Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's property market demonstrated resilience, recording 187,320 transactions valued at RM105.12 billion in the first half of 2026, as stated by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the robust performance aligns with Malaysia's economic growth, with the GDP expanding by 6.0 percent in the second quarter. "Despite some marginal adjustments, the property market remained firm, supported by stable transaction activity and price movements, as well as active construction activity," Amir Hamzah remarked at the launch of the 1H 2026 Property Market Report.
The monetary policy, with the overnight policy rate maintained at 2.75 percent, has played a role in providing confidence to financiers and buyers. In the residential sector, 27,832 new units were launched, achieving a sales performance of 16.6 percent. The Malaysia House Price Index stood at 234.7 points, with an average house price of RM506,317 per unit, reflecting a marginal annual growth of 0.9 percent.
The commercial property market also contributed to economic resilience, with the occupancy rate for purpose-built offices increasing to 78.5 percent in 1H 2026, up from 77.8 percent in 1H 2025. Shopping complexes maintained a stable occupancy rate at 77.9 percent, compared to 78.7 percent the previous year.
The industrial property segment saw growth of 3.8 percent, with 3,932 transactions worth RM14.78 billion, aligning with a 7.3 percent expansion in the manufacturing sector in the second quarter of 2026. The residential subsector accounted for 59.3 percent of total property transactions, with 110,998 transactions, and represented 44.8 percent of the total transaction value, amounting to RM47.11 billion.
Despite resilience, the market recorded 33,094 completed but unsold residential units valued at RM17.78 billion, up from 30,471 units worth RM17.73 billion in 1Q 2025. Amir Hamzah anticipates that positive labor market momentum, including low unemployment and rising wages, will continue to support property demand. Government measures addressing the cost of living, such as minimum wage policies and targeted assistance, are expected to enhance Malaysians' disposable income and boost homebuyer confidence.