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This article appeared in the March 12, 2026 issue of the monthly print edition. Subscribe now.
Setapak, a northeastern suburb of Kuala Lumpur, has long been regarded as a popular residential enclave due to its established amenities, accessibility and proximity to the city centre, factors that continue to underpin demand for high-rise housing.
Transaction volumes reflect this upward momentum, tripling from 391 units in 2021 to 1,170 units in 2024 — signalling a marked strengthening in residential demand.
Historically a hub for tin mining and rubber plantations, Setapak has evolved into a densely populated neighbourhood featuring a mix of established and recently developed residential and commercial properties.
The area, one of the oldest in the Gombak district, traces its origins to the late 19th century. On April 12, 1884, Selangor’s British resident Frank Swettenham recommended the reappointment of Batu Tapak as headman of the local Orang Asli community, giving rise to the name “Setapak”, which translates to “one step” in Bahasa Malaysia. Some have linked the name to the suburb’s “one step” proximity to the KL city centre a mere 7–8 km away.
Setapak’s connectivity is supported by major roads such as Jalan Genting Klang, Jalan Pahang, and Jalan Gombak, as well as highways including DUKE, MRR2, and the upcoming Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (DUKE 3).
Public transport is available via LRT stations on the Kelana Jaya Line with transport hubs including Wangsa Maju, Sri Rampai, and Setiawangsa stations, besides Rapid KL bus routes.
One of Setapak’s property activity factors is the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC), which has been sustaining demand for staff and student accommodations. In addition, the town hosts a range of other schools and colleges.
Besides shopping centres such as Wangsa Walk Mall, and Melawati Mall, popular hubs here include Setapak Central Mall, Danau Kota, Starparc Point, and Wangsa Maju, offering retail, dining, and lifestyle options. Cultural and recreational attractions include the P Ramlee Memorial, Royal Selangor Pewter Visitor Centre, Ayer Panas hot springs, and Titiwangsa Recreational Park.
Prominent new projects in Setapak
As the growth momentum continues, what new developments are in store for high-rise homeseekers here?
According to EdgeProp’s EPIQ data, there are a number of ongoing residential projects to be completed from 2026 to 2029, including the following:
1. Platinum Victory’s extensive footprint
Platinum Victory Sdn Bhd established its presence in Setapak in 2005 with the completion of its early projects, including PV3, Platinum Hills, and PV5. Building on this footprint, Platinum Victory has risen to become a household name in Setapak with a ubiquitous presence of numerous residential and commercial projects.
Among its latest is PV22 Residence, a leasehold high-rise slated for completion in 2028. The development comprises 2,082 condominium and apartment units with built-ups ranging from 490 to 1,300 sq ft, and indicative prices starting from RM317,100. To date, more than half of the units have been taken up.
Besides that, J Satine, also developed by Platinum Victory in a joint venture with Jakel Group, is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of this year.
The leasehold mixed development located near Giant Setapak comprises 3,600 Residensi Wilayah apartment units, 661 SoHo units, and 42 commercial units.
It is approximately 100m from an upcoming MRT3 station. The development occupies 9.19 acres, and consists of multiple phases with several blocks. According to the project website, this Rumawip project targets first-time homebuyers, particularly millennials, young adults, and small families with household incomes under RM10,000 (singles), or RM15,000 (married).
Units are priced from RM300,000, featuring approximately 800 sq ft of built-up space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Facilities include an Olympic-size infinity pool, gym, futsal and basketball courts, and a multi purpose hall.
Platinum Victory has also more recently launched Platinum Melati Residences, which is a leasehold condominium expected to be completed in 2029. Units range from 1,100 to 2,750 sq ft, with prices starting at RM677,500, offering 794 units.
The development spans two blocks on 3.465 acres, and is located near educational institutions, retail centres, healthcare facilities, and public transport nodes. On top of security and recreational facilities, the developer has incorporated energy-efficient features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems.
2. SkyWorld’s rising presence
Recent completions in the area include EdgeWood Residences @ SkySanctuary by SkyWorld Development Bhd. Situated at SkySanctuary in Setapak, the project incorporates environmentally-conscious features and smart technologies in line with the SkyWorld Healthy Home concept.
According to the company website, the development underscores SkyWorld’s focus on quality construction, having recorded an 86% QLASSIC score, and secured a Bronze GreenRE Certification.
EdgeWood Residences adopts passive design approaches such as heat-mitigating facades, energy-efficient fixtures, and a ventilation system designed to improve indoor air quality. The development also features extensive green spaces, and water elements that reduce ambient temperatures by 2–4°C compared with surrounding areas.
Another SkyWorld project in Setapak is Curvo Residences. The condominium forms part of the SkyArena integrated development, and was newly completed in February. Comprising two residential towers, the development offers three- and four-bedroom units with built-up sizes ranging from 952 to 1,345 sq ft. Prices start from RM491,000.
SkyWorld is actively advancing its footprint in Setapak with ongoing projects that cater to modern urban living. The SkySanctuary offers residents a premium, lifestyle-focused environment, while Curvo Residences, brings contemporary high-rise living with thoughtfully designed amenities. Both developments reflect SkyWorld’s commitment to creating vibrant, integrated communities in KL’s northeastern corridor.
3. Mah Sing’s ongoing expansion
Meanwhile, Mah Sing Group Bhd’s M Astra was completed in 4Q2025, a month earlier than the initial schedule.
M Astra, a mixed-use development comprising two towers of serviced suites, and 24 retail lots, has a gross development value of approximately RM618 million.
Residential units consist of three- and four-bedroom layouts with built-ups ranging from 850 to 1,044 sq ft, and all residential and retail units have been fully taken up.
Sited near the Titiwangsa Range, the project enjoys both the natural benefits and the modern amenities in Setapak.
4. Sime Darby Property’s KL East master plan
Sime Darby Property Bhd also has a presence in Setapak, with The Reya. It will comprise two residential towers — Anjung A, a 30-storey block with 233 units, and Anjung B, a 32-storey block with 247 units — sitting atop an eight-level podium that includes multi-level car parks, resident facilities on the ground and third floors, and an additional sub-basement level. The project is to be fully completed by July 2029.
The homes feature built-up areas ranging from 1,350 to 2,210 sq ft, with layouts offering three to five bedrooms. Indicative selling prices start from RM899,000.
The Reya forms part of a 159-acre KL East masterplan in Desa Melawati, Setapak. It has convenient access via major highways, and is only five minutes from the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal. The development is rapidly maturing, with two residential phases already completed, alongside the KYS KL East International School, and KL East Mall, while a world-class green space, KL East Geopark, is set to be added in the near future.
Rising transactions in non-landed homes
Being a highly populated suburb, the residential landscape in Setapak is dominated by vertical homes. As at early February, EdgeProp EPIQ shows non-landed residential projects in Setapak numbers 48,275 compared to 11,717 landed projects.
The latest data from the National Property Information Centre (Napic) shows that condominiums, serviced apartments, apartments, and flats in Setapak have experienced growing demand over the past four years.
Transaction volumes surged 199.2%, rising from 391 units in 2021 to 1,170 units in 2024, with a 34% increase from 2023 to 2024.
Total transaction values also reached similar new highs, increasing 185.4% to RM476,286,614 from 2021 to 2024, with a 34.56% year-on-year rise compared to 2023 (Table 1).
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