Top Commercial Areas in Miri Based on Open Transaction Data: A Complete 2026 Investment Guide

Miri’s commercial property landscape continues to evolve, with rapid growth seen across several prominent business districts. As Sarawak’s second-largest city and one of the fastest-growing commercial centers in East Malaysia, Miri attracts investors from within Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and Peninsular Malaysia. Recent insights derived from the NAPIC Open Sales Data reveal a clear pattern: several commercial zones consistently lead the charts in terms of property demand, rental potential, and transaction volume.

This deep-dive article explores these high-performing districts in detail, analyzes what makes them valuable, and examines the types of commercial properties most actively traded across Miri’s thriving urban market. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a new buyer exploring opportunities in Sarawak, this guide provides the clarity you need to make confident, data-driven decisions.

🌆 The Rising Importance of Miri’s Commercial Property Market

Miri has long served as a regional business hub due to its economic diversity—oil and gas, tourism, retail, professional services, education, and cross-border commerce. In 2025, this growth is accelerating as more local businesses open branches, new commercial centers emerge, and urban communities expand outward from Bandar Miri.

The demand for ground-floor retail units, multi-storey shoplots, and commercial suites remains high. These property types offer flexible usage: retail shops at the ground level and offices, storage, or rental units above. Multi-storey shoplots, in particular, allow investors to build multiple income streams under one roof—making them a preferred asset class.

Transaction data confirms this strong interest. In areas such as Bandar Miri, Lutong Baru, Desa Bahagia, Desa Indah 3, and Batu Niah, active buying and selling reflects continuous business confidence. Let’s examine these areas in greater detail.

📍 Top Commercial Property Hotspots in Miri (Based on Official Transaction Data)

The following commercial districts have recorded notable sales activity and sustained market interest according to the latest public transaction records. These locations represent the most active investment hotspots in the greater Miri area.

1. Bandar Miri

As the heart of the city, Bandar Miri remains the most coveted commercial zone. Its strategic location, heavy pedestrian flow, strong tourism presence, and dense cluster of banks, retail shops, legal offices, and eateries create a self-sustaining business ecosystem.

Shoplots here benefit from:

• proximity to government offices
• consistent demand from long-term renters
• high business visibility
• limited supply of new commercial land

Investors often target 3-storey and 3½-storey shoplots for their rental income stability and capital appreciation potential.

2. Lutong Baru Commercial Centre

The Lutong Baru Commercial Centre is gaining traction as Miri’s northern population expands. With increasing residential density in Lutong, Kuala Baram, and Senadin, businesses are moving into Lutong to serve a growing consumer market.

Lutong’s advantages include:

• close proximity to industrial and oil & gas zones
• a strong customer base from nearby residential areas
• affordable pricing compared to city-center districts
• steady demand for F&B outlets and retail units

Many investors view Lutong Baru as a high-growth suburb with strong long-term commercial potential.

3. Desa Bahagia Commercial Centre

This vibrant commercial neighborhood is positioned strategically near major housing estates. Desa Bahagia Commercial Centre continues attracting buyers due to its growing residential catchment area and increasing student population from nearby educational institutions.

Common businesses here include:

• restaurants and casual cafés
• minimarts and convenience stores
• clinics and professional service outlets
• beauty and wellness centers

The mix of residential traffic and mid-tier rental rates makes this zone ideal for small businesses and new investors entering the market.

4. Desa Indah 3

Another strong performer is Desa Indah 3, which has become increasingly popular among investors looking for well-planned commercial districts outside the busy city center. With improved infrastructure and a stable customer base, the area provides a balanced blend of affordability and rental demand.

Desa Indah 3 is particularly attractive to:

• clinic operators
• educational centers
• SMEs and microbusinesses
• retail chains expanding in suburban zones

5. Desa Pujut Shophouse

Desa Pujut has experienced continuous development over the years, positioning it as one of Miri’s mature suburban commercial hubs. Shoplots here are popular because of high accessibility from Permyjaya, Tudan, and northern neighborhoods.

Families and students contribute significantly to local business growth, increasing demand for eateries, pharmacies, stationery shops, and tuition centers.

6. Batu Niah Bazaar

Located approximately 85 km from Miri city, Batu Niah Bazaar is a growing commercial node serving both local residents and visiting tourists. With the Niah Caves—a major tourist attraction—increasing visitor flow, F&B outlets and retail stores in Batu Niah are seeing stronger sales and rental activity.

Investors consider this an early-stage hotspot with potential for significant appreciation as surrounding communities expand.

7. Bakong Bazaar

Bakong Bazaar is emerging as one of the more active rural-commercial markets. Transaction data shows increasing business activity in this district, particularly from retail and small-scale enterprise operators.

This area provides:

• affordable shoplot prices
• long-term growth potential
• opportunities for first-time investors

Shoplots here appeal to buyers seeking lower entry costs and sustainable rental demand from the surrounding population.

8. Grand Park Shophouse

The Grand Park commercial zone is among the more established submarkets outside Bandar Miri. Known for its well-planned layout and stable tenant mix, Grand Park remains popular with investors who prefer predictable income and a strong neighborhood presence.

Transactions in this area often involve 2-storey and 3-storey shoplots used for retail, office, and service-oriented businesses.

📈 What the Data Tells Us About Commercial Property Demand in Miri?

Across all the hotspots listed above, several consistent patterns emerge from the NAPIC dataset:

• Ground-floor units have the highest demand and transaction value.
• Multi-storey shoplots remain the preferred investment asset due to dual usage potential.
• Commercial properties in suburban districts are beginning to show strong upward momentum.
• Established zones like Bandar Miri maintain price stability and long-term demand.
• Emerging areas like Batu Niah and Bakong provide high-growth opportunities.

These insights highlight the strength and maturity of the Miri commercial property market, offering options for every investment strategy—from low-risk city-center assets to affordable high-growth suburban units.

💼 Why Multi-Storey Shoplots Dominate Investor Interest?

One of the most important takeaways from the current data is the consistent popularity of 2-storey to 3½-storey shoplots. These units offer investors several advantages:

1. Multiple Income Streams

Ground-floor units are ideal for retail or F&B, while upper floors serve as office spaces, tuition centers, or residential rental rooms.

2. Strong Long-Term Tenancy

Businesses such as clinics, minimarts, and cafés prefer multi-year leases, giving investors stable cash flow.

3. High Resale Value

Well-located shoplots appreciate steadily over time due to limited supply and increasing business demand.

4. Flexibility in Tenant Mix

Owners can mix retail, office, and residential tenants to maximize rental returns.

These advantages explain why shoplots continue to account for a significant portion of Miri’s commercial transactions.

🔍 How to Use Open Transaction Data for Smarter Investment Decisions?

Rather than relying only on market rumors or informal pricing, investors can—and should—use verified transaction records to guide investment strategy.

The official NAPIC database provides:

• transaction dates
• actual sale prices
• property types
• locations
• floor area and land area details

Check the latest data here:

https://napic.jpph.gov.my/en/open-sales-data

Using this data, investors can compare districts, estimate ROI, and decide whether to target city-center or suburban areas.

📘 Final Thoughts: Miri’s Commercial Zones Are Poised for Sustained Growth

The latest transaction records confirm that Miri’s commercial landscape is robust, diverse, and full of long-term opportunity. Whether you prefer established zones like Bandar Miri, growing hubs like Lutong and Desa Bahagia, or emerging markets like Batu Niah and Bakong, each area offers its own strengths for investors seeking steady returns.

Ground-floor retail units and multi-storey shoplots remain the strongest performers, signaling continued business expansion and consumer activity across the region.

For anyone exploring commercial investment in Sarawak, Miri’s top commercial districts remain among the most reliable and promising markets in 2026.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which commercial area in Miri has the strongest demand?

Bandar Miri remains the top-performing district due to its city-center location, high traffic, and established commercial ecosystem.

2. Are suburban areas like Lutong and Desa Bahagia worth investing in?

Yes—these areas show rising demand, growing populations, and increasing business activity, making them high-growth alternatives to the city centre.

3. What type of commercial property is most popular in Miri?

Multi-storey shoplots, especially 2-storey and 3-storey units, are the most actively traded according to open transaction data.

4. How can investors verify actual sale prices?

By checking the official open transaction data provided by NAPIC here: NAPIC Open Sales Data

5. Is Miri still a good place for long-term commercial investment?

Yes—Miri’s economy continues to grow, tourism is increasing, and suburban zones are expanding, making it a stable long-term commercial market.