Maybank IB said Johor Baru’s property landscape continues to evolve, supported by infrastructure catalysts and deepening economic integration with Singapore.
PETALING JAYA: Johor’s property sector is poised for sustained momentum as deepening economic ties with Singapore and upcoming infrastructure projects reshape the state’s commercial and industrial landscape.
Market observers expect a broad-based lift across retail, logistics and healthcare assets, buoyed by regional integration and continued cross-border spending.
According to Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB), its site visit to Johor reaffirmed the state’s rising prominence as both a retail and industrial hub.
This is supported by strong cross-border spending, the upcoming Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and the planned Johor–SingaporeSpecial Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“These catalysts will enhance connectivity, deepen economic integration, and lift property values near key nodes,” the research house wrote in a report.
“The favourable Singapore dollar to ringgit exchange rate continues to drive weekend retail spending and industrial demand,” it added.
In essence, the research house said Johor Baru’s property landscape continues to evolve, supported by infrastructure catalysts and deepening economic integration with Singapore.
Maybank IB expects the RTS Link, slated for completion by end-2026, to significantly enhance cross-border mobility and attract more investment into Johor’s retail, industrial, and residential segments.
Citing data from the National Property Information Centre, the the research house noted that Johor’s commercial property market showed mixed trends in the first half of this year.
Transaction volume fell 11.3%, but total transaction value rose 4.6%, indicating firmer asset pricing and sustained investor appetite for prime property.
Johor also retained its leadership in Malaysia’s industrial market, accounting for 732 transactions, or 60.3% of southern regional volume, with transaction value up 12.3% year-on-year – underscoring persistent demand for industrial and logistics assets, driven by cross-border trade flows and the state’s strategic proximity to Singapore.
In retail, key malls such as Mid Valley Southkey, Paradigm Mall JB and Komtar JBCC continue to attract Singaporean shoppers.
Expansion plans at Mid Valley Southkey and upcoming retail components at Coronation Square and Horizon Hills signal sustained confidence in the Johor retail landscape.
Maybank IB described Johor’s industrial and logistics sector as “one of Malaysia’s most dynamic”, supported by manufacturing diversification and growing data centre interest.
However, it cautioned that “data centre expansion faces challenges from power and water supply constraints,” prompting operators to explore self-sufficient utility models.
