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State polls a speed bump as RTS, JS-SEZ accelerate shifts in Johor’s property market

Industrial growth is lifting the state, but overhang and affordability concerns persist

Tan Ai Leng
Published Mon, Jun 29, 2026 · 02:11 PM
    • Johor led Malaysia’s residential launches in Q1 with 2,693 units as developers position for demand from the RTS and JS-SEZ.
    • Johor led Malaysia’s residential launches in Q1 with 2,693 units as developers position for demand from the RTS and JS-SEZ. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT

    [KUALA LUMPUR] Johor’s property market is being reshaped by factories, data centres and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), shifting the state away from the residential speculation that has long defined its real estate story.

    But with state polls due on Jul 11, investors are cautious of whether the demand momentum, coupled with policy certainty and execution, can be sustained.

    Nawawi Tie managing director Daniel Ma observed that a two-speed market is emerging in Johor, with industrial land commanding record prices led by data centres, logistics players and manufacturers, while parts of the residential sector continue to struggle with a sizeable overhang of premium homes.