KOTA KINABALU:
An exhibition on affordable, quality, innovative and value-added housing for property buyers will be held at the ground floor of Karamunsing Complex here from Tuned 2-15. The ‘SABAH PROPERTY SHOW 2008’ is the platform for established developers to showcase their creative resources and’ other innovative solutions to provide quality yet affordable housing that caters to families, young professionals and potential investors. The outlook for property market in Sabah this year remains positive due to strong domestic consumption, high market liquidity and loans being relatively cheaper, according to Arpandi Jasmin of EXCEL Services and Management, who is also the organising chairman of the event. Another factor is the Employees Provident Fund withdrawals for housing loans, which help to boost the property market, he said. Tourism is also progressing with around 1,000 rooms expected to be completed this year and the new airport is also being partly used, he noted. Arpandi said escalating prices of building materials have resulted in expensive properties in Sabah but this will not slow down the growth and development. The residential sector is expected to remain healthy with terrace houses continuing to be mainstay choice although the government plans to increase the availability of low-cost housing, he said. “According to research, Sabah, the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang remain the top growth areas in the country in line with global urbanization trends. The research also showed that property remained the most favoured investment type by far, accounting for 60 per cent, compared to 26 per cent who favoured fixed deposits.” Some 40 companies such as Wah Mei Group, SUDC Sdn Bhd, Sinar Pembangunan Sdn Bbd, J & M Development Sdn Bhd, SKT Global Sdn Bhd, Renofajar Sdn Bhd will take the opportunity to showcase their finest properties at the exhibition, which will be officiated by Datuk VK Liew, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry.
