How Major Highways & Roads Boost Property Demand in Miri?

Property demand in Miri continues to rise year after year, and one of the biggest reasons is its rapidly improving road network. Whether it’s the expanding Pan Borneo Highway, new links connecting Permyjaya to the city, or upgraded access roads around Tudan and Kuala Baram, infrastructure has become a major driving force behind rising real estate values.

For homebuyers, better roads mean shorter travel time, more convenience, and easier access to schools and workplaces. For investors, these upgrades often translate into higher rental demand and stronger long-term capital appreciation. In a city like Miri, where townships are spread across vast areas, road connectivity directly shapes where people choose to live—and where property prices grow fastest.

The Story of a Growing City: How Roads Shape the Way Miri Expands

Years ago, many parts of Miri such as Tudan, Kuala Baram, and parts of Permyjaya were considered “too far away” from the city centre. Traffic bottlenecks and limited routes made these areas less attractive for buyers and developers. But things began to change when the government announced major upgrades, including the Pan Borneo Highway and new bridges linking fast-growing residential zones.

Developers saw potential. Families began paying attention. Investors noticed rising rental demand. Suddenly, townships that were once considered secondary became high-demand areas. This transformation highlights a key truth: when roads improve, entire neighbourhoods evolve.

Today, Miri is benefiting from these infrastructure upgrades more than ever. The city is growing outward—north toward Senadin and Kuala Baram, south toward Taman Tunku, and inland through Pujut and Tudan—largely because accessibility keeps improving.

The Pan Borneo Highway: A Game Changer for Miri Property

The most influential infrastructure project in Sarawak is undoubtedly the Pan Borneo Highway. This massive road network has significantly shortened travel time between towns while enhancing logistics flow across the region.

For Miri residents, the highway brings tangible benefits:

• Improved connection to Brunei—boosting tourism, business, and cross-border movement
• More efficient routes to Bintulu, Sibu, and Kuching
• Increased appeal for industrial and commercial development
• Higher interest from investors in areas close to interchanges

Properties located near major Pan Borneo exits—such as those around Senadin, Kuala Baram, and Taman Tunku—have already seen increased buyer interest. Easy access to national and international routes makes these zones attractive for logistics companies, expatriates, and families who travel frequently.

How New & Upgraded Roads Are Transforming Miri’s Neighbourhoods

While the Pan Borneo Highway gets the headlines, it’s the internal road upgrades within Miri that are having the biggest daily impact on residents and investors.

1. Kuala Baram–Tudan Highway Expansion

The Kuala Baram–Tudan road transformation has significantly reduced travel time for thousands of residents. Once known for heavy traffic, the expanded roadway now makes commuting to town smoother and faster.

This improvement has caused a surge in demand for homes in:

• Tudan
• Kuala Baram
• Desa Senadin
• Permyjaya Northern Zones

Buyers who previously avoided the area due to congestion are now reconsidering it. Properties here remain affordable, providing strong opportunities for appreciation.

2. Upgraded Access Roads in Permyjaya

Pemryjaya has grown into one of the largest and fastest-growing residential areas in Miri. Road upgrades, new commercial access points, and improved connections to the Miri–Brunei coastal road have fueled its rapid expansion.

Today, Permyjaya benefits from:

• Smoother access to Senadin and Curtin University
• Multiple roads leading to Miri city centre
• Connectivity to Tudan and Kuala Baram industrial zones
• New bridges and junctions that reduce traffic jams

As a result, many developers now prioritise Permyjaya for new townhouses, single-storey terraces, and gated communities. Strong rental demand supports investor confidence.

3. Lutong’s Strategic Road Links

Lutong has always been important because it’s the centre of the oil & gas industry. With upgraded roads around the Shell office, Lutong’s beachside areas, and routes leading to Piasau and Krokop, the township has become more accessible and attractive.

This has boosted demand for:

• Semi-D homes
• Modern apartments
• New gated developments

Oil & gas professionals often choose Lutong because of its convenience, making it a strong rental market with consistent yields.

4. Taman Tunku’s Improved Links to the Airport

Taman Tunku has undergone steady transformation. With improved roads leading to Miri Airport, as well as enhancements to southern access routes, the area now attracts a wider range of buyers.

Its advantages now include:

• Shorter travel times to the airport
• Smooth routes to Miri town centre
• Easy access to schools and commercial hubs

Properties here have appreciated steadily, making Taman Tunku a preferred choice for long-term family living.

Why Better Roads Increase Property Value

Every time a new major road or intersection opens, the surrounding property market reacts almost immediately. Buyers are willing to pay higher prices for convenience, time savings, and reduced traffic stress.

Here are the key reasons road upgrades directly boost real estate demand:

• Improved accessibility—residents spend less time commuting
• Higher rental demand—tenants seek convenient, well-connected areas
• Growth of commercial zones—shops and businesses follow new roads
• Better long-term appreciation—infrastructure increases land value
• More developer interest—leading to modern projects and higher population growth

In essence, roads unlock the potential of a neighbourhood. Areas that were once less desirable suddenly become the next hotspot.

Which Miri Areas Will Benefit Most from Road Upgrades?

Several neighbourhoods stand out as future high-growth zones due to ongoing or upcoming infrastructure works.

Senadin

With strong student demand and growing residential supply, Senadin benefits greatly from improved access roads linking it to Permyjaya, Lutong, and Kuala Baram.

Tudan & Kuala Baram

These areas are experiencing rapid transformation as industrial activity increases and road networks expand.

Taman Tunku

The southern region of Miri continues to rise in popularity thanks to better airport access and growing commercial zones.

Pujut & Krokop

Central neighbourhoods remain highly desired, especially with smoother routes to the city centre, schools, and commercial districts.

How Better Roads Benefit Homebuyers

For families, daily convenience is everything. Roads that shorten travel time to school or work can significantly boost the appeal of a neighbourhood. Many homebuyers in Miri now choose houses based on whether the area has:

• Multiple routes to the city centre
• Easy access to major highways
• Direct links to schools, malls, and workplaces
• Growing commercial development

In fact, many homeowners say they are willing to pay more for a home with better connectivity—even if it means living slightly farther from the city.

How Better Roads Benefit Investors

Investors, on the other hand, care about two main things: rental yield and capital appreciation. Miri’s improving roads amplify both.

Strong infrastructure attracts:

• Students looking for accessible housing
• Workers seeking short commutes
• Oil & gas professionals who value convenience
• Families who prioritise connected neighbourhoods

This results in higher occupancy rates, longer-term tenancies, and more stable rental income.

Future Road Developments to Watch

Several upcoming road projects will significantly impact Miri’s property market over the next five years:

• New interchanges connecting the Pan Borneo Highway to northern Miri
• Expanded roads in Permyjaya and Senadin
• Industrial access routes in Kuala Baram
• Upgraded roads near Marina Bay and coastal zones

As these projects progress, nearby properties are expected to rise in value—especially those near high-traffic commercial areas or new industrial corridors.

Final Thoughts: Roads Are the Backbone of Property Growth

Miri’s rapid modernisation is closely tied to its expanding network of highways and internal roads. With improved accessibility, neighbourhoods become more desirable, businesses thrive, and both homeowners and investors benefit from rising property values.

Whether you’re buying for your family or growing your investment portfolio, understanding how roads shape demand can help you choose the right area—and maximise your long-term returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do major roads really increase property value?

Yes. Improved accessibility typically leads to higher buyer demand, stronger rental interest, and long-term capital appreciation.

Which Miri areas benefit the most from road upgrades?

Permyjaya, Senadin, Lutong, Tudan, Taman Tunku, and the coastal zones near Marina Bay are among the top beneficiaries.

Is it good to invest near a major highway?

Generally, yes—especially if the property is within easy access but not directly affected by noise. Highways improve connectivity and increase population flow.

How do roads affect rental demand?

Tenants prioritise convenient travel routes. Areas with smooth access to schools, workplaces, and shopping areas always attract more renters.

Will Miri’s property prices continue rising with new road projects?

Yes. As infrastructure improves, more developers and buyers enter the market, which pushes prices upward over time.