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- Population growth, higher-income buyers, and accelerating development momentum are transforming the once-backwater town into one of the southern corridor’s most compelling emerging markets.
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): Semenyih, once regarded as a quiet town on the outskirts of Selangor, has transformed into one of Greater Kuala Lumpur’s most dynamic growth corridors. Over the years, it has attracted higher-income households, professionals, and investors to its balance of quality living and value-for-money properties.
Historically, Semenyih was a small agricultural settlement surrounded by lush greenery and forest reserves. Its gradual urbanisation has been driven by improved connectivity to major highways and nearby townships like Kajang and Bangi, making it a desirable suburban destination.
Today, Semenyih still maintains its well-known natural attractions and relaxed environment including popular spots like Broga Hill, famous for sunrise hikes and scenic views; and the Rabbit Farm, a family-friendly attraction. Added to that, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus brings an international academic presence to the area.
Supporting infrastructure such as the LEKAS Highway’s Eco Majestic interchange, and improved connectivity via SUKE and EKVE highways, has further strengthened accessibility to key employment and commercial nodes across Greater KL.
Rising affluence reshaping the corridor
Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and EdgeProp Research shows that Ulu Langat, where the Semenyih–Beranang corridor lies, is now among Selangor’s fastest-growing districts.
Between 2020 and 2024, its population expanded by 7.7% to 1,508,100 in 2024, outpacing Selangor’s overall growth rate of 5%.
The population boom in this corridor is accompanied by significant demographic and income shifts.
From 2019 to 2022, the average monthly household income in Ulu Langat grew by 31%, rising from RM10,252 to RM13,386. This is more than double of Selangor’s state-wide income growth of 13%.
This shift has also altered the local property landscape.
According to the National Property Information Centre (Napic), in 2020, just 11.6% of housing transactions in Ulu Langat were priced above RM800,000. By 2024, that share had risen to 14.8%, with transaction values above RM800,000 surging by 52%.
These figures indicate that incoming households are not moving to Semenyih for affordability alone, but for lifestyle and long-term value.
The 40+ age segment in Ulu Langat has also grown twice as fast as the national average. This signals a base on established upgraders and young families, seeking more space, better schools, and safer, greener neighbourhoods.
A community hub marks shifting trends in commerce
Recent commercial developments further illustrate this momentum. On Sept 27, Eco World Development Group Bhd held the soft opening of Majestic Labs, a lifestyle community hub complete with a lakeside park and football pitches. Featuring a net lettable area of 110,000 sq ft, comprising 47 retail units across four floors, the centre marks another milestone within the developer’s 1,089-acre Eco Majestic, the first and biggest township in Semenyih.
Sharing the confidence in Semenyih’s growth are tenants such as Nando’s, Canton Boy, Believe Fitness, Focus Point, Hock Kee and Caring Pharmacy, who are among the first tenants.
Notably, Swedish-based home-furnishing retailer IKEA opened its latest pop-up store here. During the opening, IKEA Malaysia country retail director, Malcolm Pruys said, “The southern Klang Valley corridor is a rapidly expanding market with many new master-planned townships such as Eco Majestic”.
Another well-known brand in the cake and pasty segment, Chef Kecik, is making its presence here with its largest outlet to date, spanning 5,000 sq ft.
During the event, Its founder, Chef Rahmat Bahaudin told EdgeProp that with the strong presence of F&B operators at Majestic Labs, he viewed the hub as an ideal setting to attract a wide customer base. He also highlighted the township’s central location and active community spaces, which make it a natural gathering place for families.
EcoWorld divisional general manager Evon Yap said during the opening ceremony that the tenant mix—spanning dining, retail, education, and fitness—reflects the evolving needs of the community.
(Read also: Eco World launches Majestic Labs with strong community focus)
The expansion of the township is already in the developer’s cards, with plans for Labs 2 within the next three years.
The group had in January completed the purchase of 847.25 acres to launch Eco Radiance, a mixed residential-commercial township that will be its third development in Semenyih.
In a subsequent move in mid-October, the developer acquired an additional 22.73 acres fronting Jalan Broga, adjacent to the Eco Radiance site. The new parcel is expected to accommodate upcoming components such as shop offices and serviced apartments, with the first product launches targeted as early as 1Q 2026.
Together, the acquisitions signal the developer’s confidence in Semenyih’s expanding consumer base and its trajectory as a key growth node in southern Selangor.
As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.
