CHECK your risk appetite and start investing as this is as good a time as any to invest in real estate be they physical assets, property stocks or real estate investment trusts (REITs).

THERE were mixed views among real estate experts as to when the property market would rise from its current slumber. While some were optimistic that things will pick up in 2017, others had yet to see light at the end of the tunnel.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): About 600 participants kicked off their long weekend by attending The Edge Investment Forum on Real Estate 2016 (REIF 2016) today. This is also the 10th property investment forum in Malaysia organised by The Edge Media Group.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): No matter if times are good or bad, there are always opportunities in the real estate industry, be they physical assets, stocks or REITs, depending on one’s risk appetite, according to industry experts.

“Vacancy rates in Australia are generally low. For example, in Sydney, the average property vacancy rate is 2% to 3%, which means there are typically only two to three units available for rent in a residential project,” said Jalin Realty founder, owner and group CEO Ian Chen (pictured) during his session at The Edge Investment Forum on Real Estate 2016 (REIF 2016).

DIBS, where developers absorb the mortgage interest during construction, was halted by the government in 2014 over concerns that it encouraged speculation and pushed up property prices.