Part 3: JB Properties near RTS – Winners and Laggards –
Readers are encouraged to read Part 1: Why JB CIQ Properties Defy the Johor Oversupply trend and Part 2: The RTS Breakthrough and the New Bottleneck before diving into Part 3.
Key Takeaways
- The RTS Bottleneck leaves commuters with no viable alternative – residing within walking distance to CIQ RTS entry point, is the only way to avoid the gridlock.
- Parking scarcity has worsen as several large carparks near CIQ RTS hub have given way to high-rise residences.
- “Peak-hour” commuters reliant on buses and car drop-offs / pick-ups are compelled to give up their leases to move into walkable properties near the hub.
RTS is set to bring a significant influx of people from various segments relocating from Singapore to JB. Among them, Malaysians—who make up 1 in 6 of Singapore’s population—are particularly drawn by the stark cost disparity:
Private Property Prices:
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Woodlands: SGD 2,150 psf (RM 8,000 psf)
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JB CIQ: RM 1,200–2,000 psf
Rental (Per Room):
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Woodlands: SGD 900 (RM 3,300)
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JB CIQ: RM 1,200
For Malaysians priced out of Singapore, JB CIQ properties offer affordability without immigration barriers or homeownership restrictions. As a major segment of Singapore’s workforce, they now have a feasible way to live in JB while maintaining easy access to their SGD jobs.
Other Market Shifts:
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Tourism: Budget-conscious travelers may use JB as a “hotel base” for day trips to Singapore.
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Singapore Retirees: Those accustomed to Singapore amenities (e.g., FairPrice, libraries) can maintain their lifestyle with frequent RTS trips.
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Workforce Expansion: The RTS-Thomson Line combo makes JB-to-Orchard commutes faster than some intra-Singapore routes (e.g., from Tampines or Jurong). This shift could see Singapore homeowners cashing out, moving to JB, and turning into instant “liquid millionaires.”
Winners: Properties Within Walking Distance to CIQ
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Walkability will no longer be a preference but a necessity especially “peak-hour” commuters
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Strong rental demand from Malaysians working in Singapore on the 13 walkable properties in JB CIQ
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Investors and home-seekers alike, will target 13 RTS access properties, driving price appreciation.
Laggards: Properties That Rely on Bus or Car Transport
- Parking scarcity has worsened, with large car parks near the CIQ RTS hub replaced by high-rises. The former “park-and-walk” commuters now rely on drop-offs, further straining an already congested system.
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Drop-off congestion will disrupt Grab, private drivers, and buses, making daily commutes unpredictable and frustrating.
- Developments in JB Inner City, Danga Bay, JB Outer City and Tebrau Coast that depend on vehicle transport will be skewed toward ‘non peak hour’ commuters
💰For Investors: Inside the RTS Gold Standard – JB CIQ properties poised to outpace the market with a price trajectory independent of broader Iskandar Malaysia trends.
📌 Next we deep-dive into Part 4: JB CIQ Property Review – Vital Statistics – Price, Demand and Supply
