A newly proposed serviced residence at the intersection of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Cantonment Road, in the vicinity of Pulau Tikus. The development occupies approximately 1.5 acres of land adjacent to St. Christopher’s International School and opposite Disted College. It is situated within an established neighbourhood characterized by several foreign consulates and luxury residential properties.

The project consists of a 28-storey tower housing 332 serviced residence units, supported by a nine-level car parking podium. Additionally, three commercial units will be located on the ground floor.

The project is currently still pending approval, and more details will be made available upon its official launch.

Project Name: (to be confirmed)
Location : Pulau Tikus
Property Type : Serviced residence
Total Units : 332
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Land Tenure : (to be confirmed)
Indicative Price :(to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data available at the time of publication. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.

Owning a home has long felt out of reach for many young Malaysians, especially gig workers without fixed incomes. But thanks to the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP), that dream is becoming a reality for thousands.

Since it began in 2008, the scheme has helped over 93,000 Malaysians buy their own homes, with total loan guarantees reaching RM22.1 billion as of July 31. Most of these homes — nearly 67% — are priced below RM300,000, making them accessible to young families and first-time buyers.

So, how does it work? Basically, the government acts as a guarantor — covering up to 120% of the loan amount — for those who might not have the typical payslips or proof of income that banks usually require. This means gig workers, freelancers, and others with irregular income can still qualify for a home loan, as long as they’re not blacklisted by any financial institutions.

Under Budget 2026, the government has boosted SJKP’s allocation by RM10 billion, aiming to help another 80,000 Malaysians get their first home. On top of that, the stamp duty exemption for first-time buyers has been extended until December 31, 2027, offering savings of up to RM10,000 for homes priced RM500,000 and below.

Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming also shared that Malaysia’s homeownership rate now stands at a healthy 76.5%, reflecting steady growth in the property sector. The government continues to push for affordable options through PR1MA homes (around RM300,000) and Rumah Mesra Rakyat units (around RM75,000, with a RM20,000 subsidy).

With these initiatives, the path to owning a home is looking a lot brighter for young Malaysians chasing their first set of keys.

The Penang Development Corporation (PDC) has unveiled plans for “The Coast,” a modern mixed-use project set to redefine the southwest coastal landscape. This 5.15-acre development is envisioned as a symbol of progress, directly aligning with the Penang2030 vision of a smart, green, and sustainable future.

More than just a physical structure, The Coast represents a holistic initiative integrating economic, social, and environmental pillars. It is purposefully designed around the “Live, Work & Play” concept, featuring modern serviced apartments, Grade A corporate offices, and vibrant commercial spaces. This creates a seamlessly integrated community where residents can enjoy a balanced urban lifestyle.

Strategically located near the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, The Coast offers unparalleled connectivity to key infrastructures like the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), and Penang International Airport. This prime location positions it as an attractive hub for multinational corporations, investors, and professionals.

What truly sets The Coast apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The development is targeting a platinum-rated Green Building Index (GBI) certification and an MSC Cybercentre status, establishing it as a digital hub ideal for technology-driven enterprises. With its fluid architecture blending with natural elements, The Coast promises a lifestyle that does not compromise comfort for eco-consciousness.

Acting as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, The Coast is a beacon of progress for Penang. As part of the initial phase, PDC is now inviting qualified local and international companies to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the serviced apartment component, with documents available from 1 October to 28 November 2025.

With its strategic vision, modern design, and world-class green credentials, The Coast is poised to become a landmark of pride and a preferred destination for forward-thinking communities.

Buying your first property is a major milestone and for many, affordable homes are the most accessible way to begin investing in real estate. They come with reasonable prices, decent facilities, and are often located in areas with growing demand.

However, affordability alone doesn’t guarantee investment success. Before you take the leap, here are 5 important things to consider when investing in your first affordable home.

1. Know What You’re Buying

Affordable housing projects are usually built with standard layouts and materials to keep costs manageable. This means your unit could look similar to hundreds or even thousands of others in the same development.

When selecting a unit, look for features that help it stand out — such as better views, higher floors, or corner positioning. Small differences like these can make your property more appealing and potentially enhance its resale or rental value later on.

2. Location Still Matters Most

Even within the affordable segment, location remains the biggest driver of long-term value. Properties in high-demand areas — such as Air Itam, Jelutong, Tanjung Tokong, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas, Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth — tend to see stable demand because of their established amenities and dense surrounding population. High population density often translates into more consistent rental demand and easier resale opportunities.

On the other hand, emerging growth areas like Batu Kawan offer a different kind of potential. Here, appreciation is driven not by existing population density, but by new infrastructure, upcoming commercial projects, and job creation. These areas may take time to mature, but they can offer stronger long-term upside for patient investors.

3. Don’t Benchmark Against Premium Homes

A common mistake among new buyers is comparing affordable homes to premium projects nearby and expecting similar appreciation potential. While both may share the same location, they are positioned very differently in the market.

Premium homes typically come with larger built-ups, better finishes, and lower density environments — all of which contribute to their higher price and stronger appreciation ceiling. Affordable homes, on the other hand, are valued based on different buyer expectations and comparable units within their own segment.

Even if both are located on the same street, the price gap rarely closes because buyers for each category are looking for different things. The affordable home market is more price-sensitive, while premium buyers are driven by lifestyle, privacy, and exclusivity. Always measure your investment against other projects in the same category to get a more realistic view of its potential.

4. Check the Supply, Competition, and Real Market Data

As more affordable housing projects are launched in Penang, competition within this segment continues to grow. Before investing, take time to understand how many similar projects are already in the area and how prices have moved over the years.

You can use Penang Property Talk’s “Actual Transacted Prices” tool to check the real historical transaction data of properties across the state. This gives you a clearer picture of past market trends, appreciation potential, and price consistency — helping you make a more informed decision.

When comparing options, look for projects that stand out through better connectivity, thoughtful design, or proximity to workplaces and amenities. These factors can make a big difference in long-term value.

5. Take a Long-Term View

Affordable homes generally deliver steady, not speculative, returns. They may appreciate at a slower pace compared to higher-end projects, but they provide a solid foundation for building long-term equity.

Think of your first affordable home as a starter investment — an opportunity to gain property experience, benefit from area growth, and gradually move up to higher-value assets in the future. Proper maintenance and patience are key to maximising your returns.

Final Thoughts

Affordable homes play a vital role in Penang’s property landscape, helping more people achieve ownership while offering a practical entry point into real estate investment.

For new investors, success comes from choosing the right location, understanding market dynamics, and setting realistic expectations. Don’t compare affordable homes to premium ones nearby — instead, study actual market data and focus on steady, achievable growth.

If you’re planning to invest, take advantage of the “Actual Transacted Prices” feature on Penang Property Talk to explore past sales trends and make more confident decisions. With research, patience, and the right mindset, your first affordable home can be both a smart investment and a meaningful milestone.

– Ken Lim
(Founder, PenangPropertyTalk.com)

Construction has officially started on Package One of the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Highway Project, a major initiative to help ease traffic congestion along key routes on Seberang Perai.

According to PLUS Malaysia Berhad, this first package involves upgrading the roundabout at KM135.15–KM135.4 of the East-West Elevated Intersection (Butterworth–Kulim Expressway) and building a new flyover at Jalan Tun Hussein Onn (KM133.5–KM134.5). Both works are expected to take about 24 months to complete.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said these initial works are only the early phase and do not yet include the elevated highway structure. He also announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the full project will take place in November, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This multi-billion ringgit project will be developed in several stages,” Chow said. “We’re pleased to see site work already progressing and look forward to further announcements on the remaining packages.”

Once completed, the elevated highway is expected to smooth traffic flow and enhance connectivity between Juru and Sungai Dua, bringing long-term relief to commuters.