In Depth

Low demand to impact businesses

The Kuala Lumpur office market will remain restrained in the near future despite opportunities for investors, institutional funds and real estate investment trusts.

The northern corridor’s only premium outlet mall

Those who want to have a fun outing may enjoy some retail therapy at Penang’s Design Village in Bandar Cassia (formerly known as Batu Kawan). Opened to the public on Nov 23 by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, with performances and fireworks, this is the only premium outlet mall in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

New mall coming up in Kuala Terengganu

The Klang Valley is facing an oversupply of retail space with more than seven sq ft per capita based on the population of more than seven million. New completions last year, which included Atria Shopping Gallery in Damansara Jaya, Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Ikea Cheras, Emerald Avenue in Selayang and Star Avenue Lifestyle Mall in Shah Alam, had resulted in more than two million sq ft of new retail space.

Eaton Residences to defy market forces

ON the weekend of Nov 19 and 20, GSH Corp launched in Singapore its maiden residential development, Eaton Residences, a high-end condominium in Jalan Kia Peng in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The property exhibition was held at Fairmont Singapore in Raffles City. So far, 180 units have been booked, says GSH. The figure includes the 150 units taken up when the first phase of 280 units was launched in KL on Sept 20, and the units sold subsequently.

Offices in world’s most connected cities come with a high price

The world’s most important, influential and interconnected cities with the deepest pools of firms and talent continue to command the highest office occupation costs, with Hong Kong topping the chart of global real estate firm JLL’s Premium Office Rent Tracker. Hong Kong is followed by London (West End), New York (Midtown), Beijing, Tokyo and Shanghai.