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Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s property sector is expected to record marginal growth in buying interest this year, despite a high base in 2025, supported by a sustained positive outlook and steady demand fundamentals, said MBSB Investment Bank.

In a research note, the investment bank said 2025 loan applications remained sturdy, following a 4.9 per cent loan growth in 2024 and 5.7 per cent in 2023, underscoring the continued recovery and resilient buying interest in properties.

“Data released by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) showed that total loan applications for property purchases grew for the fifth consecutive month in December 2025, rising by 6.9 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM50.3 billion,” the investment bank said.

December’s loan applications, nonetheless, were weaker by nine per cent versus November, due to the seasonal effect of the year-end holidays, MBSB IB said.

Cumulatively, the investment bank said total loan applications ended on a stronger note in 2025, with a stable 3.4 per cent growth y-o-y. As for property stocks, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd said 2026 would be a year of delivery, with investors more selective in their stock picks.

“We recently met 13 funds during the marketing of the property sector. Discussions with investors were largely focused on sector themes, particularly Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and corporate exercises,” Maybank IB said.

It is maintaining a “Neutral” call on the sector. 

Meanwhile, Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Bhd, said Malaysia remains its core market within its geographically diversified portfolio as it continues to strengthen its regional footprint across Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Gamuda Land chief operating officer Jess Teng said the group reaffirmed its commitment to disciplined execution and responsible growth, emphasising that sustainable expansion must be underpinned by strong fundamentals, clear earnings visibility and meaningful partnerships that translate strategy into tangible outcomes.

“As a regional developer, Gamuda Land remains focused on operational excellence and balanced growth across its markets, underpinned by a diversified portfolio and strong development pipeline.

“The group looks forward to deepening collaboration with like-minded partners as it continues to build inclusive, resilient and liveable communities for the future,” she said in a statement.

In conjunction with its ongoing ‘Money Mari Home’ group-wide sales campaign and Gamuda Bhd’s 50th anniversary, Gamuda Land hosted the Gamuda Land GL Partner Appreciation Dinner on Feb 12, bringing together key banking partners, media representatives and business collaborators in a shared celebration of partnership, progress and purpose.

According to the statement, the ‘Money Mari Home’ initiative was designed to ease financial entry barriers and support homeownership amid continued affordability pressures, against a backdrop of rising living costs and tighter household cash flows, particularly among first-time buyers within the M40 segment.

Gamuda Land said through close collaboration with its banking partners, ‘Money Mari Home’ provides targeted financial support mechanisms, including up to 100 per cent loan financing, up to 50 per cent monthly instalment subsidy for 30 months, and a 60-month Deferred Instalment Plan, aimed at easing the critical early years of homeownership.

It said the evening also served as an expression of appreciation to partners who have played a role in advancing the campaign, underscoring the importance of strong ecosystem collaboration in delivering practical, market-responsive solutions that create sustainable value for homebuyers.