Didn't get too many responses in the main Investment thread, so thought I would seek some views here.

What do you guys think of the idea of buying or renting a shoplot, say about 1000-2000sf and converting it to a foodcourt with about 5-6 stalls to sublet out to individual stallholders. Value-add could come from cleanliness, better stall layout, innovative signboards, assistance with advertising & promotion, and loyalty schemes.

I know that LOCATION is the critical factor but what is a ballpark range of rental prices we will be looking at?

Those stalls only provide food. what about drinks? from there, you need to hire waiters/waitresses, buy equipments to prepare drinks/storage like fridges etc.

Intermediate unit at SS2, ground floor only, rental RM6000.

Corner unit easily RM8000-12000.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Yes the plan is to keep and operate one stall for drinks, and sublet out the other food stalls.

How much rent can we expect stallholders to pay, say in a location such as SS2?

Is it better to buy the shoplot itself? scorgio, would you happen to know the selling prices of those units?

Is it a better idea to buy an existing foodcourt and refurbish it instead? How do we go about looking for sellers of existing foodcourts?

Rental too good, no owner ever thought about selling.

Unless you offer them a huge premium over the current market price.

In other words, it's a seller's market, as demand far exceed supply.

if you are not conficence or u dun have so much capital to lose i suggested to to rent a shop would be a good choice.

my uncle hv this business in puchong but the problem u facing is the black society protection fees, beware . i think 1 mth u hv to pay rm1k around tat , if not they sure kacau u . protection fees lol

my advise is do not get involved in something u are not familiar, unless you have a partner that have experience.

Sound advice people, thanks a lot.

So any experienced partners out there? Feel free to PM me. I have the funds and the design/layout concept. If there's someone who is savvy in terms of location, protection fees and can handle the operational aspects we may be able to work out something.

Do u have a target location?
I think u need to begin from there.

Another option - just go into partnership with one of the existing foodcourts (that you like). There are plenty out there and a number of them would be open to additional partners.