Homebuyers to Enjoy 10% Discount at AREC 2026 as Malaysia’s Property Sector Earns Global Recognition
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prospective homebuyers will be able to enjoy a 10 per cent discount on selected property purchases during the Asean Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2026, as the government steps up efforts to improve housing affordability while celebrating the international achievements of Malaysia’s property developers.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the incentive is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA). The discount is intended to ease the financial burden faced by buyers, particularly in raising the 10 per cent down payment required under Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA).
Speaking after the Developers’ Excellence Appreciation Ceremony held alongside the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2026, Nga said the initiative forms part of broader measures to help more Malaysians own quality homes.
The four-day AREC 2026 will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from July 29 to Aug. 1. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the conference, which will feature industry forums, business matching programmes and an exhibition expected to generate RM1.5 billion in business transactions.
Nga said the ministry is also supporting affordable housing development through its Rahmah Cement initiative, which allocates 1.6 million metric tonnes of cement to developers constructing affordable homes.
He said the programme is designed to help developers manage rising construction costs while ensuring house prices remain within reach of ordinary Malaysians.
According to Nga, affordable home ownership remains one of the government’s priorities, stressing that every Malaysian should have access to quality housing.
Apart from announcing new housing initiatives, Nga highlighted Malaysia’s strong performance at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2026, where local developers secured the highest overall honours with 14 awards comprising eight gold medals and six silver medals.
Among the Malaysian projects receiving gold awards were Park Regent @ Desa ParkCity in the Residential (High Rise) category, The Mansions @ ParkCity Hanoi for Residential (Low Rise), Merdeka 118 for Best Office and Sustainable Development, Elmina Lakeside Mall in the Retail category, Sunway Velocity Two (Phase 1) in Mixed-Use Development, Gamuda Gardens in the Master Plan category and Diamond Precinct in Vietnam for Residential (Mid Rise).
Nga said the latest achievement reinforces Malaysia’s growing reputation in the international property industry, noting that Malaysian developers have accumulated 135 gold medals since the global awards programme was introduced in 1992.
He said the recognition demonstrates that Malaysian property companies are capable of competing successfully with leading developers worldwide while setting international standards in design, sustainability and project execution.
Nga added that the growing international presence of Malaysian developers reflects increasing confidence in the country’s real estate sector, citing overseas projects undertaken by companies including ParkCity Group in Vietnam, SP Setia in Australia, OSK Property in Melbourne and EcoWorld in London.
He said the government’s long-term aspiration is to see more Malaysian property companies expand beyond domestic borders and establish themselves as global industry leaders.
Nga also announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the National Housing Policy on July 30 during AREC 2026, further outlining the government’s future direction for the country’s housing sector.
