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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) will introduce a dedicated ‘Secondary Market Corner’ for the first time at its annual PropEX 2026, offering prospective buyers a wider selection of pre-owned homes alongside new property developments.

Its President Datuk Johnny Wong Chen Yee said the new feature reflects the association’s expanded role in representing both the housing and real estate sectors, while catering to growing demand for resale properties.

He said the Secondary Market Corner will comprise about 10 booths operated by real estate agencies and industry players marketing existing residential properties, rather than unsold developer units.

“People often refer these as second-hand houses, but they are actually properties in the secondary market. 

“Buyers will now have the opportunity to compare both new and existing homes under one roof,” he said.

Johnny said this in a press conference ahead of Propex 2026, which will be held at Kinabatangan Hall, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from July 10 to 12, to be officiated by the Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif.

He said the initiative is aimed at giving homebuyers more options, particularly first-time purchasers who may find resale properties more affordable than the newly launched developments.

“There is definitely demand for secondary market properties. Some buyers may not be able to afford new homes, so existing houses offer them another option. At the end of the day, they are all part of the property market,” he said.

He said the addition of the secondary market segment is also expected to attract a broader range of visitors to the annual property exhibition.

“We want visitors to come and visit PropEX and be able to explore both old and new houses before deciding which property best suits their needs,” he added.

Hence, Johnny said he invited first-time buyers, seasoned investors, aspiring homeowners and industry stakeholders to attend the PropEX 2026 to explore the wide range of property offerings available.

On concerns over whether geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could affect property prices, he said projects that are completed and under on-going construction or currently being marketed have largely maintained their existing pricing.

He said developers have informed Shareda that projects launched before the recent escalation in the region and before the West Asia conflict, have not been significantly affected, allowing them to continue selling units at previously announced prices.

“For ongoing construction property projects, prices have generally remained unchanged. As for new launches, it depends on whether developers choose to absorb the additional costs within their margins.

“Some developers may prefer to proceed with sales now rather than wait for greater certainty. Nobody wants to take unnecessary risks,” he said.

Johnny added that current market conditions present a favourable opportunity for prospective buyers to secure a property before any future price adjustments.

Hence, he reiterated his call to public especially first-time homebuyers and investors to come and patronise the upcoming PropEX 2026, here.

“Rising construction costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East could drive property prices in Sabah up by between 10 and 15 per cent, making now an opportune time for buyers to secure homes at current prices by patronising the coming PropEX 2026 next week on July 10 until 12.

“The higher global fuel prices had significantly increased the cost of construction materials and building operations, placing mounting pressure on developers, in which construction costs has risen by between 20 and 30 per cent, a level that is unsustainable for developers to absorb entirely.

“Actually developers can absorb some of the additional costs by accepting lower profit margins, but a 20 to 30 per cent increase is simply too much to bear,” he said, adding that this higher construction costs would likely translate into a 10 to 15 per cent increase into the selling prices for future and new property developments.

Following this, Johnny said many of the properties showcased at Shareda Propex 2026 are completed, just completed and under  construction, which accounted for 30 per cent of the property units exhibited at the PropEX 2026, that have not been significantly affected by the recent cost escalation.

“As a result, buyers can still secure properties at relatively attractive prices before future increases take effect. I encourage both home buyers and investors to take advantage of the current market conditions.

“Whether you are buying your first home or investing in property, this is the right time to choose and purchase a property before prices move higher,” he added.