), which is almost five times the size of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre’s site including the surrounding park.

Protasco is a well-established player in the construction industry where its forte is in road maintenance works on top of several business divisions.

After the lacklustre retail sales figures seen this year, retailers and analysts expect consumer spending to gradually recover next year. The immediate concern over the glut of retail space, however, remains a wild card in 2017.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on the challenges faced and achievements made in the past year and to remind ourselves that all may not be so rosy next year.