Johor Bahru has emerged as Malaysia’s strongest growth region in 2025, according to new property demand data revealed at the 12th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. For the first time, the awards combined expert judging, market data, and consumer preferences to provide a data-driven picture of the property market, highlighting where Malaysians are looking to buy and invest, and which developers have successfully earned their trust.
Drawing from millions of searches and engagement metrics across PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my, the awards reflected a nationwide shift in demand patterns, moving from urban cores toward well-connected regional growth corridors, particularly in Johor and Selangor. This year’s findings show that Malaysians are gravitating towards integrated townships, mixed-use developments, and ESG-driven projects that combine lifestyle appeal, long-term value, and sustainable living. These trends align with evolving affordability considerations, infrastructure connectivity, and changing work-life priorities.
The inaugural Consumer Demand Awards celebrated eight developments most sought-after by property seekers, with R&F Princess Cove and Leisure Farm leading the list and reflecting Johor Bahru’s increasing appeal among buyers. Johor also performed strongly in the office segment, with City Square Office Tower named the most in-demand office for lease in Johor, while Kuala Lumpur’s The Exchange 106 topped the office category in the capital.
Dr. Lee Nai Jia, Head of Real Estate Intelligence at PropertyGuru Group, said that the data shows Malaysian home seekers are increasingly looking beyond traditional hotspots in the Klang Valley. Johor Bahru’s dominance across multiple categories reflects the city’s transformation into a vibrant regional hub, supported by large-scale infrastructure investments such as the RTS Link and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. These factors are enhancing cross-border accessibility and driving confidence among local buyers and investors. Rising engagement for well-planned, self-contained communities, where residents can live, work, and play within the same precinct, also signals a more mature property market where value, connectivity, and livability drive purchasing decisions, not just location alone.
The People’s Choice Awards, determined through nearly 28,000 public votes, recognized ten developers most trusted by Malaysian consumers. The winners were Berinda Group, CPI Land, Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd, Mah Sing Group Berhad, Malton Berhad, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor, Platinum Victory, Tiland Group, Tropicana Corporation Berhad, and TRX City Sdn Bhd. These results reaffirm that consumers continue to place their trust in established developers who offer reliable quality and long-term value. The insights provide developers, investors, and policymakers with actionable information on which projects are in demand and which developers enjoy the highest levels of consumer trust.
JLand Group emerged as Malaysia’s most decorated winner, securing the Best Developer title in both Malaysia and Southern Malaysia, as well as Best Industrial Developer. Its flagship project, Bandar Dato’ Onn in Johor Bahru, earned multiple awards, including Best Township Development, highlighting JLand Group’s leadership in integrated community development. Public developer PKNS stood out as an ESG frontrunner, earning both Sustainable Design Champion and Low Carbon Champion honors, underscoring its strong commitment to environmentally conscious design through projects such as Linkar 52, Aludra Residensi, and Galeria SA Sentral.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said the awards capture more than excellence; they reveal what the market values most. Developers are setting benchmarks for sustainability, connectivity, and livability, while consumer data shows clear demand for quality developments. There is a visible move toward livable, well-connected communities, especially in regions like Johor and Selangor, where large-scale townships and mixed-use developments are reshaping the property landscape. At the same time, sustainability is no longer optional, as developers are embedding ESG principles into every project. This alignment between innovation, data, and consumer needs is expected to define Malaysia’s property success stories in the coming years.
A total of seventy-three categories honored outstanding achievements in Malaysian real estate, spanning luxury residences, affordable housing, and innovative commercial developments nationwide. Marking its twentieth edition in 2025, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series will culminate in the Grand Final in Bangkok on 12 December 2025. From Malaysia, twenty-three winners will advance to compete for the Best in Asia titles against entries from fourteen other markets on this international platform. For more information, the complete list of winners can be found at AsiaPropertyAwards.com.
