INFRASTRUCTURE projects in Penang over the next few years would be a major catalyst in boosting the property market.

“Penang is a hotbed for infrastructure projects and chances of properties appreciating by two and threefold are high,” said Leon Lee of Zeon Properties Group.

In his talk ‘Penang Properties Talk 2016’, Lee said the RM28bil Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) would be a major boost for properties along the routes as it would have tremendous potential for appreciation.

He said landed properties at Batu Maung which were priced at RM795,000 in 2008 had risen to RM1.48mil in 2014 after the completion of the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge.

“We are seeing Penang as a replica model after Hong Kong and Singapore which were built on strong industrialisation as their base,” added Lee.

He said the accolades won by the state such as ‘Most Liveable City’ and ‘Best Place for Retirement’, to name a few, had boosted its international stature.

“Penang is a major hub for medical tourism and contributes 60% of the RM800mil medical tourism income for the country last year,” added Lee.

He said Singaporeans had invested heavily in Penang properties as they knew the growth potential over the next few years.

Meanwhile, Indian Feng Shui expert T. Selva encouraged house buyers to find out the history of secondhand properties before they make a purchase.

The author of Vasthu Sastra Guide and Sunday Star columnist said studies showed that 75% of secondhand properties could be inauspicious.

“You can buy but correct any possible problems before you move in, otherwise the similar problems are likely to recur,” he said during his talks on ‘Attracting Positive Energy into a House’ and ‘Choosing an Auspicious Property’ at the StarProperty.my Fair 2016 at Gurney Paragon Mall over the weekend.

He said a property facing north welcomes positive energy into the home and advised visitors to find out the direction the property is facing using a magnetic compass.

Selva said the only direction a dweller should avoid having is when the main door or driveway is located in the southwest, which is considered inauspicious.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Institute of Geomancy Sciences president Prof Joe Choo said the mountains or highland should be located at the back of the house.

“The front door should not be facing the mountain as it hinders the flow of energy. The energy should come in from the front door and not back door,” she said in her talk of ‘Unfolding The Energy of Penang Island’.

Based on Penang topography, Choo also said the best business opportunity is in George Town followed by the southern part of the island.

Separately, Vince Chia, a mortgage planning consultant urged house buyers to be aware of their credit rating.

In his talk ‘Grab the Mortgage Loan via ATM’, Chia said payment history plays an important part in loan approvals.

“Defaulting payment by a few months for your housing or car loan could result in loan rejection,” added Chia.

He said many would find their loans rejected even though they had settled their outstanding payments because of payment history.

“Analyse, tally and match (ATM) when making comparisons in applying for housing loans.”

Chia said buyers should not simply apply for loans without confirming a purchase as a rejection could affect their application in the future.

“It easy for a bank to reject your loan simply because your earlier one was rejected even though your rating is better now,” he added.

Feng Shui master Mak Foo Wengg also shared in his talk on ‘Prevention of Bad Vibe in the Property through Yi-Ching’ to avoid sleeping or sitting underneath a toilet drain pipe or support beam.

“Try not to position the bed headboard against walls with a toilet on the other side as this could possibly spell trouble for the marriage and other relationships.

“Also, avoid sharp edges of cupboards, pillars and corners,” he said.