How the RTS Link Is Changing Johor’s Property Market

Introduction

The upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore is no longer just a transportation upgrade — it’s a game-changer for Johor’s property market.

Expected to be completed by end of 2026, this project is already reshaping how investors, developers, and homebuyers perceive property value in areas surrounding the future RTS station.

In this article, we explore how the RTS is influencing property demand, pricing trends, and long-term value in Johor Bahru — especially in Bukit Chagar, CIQ zone, and neighboring districts.

1. What Is the RTS Link?

The RTS (Rapid Transit System) Link is a 4km cross-border train connecting Woodlands North (Singapore) with Bukit Chagar (Johor Bahru).

• Capacity: 10,000 passengers/hour/direction

• Frequency: Every 3.6 minutes

• Completion target: End 2026

• Operated by: SMRT (Singapore) and Prasarana (Malaysia)

 Image Suggestion: RTS construction renderings and route map
Alt text: “RTS Link route and station locations between JB and SG”

2. Impact on Property Prices Near RTS

The areas around Bukit Chagar, Stulang Laut, and CIQ Johor Bahru are already witnessing:

• Price appreciation of 10–20% since construction began

• Increased developer launches near the station

• High demand for dual-key units and Airbnb-suitable layouts

Properties within walking distance to the RTS station are considered “prime transit-oriented assets,” offering both capital gain and strong rental yields.

 Image Suggestion: Property price chart showing trend since RTS launch
Alt text: “Real estate price trend near RTS station in Johor Bahru”

3. Attracting Cross-Border Commuters & Singaporeans

The RTS Link will cut commute times from 2 hours to under 15 minutes, making it a magnet for:

• Singaporeans seeking weekend homes or retirement units

• ‍‍ Malaysians working in SG but living in JB

• Investors banking on cross-border rental demand

This has led to a surge in MM2H applicants and foreign buyers exploring JB real estate as a cheaper alternative to Singapore's skyrocketing property market.

 Image Suggestion: Commuters crossing border via RTS with city skyline
Alt text: “RTS Link making JB-SG commuting easier”

 4. Spotlight on Bukit Chagar & CIQ Zone

Projects within 500m–800m of the RTS station are seeing intense demand:

• Arden Residence – Just 850m from RTS, dual-key units, hotel-style

• Paragon Calia – Limited units with 1+1 layouts and SG-facing views

•  Veranda 2, MBW Bay, King Bay – Attractive to Airbnb investors

These zones are considered Transit Oriented Developments (TOD) — expected to enjoy long-term capital appreciation due to direct infrastructure access.

 Image Suggestion: Map of projects within 1km of RTS station
Alt text: “Johor Bahru property map highlighting RTS proximity projects”

5. Rental Yields & Airbnb Potential

Investors are targeting high-demand short-term rental segments:

• Dual key units yielding 6%–9% ROI

• Studios renting to cross-border professionals

• Airbnb-style units with hotel facilities in RTS-accessible buildings

As more Singaporean workers choose to live in JB and commute via RTS, rental demand in Bukit Chagar and surrounding districts is expected to grow steadily.

 Image Suggestion: ROI chart and tenant demographic icons
Alt text: “Airbnb and rental yield trends near RTS station”

6. The RTS Link’s Broader Urban Impact

Beyond property, the RTS is catalyzing:

• Public transport network integration (LRT plans, shuttle buses)

• Revitalization of old CBD and JB Sentral areas

•  Increased developer confidence and land acquisitions

•  Better infrastructure attracting families and digital nomads

It is one of the cornerstone projects under Iskandar Malaysia, driving long-term transformation of JB into a smart cross-border city.

 Image Suggestion: Illustration of future JB urban redevelopment
Alt text: “Future transformation of Johor Bahru CBD with RTS integration”

Conclusion: RTS = Real Transformation Soon

For both investors and homebuyers, the RTS Link is more than just a railway — it’s a catalyst for value creation.

Whether you’re considering your first home near Bukit Chagar, or looking to invest in high-yield transit-linked units, understanding the RTS effect can guide smarter decisions in the evolving Johor property market.