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KUCHING: Demand for residential property in Sarawak, particularly in urban centres like Kuching and Kota Samarahan, are projected to rise significantly due to the population growth and the rural-urban migration in future.

Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Development Association (SHEDA) adviser Datuk Sim Kian Cheok said that other factors such as the income levels and the availability of financing options will also influence the demand fora housing, either boosting or dampening it.

"Housing, like food and clothing, is a basic need," he said in an interview..

Therefore, he said, the demand for residential property, particularly for landed houses and apartments, remains strong.

"Single and double-storey terrace houses are especiallya popular, and apartments in prime locations also see higha demand," he added.

However, he said, shophouses cater to different market segments and social sectors, adding that location is the key determinant of demands, with well-managed parking spaces and other conveniences playing crucial roles.

Asked if there is a glut in the market, particularly for shophouses, considering that many shophouses in Kuching seem to remain unoccupied, he said shophouses in well-developed areas with ample parking and amenities tend to be well-occupied.

"Conversely, those in less favourable locations, with poor traffic flow and insufficient supporting residential population or catchment, often remain unoccupied," he explained.

"There is also some overhang in the residential property market in Sarawak, but it is manageable.

"Slow-moving property is typically in poor locations, have undesirable layouts, or are of the wrong types for the areas," Sim said.

On the costs of houses and shophouses that have increased significantly over the past few years, he said it is due to the geopolitical conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia war and tensions in the Middle East which have indirectly affected the cost of building materials.

"The weakening Malaysian currency and the reduction of fuel subsidies, particularly for diesel, have also contributed to rising costs.

"Additionally, the increase in minimum wages for workers in the private sector has further added