Most In-Demand Property Types in Miri Based on Real Transaction Data

The Miri property market continues to evolve rapidly as buyer preferences shift toward landed homes with generous living space and long-term investment potential. Through the insights provided by Malaysia’s Open Sales Data portal, real transaction records from 2022 to 2025 paint a clear picture of what types of homes buyers in Miri value most. Instead of relying on listing prices or marketing campaigns, this analysis focuses on actual completed sales—the most reliable reflection of market behaviour.

Consistent patterns emerge year after year: semi-detached houses, terraced homes, and cluster houses dominate the majority of all recorded sales. These property types remain the backbone of Miri’s housing landscape, driven by the city’s demographic trends, lifestyle preferences, and steady suburban expansion.

In this article, we dive deep into the most in-demand property types in Miri, examine why these homes remain popular, explore pricing trends, and reveal what these insights mean for buyers and investors in 2026 and beyond.

Why Real Transaction Data Matters in Understanding Buyer Demand

Anyone can browse property listings online—but listings only show asking prices. Transaction data reveals the truth: how much buyers are actually paying after negotiations, bank valuations, inspections, and market pressure.

By analysing transactional data, we learn:

• Which property types consistently attract buyers
• How pricing has shifted over time
• The real value of homes in different categories
• What buyers prioritize when choosing a property
• How demand correlates with socio-economic behaviours

With Miri’s housing market showing stable, long-term resilience, having access to transparent government-backed data empowers buyers to make confident decisions based on evidence—not speculation.

Landed Homes Lead Miri’s Property Demand

Across all analysed years from 2022 to 2025, one finding was consistent: Landed homes overwhelmingly dominate property demand in Miri. Unlike major urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Miri’s buyers still strongly prefer landed living over vertical developments.

The city’s geographic layout, demographic profile, and lifestyle preferences contribute to this trend. With more space to build outward and a lower appetite for compact high-rise living, landed properties remain the gold standard for local buyers.

Three landed property types consistently appear at the top of completed transaction lists:

• Semi-Detached Homes
• Terraced Houses
• Cluster Homes

Each of these property types appeals to different buyer segments, budget levels, and lifestyle priorities—yet all share the advantage of space, privacy, and long-term value.

Semi-Detached Homes: The Top Choice Among Miri Buyers

Semi-detached houses remain the undisputed leader in buyer demand across multiple neighbourhoods in Miri. Real transaction data consistently shows high activity for this property type, reflecting its appeal to families, upgraders, and even long-term investors.

Why Semi-Detached Homes Are So Popular

Miri homeowners often favour spacious living environments, and the semi-detached format perfectly fits this preference. These homes offer:

• Greater privacy thanks to only one shared wall
• Large land areas suitable for gardening, extensions, or additional car parks
• Spacious interiors ideal for multi-generational families
• Higher prestige compared to terraced homes
• Better long-term appreciation due to rarity and demand

Compared to fully detached homes, semi-detached units strike a balance between affordability and exclusivity, making them one of the most desirable options for middle- to upper-middle-income households.

Price Trends (2022–2025)

Based on transaction records from neighbourhoods such as Airport Avenue, Classic Garden, and Amfield Garden, semi-detached houses in Miri commonly transact between:

RM430,000 – RM550,000

Factors influencing price variations include land size, corner vs. intermediate units, renovations, and neighbourhood maturity.

A Buyer’s Story: Upgrading for Family Needs

One example is the Lee family, who had been living in a terraced home for over eight years. With their children growing older and elderly parents moving in, they needed more space—not just for living, but for comfort. When they reviewed transaction prices on the Open Sales Data portal, they realised semi-detached houses in Airport Avenue and Classic Garden were within their budget range. The combination of transparency and affordability helped them upgrade confidently.

Terraced Houses: The Preferred Choice for Young Families

While semi-detached homes lead overall demand, terraced houses remain a strong favourite among first-time homebuyers, young couples, and families seeking affordability without compromising on privacy or space.

Terraced units appear frequently in transaction lists across numerous neighbourhoods, reflecting both accessibility and practicality for modern buyers.

What Makes Terraced Houses So Attractive?

• Affordable entry point for landed homeownership
• Moderate land size suitable for small to medium families
• Proximity to amenities, as terraced homes are often part of matured neighbourhoods
• Steady demand, ensuring strong resale value
• Lower upkeep costs compared to larger property types

For many buyers, terraced homes represent the perfect balance between budget and comfort, especially in neighbourhoods like Amfield Garden and other established residential pockets.

Price Trends (2022–2025)

Terraced houses typically transact in the range of:

RM350,000 – RM430,000

These stable price trends reflect consistent, healthy demand. Transaction data shows that even during slower market periods, terraced homes continue to sell steadily due to their affordability and accessibility.

A Story of First-Time Ownership

Take the example of Nurul and Hafiz, a young couple who had been renting an apartment for three years. Their dream was to own a home with enough space for future children and a small garden. After comparing listings online, they turned to real transaction data for clarity. When they discovered terraced homes in Amfield Garden consistently transacted below RM420,000, they realised their dream was achievable. The numbers gave them confidence to start the buying process.

Cluster Homes: A Rising Trend in Miri

Cluster homes have grown steadily in demand over the past few years in Miri. They represent a modern alternative to terraced and semi-detached properties, offering stylish layouts and enhanced privacy while maintaining affordability.

Cluster homes are unique because each unit shares a wall with the neighbouring unit but is arranged in a “4-corner” configuration, giving every house the feeling of a corner lot.

Why Buyers Are Drawn to Cluster Homes

• Modern architectural designs, appealing to younger buyers
• Corner-style layouts that provide more natural light
• Better airflow due to wider spacing between units
• Competitive pricing compared to semi-detached homes
• Contemporary neighbourhood planning with modern facilities

Cluster homes often attract buyers who enjoy contemporary living but prefer more privacy than standard terraced units provide.

Price Trends (2022–2025)

Transaction data shows cluster homes commonly fall within:

RM380,000 – RM460,000

This makes them a strong mid-range option, particularly appealing to young professionals and families upgrading from smaller homes.

Cluster Home Lifestyle: A New Standard

For individuals like Andrew, a young engineer working in the oil and gas sector, cluster homes offer a lifestyle that matches modern expectations—clean lines, open concept layouts, and contemporary aesthetics. When he reviewed transaction patterns and realised cluster homes were appreciating steadily, it reinforced his confidence to invest early.

Why Landed Properties Remain the Dominant Preference in Miri

Miri’s demographic landscape plays a significant role in shaping property demand. Unlike denser cities where high-rise living is the norm, Miri offers ample space for landed housing schemes, making them affordable and accessible.

Key Reasons for the High Demand for Landed Homes

• Generational living culture that values larger homes
• Lower population density that makes spacious developments feasible
• Preference for personal outdoor space, whether for gardening or parking
• Better long-term investment stability
• Breathing space and comfort compared to compact urban apartments

Additionally, many of the top transacted landed homes are strategically located near schools, shops, healthcare facilities, and major highways, reinforcing their desirability.

What the Data Means for Investors

From an investment standpoint, the strong demand for semi-detached, terraced, and cluster homes offers a stable foundation for long-term returns. Investors often seek:

• Low-risk investment categories
• High rental demand in strategic locations
• Strong resale potential due to consistent buyer interest
• Properties within stable price ranges

Based on recorded transactions, these landed home types meet all four criteria, making them attractive to both experienced investors and newcomers to the Miri property market.

What Buyers Should Consider in 2025

As the market continues to expand, choosing the right property type depends on your budget, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals. Here are some key considerations:

• Semi-Detached Homes: Best for families seeking space and privacy
• Terraced Homes: Ideal for first-time buyers seeking affordability
• Cluster Homes: Great for modern buyers wanting style and practicality

The good news is that prices across all three categories remain stable, supported by healthy market demand and positive buyer sentiment. Whether you are a homeowner or investor, these property types offer considerable long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which type of property is most popular in Miri?

Semi-detached homes are consistently the most in-demand based on transaction data, followed closely by terraced and cluster homes.

Are landed homes a good investment in Miri?

Yes. Landed homes show strong sales, stable pricing, and steady appreciation, making them ideal for long-term investment.

Where can I find real property transaction data?

You can view verified, government-issued transaction data from the Open Sales Data portal: https://napic.jpph.gov.my/en/open-sales-data.

Are high-rise properties popular in Miri?

Not as much. While condominiums are growing in number, most buyers still prefer landed homes due to space, privacy, and family-oriented living.

What is the typical price of a semi-detached house in Miri?

Most semi-detached homes transact between RM430,000 and RM550,000 depending on location and land size.