Senibong Cove, WM Senibong’s flagship waterfront township, continues to expand with new luxury phases overlooking the Johor Straits.

Property developer WM Senibong Sdn Bhd is gearing up for a series of significant launches in the final quarter of 2025. The opportunity lies in capitalising on the robust demand for residential and commercial properties in Johor Bahru, fuelled primarily by Singaporean buyers seeking greater value across the border.

The Johor-based developer has lined up three major launches within its Crest@Austin township, namely Topaz serviced apartments—the township’s first high-rise residential tower as well as Opal 1 and Opal 2, a pair of premium stratified commercial projects. Together, they signal a new phase in WM Senibong’s growth strategy.

Topaz, scheduled for release in October, will add 537 serviced apartment units to Crest@Austin. It marks the first foray into high-rise living within the 370-acre freehold township to meet the needs of urban households who desire connectivity, lifestyle facilities and access to well-planned township amenities. The launch underscores Crest@Austin’s transition into a more diversified, integrated development that balances landed homes with vertical residential options.

The township launched in 2020 has a gross development value (GDV) of RM6bil and as of August 2025, 105 acres of undeveloped land with a GDV of RM4bil remain for future development. 

Artist impression of Emerald Business Park at Crest@Austin.

Opal: A new commercial landmark

Equally notable is the launch of Opal, which introduces 72 units of four- to five-storey stratified commercial lots, totalling 144 units. With built-ups starting at 5,900 sq ft and selling prices from RM4mil, Opal is positioned as a premium commercial hub in Johor Bahru.

Situated near Eco Palladium, an integrated retail and F&B destination, Opal is expected to attract businesses ranging from lifestyle outlets and boutique offices to food and beverage brands. WM Senibong aims to differentiate the hub through strategic branding, high-quality infrastructure and community-driven initiatives such as festivals and recreational programmes designed to draw steady footfall.

WM Senibong’s chief executive officer CK Quay said the project was designed to cater to shifting dynamics in the region. “Rising operating costs and the strong Singapore dollar have prompted a noticeable migration of retail businesses into Johor Bahru. Opal is poised to capture this momentum by offering businesses premium space at a fraction of Singapore’s cost,” he said during a media tour.

Landed homes continue to gain traction

Beyond high-rise and commercial launches, WM Senibong continues to see robust demand for landed residences. The Pearl double-storey terrace homes at Crest@Austin have already enjoyed strong demand, with three phases almost fully taken up. 

The final phase, Pearl 4, featuring double-storey terrace houses, launched in May this year and has continued the trend with encouraging sales. The homes, with built-ups from 1,964 sq ft to 2,400 sq ft, are priced from RM944,000.

Located close to the vibrant Emerald Business Park—which includes modern shop offices, a neighbourhood retail mall and serviced apartments—residents are well-placed for local needs. For broader shopping, they can also easily access AEON Tebrau and Toppen Shopping Centre, both within a ten-minute drive.

Additionally, residents of the Pearl homes will enjoy proximity to the community’s green spaces, namely the 20-acre Central Lake Park and the 12-acre North Park, both designed to promote outdoor activities and community interaction.

Receiving standout results for landed residential homes is the 270-acre master plan named The Kews township in Iskandar Puteri, just 10 minutes from Singapore via the Tuas Second Link.  

Artist impression of The Kews development.

The Kews, a GreenRE Gold-rated development, features a private clubhouse, rooftop garden, recreational lake park and wellness-focused facilities including gyms, jogging paths, BBQ area and outdoor fitness stations.

Its maiden precinct, Kew Green 1, comprising 171 units of two- and three-storey link homes, was fully taken up within three months of its launch in December 2024. Priced between RM1.1mil and RM2.1mil, WM Senibong is preparing another landed residential project within The Kews later this year, driven by this success. 

Senibong Cove: The developer’s flagship

WM Senibong’s reputation is also underpinned by its flagship luxury development, Senibong Cove, located across the Johor Straits from Singapore. This 208-acre waterfront township situated along Sungai Lunchoo has long been a benchmark for premium living in Johor Bahru. The waterfront development comes complete with a 50-berth world-class marina, waterfront boardwalk, lush green spaces and sea-facing homes. 

Earlier this year, the developer rolled out new phases under its Isola Coast collection, dubbed Isola Coast 2, following the success of a fully sold Isola Coast 1. 

Homes here are built with gardens overlooking the sea view and come in configurations of three-storey bungalows, three-storey cluster homes and linked homes with prices starting from RM2.5mil.  

The developer has also announced plans to reclaim an additional 150 acres at Senibong Cove, with a GDV of over RM11bil, extending the development until 2045.

Singaporean demand shapes Johor market

The developer’s confidence in these launches is underpinned by a clear demand trend among Singaporean buyers. 

Quay opined that the demand for residential units in Johor Bahru continues to surge as Singaporeans seek more affordable housing options amid a shortage of readily available Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. 

He adds that this trend presents attractive investment opportunities for properties across the border, where prices remain significantly lower than in Singapore. 

Driven by a confluence of factors, including rising urban housing costs, infrastructural upgrades and lifestyle-oriented township developments, Quay notes that this trend continues to gain momentum and is poised to reshape commercial strategies and redefine the trajectory of urban growth across Johor Bahru.  

This shift is not merely about affordability. Johor Bahru’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, lifestyle-driven township developments and stronger cross-border connectivity are all making the city a viable residential and commercial alternative to Singapore.

Infrastructure investments elevate Johor’s potential

Infrastructure enhancements are set to reinforce this trend. Among the most anticipated developments is the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is more than halfway complete and scheduled to begin operations in December 2026. The 4km twin-track system will drastically shorten commuting times across the Straits of Johor, making daily travel more seamless for residents and workers.

In tandem with the RTS, the proposed Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is expected to attract fresh investment, facilitate trade and accelerate property development in Johor.

These infrastructure enhancements will redefine the trajectory of urban growth across Johor Bahru.

“Anchored by this improved accessibility, the surrounding areas are witnessing a rise in integrated commercial developments including retail outlets, lifestyle malls, office spaces and mixed-use townships such as Crest@Austin,” said Quay. 

A market on the rise

As WM Senibong prepares to launch Topaz, Opal and new phases of landed homes, the timing could not be more strategic. Singaporean demand, coupled with Johor Bahru’s infrastructural leap forward, is creating a property market dynamic rarely seen before.

With Crest@Austin, The Kews and Senibong Cove all progressing rapidly, WM Senibong is positioning itself as a developer aligned with Johor’s growth story. If take-up rates for past projects are any indication, the upcoming launches are likely to strengthen its foothold in Johor’s evolving property landscape.

Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.