Forest City: Buyer’s Area Guide

Short answer: Forest City is a large, master-planned waterfront development on reclaimed islands near the Second Link, on the western side of Johor. It sits in a Special Financial Zone (SFZ), which has been reported to bring certain tax and duty benefits. Information about how many people actually live there, and about the developer’s finances, varies between sources and changes quickly, so this page does not give figures. Check the specific project, the unit’s documents and current conditions before you decide.

Last verified: 1 October 2026. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.

What to know

• Special Financial Zone. Forest City has been designated a Special Financial Zone by Malaysia. Reports say the zone offers tax incentives, mostly aimed at qualifying companies and certain activities, and a duty-free shopping arrangement. Being in the zone does not automatically remove the state’s rules for foreign property buyers.
• Location. It is on the western side of Johor, near the Second Link crossing to Singapore, and is much further from CIQ and the RTS Link station than the city centre is.
• Developer. The development is by Country Garden Pacificview. The developer’s group has been reported to face financial pressure. Ask for the project’s current status and completion record in writing.

What to check before you buy

• Occupancy and rental demand. Do not rely on a development-wide occupancy figure. Ask for documented rental history for the specific building and unit type.
• Completion and handover. Ask for the project’s current progress, the delivery date and any delays, with the developer’s written confirmation.
• Resale. Check recent transactions for the same building. Large supply in Johor can make resale slow.
• Foreign buyer rules and costs. State consent, minimum price and the Johor levy apply, and some units may be restricted. See the guides below.
• Travel time. Test the real journey to Singapore at the time you would travel.

Frequently asked questions

Is Forest City in a duty-free zone?

It is in a Special Financial Zone that has been reported to include duty-free shopping and some tax incentives. These incentives are not a purchase-price discount on property, so check what applies to you.

Does buying in the Special Financial Zone remove the minimum price for foreigners?

Not automatically, according to commentary from agents and law firms. Get written confirmation for your specific unit.

Can Singaporeans buy at Forest City?

Possibly, depending on the unit and its approval. Read Can Foreigners and Singaporeans Buy Property in Johor? and the costs checklist.

Sources

• Forest City Johor: due-diligence checklist for buyers, PropCashflow, 2026
• Forest City SFZ property purchasing guide, Malay Mail media release, 31 July 2026 (published by the developer’s side, so treat it as marketing)

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