Being two decades old is a massive milestone achievement in the real estate business. Two economic cycles have been witnessed within this period alone which would have shaken the fundamentals of most companies.

Shirley Liew, principle of Property Link says, “We have gone through two cycles of economic ups and downs and it is during the downturns that only skilful ones can survive. Property business is about holding power.”

Liew shared that the business environment was very unhealthy during the 1997 recession when the stock market plummeted and the city was shrouded in haze.

“At that time a friend from a very big developer told me that it is better to fold the business, wait for five years and come in to the market when the cycle picks up. That was the first advice, I then asked another friend who told me his teacher taught him that in good times, people advertise while in bad times people stop advertising.

“He said that companies should still continue marketing. Stay lean and mean, but continue to be in there. Only a few companies will do so, but those who did will be the first to benefit when the market turns around. This is the path I have taken,” adds Liew.

Liew further commented that the real estate business is a lot about customer service and businesses can not just disappear from the scene and clients need to know that you are there for them.

In 20 years, Liew saw many changes in the local property market. She remembers that back then even property rentals within the same block, same area can vary greatly in prices.

“Today, consumers are more tech savvy and have more avenues for information and to conduct their property research. Technology changed the way things work and Property Link was one of its early adopters. I still remember back in 1998 that my first Internet customer was from America. Arrangements for property viewing were all made via email. He was brought to view six properties and he bought one of them right after.

She added that technology speeded up the real estate business and instilled additional professionalism as her agents can attend to the needs of clients better by shortlisting properties online.

“Properties in Malaysia have also changed in the last 20 years and there is more sophisticated real estate today. Evolution of design trends and the increase of property values are the more obvious changes.

“Two storey shops in Bangsar used to be about RM200,000. Today, they are going for about RM5 million. Rental can fetch RM20,000 a month,” says Liew.

Liew opined that Malaysian properties are one of the cheapest in the region and with the right location and quality management (for condos), prices can only go up.

She adds, “Despite the current recession, there is no panic sale here. In the next five years there will be asset inflation and prices will continue to go up. Property prices go up and down, but when it goes up, it usually will be at a higher point than before. ”

Property Link just celebrated its 20th Anniversary Dinner at the iconic KL Tower on 31 October 2009. It was a memorable and joyous evening for some 200 guests from 25 different nationalities being pampered with champagne, wine and sumptuous buffet spreads, cosy and superb setting adding to the enchanting panoramic night view of KL city, and strollers band serenading table to table throughout the evening. The dinner was a thank you gesture for Property Link’s clients.

Property Link specialises in real estate in Bangsar, Damansara, Kenny Hills, KLCC,

Mont’Kiara, Petaling Jaya and Tropicana. To find out more about them, head on to their website at www.propertylink.com.my.