Property values around the world are in retreat and the situation is so fluid that it is difficult to keep track of the numbers.In London, prices have already contracted by a fifth from their 2007 peak, according to Knight Frank’s Winter 2009 London Residential Review.

When times are tough, the strategy employed by some to steer a business out of stormy waters could include seeking divine inspiration or even help from experts.Feng shui practitioners are convinced that geomancy can improve business and work performance, but it is also no secret that feng shui will not guarantee the desired success and wealth.

Built in accordance with Bandar Utama’s 1988 township master plan, the 4-storey, RM45 million clubhouse The Club opened in January this year, complementing the nine phases planned for the Bukit Utama Condominium Commune in the township in Petaling Jaya. Of the nine phases, Phase One — called 1 Bukit Utama and consisting of 586 units — has been handed over to the owners and is occupied.

Incentives to attract investorsWhen Westport, one of Port Klang’s three major gateways, was opened some 15 years ago on Pulau Indah, it heralded the start of major development on the then sleepy isle.While Westport has since come into its own, becoming one of the fastest growing ports in the country, development on the rest of the island appears to be struggling.Apart from West

The Penang property market, inactive since mid last year, is stirring. After months of lying low, the more aggressive developers are back with new launches, this time armed with innovative financing packages they hope will woo prospective buyers adopting a wait-and-see stance.Prices on the secondary market are down.

PETALING JAYA: The local property market would be able to escape a property bubble, such as the one that is affecting neighbouring countries, as it is mainly driven by domestic demand, according to several industry experts.

 When developer Boustead Properties roped in Ikano Corp Sdn Bhd and Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to set up shop in Mutiara Damansara back in 2000 and 2001 respectively, little was known about this township except that it neighbours the sexy addresses of Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Bandar Utama.Fast forward to less than a decade later, Mutiara Damansara in Selangor is now a much sought after addr

Having just returned from Hong Kong, ARA Asset Management’s group CEO, John Lim, senses that he man in the street there is more concerned about job security compared with Singaporeans.

*This article was published in City & Country Malaysia in the week of February 9, 2009 The cost of a Golden Gate Bridge view from the top of San Francisco’s tallest residential building just got 15% cheaper.

   When the first phase of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is completed in early 2011, it will provide a much-needed breath of fresh air amid a credit crunch and a global recession.