Developer Sentiment Turns More Conservative
According to REHDA’s latest surveys, developers are entering 2H 2025 with caution.  
    •    New residential launches in 1H 2025 fell 26% compared to previous period, with only 12,938 units introduced.  
    •    Only 24% of those new units were sold.  
    •    About 70% of developers expect construction costs to rise by at least 3%, largely due to SST, labour, and material cost pressures — 73% are considering raising prices 3-5%.  

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Budget 2026: Measures That Affect Homebuyers & Investors
The recently passed Budget 2026 includes several property-related policies with real impact:
  Full stamp duty exemptions (for both transfer and loan instruments) for first-time homebuyers buying up to RM500,000, extended until 31 December 2027.  
  Foreign buyers (non-citizens & foreign companies) may see higher stamp duty rates (4% to 8%) on residential property transfers, while permanent residents are exempt.  
 A new tax deduction (10%) is proposed for developers converting commercial buildings into residential use (capped at RM10 million) to encourage adaptive reuse.  

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What This Means for You (Buyer / Investor / Developer)
‍ Buyers (especially first-timers): The extended stamp duty exemption helps lower your upfront cost. This is a timely window to enter the market if your budget is within RM500,000.
 Investors: Because launch volumes are shrinking and developers may raise prices, competition for quality projects will intensify. Focus on projects with strong fundamentals (transport links, demand).
 Developers: Cost pressures are real. Many already anticipate raising prices. Efficient project planning, cost management, and policy engagement will be crucial.

 Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and not investment or property advice. Real estate decisions should be made after consulting a qualified agent or financial advisor to ensure they fit your goals, budget, and risk level.