Property Hunter Magazine Issue 64 2015 | Page 66

HOT TOPIC | SHAREDA 2014 Property Development Annual Report & Market Outlook 2015 As a consequence, 2014 showed a significant decrease in property launches with a total GDV of RM3.747 billion as compared to the RM7.562 billion generated in 2013. This is a significant 50% drop which was recorded in the mixed development, landed residential, condominium and apartments, and commercial development sectors which posted a drop of between 39% and 76% in GDV. One bright spot in this analysis is the whopping three fold increase in the industrial development sector. SHAREDA 2014 Property Development Factors that contributed to the decline of property launches in 2014 were the cooling measures which effectively curbed the buying power of property investors. The increase in fuel price and electricity tariff coupled with uncertainties of the impending implications of GST made property buyers more cautious with their investments. Spending power of consumers was also restricted due to stringent loan assessment procedures which resulted in a high percentage of applicants, particularly first time home buyers, failing to get approval for their end financing which affected the sales performance of each property product launching. ANNUAL REPORT & MARKET OUTLOOK 2015 Fresh optimism for a revitalized property market “ The East Coast that includes both Tawau and Lahad Datu districts fell to third place with a GDV of RM341 million T he Sabah Housing and Real Estate Development Association (SHAREDA) released its 2014 Property Development Annual Report & Market Outlook 2015 on 9 February with the continuing focus on bringing the most comprehensive information on projects launched by its members throughout the year. The report also highlights issues and concerns of the property industry and SHAREDA’s efforts to address them in collaboration with relevant government ministries and agencies. The delay in development plan approval continued to impede the timely launches of new projects to capitalize on positive market sentiments w hich were few and far in between in 2014. Although affecting the tourism industry more than the property market, the flight disasters of MH370 and MH17 as well as kidnappings on the east coast placed a further strain on safety and security issues in Sabah andhad a negative impact on investor confidence. The decline in oil palm prices was also cited as a deterrent factor in small holders acquiring properties for investment. This second edition of the annual report follows on the successful launch of the inaugural issue in 2013 which received encouraging feedback from its intended target audience namely government departments, professional bodies, real estate players, SHAREDA members and its counterparts REHDA in Peninsular Malaysia and SHEDA in Sarawak. DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS The West Coast continued to dominate the overall number of property launches in Sabah with a GDV of RM2.622 billion out of RM3.747 billion or approximately 70%.This is expected as the West Coast is the epicentre of growth in Sabah. Ranked second is Sandakan with a GDV of RM413 million covering most of the property development products except for mixed development, which was more obvious in the CBD. The report will once again analyze the development and distribution pattern of properties by SHAREDA members throughout the year and assess the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in 2015. Despite a turbulent year with negative sentiment felt in almost all sectors of the property market, the report has also identified indicators that point to an optimistic turnaround in the market in 2015 and beyond. “ SHAREDA President Datuk Francis Goh is confident that the annual report will continue to play its role as an indispensable source of reference and guide for those in the industry. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2014 – OVERVIEW The year 2014 got off to a challenging start with new central bank guidelines and government initiated cooling measures to reign in property speculation and control housing prices causing some anxiety in the property market. The onset of GST implementation in April 2015 further exacerbated the situation and caused many developers to predictably delay their product launches. 66 www.PropertyHunter.com.my Datuk Francis Goh SHAREDA President The East Coast that includes both Tawau and Lahad Datu districts fell to third place with a GDV of RM341 million. This obvious decline was largely due to security concerns stemming from the foreign intrusion and acts of intimidation inflicted on the area and its people. Tailing closely in fourth place is the Interior Division with a GDV of RM282 million. Kudat Division rounds up the table with a GDV of RM89 million. www.PropertyHunter.com.my 67