The Edge Financial Daily - Tropicana Corporation Bhd

Despite global and regional headwinds, we are very positive about the outlook of Malaysia's property sector. We believe we are moving in the right direction as we gear towards a more buoyant property market in the second half of 2019 and beyond, given the clear signs that property prices at strategic locations have remained stable, innovative market offerings are being introduced while more transparent policies to encourage homeownership have been initiated.

Furthermore, given the current market environment and consumer spending habits, we believe that there will always be demand for attractively priced properties in prime locations with accessibility to good amenities.

We anticipate the growth of more diverse, quality architectural designs in line with changing lifestyle needs and aspirations of communities of the future. This would mean more mixed-used developments, neo-traditional designs and neighbourhoods which integrate homes, commercial centres and are close to amenities and services.

It is important that consumers have access to the right information in order to make informed choices when buying a home. First-time home-buyers should always consider their financial position so they do not end up being overly burdened for the next few decades.

We expect property prices at strategic locations to remain stable, backed by the introduction of more innovative deals to consumers. The government has also introduced a wide array of initiatives to invigorate the property market such as the exemptions of stamp duty and a wide range of benefits for first-time homebuyers. Banks are also expected to relax their lending guidelines.