Unsold completed homes rise as property market holds firm

Malaysia’s stock of completed but unsold homes increased by 8.6 per cent in the first half of 2026, although the government says overall property activity remains resilient.

The number of unsold completed residential properties rose from 30,471 units in the second half of 2025 to 33,094 units between January and June 2026, according to the latest Property Market Report.

Their total value edged up from RM17.73 billion to RM17.78 billion.

High-rise homes form the biggest share

High-rise properties accounted for 43.4 per cent of the completed unsold homes, followed by terraced houses at 34.9 per cent.

More than a third of the unsold homes, 37.3 per cent, were priced at RM300,000 or below. About 38 per cent had been launched between six and 10 years earlier.

The figures point to an ongoing mismatch between what is available, where it is located and what buyers are prepared or able to purchase.

Serviced apartment stock rises faster

Unsold serviced apartments, which are recorded separately as commercial properties, increased by 24.7 per cent to 23,375 units. Their combined value rose to RM19.33 billion.

More than half of these units were priced from RM500,001 to RM1 million, while 71.1 per cent had been launched six to 10 years ago.

Johor recorded the highest number of unsold completed homes and serviced apartments, with 4,222 homes and 9,946 serviced apartments respectively.

Transactions remain substantial

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the wider market recorded 187,320 transactions worth RM105.12 billion in the first half of the year.

Residential property made up 59.3 per cent of all transactions, with 110,998 deals. It accounted for RM47.11 billion, or 44.8 per cent, of the total value.

He said stable price movements, transaction activity, construction work and the Overnight Policy Rate of 2.75 per cent were supporting confidence among buyers and financiers.

Nationwide, 27,832 new residential units were launched during the period, with a sales performance of 16.6 per cent.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign buyers should not treat national transaction figures as proof that every local market is strong. Check supply, completed-unsold stock, rental demand, foreign-purchase rules and financing before committing. Johor and higher-rise developments deserve particularly careful local research.

10 September 2026