Award-winning negotiators share their optimism for next year’s real estate industry
By JOSEPH WONG
Fresh off their win at the StarProperty Awards 2025: Realtor Edition, the award-winning negotiators offered a rare glimpse into the future. They provided a sharp synthesis of current buyer expectations and the strategic foresight that underpins their highly bullish market outlook for 2026.
For these winners, recognising that their collective knowledge and impactful voices are the very force shaping the future of Malaysian real estate is key. Having reached this milestone, the negotiators have clearly signalled that even greater achievements await on the horizon.
A recurring theme among the celebrated negotiators is the fundamental decision faced by every client: should they rent or buy? For the industry’s finest, the answer leans definitively toward ownership as a vehicle for financial freedom and security.
Tan Kah Jin of IQI Realty articulated the case for ownership clearly: “In the long run, buying a property is often a wiser choice than renting. While renting may seem more flexible in the short term, it does not build any long-term value. Every month’s rent payment is an expense that benefits the landlord, not the tenant.” He emphasised that buying converts monthly payments into an investment that appreciates over time, providing wealth accumulation, financial security and personal stability, eliminating the worry of rent increases or sudden moves.
This sentiment is echoed by fellow IQI negotiator Gary Chan, who pointed to a clear return of market confidence, predicting that more consumers will transition from renting to owning property in the coming year. He observed that as the economy stabilises and income levels improve, buyers are regaining conviction and recognising that homeownership builds long-term equity and financial security, a benefit entirely absent in renting. He also noted that developers are facilitating this shift by offering attractive packages and better loan margins to increase accessibility.
The collective wisdom among agents regarding market entry emphasises personal readiness over external timing. Ray Tai of IQI Realty advised that with the economy stabilising and interest rates holding steady, the key factor for success is the client's preparedness, not seeking a perfect market moment.
Adam Wong Chun Yian of Tech Realtors Properties simplified this philosophy further: the optimal time to purchase is subjective, determined by the individual’s stable employment, ability to secure bank financing and having a clear real estate plan. Stephenie Peh of Tech Realtors Properties shared this view, guiding clients to focus on their personal needs and long-term goals, underscoring the enduring principle that a quality property in a favourable location will consistently hold its value.
The new market drivers
The market’s positive trajectory is strongly supported by two key factors: increased accessibility through digital means and the enduring demand for affordable housing.
IQI Realty’s Kuhen Kacinathan observed that technology has expanded opportunities for buyers. “With rapid technology growth and strong social media influence, many Malaysians can now increase their income through part-time or online businesses. At the same time, affordable projects are being launched... Active property agents on social media also make it easier for buyers to search, learn and connect directly.”
This focus on education and informed decision-making is central to the negotiators' success. Geetha Aruesamy of IQI Realty emphasised guiding clients with knowledge: “I take the approach of guiding them with education, showing real case studies, financial breakdowns and future value projections. I believe in empowering my clients to make informed decisions through knowledge.”
Similarly, AFZ Realty’s Mohammad Azizi Abu Bakar focused on clear market facts, reviewing development plans, accessibility and facilities to ensure buyers choose homes that fit their financial capability while offering strong long-term value.
His fellow negotiator Nurizwani Mohamad Ali confirmed the segmentation in demand. The properties performing well are affordable and mid-range homes below RM500,000, as well as industrial and logistics properties driven by e-commerce growth, he said.
This is supported by other AFZ Realty negotiators. Norafian Suharni Mat Husin and Mohd Khairul Adli Mohd Noor, who focus heavily on ensuring first-time buyers are financially and emotionally ready, particularly in the growing secondary market for affordable residential properties.
Industrial boom and strategic growth corridors
The most bullish forecasts from the negotiators centre on the industrial and high-growth segments, painting a picture of a national economy poised for infrastructure-led appreciation.
AJ Anand of IQI Realty anchored the optimism in government policy. The 2026 real estate market is set for a steady rebound, underpinned by Budget 2026’s RM419.2bil allocation and the MADANI Economy’s focus on affordable housing, infrastructure and regional growth, he said.
He predicted growth for sustainable, well-connected developments in emerging urban corridors. Melvin Choong, also from IQI Realty, agreed, foreseeing steady and sustainable growth, driven by infrastructure, foreign interest and digital innovation, leading to a smarter, more transparent market.
The industrial segment is the clear leader in this forecast. GAP Estate negotiator Elvis Eng Chen Choong anticipated a healthier growth phase with a robust comeback of the industrial property segment. Fellow negotiator Vincent Chong is equally optimistic, noting that industrial properties will continue to outperform due to strong demand from manufacturers, logistics and data centres.
CID Realtors negotiator Alan Tan, a commercial property specialist, confidently predicted that the Klang Valley will grow fast in 2026 because many new trains, roads and buildings are coming, driven by increased investment and government plans.
Furthermore, Adam Sathya Raj of IQI Realty identifies the high-return, flexible segment. "In 2026, I see the Airbnb and short-stay property market taking the spotlight... The blend of tourism recovery, local staycation culture and digital work trends makes Airbnb one of the most exciting opportunities for 2026,” he said.
The landed segment and agent resilience
Beyond industrial expansion, the landed residential market continues to show resilience. Joanne Tei Ven Ven of The Roof Realty noted rising demand for semi-detached homes and bungalows, positioning the landed sub-sector for sustained growth ahead. This echoes the sentiment that while the market is complex, certain asset classes retain their long-term appeal.
However, success is not without its challenges. Lucas Fong of GAP Estate detailed the need for adaptability. A lot of potential clients were hesitant to make big decisions because they were worried about financing and the stability of the market, he explained. “To tackle this, I focused on building stronger relationships with my clients through open communication and personalised advice,” he said.
Ultimately, the negotiators are champions of integrity, teamwork and trust. Anson Tai Hoong Huat from Tech Realtors Properties attested to the power of reputation, noting that most of his achievements come from referrals. This proves that trust, teamwork and reputation are the true foundations of success, Tai said.
Jared Wong from The Roof Realty confirmed this collaborative spirit, stating that balancing individual performance and team building is key, reminding that success is best achieved through collaboration and shared purpose.
Alex Lee of Tech Realtors Properties, a leader in the field, provides the final word on the 2026 mindset: “I expect 2026 to be a challenging year as the market continues to shift and competition intensifies. However, I firmly believe the opportunities will be plentiful for those who remain resourceful, adaptable and committed to innovation... With the right mindset and continuous improvement, 2026 will not just be about surviving—it will be about advancing and achieving meaningful growth.”
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