International Property
Malaysia
ICONIC SOUTH EAST ASIAN DEVELOPMENT ATTRACTING UK PROPERTY INVESTORS AS REAL ESTATE MARKET SOARS ON THE BACK OF TOURISM BOOM
LH1 Global, a leading International Property Consultancy, has reported a surge of enquiries from UK based property investors in available units within The Sail, a spectacular flagship development in Melaka, Malaysia. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Melaka is fast emerging as the go-to destination of South East Asia, with a booming tourism industry that is expected to see international visitors increase by 15% in the next 12 months, with 31.4 million tourists expected in 2025 compared to 27.3 million recorded in 2023, according to the Malaysian government’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Tourism growth in Melaka and across Malaysia has also played a major role in the exponential growth of the country’s real estate market. Between 2012 and 2022, investing in Malaysian property fared better than buying stocks or bonds, with the total returns for a property investment reaching as high as 106% in the 10-year period. The strengthening of international currencies, such as the Pound, U.S. Dollar and the Euro against the Malaysian Ringgit also makes acquiring a holiday home or rental investment property in the fastest growing region in Asia an attractive proposition for overseas investors.
Rayna Hunter, CEO of LH1 Global, commented: “Iconic developments, such as The Sail, will always attract serious international property investors due to their status and position on the global real estate market, however, there is the added incentive of low property values (compared to major destinations e.g. London, New York, Dubai) combined with proven high yield returns.
“There is also the benefit of The Sail being the jewel in the crown of the City of Hope, a 165.5-acre masterplan, a waterfront project that will transform the city and further boost tourism in the area. There couldn’t be a better time to invest in The Sail and Malaysia than now, as further exceptional growth is forecast once the project is complete.”
The vision of Malaysia’s leading landmark developer, Sheng Tai International, The City of Hope will be home to a new central business district, enhanced port improvements, high-end new homes, technology parks, with a focus on fashion, wellness, artificial intelligence (AI), arts and culture – transforming Melaka into an international city set for the world stage.
An integral part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which lays out a series of stepwise promotions, partnerships and developments, the City of Hope will transform a derelict section of the Melaka port and create a prime luxury destination that will become the heart of Asia.
To facilitate this development, Tourism Malaysia is setting up new partnerships with local airlines flying on international routes, promoting stopover programmes and converting transit passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport into tourists, thereby helping to maximise the tourism potential for the city.
Nestled along the Straits of Melaka, the UNESCO World Heritage site pulsates with the energy of a city that has been shaped by a myriad of cultural influences. From bustling street markets to colourful historic buildings, Melaka is a celebration of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan traditions. The captivating city, with its deep history still on show today will be further boosted by inward investment, making it an attractive investment destination.
Further boosting the country’s connectivity, a £13 billion rail project, a 688km East Coast Rail Link, will connect Malaysia’s East and West coasts, as well as major shipping ports. Plans are also in place to develop a high-speed railway that will connect the country’s capital city Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, which will further improve Malaysia’s strength as a leading destination for tourists and businesses in Asia.
Set to place Malaysia on the world map, The Sail, reaching 325 metres at its tallest point, with 9 linked towers resembles a majestic ship fleet that will make it one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. The Sail will also be home to the first Karl Lagerfeld Hotel Tower and Branded Residences in South East Asia, and the first of its kind in Malaysia.
The first phase of luxury homes, available exclusively through LH1 Global, are located in the impressive Bay 3 and M Tower.
Rayna added:
“The response we have received so far for The Sail has been truly eye opening. Developments of this magnitude will always generate serious interest, but we have been surprised by the level of enquiries from traditional property investors in the UK that are attracted by the low entry prices, which are over half that of the average apartment value in England (£248,000).
“We are used to seeing inward investment into the UK from Asia, so it’s interesting to see the trend move in the opposite direction. However, with potential for assured rental returns and high yields on offer there are ex landlords and property investors that have been priced out of the buy to let market in the country that are being tempted to look overseas for alternative options.”
Ranging in price from £120,000 to £276,000 the selection of one, two and three-bedroom units on the market within Bay 3 of The Sail offer an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of history in the making, whilst also benefitting from assured rental yields of 6% and an expected 64% Return on Investment (ROI) over a 12-year period. Perfect for discerning investors a range of hotel suites are available to secure in the striking M Tower, priced from £199,000 to £408,000, with rental returns including a 7% rental yield, as well as an estimated 84% ROI over 12-years.
The Sail, with a GDV in excess of £1.2 billion, is a ten-year build programme, with purchasers offered the opportunity to opt into a “Buy Back” option (triggered in year 11 for Bay 3 and 12 for M Tower), with Sheng Tai International committing to reacquire the unit for 100% of the original price paid, providing the comfort of a predetermined exit strategy.
The breath-taking luxury complex will showcase a magnificent multiplicity of unrivalled features for residents to indulge in, including a 6-star hotel, its very own spectacular high-street, an exquisite shopping mall with access to an array of luxury brands, an awe-inspiring events hall and a grandiose sky garden. The Sail will also feature the world’s longest infinity pool, the highest suspension viewing deck, the largest sky ring linking all 9 towers, as well as two iconic venues: The Seashell & Skyscraper Theatre.
LH1 Global is exclusively marketing the available units with The Sail.
For further information visit www.LH1.Global or contact:
Tel: +44 (0)207 129 7900
Email: TheSail@LH1.Global
Website: www.TheSailMalaysia.com
