The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA) have called for the National Housing Policy 2026-2035 to be implemented progressively and in close consultation with industry stakeholders, particularly where proposed changes could affect housing costs, financing and supply.
While welcoming the policy as an important framework for the future of Malaysia’s housing sector, REHDA President Datuk Zaini Yusoff said several measures would require careful study and meaningful industry engagement to ensure their implementation does not create unintended consequences.
“A key area is the proposed transition from the current Sell-Then-Build (STB) system towards Build-Then-Sell (BTS) between 2027 and 2035, as any fundamental change to the housing delivery system must take into account its impact on holding costs, financing, cash flow, housing prices and supply.
“This is especially important for small and medium-sized developers, which may not have the financial capacity to fund an entire development until completion,” he said.
Zaini shared that the existing STB model should continue to co-exist alongside BTS if the latter is introduced, noting that STB has delivered more than 6.5 million housing units over the years.
“Any move towards BTS should be progressive, supported by appropriate financing and regulatory mechanisms, and undertaken in consultation with developers, financial institutions and other stakeholders,” he said, highlighting that such an approach would help strengthen homebuyer protection without inadvertently increasing housing costs or constraining supply.
At the same time, Zaini said the association also welcomed several key directions under the new policy, including greater use of data-driven housing planning, more diverse pathways to homeownership and improved integration between housing, transport and essential amenities.
“Overall, the National Housing Policy 2026-2035 is a positive and comprehensive framework in strengthening Malaysia’s housing ecosystem and we remain committed to working closely with the government towards its effective implementation,” Zaini emphasised.
