1. The industrial property segment continues to be the strongest performer in Malaysia’s real estate market for 2025. Based on NAPIC’s Q1, H1, and Q3 2025 snapshots, the data shows a healthy industrial pipeline, stable demand, and sustained construction activity—even as other sectors like residential and serviced apartments face oversupply challenges.
MALAYSIA’S INDUSTRIAL MARKET CONTINUES TO SHOW RESILIENCE
1. While total property transactions softened slightly in Q1 2025, the industrial segment remains comparatively resilient. Industrial assets continue to attract investors due to:
• Growing e-commerce and logistics activities
• Demand from regional manufacturing relocations (China +1, ASEAN shift)
• Infrastructure expansions such as WCE, ELITE, and port-related development
• Industrial decentralization to Johor, Selangor, and Penang
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY: INDUSTRIAL PIPELINE EXPANDS STRONGLY
1. Across Q1–Q3 2025, NAPIC data shows a robust construction trend in the industrial subsector:
• Starts increased significantly — Q1 2025 saw 1,188 new starts, rising to 2,747 in Q3.
• Completions surged — from only 356 units in Q1 2025 to 2,292 units in Q3 2025.
• New planned supply remains healthy — 2,467 units planned in Q3 2025.
2. This indicates strong developer confidence and long-term demand for industrial hubs, semi-D factories, logistics warehouses, and light-industrial units.
TRANSACTION TRENDS: INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES REMAIN A STABLE PERFORMER
1. NAPIC’s H1 2025 data shows industrial transaction numbers holding steady despite marketwide fluctuations:
• Industrial transactions remain consistent among the top 3 performing subsectors.
• Industrial transaction value shows stable YoY performance, outperforming office and retail segments.
• Key regions driving activity include Selangor, Johor, and Penang industrial corridors.
2. As Malaysia positions itself as an alternative supply-chain base in Southeast Asia, demand for industrial properties is expected to continue growing.
INDUSTRIAL HOTSPOTS IN 2025
1. Based on transaction distribution and new supply data, the key growth locations include:
• Selangor — Puncak Alam, Kapar, Telok Gong, Bandar Serenia
• Johor — Iskandar Puteri, Senai, Pasir Gudang
• Penang — Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Bayan Lepas
• Negeri Sembilan — Bandar Enstek, Nilai Tech Park
2. These areas benefit from proximity to highways, large labour pools, and established industrial ecosystems.
WHY INVESTORS ARE BUYING INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES IN 2025
1. The industrial category remains the most attractive for both Malaysian and foreign investors. This is driven by:
• Logistics expansion — booming demand from e-commerce and 3PL players
• Manufacturing shift — Malaysia continues to attract high-value factories
• Low vacancy rates — compared to offices and retail malls
• Stable rental yields — 6–8% achievable in many mature industrial zones
• Limited overhang — unlike residential & serviced apartments
RISKS & CHALLENGES TO WATCH
1. While the market remains strong, investors should take note of:
• Construction cost inflation
• Labour shortages affecting factory handover timelines
• Some zones reaching price saturation (e.g., Shah Alam Section 26–34)
• Future tax reforms that may impact commercial/industrial asset holding
OUTLOOK: INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY WILL REMAIN THE BEST-PERFORMING SECTOR IN 2025
1. With strong demand from logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing, Malaysia’s industrial property market remains the most stable and high-potential segment in the country. The healthy construction pipeline shown in NAPIC’s 2025 snapshots signals continued confidence and long-term demand.
Source: https://terragroup.my/blogs/malaysia-industrial-property-outlook-2025-a-stable-market-driven-by-strong-construction-activity-investor-demand
