AT first thought, it might appear prudent to pay off a property loan as quickly and as soon as possible. However, is this really the wisest and smartest financial decision? Consider using cheaper home loans to grow your net worth. - LEE MUN WAI writes... Home loans usually have lower ... Read More

ALOR SETAR: Housing developers who advertise their projects in newspapers without permits from the National Housing Department (NHD) risk facing legal action. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heungsaid he recently discovered that private developers were advertising their housing projects without the necessary permits. “There are developers who ... Read More

GEORGE TOWN: Debenhams, one of Britain's oldest retailers, is opening its third store in Malaysia amid the region's fast-growing economy. To be located at Gurney Paragon, Penang, the store will be Debenhams' first outlet outside Kuala Lumpur and also its first flagship store for the northern region. Debenhams Malaysia master franchisee ... Read More

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Forum has called on the state government to ‘freeze’ the guidelines allowing for 87 housing units per acre (0.4ha) pending public consultation and proper planning. Its steering committee spokesman said the increased density in residential areas could only be allowed if there was a good public ... Read More

THE Penang government has started reviewing the Penang Structure Plan 2020 after it reached its five-year term since being gazetted on June 28, 2007. State Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said it was a statutory requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act ... Read More

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has clarified an online posting by blogger Anil Netto that the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) has frozen high-rise density development. Instead, State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the guidelines for developers who want to build 87 units of houses ... Read More

THE George Town city status is both the heritage and right of Penangites, according to Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) president Khoo Salma Nasution. She said the city of George Town was a flourishing democracy in the 1960s and many citizens who had “tasted” that would like to see their “basic ... Read More

UDA Holdings Bhd plans to further negotiate with the Government to provide funding for the build-and-sell housing initiative. Chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed argued that if the company was to develop property based on the build-and-sell concept without any aid from the Government, it would tremendously hurt its cashflow. “Discussions are ongoing ... Read More

THERE is no doubt that the quality of life of Malaysians living in flats, apartments and condominiums can be improved. Part of the problem is poor management. As such, it is commendable of the Housing and Local Government Ministry to introduce a new law to improve management. The Strata Management Bill ... Read More

PETALING JAYA: Property prices have shot up by about three-fold in Penang because of an increase in surcharges imposed by the Pakatan Rakyat-led government, claimed a former council official. According to former Penang Municipal Council's Town Planning Department acting director Khoo Boo Soon, the additional cost imposed on developers were eventually ... Read More