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Today, a development's worth is measured by the strength of its surrounding ecosystem - how seamlessly it integrates into daily life and offers reliable amenities.
Experts said properties embedded in vibrant, well-serviced communities are better positioned to sustain demand across market cycles, outperforming those that rely solely on prime addresses.
Samuel Tan, founder and chief executive officer of Olive Tree Property Consultants, said developers and investors are increasingly evaluating projects through a more holistic lens.
This combines location with lifestyle needs, accessibility and integrated facilities that support daily living, work and social interactions.
"This shift is evident in integrated urban developments like i-City where the focus has moved from physical location to creating a service-driven urban ecosystem," he told Business Times.
Tan added that as land scarcity eases and nationwide connectivity improves, future successful developments will function more like platforms than standalone projects - flexible, service-driven, and capable of sustaining long-term economic activity.
"The question is no longer 'Where is it located?' It's 'What does this place enable you to do every day?' Location is now just the entry ticket," he said.
In a mature market, Tan noted that most major developments are already well-connected.
What differentiates one place from another is how well it delivers daily life - convenience, services, digital access, work opportunities, and adaptability to changing lifestyle needs.
The ecosystem of the area must be complete to attract buyers and residents, Tan said.
This shift reflects broader demographic and economic trends, including hybrid work patterns, an ageing population and increasing demand for experiential urban living rather than purely residential addresses.
Dr Muhammad Najib Razali, associate professor of property economics at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said developers can even create a "good location" where one doesn't naturally exist.
"Strong masterplanning, long-term land control, and phased development allow demand to mature organically. Over time, perceptions shift from secondary to prime," he said.
Local examples include Sunway City, transformed from a former mining area into a regional hub, and KL Sentral, which became one of Kuala Lumpur's most valuable commercial sites through an integrated masterplan.
Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said quality-of-life features now outweigh location.
"Buyers pay for walkability, security, connectivity and flexibility. Properties that offer a mix of these win with buyers and renters."
He noted that connectivity encompasses road and public transport access as well as high-speed internet, while sustainability and green features, though valued, are often secondary to everyday convenience and lifestyle.
Ansari explained that integrated projects reduce risk and smooth cash flow for developers.
"If one component, such as office space, is slow to lease, retail and residential can still perform well. This financial resilience also makes it easier to secure financing," he said.
Prem Kumar, a property veteran, said integrated ecosystems like i-City create value not from a single feature, but from the interdependence of facilities and services that allow residents, workers and visitors to meet most of their needs in one place.
Technology plays a supporting but vital role, he added.
Digital infrastructure, smart-building systems, and AI-enabled services are embedded into building management, energy optimisation, mobility, security, and service personalisation.
"i-City aims to develop an AI- and robotics-enabled urban ecosystem, where technology enhances productivity and liveability without compromising the human scale of the city," Prem said.
Over the past two decades, Prem has advised on landmark projects including Kuala Lumpur City Centre, KL Sentral, Tun Razak Exchange, Iskandar Puteri Johor, IOI Resort City and several government-linked initiatives.
He said connectivity continues to give Malaysia an edge.
Its extensive highway network, growing rail system, and well-connected air routes support mobility, boost business efficiency and strengthen regional integration – benefiting both investors and occupiers.
Liveability adds another layer of appeal. Access to schools, hospitals and recreational facilities continues to drive demand for residential and mixed-use developments.
"Buyers and tenants are looking at more than just the building itself," Prem said. "They want an entire ecosystem. Education, healthcare, and amenities have become baseline expectations."
He added that Malaysia's commercial property market continues to thrive, supported by high-quality office towers and retail malls, particularly along major growth corridors.
The country's real estate sector is also relatively accessible to foreign investors, with clear guidelines and processes for participation in selected property segments.
"Few markets offer such a wide spectrum of opportunities. Malaysia caters to different population segments and investment goals across residential, commercial, industrial and specialised sectors," Prem said.
