Post-pandemic boom fuels demand for smart, walkable living
According to independent property consultant Jeremy Tan, this evolving demand is redefining investor priorities.
He noted that today's discerning investors are increasingly drawn to developments with inherent growth drivers, including planned infrastructure upgrades, internationally recognised brands, cutting-edge technology integration, and favourable demographic trends.
"These elements consistently create upward pressure on both property values and rental yields, providing a foundation for sustained returns."
According to him, rare investment opportunities typically offer strong risk-adjusted returns and multiple exit strategies, whether through rental income, resale potential, or asset repositioning.
"A rare investment opportunity usually stands out due to a unique mix of hard-to-replicate factors. These are often time-sensitive and offer asymmetric upside potential. They're the kinds of opportunities investors look back on and say, 'I wish I had invested then,' he told NST Property.
Tan added that such opportunities often involve scarce assets, including limited-edition properties, exclusive land parcels, or early-stage investments in high-potential developments and prime locations.
"Timing is crucial. Entering the market just before major infrastructure announcements, like an LRT station or a large-scale urban renewal initiative, can yield substantial capital appreciation. Very few freehold branded residences in Greater Kuala Lumpur offer such a combination.
"We see Shah Alam emerging as a growing hotspot for branded residences. Wyndham Suites i-City is one standout example."
He added that the involvement of reputable global brands, institutional investors, or established developers brings a high level of trust and long-term confidence to the investment.
Developed by I-Berhad, Wyndham Suites i-City is a landmark 55-storey integrated development located within the i-City Finance Avenue. It comprises a 5-star, 200-room Wyndham Hotel and 312 signature residential suites available for private ownership.
The suites, sized between 550 and 865 square feet, are priced at RM441,000, or an average of RM800 psf. Designed for optimal rental performance and low maintenance, they offer an ideal solution for investors interested in short-term stays or hybrid rental models.
"We've already seen this model succeed at Hill10 Residences, which shares a building with DoubleTree by Hilton i-City," he said.
"Units there have achieved gross yields of up to 7 per cent, with short-stay options delivering even higher returns, thanks to the strong brand association and high-traffic location."
A senior property analyst from a local research firm echoed these sentiments, saying that developments aligned with macro trends such as smart cities, sustainable design, branded living, and digital infrastructure are increasingly viewed as future-proof investments.
"Branded residences continue to attract discerning investors due to their ability to generate superior returns, regardless of market volatility," she said.
She emphasised the importance of location in fully unlocking the value of such properties.
Commenting on Wyndham Suites i-City, she said projects situated in mature, strategic hubs tend to appeal to a more affluent buyer and tenant profile, making them highly desirable from an investment standpoint.
Wyndham Suites i-City is a smart, tech-enabled lifestyle destination with a strong focus on automation and future-readiness. It is linked to Central i-City, Malaysia's first Thai-owned lifestyle mall, and is just steps from Mercu Maybank, a Grade-A corporate office.
The analyst said that these commercial and lifestyle landmarks, paired with i-City's Tier-3 data centre infrastructure, have made the area a magnet for multinational corporations, many of which now prefer setting up operations in Shah Alam over central Kuala Lumpur.
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