4 | CEO’S COVERFOREWORD STORY
EDITORIAL EDITOR OOI SUE HWEI WRITER YOGEETHA H. JEEVAN
iProperty.com Malaysia is Property and Real Estate Portal of the Year AGAIN! I cannot believe that it is already September! I hope you enjoyed the Raya holidays and also had a joyous 55th Merdeka celebration.
DESIGN SENIOR DESIGNER IRENE LIM DESIGNERs JASON KWONG WING WONG DEVELOPER ADVERTISING HEAD, DEVELOPER BUSINESS LILY KONG MARCO GOH CAMPAIGN SPECIALIST SITI SARAH ABU SAMAD MAGAZINE COORDINATOR NURULHIDAYAH ABD RAHMAN AGENT ADVERTISING
Congratulations to the 10 winners of the iProperty.com Asia Property Sentiment Survey who won attractive prizes and were chosen out of a total of 12,000 respondents. To all the respondents, thank you for sharing your insights on the property market with us. We will feature the findings of the report in the next issue of this magazine. So, do not miss out on the October issue. I am also thrilled to announce that iProperty.com Malaysia is once again the most popular property and real estate site. This is the third consecutive year that we have been named Property and Real Estate Portal of the year by Advertising + Marketing. But rest assured, we will not rest on our laurels. On behalf of the team, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our consumers and customers. We thank you for making us your preferred and trusted partner. Have a great day and Happy Malaysia Day!
MANAGER, AGENT SALES LEON KONG MANAGER, AGENT MARKETING ERNEST BERNARD TOWLE AGENT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ANGELA SARGUNAN MARKETING MANAGER, CONSUMER MARKETING MATTHEW WONG CONSUMER MARKETING SPECIALIST LYDIA CHEW MANAGEMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SHAUN DI GREGORIO COUNTRY MANAGER – MALAYSIA TIMOTHY HOR GENERAL MANAGER, DEVELOPER EDWARD SUTTON
Sincerely
MANAGER, BUSINESS OPERATIONS LOH-LIM SHEN YI iProperty.com Malaysia Sdn Bhd (600850-K) 45-6 The Boulevard, Mid Valley City Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: (603) 2264 6888 | Fax: (603) 2264 6999 Sales enquiries: my.sales@iproperty.com Editorial matters: editorial@iproperty.com General enquiries: my.info@iproperty.com Subscription: subscription@iproperty.com
Shaun Di Gregorio Chief Executive Officer The iProperty Group
iProperty.com Magazine is published monthly by iProperty.com Malaysia Sdn Bhd 45-6 The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Disclaimer Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither the publisher, editor nor their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions, howsoever. We shall not be responsible for any loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, incidental or consequential arising from or in connection with the contents of this publication and shall not accept any liability in relation thereto. The views by our contributors expressed here are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect iProperty.com’s views. Unless otherwise noted, all artwork and ad designs printed in iProperty.com Magazine are the sole property of iProperty.com Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Printer Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd Lot 37659, No. 11, Jalan 4/37A Taman Bukit Maluri Industrial Area Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Distributor MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd
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ISSUE 91 | SEPTEMBER 2012
CO FEATURED PROPERTY 30 DWIPUTRA RESIDENCES A Modern Luxurious Abode in Putrajaya 34 MERU HILLS BUNGALOWS Exclusive Hillside Bungalows in Meru 38 CLOVER @ GARDEN RESIDENCE The Shamrock For Your Hammock TALK POINT
CONTENTS
NTE NTS
IN EVERY ISSUE
42 THE GREEN LEAF RETIREMENT RESORT
4 CEO’S NOTE
Living Out Your Golden Years in Style
10 IN THE NEWS
46 GITA BAYU
20 ART @ HOME
Going Home to Nature
22 VIEWPOINT 120 LAUNCH PAD
SPECIAL FOCUS 49 CROSSING OVER TO RAWANG
COVER STORY
Secrets of Rawang Revealed
26 D’lATOUR @ DK CITY
52 M RESIDENCE
The World at Your Feet
A Modern & Marvellous Lifestyle
HOME SERVICES 84 ACSON 86 HOME SERVICES PANEL AD 88 HOME SERVICES DIRECTORY LISTING 90 TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY 118 FEATURED AGENCIES’ LISTINGS & DIRECTORY 119 SUBSCRIPTION
84 56 LAKECLUB PARKHOME A Touch of Tranquillity 60 GARDEN HEIGHTS Heightened Lifestyles AREA FOCUS 66 JOHOR Highlight on High-Rise Development 68 SARAWAK Sarawak’s Property Allure CONTRIBUTORS 70 CHAN AI CHENG Making Your Property Investment Count 74 THE NATIONAL HOUSE BUYERS ASSOCIATION 10 Renovation Tips for Homeowners (Part 1) 78 ACESCUBE BLR Management 80 PROF JOE CHOO Where do ‘Wind’ & ‘Water’ Come From? 82 JOEY YAP Water Features
20 | ART @ HOME
How to Decorate Your Home with Art Do the walls of your home seem stark and bare? Here are some tips on how you can liven things up a bit.
By Lisa-Ann Lee
4. Displaying a painting: Now that you have decided where you are going to display your painting, it is time to hang it. In general, you should ensure that the centre of the piece is at eye level. 5. Making it the star of the room: Art makes for a great conversation starter and if you want it to be the centrepiece, you should ensure that you do not clutter up the space around it with too many distracting elements such as carpets, wall fixtures or furniture. Just as in museums and art galleries, the best way to make a painting stand out is to display it against a white or neutral coloured wall with plenty of good lighting. Caring for your art collection
You have picked out the furniture, painted the walls and gotten the latest home entertainment system, so why does it feel as if something is still missing from your home?
Art is an investment and taking proper care of it will ensure that it will bring you joy for years to come.
Decorating your home with art is one way of injecting some personality into it and contrary to popular opinion, it does not have to be an expensive venture and neither do you have to be an art connoisseur to collect or enjoy it.
1. Avoid direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays. To prevent your photographs and paintings from fading, make sure that they are kept out of direct sunlight. You should also avoid hanging them in rooms with fluorescent or halogen lighting with ultraviolet rays for this reason.
Before you start 1. Decide where you want to display the artwork. This will give you an idea of the size and style to look out for when you go shopping for art. For example, if you have limited wall space, you might want to play around with a montage of smaller paintings or photographs instead of getting something large that overwhelms the room. In general, the larger the artwork, the more space it needs around it. Also, do not limit yourself to walls. You can hang paintings in unconventional places such as on closet doors as well. 2. What kind of mood do you want to create in the room? If the walls of your room seem overly stark, consider getting something bold or an abstract painting in vivid colours to brighten things up – warm tones such as reds and browns should do the trick. Paintings of expansive landscapes and open skies can also introduce light and brighten up a room, especially if it has been painted in dark colours. 3. Consider the room’s colour scheme: It is important to think about the colour palette of the room so the artwork does not clash with the existing colour scheme. Having said that, this does not mean you should buy artwork to match your sofa or curtains.
2. Changes in temperature and humidity can have an adverse effect on your art collection. Since the weather here is very humid, you should examine the backs of your paintings at least twice a year to check for yellow spots – this is usually a sign of fungi and you should have them removed professionally. Similarly, wooden frames should also be checked regularly for wormwood. 3. Get your artwork framed professionally. Works on paper should be framed under glass and care should be taken to ensure that the two do not touch each other. Works on canvas should be framed without glass and stretched properly to prevent the canvas from shrinking or expanding too much as a result of changes in temperature.
You should always buy art that you enjoy. Identify the two most prominent colours in the room and select an artwork with similar colours or shades – it does not need to be an exact match. What if you have an artwork that does not fit the room? One of the things you can do is look for accessories or accent items that share the same colours or shades as the piece and place them around the room to balance the overall palette. Article courtesy of iProperty Singapore.
22 | Viewpoint | Safety
The Real Estate Crisis of Safety and Security
How do we remain safe both at work as well as at home? This is indeed something to ponder upon, especially with the recent spate of crime in our country. Strangely enough, real estate agents and negotiators have become the target of several violent and brutal attacks, with as many as five reported incidents of assault and/or murder of agents and negotiators while they were on the job. By Yogeetha H. Jeevan
iProperty.com Malaysia recognised the gravity of the situation and spoke to 3 experienced professionals – Siva Shanker, deputy president of the Malaysia Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA); Chan Ai Cheng, general manager of S.K. Brothers Realty Sdn Bhd; and Jeffrey R., a real estate negotiator with S.K. Brothers Realty – to gather their views on the matter; i.e. what has been done, what needs to be implemented and their advice for all the real estate agents out there. Not surprisingly, all three of them agreed that there has been a genuine concern among real estate agents entailing these occurrences. Chan commented, “Security issues affect everyone, but more so for people in our line of work simply because we are always out there meeting people from all walks of life.” Siva, who shared her view, quipped that, “At first, I thought these were just random crimes, but after a while, it occurred to me that these were crimes of opportunity targeted at real estate agents.” As a negotiator, Jeffrey said that his reaction when he first heard of the attacks was one of shock and disgust. He
iProperty.com malaysia | 23
Chan (left), work in teams of 2 or more. Siva (right), learn to trust your natural instincts.
exclaimed, “Why would anyone want to target real estate agents? Is it because of the general perception that we all earn a big income?” He pointed out that the presumption is not necessarily true for everyone, and wondered if the crimes against real estate agents were spurred by jealousy. So why are real estate agents being targeted specifically? Siva’s take on the situation was that real estate agents and negotiators are generally independent creatures who are risk takers. He asked, “Would you pick up a stranger and drive him home? Of course not, but there are bunch of people who constantly pick up strangers and send them to places in unfamiliar territory any time of the day. And these people are real estate agents.” He believed that the nature of their job is such that agents and negotiators put themselves in the position where they are subject to more abuse than the average person. The importance of educating real estate agents Are property agents being educated on their safety and occupational hazards? Jeffrey recalled that during his training with S.K. Brothers, the property agents were cautioned to be careful and to put safety into consideration when showing a property to a client. “Of course, this was just the trainer’s precaution for all of us newbies, and she based it on her own experiences,” he said, adding that, “It would be great if real estate agencies could introduce a practical module on personal safety during the real estate agency training.” Siva was quick to point out that MIEA is doing all it can to educate real estate professionals on their safety. He pointed out that since the association called for a press conference and publicly condemned the acts of abuse and violence against real estate agents, the crimes seem to have stopped. He said, “That is not all. We are also calling for a forum with our members to brainstorm on how to
overcome this crisis, and we are now working with a security consultant, for a half-day seminar on safety do’s and don’ts.” Chan quipped that there are steps that can be taken by real estate professionals themselves to make sure that they are always on the safe side. She stressed on working in teams of 2 or more, as she stressed that there is ‘safety in numbers’. Chan also advised real estate agents and negotiators to inform someone in the office of their itinerary for the day, and also to provide brief information of their clients so that at least one person is aware of their activities for the day. She said, ‘Avoid picking up phone calls from strangers, unless you are sure who is calling you.’ Siva, who agreed with Chan’s suggestions, stressed that despite all that is said and done, agents and negotiators must realise that their safety is in their own hands. He said, “We are recommending the use of pepper spray and a personal alarm which should be in their hands at all times. We are also considering the use of a personal GPS tracker device
24 | Viewpoint | Safety which will send location signals to the office. However, the best way is still to trust your own instincts.” He emphasised, “Everybody is born with natural instincts, unfortunately, as we grow up, we learn to suppress it. Now, we are telling everyone to trust the ‘spider-sense’ in their head.” Jeffrey admitted that although he had not done anything extra to ensure his own safety yet, he was already planning to carry a pepper spray and an umbrella at all times. He even had a few more tips to add to the growing list of precautions. He said, “Park in well-lit areas. People tend to park under the shade or in secluded areas simply because it is nearer to the property. Well-lit areas allow us to look around and see if anyone is watching us, and we can capture someone’s attention in a well-lit area faster. Agents should also take the trouble to arrive earlier and switch on all the lights within the property.”
Jeffrey suggested that the mainstream media, particularly television, should start broadcasting public service announcements that provide tips and raise awareness on the rise of crime in general. He said, “I believe that radio stations have picked up the habit of constantly reminding their listeners to be safe and vigilant, but if the same can be done on television, it would would reach out to more people.” Chan pointed out that the building management can play a strong role in ensuring the safety of every single person who walks in. She suggested increasing the number of CCTVs in the car park areas and guard patrols. On a personal level, she brought up the idea of installing a panic button for each home. She suggested, “How about coming up with a safety index for all residential and commercial properties, with a plaque or sign that clearly states how safe it is? Safety is a role to be played by all parties, and judging by the number of crimes in shopping malls recently, I truly believe that this is a necessary step.”
A real stump for the real estate industry – or is it?
Safety no longer taken for granted
Siva and Jeffrey both believed that, despite the brutal occurrences, the property and real estate market is still thriving. Siva said, “Generally, practitioners have not quite comprehended that they are in trouble. In fact, I do not think many of them will take my advice although it has come out in numerous newspapers. I totally understand this because, as humans, we cannot be on guard 24 hours a day.” He also added that a better policing system is needed to keep such untoward incidents at bay.
All of them agreed that safety is no longer a given in today’s society. Chan stated that these crimes could happen to anybody, and not just property agents. Siva believes that all agents and negotiators must be on their toes, and he advised them to be ‘sensible to the extent of being paranoid’. Jeffrey, on the other hand, pointed out that he truly hopes the perpetrators spend the rest of their lives behind bars, and added that, “Every little step we make counts.”
26 | COVER STORY
D’latour @ DK City The World At Your Feet D’latour @ DK City is a SOHO and service apartment development located in the fun-filled city of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. Surrounded by various amenities, recreational spots, international hotel chains, premier shopping centres and worldclass universities in Bandar Sunway, D’latour is indeed a superb place to call home.
D
2.75 acres of prime land in Bandar Sunway. Offering a panoramic view of the surrounding city areas and beyond, D’latour is potentially the tallest property development in Bandar Sunway.
The units comprise 1 to 3 bedrooms and 2 to 3 bathrooms. The development has 629 SOHO units and 332 service apartment units spread across a sprawling
D’latour is an exclusive development, designed by foreign architects and consultant engineers who have exposure to some of the best developments in the world. Leveraging on their expert skills, experience and world-class standards, D’latour speaks of ultimate
’latour @ DK City is a development which boasts of 4 designs each for the SOHO and service apartments. The SOHO units measure from 897 sq ft to 1,783 sq ft, while the service apartments measure approximately 724 sq ft to 883 sq ft in size.
iProperty.com malaysia | 27 supremacy in property development with the latest facilities, technology and architectural form. The development promotes healthy living with a building design that with vast open space, healthy ventilation system, green landscape and cooler environment. The units are fully furnished with unique trimmings and finishing with multiple design options, 3 levels of state-of-the-art facilities and a stunning view of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline. There are Garden Pods at various floors and a rooftop sky hub that offers residents the ultimate pleasure of relaxation,
tranquility and a nature walk, all within the confines of home. Keeping in mind sophistication and practicality, D’latour’s layout accounts for contemporary comforts coupled with creative and innovative interior decoration. The SOHO units boast of double-volume living areas with selected units fitted with sauna cabins. A plethora of facilities Facilities at D’latour are spread across three levels. Level 4 features The Azure, which includes an
01 elevated swimming pool with waterfall features, infinity edge and viewing deck, a pavilion garden lounge below the pool area, floating dry and wet sunken decks with Jacuzzi seats as well as a changing room with sauna facilities. The Azure also has play maze gardens for children, a crystal-walled gymnasium and dance studio for a resplendent view of the surroundings, an outdoor exercise station, a kindergarten and children’s play
zone as well as a surau. To delight the palates of residents, The Azure also has a cafeteria that connects to an outdoor caf deck. The sky-garden on Level 12 is indeed a breathtaking experience with various levels of beautifully manicured lawns furnished with garden furniture for that leisurely experience. Also in sight is a swing pavilion with cabana and fitness equipment. The rooftop hub is a roof terrace that offers a viewing deck, reading corner
28 | COVER STORY
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03 and barbeque area for that personal moment of peace, quiet and relaxation. The internal void corridors provide excellent natural ventilation and a free flow of clean air. Befitting its high standards of living, the building has also undergone a wind tunnel test by world-renowned specialists from the United Kingdom in line with global safety standards and to promote a comfortable and conducive living and working environment. With safety concerns taking top priority amongst today’s society, D’latour offers the best in security systems with its access card system, guard house at the entrance, CCTV coverage and constant surveillance by trained and qualified security personnel. The development also features services such as a laundrette, concierge service, convenience shops, an alfresco restaurant, housekeeping cum room service, wireless broadband, WiFi zones and fibre-optic infrastructure. The attraction does not stop here – D’latour also boasts of a grand lobby that is carefully designed to offer world-class living standards. A great location Located in one of the most vibrant city fronts in the Klang Valley, D’latour is supported by a host of amenities that offer discerning investors a variety of choices for their daily living needs as well as special luxuries. The development is located 5 to 10 minutes away from premier shopping centres such as the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre, Subang Parade, Empire Subang Shopping Gallery, the Summit USJ and IOI Mall Puchong.
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Grand pool view Pavilion lounge below pool Entrance statement of D’latour State-of-the-art gymnasium SOHO rooftop Internal void area for better ventilation
Healthcare services in the vicinity such as Sunway Medical Centre, Columbia Hospital Puchong, Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya and Sime Darby Specialist Centre, are also located 5 to 10 minutes away from D’latour. The latter is also flanked by top-notch educational institutions such as Sunway International School, Sunway University and Monash University. The Taylor’s Lakeside University Campus is indeed a sight to behold. Recreational hotspots and international hotel chains in the area include Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Sunway Hotel & Resort, Holiday Villa Subang, Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel, Empire Hotel, Saujana Golf & Country Club, Saujana Resort, Glenmarie Golf & Country Club and the Subang National Golf & Country Club. For everyday needs, there are AEON and Cold Storage hypermarkets in nearby Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre, Tesco in Puchong and Carrefour in Subang Jaya – all within a 5- to 10-minute drive from D’latour. The development is easily accessible via major road networks that include the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), the Federal Highway, the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) and the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP). The nearest commuter train stations are at Setia Jaya KTM and Subang Jaya KTM, which are located 15 minutes away. The township will soon be connected via the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT lines once construction work is completed. The vibrant DK City is strategically located within a few minutes’ drive to other neighbouring townships such as central Petaling Jaya, Puchong, Bangsar, Mont Kiara and Kuala Lumpur city centre.
iProperty.com malaysia | 29
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About the developer DK-MY Properties Sdn Bhd is the mastermind behind this world-standard development. Established in 2004, DK-MY is a developer with excellent track record and a commitment to quality. With principle activities spanning property development, investment holding and property management services, DK-MY has a solid foundation to deliver world-class standards in property development. With a commitment to offer investors value for money, the company leaves no stone unturned in its quest to develop and sell top range property development. Step up and make the decision today to own one of Malaysia’s finest and be associated with a world-class development with a gross development value (GDV) of RM700 million. The development is now open for registration. To experience D’latour @ DK City, visit www.dkgroup.com.my or call (603) 8064 6766/ (603) 8062 6768.
Location Map
06 iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2605 Project Name: D'latour @ DK City City: Bandar Sunway, Selangor Property Type: SOHO / Service Apartment Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 2.75 Acres Expected Date of Completion: 2015 Developer: DK-MY Properties Sdn Bhd (657253-H) No.4, Jalan PPU Taman Perindustrian Puchong Utama Puchong 47100. Phone: (603) 8064 6766 Fax: (603) 8062 6768 Website: http://dkgroup.com.my/ GPS Coordinates: 3°03’32.46” N 101°36’56.09”E
Visit iProperty.com.my for more details
30 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Dwiputra Residences
A Modern Luxurious Abode in Putrajaya Dwiputra Residences is another masterpiece by one of Malaysia’s leading developers, Setia Putrajaya Development Sdn Bhd, which is a joint venture between S P Setia Bhd and Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd. Set amidst the lush greenery and picturesque township of Putrajaya, the freehold development boasts of top notch facilities coupled with modern sophistication and unequalled style. Inspired by the old world charm of Balinese art and design, the residences is indeed a jewel in the crown of Setia Putrajaya Development.
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iProperty.com malaysia | 31 Dwiputra Residences is another masterpiece by one of Malaysia’s leading developers, Setia Putrajaya Development Sdn Bhd, which is a joint venture between S P Setia Bhd and Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd. Set amidst the lush greenery and picturesque township of Putrajaya, the freehold development boasts of top notch facilities coupled with modern sophistication and unequalled style. Inspired by the old world charm of Balinese art and design, the residences is indeed a jewel in the crown of Setia Putrajaya Development. Dwiputra Residences considers the need for spaciousness, practicality and modern conveniences. Its contemporary layout consists of two designs, namely, Type A and Type B, with 3 or 3+1 bedrooms
and 2 – 3 bathrooms spread across units measuring 950 sq ft and 1,200 sq ft in size. With a total of 880 residential units in the development, Dwiputra Residences has something for everyone both in price and size. The development, which spans 11 acres of prime land in the sought-after vicinity of Putrajaya, features modern facilities that speak of elegance, leisure and convenience. Complete with a magnificent swimming pool, a breathtaking sky terrace and a state-of-theart gymnasium, Dwiputra Residences is the first residences with modern trappings and dual facilities in Putrajaya, yet retains its rustic ambience and homely charm. Dwiputra Residences offers discerning buyers the opportunity to enjoy life on the lap of luxury, in serene and tranquil settings unspoiled by the hustle and bustle of modern city living. The residences external fa�ade oozes elegant charm whilst bearing an inviting ambience that speaks of a homely welcome. The sounds of birds singing, the rustling of trees and the gurgling of water are truly magical and inspire healthy living close to nature. Surrounded by a wide variety of amenities and conveniences, the residences offers only the best in living standards, space and quality of life.
01 Facilities floor* 02 Lobby area* *Artist impression
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32 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Dwiputra Residences
03 The development is within a short distance from the Alamanda Shopping Mall and the diplomatic enclave shops, whilst the parklands, such as Taman Rimba Alam, Taman Botani, the Wetlands and Taman Warisan Pertanian, offer added lustre to the development. Dwiputra Residences’ location in the vicinity of the federal administration of Malaysia, places it at a distinct advantage in terms of infrastructure. The residences is located within a 20-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and a 25-minute drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the main commercial business hubs of Malaysia. The development is set amidst Malaysia’s location of pride with its glamorous trappings and attractions such as the Seri Gemilang Bridge, the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, the Palace of Justice, the resplendent Tunku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, the New Era Monument and the Nature Interpretation Centre.
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Evening pool view* Interior perspective - Master bedroom* Interior perspective - Dining area* Interior perspective - Living room*
*Artist impression
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iProperty.com malaysia | 33 The residences is surrounded by educational institutions providing the best in local and international education. Aside from the local primary and secondary schools, Nexus International School is also within a few minutes’ drive from the residences. Other institutions include the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, University Multimedia Malaysia, University Tenaga Nasional, the Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College and University Putra Malaysia. Dwiputra Residences is indeed an excellent choice as a personal residence or for investment, supported by the developer’s strong track record, expertise and industry knowledge. The residences was developed by Setia Putrajaya Development, who was also instrumental in
building the Prime Minister’s residence and office in Putrajaya as well as Precinct 9 and 15. The developer is offering interested buyers free SPA, legal fees, disbursement and stamp duty for loan documentation. To inspire the growth of new development and in line with the government’s call to ease the financial burdens of buyers, Setia Putrajaya Development is also offering the Developer Interest Bearing Scheme, which is applicable with its panel banks only. Grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience Dwiputra Residences at www.spsetia.com.my or contact the developers at (603) 8861 5700/ 6500.
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Location Map
iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2603 Project Name: Dwiputra Residences City: Bandar Putrajaya, Putrajaya Property Type: Apartment Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Listing Price: From RM389,500 - RM694,200 Expected Date of Completion: Sept 2015 Developer Setia Putrajaya Development Sdn. Bhd (424955-P) No.5, Jalan P15H, Presint 15 Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 62050 Putrajaya. Phone: (603) 8861 5700 / 6500 Fax: (603) 8861 7900 Website: www.spsetia.com.my
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34 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Meru Hills Bungalows
Exclusive Hillside Bungalows in Meru, Ipoh Developed by Para Development Sdn Bhd, Meru Hills Bungalows speaks of true exclusivity and sophisticated living standards with contemporary conveniences that is second to none. The Meru Hills Bungalows development, situated on the lower hills of Meru, Ipoh, Perak, reflect a symphony of harmony and beauty amidst a tranquil setting, complete with a close walk amongst nature. The bungalows, perched on higher ground, offer discerning buyers a panoramic view of the resplendent mountain ranges of Ipoh accompanied by the amazing sight of the rising sun. The gated-and-guarded bungalow development, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM40 million, features three design options, namely, Alexandra, Brooklyn and Chelsea. With the sophisticated tastes and demands of customers today, Para Development offers something special to suit the different palates.
01 Type Alexandra 02 Living room 03 Master bedroom 04 Garden
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iProperty.com malaysia | 35
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Alexandra is a double-storey bungalow with 4+1 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, complete with a wet and dry kitchen, and a study room. Its built-up size is 4,335 sq ft, a sprawling space fit for the elite.
touch to the development. Keeping safety close to heart, the development will feature a CCTV security system around the community and burglar alarm systems for each individual units.
Brooklyn is a one-and-a-half storey bungalow with 2,949 sq ft in size, also with 4+1 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The open kitchen concept is a reflection of the modern layout approach taken by the developer.
From solid timber doors, top quality ceramic tiles and plaster ceiling, to 3-phase wiring, alarm system, solar water heating and electrical points, the Meru Hills Bungalows development is a notch ahead of other similar developments.
Meanwhile, the third option, Chelsea, is a doublestorey bungalow, also with 4+1 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with a built-up is 3,124 sq ft in size. The three types of bungalow designs have one common feature, which is the sprawling gardens uniquely landscaped to add a unique character to each individual bungalow lot. Top Notch Living With Para Development’s commitment to offer its customers only the best, the bungalows are fitted with top quality fixtures and fittings that add an alluring
Capitalising on Ipoh’s unspoiled natural environment, the bungalows are designed to allow the unobstructed flow of natural light and fresh air. With living rooms that open to the garden terraces, the bungalows ooze a strong sense of homely warmth in a clean and serene environment. Located amidst Ipoh’s largest bungalow community, Meru Hills joins the ranks of other exclusive developments such as Meru Heights and Puncak Meru. Meru Hills is strategically located near major road networks in Ipoh such as the North-South Expressway and the Ipoh-Lumut highway. Ipoh’s city centre is a mere 15-minute drive away from Meru Hills. The development is a stone’s throw away from the Meru Valley Golf & Country Club, Meru Valley Resort and neighbours the Meru Raya township, which offers a host of amenities.
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The development is also located close to the Federal government offices in Meruraya, Kementerian Dalam Negeri, Jabatan Audit Negara, Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat and a host of other government agencies operating from their brand new office facilities in Meru. Other conveniences in the area include the recently opened Mydin wholesale hypermarket and the newly
36 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Meru Hills Bungalows
05 Kitchen 06 Type Brooklyn 07 Type Chelsea 08 Morning view
completed Long Distance Bus Terminal, which is scheduled to commence operation later this year.
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Other developments sprouting up in the area include the Tenby International School campus scheduled to be completed in 2013, the 4-star Casuarina Hotel currently under construction and a hive of other developments by several reputable developers. Exclusive Living Surrounded by Nature Meru Hills consists of a limited number of bungalows, 30 units to be exact, spread generously amongst lush greenery and a picturesque setting with a backdrop of bluegreen tropical mountains.
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It is a truly inspirational abode that invokes a deep feeling of satisfaction, peace and completeness. Priced between RM1.2 million and RM1.7 million, Meru Hills Bungalows is
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08 indeed a lucrative option that is excellent for both investment and long-term residence. With a commitment to ‘strive for the best value for buyers in terms of fair pricing, quality design and construction and timely delivery’, Meru Hills Bungalows is yet another resounding achievement for Para Development. The Developer Para Development is an Ipoh-based property developer that is currently actively developing Meru together with various other projects such as the East Eden Project in Ipoh Garden East-Bercham, Phase 1 of the Meru Hills Bungalows and Phase 3 of the Meru Hills Residential Project.
Location Map
Also ongoing are two additional projects in Meru that include an office-cum-serviced-apartment development spanning 17.5 acres of land, with a GDV of RM250 million. Aside from that, Para Development is also undertaking a 200-acre residential development project that consists of bungalows and condominiums in Ipoh. Meru Hills Bungalows is indeed a not-to-be-missed priced collection from Para Development. To experience the sights and sounds of Meru Hills Bungalows, visit www.para.com.my. For further enquiries, email customerservice@para.com.my or contact Para Development’s representatives at (605) 528 2208 or (6012) 502 7208 (Samantha Tan).
iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2607 Project Name: Meru Hills Bungalows City: Meru, Ipoh, Perak Property Type: Bungalow House Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 8,051 - 15,424 sq ft Listing Price:From RM1,200,000 - RM1,700,000 Expected Date of Completion: 2015 Developer: Para Development Sdn Bhd (112378-T) No. 5, Hala Taman Meru 13 Pusat Komersial Meru 2B Jelapang, Ipoh 30020 Perak. Phone: (605) 528 2208 Fax: (605) 528 0098 Website: www.para.com.my
Visit iProperty.com.my for more details
38 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Clover@Garden Residence
Clover @ Garden Residence The shamrock for your hammock A four-leaf clover is a classic symbol of good luck goes one saying. ‘To live a life in clover’ is another saying that connotes a prosperous life full of comfort and ease. Whichever saying you choose to believe in, Clover @ Garden Residence is an aptly named cluster of homes designed to provide you with a life in the lap of luxury.
01 Green modern homes for the family Clover @ Garden Residence is 35 acres of rolling greens dotted with timeless freehold 2- and 3-storey semi detached homes which are not only friendly to Mother Nature, but also in touch with the modern high-speed connected world. There are 225 homes in all, and are available in four designs, namely, A1 (2 storey flat level), A2 (2 storey split level), B1 (3 storey flat level), B2 (3
storey split level). The homes come with a standard lot size of 40’ X 80’ and the built-ups range from 3,213 sq ft (2 storey) to 3,823 sq ft (3 storey). This self-sufficient and sustainable community living concept provides a well-balanced lifestyle for 3 generations. The high ceiling provides an elegant sense of spaciousness while the open concept layout allows flexibility.
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02 The Clover homes are designed to reflect a tropical resort lifestyle while being nature-friendly, with features such as a rainwater harvesting system to be used for landscaping purposes, and solar-powered water heaters to reduce excessive energy usage within the homes. The homes are also built with high glass windows to allow natural ventilation and light to shine in, while lightcoloured roof tiles are used to reflect the sun’s heat from the homes. Facilities to resonate a resort lifestyle The Green Axis concept is incorporated into this project and it comprises features such as thematic gardens and streetscapes. Lush rolling greens decorating the township, replete with water features for good energy. There are also jogging tracks and running trails to please the outdoorsy fitness buffs. The Promenade Clubhouse is your quintessential state-of-the-art health and wellness clubhouse designed to encourage the residents to keep fit near home. There is a gymnasium, a sauna and steam room, futsal and badminton courts, swimming pool and wading pool plus other water features within the club to keep any resident happily occupied. It also houses communal retail facilities such as F&B outlets, laundrettes, grocery and convenience stores, cybercaf s and more.
01 Entrance statement 02 3-storey semi-detached
Clover homes encompass a ‘live safe’ concept with its 5-point security system. There is a secured perimeter fencing with CCTV camera around the township, and each home comes equipped with an alarm and video-intercom system. Infrared-equipped CCTVs are also placed strategically to capture the ongoings within the township without intruding one’s privacy and vehicles that come and go are monitored.
40 | FEATURED PROPERTY | Clover@Garden Residence
03 A location in between the city and the airport The Garden Residence township is strategically placed smack in between the Kuala Lumpur city centre and Malaysia’s renowned international airport – the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It is located in the heart of the nation’s Multimedia Super Corridor, in Cyberjaya which is Malaysia’s Silicon Valley thus putting it in close proximity to other suburbs such as Putrajaya and Puchong. A number of highways conveniently connect Cyberjaya to the rest of the Klang Valley, namely, Maju Expressway (MEX) to the Kuala Lumpur city centre, the ELITE highway to the KLIA, Lebuhraya DamansaraPuchong (LDP) to Puchong and Damansara, Subang and the likes, plus the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) to Kajang, Sungai Long and such.
03 Landscaped area & water feature 04 Master bedroom 05 Living hall
There is no shortage of amenities nearby, with Putrajaya hosting Carrefour and Parkson inside Alamanda, its biggest shopping mall, Puchong with IOI Mall, and Cyberjaya Street Mall with plenty of bazaars for a food and shopping experience you cannot resist. Cyberjaya itself is home to numerous international companies such as IBM, Dell, HP, Ericsson, Shell & more. Some of the nation’s premier educational institutions, namely, Multimedia University, Limkokwing University, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS) as well as 3 to 4 upcoming universities. Clover @ Garden Residence homes are priced from RM1,705,800 onwards. Launched in end of last year, it will be completed in 36 months from the S&P agreement date. Bumiputera purchasers can expect to enjoy a 7% discount, and Mah Sing is offering goodies and promotions in conjunction with its 18th anniversary, such as low downpayment, Developer Interest Bearing Scheme (DIBS), free SPA & loan legal fees, M Club members’ repeat purchase discount, pre-approved loan assessment by participating banks and buyer get buyer rebate. Apart from this, free 1 year service charge and 1 year club house membership are also offered
iProperty.com malaysia | 41 exclusively to purchaser of Clover@Garden Residence. In addition, there are also lucky draws for buyers. If Clover is your flavour, visit our new completed show unit, call (603) 8873 1605 or visit www.gardenresidence.com.my. One of Malaysia’s reputable developers Incorporated since 1991 and listed on the main stock market of Bursa Malaysia, Mah Sing Group Bhd is Malaysia’s leading property developer at the forefront of building quality homes and prime commercial projects in strategic locations. Currently, the Group has 39 projects spread throughout Malaysia’s economic nexus and property hotspots, namely, Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru (Iskandar Malaysia) and Penang Island (North Corridor Economic Region) and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
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05 Location Map
iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2006 Project Name: Clover@Garden Residence City: Cyberjaya, Selangor Property Type: Semi-detached House Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 40’ x 80’ Developer: Myvilla Development Sdn Bhd Wisma Mah Sing Penthouse Suite 2 No. 163, Jalan Sungai Besi 57100 Kuala Lumpur. Phone: (603) 8873 1598 / 1603 / 1605 Fax: (603) 9221 6888
Visit iProperty.com.my for more details
42 | TALK POINT | The Green Leaf
01
Living Out Your Golden Years in Style 02
Up to now, there have been very few options for retirees who wish to continue to live a fulfilling life and have peace of mind in their old age. However, Raphael Yap, managing director of Gracious Homes Sdn Bhd, is determined to change all that with his brainchild, the award-winning The Green Leaf Retirement Resort.
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The Green Leaf from the air Raphael Yap – The man behind the vision The architecture – Green, natural, organic & iconic The banquet hall – Where celebrations come alive
Located next to the Sepang Gold Coast in Selangor, the 138-acre The Green Leaf Retirement Resort (The Green Leaf) is a self-sustaining and self-contained activity-based destination resort and residences for retirees. This holistic retirement resort will be developed in 3 phases. Each phase is designed as a selfsufficient resort of 4 blocks of 140 units each, making it a total of 560 units of serviced apartments. Phase 1 will consist of 2 blocks of serviced suites and 2 blocks of retirement residences. Construction of the project is expected to begin by January 2013. With the completion of Phase 1 within 3 years, it will be a fully functional resort with a Resort Services Centre, a 24-hour medical centre, banquet hall, retail, restaurants and club facilities for recreation and social activities. Phase 1 has a gross development value (GDV) of RM600 million. The fully furnished apartments, measuring 1,040 sq ft for a 2-bedroom to 1,800 sq ft for a 4-bedroom will cost between RM980,000 and RM2.68 million per unit. The price includes a membership fee that includes access to the use of the clubs facilities and comprehensive healthcare services. At the recent 2012 International Property Awards ceremony, The Green Leaf project won the Best Retirement Development for both Malaysia and the Asia Pacific Region awards. The project will be competing for the title of overall Best International Retirement Development in London in December 2012. iProperty.com: What is The Green Leaf all about? Raphael Yap: The concept for this development combines real estate, hospitality and health care within a supportive community. We aim to create a socially and environmentally sustainable retirement resort community right here in Malaysia.
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Simply put, it is a place where retirees can live together in a community that provides various opportunities for interaction with others. We want to provide an environment for them to indulge in leisurely and fulfilling pursuits, as well as provide facilities that cater towards their visitors, whether it is their children, grandchildren or friends. The retirement period is generally divided into 3 stages, namely, independent living, assisted living and nursing. The most overlooked stage is assisted living, which could last between 10 to 30 years – when a person no longer has the mobility or ability to be as self-reliant as he or she used to be. As such, The Green Leaf was created to cater to every stage of retirement and to provide professional-assisted living services and low-care nursing if and when the services are required.
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The entire facility will have highly trained safety and security personnel with infrastructure and buildings that are disabled-friendly and emergency-ready. It will also offer a 24-hour
44 | TALK POINT | The Green Leaf
05
05 The pool and beyond – A destination resort for all ages 06 The street mall - Bringing back the nostalgia of One-Street-Town 07 The residences – Fully furnished down to the bed linens and even an iPad
medical centre that is connected to the worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance, telemedicine, house calls and its own in-house ambulance.
Drawing from personal experiences and input from a network of industry professionals from several countries, the concept of a development such as The Green Leaf slowly materialised.
These professional ‘assisted-living’ services are developed in partnership with Australian-based Optimum Retirement Services (ORS) and Village Care. The latter is one of Australia’s leading independent experts in retirement living, while ORS specialises in custom-suited operational and workflow solutions for retirement villages.
iP: Is there demand for retirement communities such as yours? Yap: The spectre of the ageing population is well known. The huge demand for retirement homes is obvious. The supply is negligible. This is really a Blue Ocean opportunity!
In fact, The Green Leaf is specifically designed to comply with disability codes such as the American Disability Act, AS 1428 (Australian Standards) and MS 1331 (Malaysian Accessibility Codes). To top it all off, this will also be a green development with many green features.
Our development is market driven and targeted at a niche segment: both local and foreign affluent retirees who were professionals, managers, business executives, technocrats and senior civil servants. These discerning retirees seek quality lifestyle and care services, and have the resources to pay for it.
iP: What was the inspiration behind this project? Yap: The retirement and nursing homes industry in Malaysia is in its infancy and offers little inspiration for advancement in excellence. My friends in Australia and the United States used to send their parents to retirement and nursing homes. Today, the same friends are in these homes themselves.
The location of The Green Leaf is world class – sea and river frontages, close to Kuala Lumpur city centre and the international airport. It is ideally suited for retirees from Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and those in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. Surveys have consistently shown that Malaysia is a highly preferred choice for retirement among these countries.
My first hand observation and from listening to numerous comments from these personal contacts confirmed a perception that, if given a choice, very few would choose to go to a retirement or nursing home. Even in these matured and well-established markets, few places would meet the real needs and desires of today’s discerning retirees.
iP: What makes The Green Leaf Retirement Resort so special? Yap: The first component is to position The Green Leaf as a destination resort, a place where people of all ages love to go, instead of thinking that it is a place where old people are exiled and abandoned.
When my friends confessed that what they wanted most was ‘peace of mind and to live a fulfilling life of their own choice’, it was obvious that existing models of retirement lifestyles needed to evolve to another level to meet these wishes.
We want people to realise that it is a self-contained activity-based resort with the full complement of F&B and retail shops, and about 100 acres of private nature park of mangroves with marina, healing centres and spas.
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06
The second component is Ageing-in-Place, which is about making the development a place where you are empowered to age with grace and dignity within a supportive community. Residents can enjoy a comprehensive range of care services right through Assisted-living and Low-carenursing within their own apartments. With the help of the Australian experience and expertise, we have set up a trust structure where we can offer a Care-for-life program to give the ageing retiree a peace of mind. The final component, a Safe Investment in Real Estate, refers partly to our 10/90 payment scheme. Under this scheme, the 90% is placed in a cash trust to be drawn down only upon completion of the construction. We offer a choice of 2 ownership packages, namely, the Care-for-Life Trust program or the Leaseback scheme. Those who opt for the Care-for-Life Trust program will have their property placed in the trust, who will act in accordance to instructions from them on what to do with the property after their demise or if and when they are incapacitated. Under the Leaseback scheme, the owner gets a 3+3+3 years contract at a return of 7% net per annum for the first 3 years and 8% per annum for the next two 3-year periods. The owner can sell off his unit at any time and also has the option to convert to the Carefor-life Trust program at any time in the future if he (or his parents) needs to stay and enjoy the lifestyle and care services of the resort.
07 Phase 1 of The Green Leaf Retirement Resort will consist of: • 2 blocks of serviced suites • 2 blocks of retirement residences • A fully functioning Resort Services Centre & Club which offers: - A 24-hour medical centre with Emergency response - Facilities for recreation, social interaction and total care-for-life services - Banquet hall, retail mall with shops, themed cafes and restaurants - Health spas, healing centres and eco-sustainable mangrove parklands
46 | TALK POINT | GITA BAYU
Going Home To Nature
01
Upon entering Gita Bayu, one might easily mistaken the residential enclave for some exclusive Balinese resort. That is exactly what Andre Keller, the chief executive officer of Yee Seng Heights Sdn Bhd, aims to achieve as he tempts nature lovers with a development that is ensconced in nature. Nestled on a hilly landscape in Seri Kembangan, Gita Bayu is set in a natural environment that offers tranquility and luxury living. The flagship project actually began over a decade ago. Today, it has blossomed into a multiple award-winning development with a gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion. It features just over 330 eco-friendly, rustic-themed bungalows and villas, accompanied by a tropical design clubhouse created by renowned international architects Lek Bunnag and Bill Bensley at its heart. Back in 2003, Gita Bayu won the FIABCI’s Award for Best Residential Development and Winner of Best Landscaping for Hotel/Resort/Tourism Complex Category, 2003. It was also nominated for the 2004 Aga Khan Award for Architecture (Residential Category). Gita Bayu is certainly living up to its tagline of ‘Coming home’ by delivering a ‘home’ furnished with top-quality materials, complemented with full range of facilities, security and verdant environment.
iProperty.com: What makes Gita Bayu so special? Andre Keller: Gita Bayu is a 118-acre exclusive development cocooned by nature. To date, only 70% of the area has been developed. As such, much of the trees and foliage has been preserved, and we take pains to avoid tree felling during construction whenever we can. The whole development is low-density by design with limited units constructed for each launch edition, and the houses are built to showcase the existing landscape. In simple terms, Gita Bayu offers its residents a secured urban living that is in harmony with nature. The development is located between The Mines Resort City and Country Heights, so the residents can get all their essential supplies easily. Many of them also find the location very convenient, as the Australian International School Malaysia and Alice Smith School is just a short drive away. Within Gita Bayu, the main highlight is the iconic clubhouse, which was completed in 2002, which overlooks one of 2 tranquil lakes within the development. The residents also enjoy other facilities such as an infinity pool, a whirlpool, a spice garden, a tennis court and a basketball court. Way before environmentally friendly practices became popular, we had already installed a rainwater harvesting system, which is used to water plants and for general cleaning. Besides absolute privacy, we also ensure the safety of our residents with a CCTV monitoring system, electric fencing along the perimeter as well as guards who patrol 24 hours.
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iP: What was the response like for Gita Bayu? Keller: Gita Bayu has been established for more than a decade and it was very well received even then. In 1999, we launched the Town Villas, which consisted of 100 units of walk up apartments, at prices between RM255,000 to RM360,000 per unit.
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03 All the units were quickly sold out. The secondary market for these units is now going for more than twice as much.
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About 3 years later, we launched the Garden Villas, which comprised 31 units of cluster bungalows. We followed that up with the launch of the Hill Villas, which is made up of 54 units of condominiums and 2- & 3-storey bungalows, in 2005. Both of these developments were also completely sold out. It is interesting to note that 75% of the residents are Malaysians. Currently, there are 70 families from other countries residing here. They come from as far away as Australia the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and other countries. iP: What are some of the new developments within Gita Bayu? Keller: To start with, we are now adding several facilities such as a football pitch, a reflexology park and exercise equipment for the benefit of the residents. On a larger scale, we plan to add a shop village and to develop another 22 acres of the remaining land. Gita Bayu’s Phase 2 development will take place in the next 5 years. It will include more than 150 low-rise condominium units and bungalows called ‘The Peak’. Come end of September, we will also be launching the ‘Quintet’. It will consist of 5 exclusive 3-storey bungalows that will feature a swimming pool on the rooftop.
01 Andre Keller, CEO of Yee Seng Heights Sdn Bhd 02 The infinity pool at Gita Bayu clubhouse – a restful blue nestled in verdant greenery 03 Gita Bayu’s trendsetting clubhouse by Lek Bunnag and Bill Bensley features the best of Southeast Asia tropical design elements 04 Shimmering water features at Gita Bayu work in concert with lush foliage to keep the natural breeze circulating in Gita Bayu cool and 05 Peruse your favourite tomes in private at the reading room at Gita Bayu’s iconic clubhouse
05 Pentago is responsible for the design of the upcoming five ‘Quintet’ homes at Gita Bayu and several private residences within the community. One of their recent projects in Kuala Lumpur won the My Dream Home Awards 2012. We are also planning to construct 22 units of upmarket shop offices on the northern end of the development. These shop offices will essentially be comply with requirements by the Green Building Index (GBI). It will be completed in about 2 years after which we will apply for the GBI certification. However, we want to assure our residents that the whole development would less than 600 units. We intend to maintain Gita Bayu as a low-density development with not more than 5 units per acre.
03
“ The Revitalisation “
of Rawang
50 | Special Focus | RAWANG
Secrets of Rawang Revealed 01
Rawang may have started out as a small tin mining town. However, the latter is now a far cry from the sleepy hollow it used to be 20 years ago.
Rawang started out as a tin mining town in the district of Gombak, Selangor. Back in the old days, the town only had 2 rows of shops. Back in 1996, the Selangor state government provided assistance to transform Rawang from a residential area into a busy commercial zone. Various projects were implemented to develop the industrial town. It has since gone through a major transformation. Now, quarries can be found on the former mining land. These quarries provide rocks and other products for the housing industry, which is currently growing rapidly. In Rawang, over 400 commercial lots have been built and sold to local and foreign investors. Many financial institutions and departmental stores have also opened up in this town. Plaza Bandar Rawang, a multi-storey plaza with more than 500 stalls, was constructed to meet the increasing demand from the population.
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To accommodate the growing number of residents moving into the town, big developers have bought tracts of land to develop more residential property. Another catalyst for the population growth in Rawang is because the latter’s industrial activities have been picking up as building factories in bigger townships become more expensive.
Visitors to Templer Park should also drop by Bukit Takun, which is located within the park. The 300m monolith standing atop a lush green forested hill has more than 32 climbing routes. There is rock climbing for those who are looking for an adventure. Climbers who successfully make their way up the natural rock formations are rewarded with a great view of the park.
Nature in Abundance
Room for More Growth?
Rawang is well-known for its cheap and delicious Chinese and Indian food. Besides food, the town also offers several forest reserves such as Templer’s Park, Hutan Lipur Sg Kanching and the Commonwealth Forest Park, which have become popular spots for jungle trekking and camping.
Rawang is connected to Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the Klang Valley by the PLUS North-South Expressway. To reach the town, one can take either the Rawang Interchange EXIT 116 from the North-South Expressway, or the Guthrie Corridor Expressway from Rawang South Interchange EXIT 115.
A visit to Rawang is never complete without taking a trip down to Templer’s Park. Named after Sir Gerald Templer, it is located north of Kuala Lumpur, and is only about 20 minutes away from the city centre. This is a must visit park for nature lovers.
The town has enjoyed tremendous growth since the opening of the PLUS North-South Expressway. In recent years, Rawang has attracted many potential buyers and investors to purchase properties there. As such, property prices have soared in the span of only a few years.
Templer’s Park offers 500 hectares of forest that are rich in local flora and fauna. The main attractions are the cascading multi-tiered waterfalls, a natural swimming pool and scenic picnic spots. One of the more popular waterfalls is the Kanching Waterfalls. On weekends, many local visitors and foreign tourists flock to the park to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. Photographers can also often be seen snapping pictures in the park. Some come with their binoculars for some bird watching activities. The park is especially famous among picnickers as parents bring their children to picnic under sheltered picnic spots all around the beautiful cascading waterfalls. There are changing areas available for the convenience of bathers and walkways to ensure the safety of visitors. Chalets and camping facilities are also provided in the area for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Other basic facilities such as food stalls, parking spaces and restaurants are also available.
Rawang’s emerging townships are rapidly becoming popular as property prices there are relatively lower compared to other parts of the valley. Some of the major self-contained townships in Rawang include Kota Emerald, Rawang Perdana, Saujana Rawang, Bandar Baru Bukit Beruntung, Bandar Country Homes and Bandar Tasik Putri. The last two townships are located on the RawangBatang Berjuntai trunk road, and the Rawang Toll Plaza is only about 4km from there. There is also an exit in Bandar Baru Bukit Beruntung. There are number of shopping centres in Rawang which includes Tesco, Parkson, Giant and AEON.
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Rawang is known for more than just good food The town centre is bustling with life Templer’s Park is popular with nature lovers One of the many hypermarkets available
52 | FEATURED PROPERTY | M RESIDENCE
M Residence A Modern & Marvellous Lifestyle in Rawang Creating an abode that matches the eclectic tastes of today’s consumers alongside practicality of design is a skill that showcases a developer’s expertise. It is in this vein that M Residence in Rawang excels in with its remarkable balance of avant garde design and practical flow of space in each home in the high-growth township of Rawang.
M Residence, Rawang’s latest mixed development township, is a sprawling 225-acre project with Precinct One already in progress. The project will encompass both residential and commercial projects within the township, and is a freehold guarded community, made especially for those who believe in passing down legacies for the next generation. Precinct Two of M Residence features 165 units of 2-storey superlink landed residential property, which will be located beside the M Residence recreational clubhouse. Surrounded by Modern Comfort
01 Garden view of semi-D 40’x85’
Precinct Two of M Residence is possibly the most scenic, with a canal garden providing the ultimate backdrop. The homes themselves spell modern comfort, with a lot size of 22’x 80’, and built-ups of 2,380 sq ft, suitable for young couples and families seeking to upgrade to plusher surrounds. Those who love the comforts of privacy and serenity will appreciate the 4+1 rooms and 4 bathrooms
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01 that come with each superlink home, providing precious space for each member of the household. Precinct Four of M Residence is a step above the other precincts, as it will feature double-storey semidetached homes with cheery garden views. The homes, with land size measuring 40’ X 85’ and built-up of 3,248 sq ft, are a perfect complement to the modern family lifestyle and are suitable for pets. They are spacious and flexible enough to house an average-sized family with comfort and style. M Residence semi-detached homes are a limited cluster, numbering at 68 units only. M Residence’s township concept is an added advantage for investors and buyers alike, as there
is no peace of mind better than 24-hour security. Being a guarded township, residents will have roundthe-clock surveillance. Meanwhile, a clubhouse complements the lifestyles of those who call M Residence home, giving a sense of exclusivity to the township. The recreational clubhouse will feature regular clubhouse facilities like a gym and a swimming pool among other things. There will be a beautiful landscaped canal-themed central park, for M Residence occupants who love a bit of nature in everything they do. The park is suitable for jogging, tai chi, cycling and other leisurely activities. M Residence is a self-contained township, with commercial and retail lots for the residents’
54 | FEATURED PROPERTY | M RESIDENCE
02 convenience, located within close proximity of other mature neighbourhoods in Rawang, so everything is just a walk or a short drive away. Unique Value Proposition M Residence is a breath of fresh air in today’s property market with its affordably priced offerings compared to others in the Greater Klang Valley area. In fact, M Residence is within the reach of first time home buyers from surrounding regions earning a household income of RM6,000 and above monthly.
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With its excellent connections to the rest of Klang Valley via its main expressways, travel time is shortened and reaching other mature townships is a cinch. For example, Kuala Lumpur city centre is only 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur via the Jalan Duta toll and Petaling Jaya is within easy reach via the Damansara toll. Those who are looking for alternative access can find it via the Kuala LumpurKuala Selangor Expressway to reach Rawang from nearby locales of Kepong and Sungai Buloh. Reachable Amenities & Facilities With the AEON-Jusco Shopping Centre just 3km away from M Residence, convenience is the norm for this township. All household goods and branded items can be found here.
02 Recreational clubhouse 03 2 storey superlink - 22’x80’, Presint 2 04 2 storey superlink - 22’x80’, Presint 3
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04 Schools and hospitals are nearby as well with the ultra-modern Sungai Buloh Hospital located just a stone’s throw away from Rawang. In fact, there is a proposed primary and secondary school located right in the township of M Residence itself, bringing convenience up a notch. M Residence’s Precinct Two homes are indicatively priced from RM628,800. For further information, visit www.mresidence.com.my or call (603) 6092 8188.
Location Map
Award-winning Developer Incorporated since 1991 and listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, Mah Sing Group Berhad is Malaysia’s leading developer at the forefront of building quality homes and prime commercial projects. Currently, the Group has 36 projects spread throughout Malaysia’s economic nexus and property hotspots. The Group also has strong commercial presence with Grade A buildings, integrated business parks and mixed commercial developments.
iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2395 Project Name: M Residence City: Rawang, Selangor Property Type: 2-sty Terrace/Link House Land Title :Residential Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 22’ x 80’ Build Up: 2,380 sq ft Listing Price: From RM628,800 Expected Date of Completion: 2014 Developer: Semai Meranti Sdn Bhd (288532-U) Wisma Mah Sing Penthouse Suite 2 No163 Jalan Sungai Besi 57100 Kuala Lumpur. Phone: (603) 6092 8188 Fax: (603) 9222 8988 Website: www.mahsing.com.my
Visit iProperty.com.my for more details
56 | FEATURED PROPERTY | LakeClub Parkhome
LakeClub
Parkhome
A touch of tranquillity in Rawang
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02 01 11-acre Central Park with a scenic lake 02 2-Storey Garden Villa
Tucked away in Rawang is a charming little township, reminiscent of French lakeside suburbs, with plenty of greenery embracing the neighbourhood. Redefining a healthy and vibrant township lifestyle, the stylish resort home destination offers its residents a variety of sights and sounds to behold, creating euphoria for the senses. This township is called LakeClub Parkhome, and it welcomes you with open arms. Rolling greens and aesthetic homes At LakeClub Parkhome, 63 acres of landscaped rolling lake gardens showcase its aesthetics to the world, with 450 units of 2-storey and 3-storey Villas as company. All Villas come with a fairly big lot size of 22’ X 75’, perfect for a bit of outdoor fun with small children and pets. Garden Villas are the smaller ones with built-ups measuring 2,511 sqft and have 4+1 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, while the Grand Villas come in at 3,570 sqft with 5+1 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, both of which are suitable for average-sized families. The township’s name is a perfect reflection of what it has to offer its residents – resort-style living within a natural environment that promotes wellness. An 11-acre central park with a lake serves as an outdoor fitness and health centre, and is also a favourite spot for weekend picnics with friends and family. There is also 30 feet of linear back gardens lining the homes prettily, to provide a naturally beautiful surrounding and to facilitate air ventilation around the homes. Features that every homeowner deserves Security is immaculate here at LakeClub Parkhome, and some of the features include a single entrance guardhouse monitored by highresolution CCTVs. Residents’ vehicles get special access controls, and all homes are provided with individual home alarms. Perimeter fencing is also installed with high quality anti-climbing welded mesh fencing, and brick wall fencing in some areas of the township, complete with a round-the-clock manned guardhouse and patrolling guards.
58 | FEATURED PROPERTY | LakeClub Parkhome
03 3-Storey Grand Villa 04 Olympic size swimming pool by the lake 05 30 to 60 feet Linear Garden 06 Spectacular view of the Central Park with jogging/ cycling track 07 5-Star Club House with resort facilities
03
Klang Valley. It is only one kilometre away from Rawang town, placing it within close proximity of most of Rawang’s available amenities. Connectivity is not a problem at all here, with the LATAR highway located a mere 5km away, and the PLUS Rawang toll only 6km away. Kuala Lumpur city centre is also very accessible from here via the Jalan Duta and Jalan Kuching interconnecting roads. Other townships nearby are Kepong, Selayang, Sungai Buloh and even Kota Damansara.
04
Families staying in LakeClub Parkhome will appreciate the convenience it offers, with the myriad of public and private schools nearby. Groceries and items for home, office and school can be obtained from Giant, Tesco, Mydin and Parkson supermarkets, and there is a private hospital set to be built very near the township. A major bus station, the Rawang KTM station and about 650 shops are available within a 3km radius of LakeClub Parkhome.
The township’s clubhouse is its pride, as is evident from its name, and for good reason too. LakeClub Parkhome’s club boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym room, and a jogging and cycling track for residents to keep fit. Racquet sports, being popular in Malaysia, are also given prominence, with badminton and table tennis courts within the clubhouse. There is also a futsal court available for aspiring Ronaldos, and children are bound to enjoy the adventure park erected specially for them. Other amenities within the clubhouse are a BBQ area, a cafeteria and a multipurpose hall. Rawang will be Klang Valley’s next hotspot The township’s location in Rawang puts it within a new and growing property hotspot in North
05
iProperty.com malaysia | 59
06 The Garden Villas are priced from RM720,000 to RM1.02 million, and the Grand Villas are priced from RM931,000 to RM1.30 million. LakeClub Parkhome is expected to launch in September, and is projected to be ready by December 2014. Bumiputera buyers can expect to enjoy a 7% discount on the listed prices, and the developer is offering early bird rebates and free legal fees and stamp duty for S&P and MOT as part of the promotion. If this is your idea of paradise, wait no more: call (603) 6093 7188 or visit www.daland.com.my.
Location Map
07 About the developer DA Land Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Golden Masterpiece Sdn Bhd) was incorporated on 11 February 2011 and its core business is in property development. Its team of experienced and dynamic personnel is dedicated towards providing quality work, strict safety standards and the timely completion of projects. Guided by passion, they aim to raise the bar for quality, security and convenience; complemented by a pool of skilled labour resources, everything is done with full dedication.
iProject Listing QuickPro No: NC2602 Project Name: LakeClub Parkhome Location: Rawang Town, Rawang, Selangor Property Type: 2-sty Garden Villa/3-sty Grand Villa Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 63.56Acre Built Up: 2,511 to 3,570 sq ft Expected Date of Completion: Dec 2014 Developer : Hype Park City Sdn Bhd by DA Land (971370-P) No 3GF,Jalan Bayu Permai 5,Taman Bayu Permai, Rawang 48000 Selangor Phone: (603) 6093 7188 Fax: (603) 6092 7988 Website: www.daland.com.my
Visit iProperty.com.my for more details
66 | AREA FOCUS | JOHOR
Highlight on High-Rise Development in Johor
As home to the vibrant and booming Iskandar Malaysia corridor, development in Johor has seen a sharp spike, indicating the growth and socio-economic value of the state. Residential development, however, has always centred upon landed property, with terraced homes, semi-detached home, and link homes being the focus of the market for the longest time. That is about to change. By Yogeetha H. Jeevan
In recent times, high-rise residential projects have become more prominent within the state, a sure sign of developing times. The types of high-rise residential buildings in the limelight range from serviced apartments to luxury condominiums, and even home-offices, which proves that Johor is beginning to adopt the contemporary living lifestyle that Kuala Lumpur and other cosmopolitan cities around the world are famous for. According to a news report by Bernama in early August, SP Setia, one of the nation’s renowned developers, has sold 90% of their Sky Peak Residences’ international lots, a 32-storey high-rise project in Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru. The news report quoted Setia City Development Sdn Bhd general manager Ricky Yeo as saying that around 10% to 15% of the buyers of the luxury service apartments come from Singapore, with many of the Malaysian buyers also working there. This indicates a market interest in Malaysian, especially Johor, properties from Singaporean investors.
01
This month also saw the sales preview of SP Setia’s Sky Oasis Residences, another high-rise residence, with 60% of the international units already booked. Located within Setia Indah in
iProperty.com malaysia | 67 Johor Bahru, which is a township project by the developer, the service apartment has all the traits of a successful and quality project.
mixed development projects, however, the home-office trend is bound to catch up in the state as it has done in the Klang Valley.
It offers an adjacent golf course, panoramic lake view, swimming pool and other wellness facilities plus easy access to the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) and Pasir Gudang Highway. It also has the advantage of being located within the Tebrau Economic Corridor with amenities such as schools and hospitals nearby.
Johor already has its first SOVO with the Manhattan SOVO, the quintessential home-office building which comes with facilities for office management such as a training room, meeting and conference facilities, and also condominium-type facilities such as swimming pool, sky patio, whirlpool and more.
Yeo is optimistic about Sky Oasis. He said, “The development is set at a very affordable price, unlike the prices of landed properties around the area which are pretty high. Sky Oasis is very appealing to the young and middle-aged who are looking for a quality, well planned, well designed but affordably priced property.” He added that owning a property developed by prestigious developers can make a significant difference that will benefit both investors and buyers alike. Early August also saw the launch of Paragon Residences @ Straits View, a deluxe condominium which attracted more than 800 people to its sales gallery. What is interesting about this project is that it is developed by Amprojek Construction Sdn Bhd, which is a joint-venture between two companies, namely, Singapore’s ACG Group of Companies and Malaysia’s Joland Group. Joland Group executive director Godwin Tan was quoted as saying that the location of the condominium is its best feature, with the panoramic scenery of the Johor Straits, its proximity to the upcoming Lido Boulevard and the many facilities all around, plus easy accessibility via the multitude of highways.
What is special about the Manhattan SOVO is that it is located in Austin Heights, and is just a stone’s throw away from the Austin Heights Water Theme Park, and Austin Heights Golf & Hotel Resort, making it an all-rounded residential development which will entice all ages. Major landmark developments include the much hyped 1Tebrau, which is Johor’s first integrated commercial and residential development. It has a revolutionary design, where 588 designer suites sit atop 36 four-storey shop offices, replete with prime retail outlets and facilities. Another development to look out for is Setia Sky 88 at Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir. Yeo pointed out that Setia Sky 88 is set to be the tallest building in Iskandar Malaysia standing proudly at 55 storeys, and he believed that it will positively affect the transformation of the area. In a short span of time, high-rise residences have made a major impact on the residential scene in Johor Bahru. It is evident that high-rise developments in Johor are beginning to gain prominence, and homebuyers have moved beyond landed property in the state to look at other alternatives as well. Facilities and convenience aside, these homes reflect a state of growth and the booming property market in the south, possibly driven by the Singaporean influence. It is a good time for the high-rise market in Johor.
Facilities seem to be a major draw in these projects, as buyers and residents look forward to their home vicinity being a one-stop centre for groceries, laundries, F&B and more. Many of the developers have realised that, unlike before where the home was just a place to be with their family, people now want their homes to be a reflection of their lifestyle through the facilities that their home or township offers. Though landed property is only beginning to adopt this lifestyle concept, high-rise residential developments almost always come with clubhouse facilities and, more recently, commercial strips to accommodate shops, launderettes and more. What has also been projected to boom in Johor is the home-office concept, or better known as SOHO, SOFO, SOVO and the likes. Right now, Johor is very much focused on residential and
02 01 Setia Sky 88 02 Manhattan SOVO
68 | AREA FOCUS | SARAWAK
Sarawak’s Property Allure Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia covering an area of nearly 125,000 sq km of the Borneo land mass. Yet, in certain cities, the demand for new properties has driven property developers to expand rapidly outward and upward.
Demand in Sarawak’s property segment has been robust. Many property developers in the state have maintained that the take up rate for new properties continues to be strong as property had always been viewed as a valued investment.
such as Jalan Muara Tuang, Jalan Kuching Serian, Batu Kawa and Matang. Even so, response to these property launches was very encouraging.
According to a market report by CH William Talhar Wong & Yeo Sdn Bhd (WTWY), the property market in Kuching remains vibrant and opportunities abound for property investors to ‘ride the current property wave’.
From now until 2030, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) should see investments amounting to RM334 billion, according to the SCORE Masterplan. This will help accelerate the state government’s industrialisation plans, thereby creating job opportunities and boosting the state economy.
In fact, the All House Price Index issued by the Valuation and Property Department has shown that the percentage of increase in house prices for Sarawak had surpassed that of the overall average Malaysian house index. Demand for residential properties in prime locations in the state remains high, with some areas such as Tabuan, BDC 3rd Mile and Jalan Song areas being consistently sought after. Many of the new residential projects were launched in locations further away from the city centre, in areas
Gearing Up For SCORE
Zaidi Ahmad, president of the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA), stressed that SCORE is an attractive destination for capital investments with the supply of energy from the Bakun Hydro Dam on track. He said, “With the setting up of several multinational international companies, the central region in Sarawak is expected to see an influx of thousands of local workers and from abroad gainfully employed in these plants.”
iProperty.com malaysia | 69
Zaidi pointed out that, “These workers and their families will need their own accommodation as the companies may not be able to cater for the accommodation need of every employee. The demand for affordable housing for the workers will certainly outstrip supply.” In addition, he also urged developers in Sarawak, particularly those in the central region, to seize the opportunity to look into planning strategic housing development in SCORE to meet the demand for housing arising from the influx of workers to the central region. This is precisely what is happening in Bintulu, which is on the threshold of achieving high economic growth with foreign direct investors setting up plants in SCORE areas such as Samalaju. Zaidi said, “The Bintulu market outlook is robust and very encouraging with higher take up rates, modern design and architecture.” High-rise Living In the past, most of the projects launched in Sarawak consisted of low-rise and low-density development with condominium facilities such as swimming pool, gym, park, lift, etc. These projects were mainly located near popular suburban housing areas in South East Kuching. The launch of several highly anticipated condominium projects end of last year is signalling the rejuvenation of high-rise development. However, the demand for low-rise apartments remains with several projects being developed in outer suburban areas. Condominiums and apartments will become even more popular in the next few years. This is not surprising as, with land prices going up, more young first time house buyers would seek out these units in keeping up with modern living.
that incorporates a water theme park, shopping complex, cultural village, amphitheatre, hotel and a proposed man-made island. The project will be developed in three stages and is due to be completed in three years.
Similarly, in Miri, the development of high-density apartments and condominium projects will likely increase. According to WTWY, the retail sector in Miri will experience a boost with the completion and opening of several new malls including Permy Mall at Bandar Baru Permyjaya, MYY Mall at Lutong and the 7-storey Imperial City Mall at Jalan Asmara/Merpati.
Over in Sibu, there is also a significant improvement in the retail and commercial sector with developments being launched in suburban areas. The completion and opening of two large shopping complexes in Sibu in mid 2011, namely, Star Mega Mall and Giant, have increased the potential of the surrounding developments.
Other upcoming development to look forward to includes the first phase of the Marina Park project, which comprises two 7-storey blocks, eight 4-storey blocks and 130 units of 3-storey shophouses. Phase II of the project consists of 140 units of shophouses, which will be launched next year.
WTWY stated in its report that demand for residential properties is expected to be optimistic with continuous interest in the prime and secondary areas, especially with limited lands available for development near the town centre.
Another notable project is Phase 8 of the Senadin Commercial Centre, consisting 248 units of 2 and 3-storey shophouses, which started construction this year. It forms part of an 80-acre major project
The new and ongoing developing residential areas in Sibu are located at Jalan Salim, Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah, Jalan Teku and Jalan Oya areas. Just as in Kuching and Miri, Sibu’s launching prices of landed residential houses have been increasing.
70 | CHAN AI CHENG
Making Your Property Investment Count Property has always been one of the best investment assets around. As such, the debate on the factors that cause property prices to escalate and possibly create a price bubble will never cease.
By Chan Ai Cheng
What is happening to the property prices in Malaysia? It seems that the price of properties has climbed so high that few can truly afford to buy them. And yet, by and large, investors and homebuyers are still purchasing properties. Results from a survey of 3,459 visitors to the iProperty.com website from December 2011 to January 2012 showed that, among the Malaysian respondents in the survey, 41% owned two or more properties, compared to 35% who owned one property and 24% who owned none. By contrast, the percentages of property searchers who owned two or more properties in Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong were 35%, 34% and 16% respectively. According to the survey, 75% of the respondents were interested in landed property, compared to 60% who were interested in condominiums or serviced apartments. The most searched areas in the Klang Valley were Bangsar (2.9% of total searches), Puchong (2%), Cheras (1.8%) and Petaling Jaya (1.6%). Does this survey tell us that there is a property glut in the market? Although many suspect there may be a glut at the very high end of the market, there seems to be no property bubble in this segment. As for the middle and lower income groups, this is a market that is still very vibrant. This brings us to another question, should homebuyers and investors wait for new launches, which might be priced lower at a later date because of corrections in the market due to the new bank lending guidelines that took effect on 1 January this year?
iProperty.com malaysia | 71 Most property observers have concluded that properties in established areas or strategic locations might not see much price correction. The main reason why the prices of properties in good locations are holding up is the fact that the cost of building materials is not coming down any time soon. Why can’t property developers start looking into building more affordable properties for homebuyers with these new guidelines within Klang Valley? The fact is, it will be difficult for developers to build cheaper properties when land and construction costs are rising. Another factor that determines the price lies in whether the location is within walking distance to amenities such as school, shopping complex or bus stop. The reason behind these factors is convenience, especially if you are planning to rent out the rooms individually or the whole house. How much has changed? There is a shortage of land in the Klang Valley, which is creating what looks like a property bubble. Do you remember what it was like to drive down the Federal Highway back in the 1960s? Did you know that the land along the Federal Highway from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) building area, from Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam and all the way to Klang was sold to big corporations by 2007? My guess is that they bought those locations for the main road frontage and easier access to the Federal Highway. In Petaling Jaya, semi-detached houses are going for RM800,000 and some are asking for RM1 million or more. Property prices of bungalows can be anywhere from RM1.8 million to RM18 million. So are property prices becoming too high? In 2006, the price for a single storey terrace or link house in Petaling Jaya was RM290,000. Today, the price is much higher. Even for leasehold properties, the asking price is between RM300,000 and RM400,000 for a single storey terrace house with about 60 years left on the leasehold title. After 60 years, the property goes back to the government if no one renews the lease and that is another expense you need to watch out for. Look for new projects with a good package and buy properties together. Location is still the key. Your strategy will depend on your objective – whether it is for investment or your own occupation. If you are looking to buy, beware that almost every seller in good locations are very aware of the marketability of their property, thus you may end up paying a premium for the property. Indeed, why not? The tenants are contributing to your bank loan payments. If you are looking to buy property for investment, you need to check for these factors. Still a Viable Investment Property prices will continue to climb because of inflation. In Malaysia, historically, property prices have been climbing at an inflationary rate of 8% per year and this figure has been quite consistent for the past 40 years. There may have been ups and downs in the inflationary pressure of property prices, however, when averaged over the long term, it has been hovering around 8%.
72 | CHAN AI CHENG Personally, I would rather invest in a property in a good location even though it may be a little bit more expensive instead of buying cheap properties further away. I know of friends who did the latter, but later realised that it was too inconvenient and too much of a hassle to deal with the heavy traffic that they end up living with their parents during the weekdays and return to their own homes on the weekends. Does lowering the cost of borrowing by using more cash for the downpayment a wise option? One of property’s key characteristics that make it such an attractive asset class among investors is its ability to hedge against inflation. Certainly, one of the strong features of property investment is leverage. With a downpayment of just RM100,000 and 90% financing, you can own a property worth RM1 million. Supposing that the property’s price increased by say 20% to RM1.2 million, you would have a return of slightly less than 200% on the cash you invested. Should you need to come up with more downpayment to purchase the same property, for example, 30%, that would mean a cash outlay of RM300,000 plus 70% financing. With the same price appreciation of 20%, your return on the cash invested is only 66%, or 33% per annum. I dare say that not many young working professionals have RM300,000 in their bank account. It will also cost them additional investment opportunity; instead of a chance to invest in two properties with higher financing, you end up investing RM300,000 on only one property. Having said that, this is purely from an investment viewpoint. I would not apply the same formula for buying the house that I live in. For the latter, the smaller the loan and the faster I settle it the better.
Chan Ai Cheng
General Manager, S. K. Brothers Realty (M) Sdn Bhd Registered Estate Agent with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia Certified Residential Specialist, NAR USA Certified International Property Specialist, NAR USA Registered Financial Consultant, IARFC For feedback on this article or any other comments, please email aicheng@skbrothers.com
HF0912/iP
74 | HBA
10 pointers for house owners on Renovation: What you must know and adhere to Mass housing development is the mass production of a few standard home designs that often fails to satisfy any actual house buyer’s need. This has inadvertently led to the emergence of a spin-off industry known as ‘renovation’.
Renovation refers to varying the original design of a house by addition, omission or a combination of both. Oftentimes, as soon as the house buyer occupies his property, he goes about having it remodelled to suit his needs and taste. Some of the most common changes are the widening of the kitchen area, the addition or merging of rooms and, horror of horrors, the paving of the ‘handkerchief-sized’ grass frontage. Excessive and indiscriminate renovation, approved or otherwise, makes the whole neighbourhood appear disjointed, incongruous, uncoordinated, disharmonious
and even at odds with the house next door, and as a result, the value of these properties suffer. Typically, a terrace house owner has his housed renovated based on some design he found in his favourite architecture/design magazine. This is often done without taking into account the impact it would have on the aesthetic sense of his immediate neighbours, let alone the neighbourhood. The end result would be that either his house stands out from the others like a sore thumb or it is at odds with the immediate neighbours.
iProperty.com malaysia | 75 As such, the National House Buyers Association (HBA) would like to offer the following cautionary pointers for the benefit of wannabe renovators: 1) Ensure the house has been certified as ready for occupation In their rush to renovate, some house purchasers do not wait for the Certificate of Fitness (CFO) or Certificate of Completion and Completion (CCC) or Occupational Certificate (OC) to be issued, which causes across the board delay. The fact is, no house owner is allowed to occupy his property before the issuance of any of these certificates. There have been cases where extensions to two or more linked units have caused an entire row of houses to sink and crack, especially where the housing estate is built on a landfill scheme or ex-sand mining land. 2) Be clear about what you need and what you want Draw up your ‘wish list’ and itemise, then pare it to suit your needs and budget. The downside of not estimating the renovation costs accurately or not at all (thinking it will be within your means) is that you may end up abandoning the works midway when funds are exhausted. Seek the help of a quantity surveyor. He would know how to estimate the costs accurately unless the renovation work involved is so small that it makes engaging such a professional not worthwhile. The next best alternative is for you to obtain a few quotations from a selection of builders or building contractors. Remember to ask for a breakdown, particularly of the more expensive or dispensable items, and most importantly, the timeframe needed to complete these works. If the scale of the renovation is relatively complex and large, get a professional to help you out. 3) Get the right professionals involved: Do not be ‘penny wise and pound foolish’ If the alteration works involve structural changes such as an extension with (i) removing column(s); and (ii) the addition of beam(s) to create room or space within your existing property, it pays to consult a qualified architect or a qualified engineer. If you are not sure, then consult one on what needs to be done
including whether their services are needed instead of engaging just a building contractor. Any added structure, without professional engineering input, may cause structural stress or even structural failure not only to the existing building but also to the neighbouring houses. Their involvement may be a legal requirement. Otherwise, the Local Authority (LA) will not entertain applications, including the requisite Building Plan Approval, to carry out any of your planned works. A building draughtsman may be engaged to facilitate your application to the LA for (i) renovation works of a one-storey building not involving reinforced concrete or steel structure provided that the total built-up area does not exceed 100 sqm/about 1,076 sq ft; or/and (ii) renovation works of a two-storey building not involving reinforced concrete or steel structure provided that the total built-up area does not exceed 300 sqm/about 3,230 sq ft. For works exceeding the above, a qualified architect’s service is required and where works involve structural alteration, your application to the LA would require the input and endorsement of a qualified engineer. 4) Get a responsible builder/contractor It is important to engage a responsible builder/ contractor for such works. The right builder/ contractor may ensure timely completion and deliver quality workmanship without exceeding the budget. In choosing the right builder/contractor, you may wish to be guided by the following criteria.
76 | HBA
1) Shortlist the candidates on the basis of word of mouth recommendation, then interview them, with the assistance of a friend who is knowledgeable in this field before making a final decision. 2) Try to satisfy yourself about their financial background and track record. They usually operate either as sole proprietorships or partnerships or, at best, a small scale company and, therefore, their capital and financial resources are minimal. 3) Usually, building contractors do not have large permanent teams of competent or skilled workers; they are recruited ad hoc, and if he has such a staff, it is usually a reliable indication of the health of his business. 4) At this time, construction workers comprise predominantly of non skilled and semi skilled foreign workers. Therefore, before engaging the building contractor, enquire about the background of the workforce. 5) Check out how many current projects he is undertaking. This indicates his available resources and concentration. 5.1) Find out what you can and cannot do from the Local Authority (LA) You may require some professional help with this. This item comes after the wish-list and budget are done, but prior to your soliciting a quotation from selected builders/contractors.
Most house owners may, at this stage, and prior to the engagement of any consultant, make enquiries with the LA on the building requirements based on the nature of their intended renovation works. For those who reside in Kuala Lumpur, the LA is Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), while for those who reside in Petaling Jaya, the likely LA is Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), and if the renovation is to be done in the Subang Jaya/Seri Kembangan/Puchong vicinity, it is Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ). One could check the assessment bills to verify the related LA. You may check with the LA on the nature of the renovation; whether a professional is required to draw up plans and make submissions, or whether a standard form or pre-approved (plans) would suffice. Simple jobs such as a kitchen extension do not require submissions for approval by an architect or draughtsman. You may also enquire about the scope of works allowed, such as the requisite ‘setback’ requirement, i.e. the minimum distance from the boundary for erecting your building or column and wall, and a check on the height restriction would also be helpful.
This is part one of a two-part article. Part 2 will be published in the next issue.
NATIONAL HOUSE BUYERS ASSOCIATION [HBA] No. 31, Level 3, Jalan Barat, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100, Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-2142 2225 | 012-334 5676 | Fax: 03-2260 1803 Email: info@hba.org.my | Web Site: www.hba.org.my
78 | ACESCUBE
BLR MANAGEMENT: A MUST KNOW SUBJECT IN PROPERTY INVESTMENt Almost every Malaysian is wondering if there would be a hike in properties prices during the second half of 2012. The new Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) guidelines and global economic uncertainty have put a pause on many property investment plans, but this has not stopped property prices from increasing due to higher building material and labour costs.
The growing population in urban areas is also another major contributing factor in maintaining the current market price. Prices of properties will always go up, it is only a matter if the price will go up slowly or by leaps and bounds. If property prices were to go up steadily, this would go a long way towards our achieving Vision 2020. Every housing loan borrower must take the initiative to exercise their responsibility by managing their financing risk. Knowing your housing loan terms and conditions in detail is the key to mastering the interest on your loan. You must also know what is the Base Lending Rate (BLR) as it affects the amount of interest charged. The interest rate is the percentage charged, or paid, for the use of the bank’s money. Where do banks get the money to provide loans? Banks use the deposits made by people who keep their savings or checking accounts with the former. As such, banks want to charge as much interest as possible on loans, and pay as little as possible on deposits, so they can be more profitable. At the same time, banks are competing with each other for those same deposits and loans. This competition is what keeps interest rates within a similar range. BNM is responsible for setting the interest rates via the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR). The BLR is usually adjusted in correlation to the adjustments of the OPR, which is determined by the BNM. Low interest rates stimulate the demand for real estate, drive up stock prices and boost spending power due to low deposit interest. However, a low interest rate can also cause inflation. (If there is too much liquidity, then demand outstrips supply and prices rise. The BLR fluctuates according to the economic cycle.) As far as BNM is concerned, the majority of loan borrowers are not aware of the
effect of the BLR on their loan contract. And many are not prepared financially when the BLR goes up. From 2005 until April 2012, there were 14,327 bankrupts under the housing loan category, the third highest on record after car loans and personal loans. In fact, banks will assess a borrower’s repayment capability before approving their loans. So why is the housing loan bankruptcy rate still ranked among the top three? Kevin Cheong, founder cum managing director of AceScube (M) Sdn Bhd, said, “In my 16 years of experience in the BLR Management business, I have observed that Malaysians continue to be ignorant of the terms and conditions of their housing loan as stipulated in their Letter of Offer.”
iProperty.com malaysia | 79 Information is now readily available at our fingertips. Because of this, we face a new problem, i.e. information overload. There is an avalanche of information that young or new investors have access to. BLR Management is not what most people commonly perceive it to be, i.e. an interest saving scheme that is commonly discussed in blogs or online forums. In fact, there is limited information on BLR Management. “Interest savings is actually the side effect of BLR Management,” Cheong claimed. He added that, “BLR Management is about exercising the borrower’s housing loans responsibly and keeping track of the accurate repayment amount according to the BLR.” By understanding the Malaysian banking mortgage practice, advice on accurate repayment due date and repayment amount will be able to assist the borrower achieve their targeted savings by avoiding a prolonged loan tenure due to incorrect repayment subject to changes in the BLR, or achieve 30% to 50% savings on the interest and tenure subject to the borrowers repayment capability.
Se rv Hi ic gh in e g r C De os b t@ t BL R
With a BLR Management service, loan borrowers will be able to monitor their payable interest and the principle amount on their housing loan. With the lowest BLR ever recorded at 5.55% p.a. and the highest BLR on record at 12% p.a. over 20 years, borrowers are bearing an unpredictable debt servicing cost or total payable interest of their loan.
Our current BLR is at 6.6% p.a., so for those whose balance tenure is more than 10 years, there seems to be no way out from paying a higher debt servicing cost. If the payable interest is higher than the monthly repayment amount and the borrowers cannot afford to pay more, it could be a never ending loan. The above illustration shows that the BLR increases by 2.5% within 5 years. Even with a lower outstanding balance, when the BLR increases to 8.6%, the payable interest is higher than the monthly repayment amount. After 12 months, when the BLR is at 9.1%, the outstanding balance is getting higher even if one pays promptly. This may lead to the property being foreclosed by the end financier because many borrowers may not be aware of their situation. When they request to settle the differential sum due to the incorrect payment, they may fail to settle within the timeframe given. The above scenario could be avoided if you were monitoring your monthly payable interest and principle to the loan, and make accurate repayment with the Slash Interest Methodology (a SIM-patterned methodology by AceScube). You could settle your housing loan with a reduction in tenure between 30% and 50% and interest with just one step; by implementing your own repayment schedule according to the current BLR and targeted tenure.
Loan Amount
RM300,000.00
Interest rate
BLR – 2.2% p.a. (6.6% - 2.2% = 4.4% p.a.) as per Letter of Offer
Tenure
30 years
Monthly repayment amount
RM1502.28 as per Letter of Offer
BLR
Effective Interest Rate
Outstanding Balance
Payable Interest
Payable Principle
6.60%
4.40%
RM300,000.00
RM1,100.00
RM402.28
RM1,206.60
RM295.68
After 12 repayments
RM1,310.24
RM192.04
Another 12 repayments
7.10% RM295,492.86 Table 1 (only 4.90% for reference purpose) 7.60% 5.40% RM291,163.81
Remark
8.60%
6.40%
RM286,976.00
RM1,530.54
-RM28.26
Another 24 repayments
9.10%
6.90%
RM288,650.00
RM1,660.00
-RM157.72
Another 12 repayments
This article is contributed by AceScube, which provides training in loan calculation, banking and finance knowledge and other business and communications know-how for entrepreneurs. For more info on AceScube’s BLR Management Service and Customer Appreciation Program log on to: www.acescube.com.my or contact them at (603) 9054 4033 or email them at info@acescube.com.my.
80 | PROF JOE CHOO
Where do ‘Wind’ & ‘Water’ come from? ‘Feng Shui’ is commonly translated as ‘wind’ and ‘water’. Before this knowledge was known as ‘Feng Shui’, it was named ‘Kan Yu’. It was represented in the form of a bronze man standing on a cart and he pointed out directions to soldiers during the war. During the Shang dynasty, it was called ‘ching-nang’ means green sling bag simply because every trade had its own attire then.
that we are always searching for – a river and a mountain. There is a famous Feng Shui saying that a mountain determines the descendants, while the river determines the wealth (山管人丁水管财). So which one should come first, the mountain or the river?
It was later called ‘ching-wu’ or knowledge, because there was a famous Feng Shui master by the name of Ching-wu Sze. It was finally known by its current name when the word appeared in a well-known Feng Shui classical text.
Landform energy is transferred via solid objects. It can be stopped and barricaded by a water course and dispersed by wind. Ancient people understood how this energy transfer worked, thus they made sure the forces were accumulated and not dispersed. Thus the river is more important than the mountain when choosing your choice property.
Feng Shui is an art of knowledge to understand nature, mimic nature and live with nature harmoniously. There are 3 main forces, namely, cosmic, earth and human. To be a Feng Shui practitioner in ancient times, a strong understanding of the 3 subjects was necessary.
The river has several characters; the most widely known and seen is the concave of the river, but not the convex of the river. Energy is collected at the concave but is dispersed at the convex.
Nowadays, you can find a lot of information on the solar system, which is a contributor towards cosmic energy. The second force is the earth energy, which is emphasised through mountains and rivers. Lastly, there is the human force.
It is even better and stronger if the development or the premise is at the confluence of the river（合水）. The confluence of the river is where the 2 rivers join to become one river. Masjid Jamek is where the Klang River and the Gombak River meet and join to become one, and this is why Kuala Lumpur is such a colourful city.
It is important to observe the landform around a property development or premise before determining its direction. There are two main criteria
Another good example is Beijing where it has many confluences of the river, yet Shanghai and Tianjin do
iProperty.com malaysia | 81
not carry it. The wider the confluence of the river, the better it is, as it is able to hold more energy and benefit the surroundings areas. On the opposite side where one river splits into 2（分水）, it is not an ideal place for any development because the energy is being dispersed but not collected. In ancient Feng Shui text, the flow of the river is important as well. It is good that the house is running parallel with the flow of the river if the river is next to it or nearby, but not against it. What happens if the front of the house is against the flow of the river?
It has been recorded that those who stay in those properties may have mental problems. To support the statement, we have done some studies around several towns in Malaysia which have such a landform. Such a landform can be found in Nibong Tebal and Tapah in Perak. There are many more characters of the river that can be observed, and each one of them carries a different effect and consequence. In the next article, I shall introduce an observation on the dragon – mountain.
Prof Joe Choo was elected the President of the Malaysian Institute of Geomancy Sciences (“MINGS”) in 2008, a post which she currently holds. She was recently awarded a professorship by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. She acts as consultant to various development projects and is frequently invited as speaker at many government and private property functions. Joe also conducts classes for the Persatuan Architect Malaysia (“PAM”) and the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (“MIEA”).
82 | JOEY YAP
Water Features:
Not Merely For Decoration It is safe to say that water tends to invoke a feeling of happiness in most people. Ever find yourself singing blithely in the shower, playing under the rain or having a good time frolicking at the beach? While the ability for water to create these fleeting moments of gaiety is inspiring, try pondering over this – will more water features, especially in the outdoor space, inspire a bigger laughter or smile on the occupants’ face? We all know that water plays a major role in Feng Shui. As the Yang counterpart, water helps collect and gather auspicious Qi to create a harmonious balance on your property, from the exterior to the interior. However, each water feature, whether internal or external, has its own set of pros and cons. Thus, water is often noted in Feng Shui as being a tricky element to meddle with. Undeniably, many of us would crave for simple DIY methods to Feng Shui. The truth is that it is not always as easy as it seems. If only Feng Shui is as
straightforward as appropriately placing as many glasses of water as possible all over your house! As such, depending on your personality and the property’s location, each external water feature, types or formations may or may not have its positive or negative effect on the overall Qi. Look at the Location Just like picking a spot for your bed, location is of the utmost importance for water placement as well. Water can be located in a number of possible locations and directions from your home. Different positions can evoke different Qi and values for different residents. • Water in front of the property is generally considered good as long as it satisfies the other criteria of the water’s location. • If you want to stay on the safe side, it is best to avoid water behind your property. Water at the back does not necessarily equals to bad Feng Shui, but in most cases, it signifies it.
iProperty.com malaysia | 83 near your property, it is best for you to conceal it to avoid disruption to the flow of Qi. Formation, Formation, Formation Why is water formation important when we talk about Feng Shui? Well, specifically because a good water formation pulls in the positive Qi and siphons out the negative ones. It is for this reason that you want to avoid areas with negative water formation. If you want to look for a very good water formation, you may want to consider the Jade Belt Formation. This is where water curves and circulates around the property. Face this formation directly and you will have the features of both protective water and directional water in your property. • Water on the left dictates the wealth and prosperity of the house in general. • Water on the right symbolises the ability to wield great power. And no, it does not relate to extramarital affair. The Different Types It is important to realise that water exists in many, many forms. Yes, water is clearly the shape-shifting mystique of Mother Nature. Water appears in the raging sea, a calm pond and even in a man-made drain. If you love the sea and dream of staying near it, make sure the sea is calm with gently lapping waves. Another important pointer: ensure that you can see ‘mountains’ in the distance or beyond the horizon of the sea. An island, to be precise; if case you were wondering what sort of floating mountain I am talking about.
Bow Formation, however, exists as the negative counterpart to the Jade Belt Formation. This formation directs Qi straight to your property and cuts into it, causing damage to the Qi. Another prized formation is the Nine Curve Formation. This is when water curves and meanders, producing Nine Curves. This is an extremely auspicious formation as it denotes Wealth Qi that compounds and collects over the years in a smooth manner. In Feng Shui, there are many interpretations, personal factors and external influences to consider when you are making an assessment or conclusion. Remember these phrases: there are no dead mountains, only dead water. There is no dead water, only wrong direction.
Thinking of putting a waterfall in your garden? Think again. Waterfall emits a thunderous sound, which is considered a negative feature in Feng Shui. Qi cannot collect in such an area and you might end up with negative Qi or Sha Qi. Go for lakes or ponds instead. Serene and sentimental, a lake or pond helps to collect Qi for your property. Man-made features such as drains and manholes should be avoided (or, at least concealed) as they block or puncture positive Qi from your property. If you have a visible constant-flowing drain or manhole
Joey Yap’s Profile
Joey Yap Consulting Group
Joey Yap is the leading Feng Shui, BaZi and Face Reading consultant in Asia. He is an international speaker, bestselling author of over 75 books and master trainer in Chinese Metaphysics. He is also the Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Consulting Group and founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics. For more information, visit http://www.joeyyap.com/iproperty.
19-3, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +603-2284 8080 | Fax: +603-2284 1218
84 | HOME SERVICES | ACSON MOVEO
iProperty.com malaysia | 85
Cool As You Go with
ACSON MOVEO Plug & Play
It is as easy as ABC to operate the MOVEO. Say bye bye to installation which requires hacking and jacking as well as permission from landlords to install the conventional air conditioner. Just plug the MOVEO into a power source and with a press of a button, the comfortable environment comes to live immediately. It is also equipped with a long power cord for the ease to move around. With the special fogging technology, no manual drainage is required.
Cool As You Go Since MOVEO isn’t permanently installed to your wall or ceiling, it can be moved around from room to room with the caster wheels. Let it be on a Sunday picnic or a Saturday barbeque at your mom’s place, the MOVEO goes wherever you go. Light and mobile, it is easy to take it where you please. It is also a perfect gift for those who does not want any permanent installation and those new homers.
Get your MOVEO today from the comfort of your home by logging on www.acson.com.my/store. With a few clicks away, you are on your way to cool as you go. It is also available at Acson dealers nationwide.
88 | HOME SERVICES | DIRECTORY LISTINGS
Please visit iProperty.com.my for more home services listings now.
Air Conditioning & Ventilation Acson Website: www.acson.com.my Tel: 603-7964 8388 York Website: www.york.com.my Tel: 603-7718 8388 KDK Fans (M) Sdn Bhd Website: www.kdk.com.my Tel: 603-7785 5011
Air Purifiers Alen Corp Asia Website: www.alencorpasia.com.my Tel: 6013-388 1967
Oriental Wisdom Metaphysic Academy Website: www.orientalwisdom.com.my
Signature Kitchen Cabinet Sdn Bhd Website: www.signaturekitchen.com.my Tel: 603-6286 7000
Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics Sdn Bhd Website: www.masteryacademy.com Tel: 603-2284 8080
Fiamma Sdn Bhd Website: www.fiamma.com.my Tel: 603-6279 8888
Local Movers Flooring Floor Depot Website: www.floordepot.com.my Tel: 603-8062 8589
Pest Control Furnitures & Customised Furnitures Deep Living Sdn Bhd Tel: 603-6141 6159
Audio/Visual Equipment WNM EShop.com Sdn Bhd Website: www.wnmeshop.com Tel: 603-2144 2288
XZQT Home Store Sdn Bhd Website: www.xzqt.com.my
Home Accessories Ceramic Tiles Malaysia Mosiac Bhd Website: www.mmosiacs.com Tel: 1300-88-8182
Antipest Management Services Sdn Bhd Website: www.antipest.com.my Tel: 603-8023 1888
Security Systems Sensorlink Sdn Bhd Website: www.centrixsecurity.com Tel: 603-7983 7270
Expressions Entertaiment Sdn Bhd Website: www.expressions.com.my Tel: 603-4270 3372
ADT Services (M) Sdn Bhd Website: www.adt.my Tel: 1-300-88-0228
Universal Cable (M) Bhd Website: www.ucable.com.my Tel: 603-7845 6699
Solar Water Heater
Curtains SSF Sdn Bhd Website: www.ssfhome.com Tel: 603-6140 2020
Alied Movers Website: www.aliedmovers.com Tel: 603- 6259 3470
Insect Screens
SolarMate Sdn Bhd Website: www.solarmate.com.my Tel: 603-5569 1688
Elegant Home Decor Sdn Bhd Website: www.elegantscreens.com Tel: 603-9172 3126
Monier Sdn Bhd Website: www.monier.com.my Tel: 1-800-88-0865
CSR Climate Control (M) Sdn Bhd Website: www.csrcoolbatts.com.my Tel: 603-3341 3444
Interior Design
Window, Curtains & Blinds
Monier Sdn Bhd Website: www.monier.com.my Tel: 1-800-88-0865
Structure Rhythm Sdn Bhd Website: structurerhythm.blogspot.com Tel: 603-9205 6209
Feng Shui
Oceana Ventures Sdn Bhd Website: www.oceanaventures.com Tel: 603-7877 0048
Eco/Energy Saving
Studio 212 Sdn Bhd Website: www.studio-2-1-2.com Tel: 603-7885 8280 Prosperity Feng Shui Sdn Bhd Website: www.prosperityfengshui.com
B&N Design Associate Sdn Bhd Website: www.bnndesign.com Tel: 603-4142 6344
Kitchens Artset Design Sdn Bhd Tel: 603-6156 3763
Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Malaysia Sdn Bhd Website: www.hunterdouglas.com.my Tel: 603-5191 2020
Water Purifiers Nesh Marketing Sdn Bhd Website: www.nesh.com.my Tel: 603-8060 3668
90 | TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Jade Hills Gamuda Land/Gamuda Berhad Kajang, Selangor Fully Integrated Township
4,216 sq ft, the 2-storey bungalows come with 5+1 rooms and 6 bathrooms which are perfect for multi-generational families. Gamuda Land’s milestone Safety 123 feature, guard checkpoint upon entrance, 24-hour guard patrol, CCTV surveillance and a panic button control room provide peace of mind to all residents within this community. Jade Hills also has a fully-equipped Resort Club, a Town Centre to meet the residents’ daily needs, and the Jadite Suites, fourblocks of serviced apartments which are perfect for young professionals and couples looking for a home for their blossoming family.
Fully Integrated Township This 366-acre vast freehold township in Kajang is a sight to behold and an experience to be appreciated and enjoyed. It comes with three zones, namely The Hills, The Lakes and The Gardens. The hillside development as it is built on vast land with three lakes right at the heart of its town, namely Misty Lake, Willow Sweeps and Water Spring. Jade Hills’ offering of Bungalows, Twin Villas, Quad Villas and Garden Terraces all form the 258-acre landed residential component of the development. The Gardens Bungalow is currently the last phase of bungalows available for sale in the Gardens precinct. With four types to choose from and built-ups ranging from 4,081 sq ft to
Bandar Seri Putra Bangi Heights Development Sdn Bhd Bangi, Selangor A mixed development of residential and commercial properties
We present you another chance to own prime homes at Legundi Residensi Series II in Bandar Seri Putra. It continues the concept of contemporary design with water feature of the first series but with a much bigger built-up area. The township is directly accessible from Kuala LumpurSeremban Highway via the Putra-Mahkota Interchange and is surrounded by developments such as Bukit Mahkota, Impian Putra, Bandar Baru Bangi, Desaria Nilai, Bukit Unggul and Bandar Baru Nilai. Bandar Seri Putra is a self-contained township catering to the living, recreation and business needs of the modern and knowledgeable community. The 898-acre freehold development enjoys excellent accessibility, with a wide
Getting to and from Jade Hills is also swift and hassle-free with connecting highways like the Sungai Besi Highway, KL-Seremban Highway, SKVE and SILK all bringing residents to major hubs such as Kajang and Cheras, Puchong, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, Nilai and Semenyih, and KL City Centre and PJ. Jade Hills is a work of art presented to you by Gamuda Land, a subsidiary of Gamuda Berhad, a Main Market listed company on Bursa Malaysia. For more information, you are welcomed to call 603-8737 0122 or log on to www.jadehills.com.my.
Further Information: Jade Homes Sdn Bhd (710233-K) Property Gallery, Persiaran Jade Hills Utama, Jade Hills Kajang 43000 Selangor. Phone: (603) 8737 0122 Fax: (603) 8737 9262 Website: www.jadehills.com.my
range of amenities and facilities within the vicinity. It is approximately 20 minutes by road southeast of Kuala Lumpur, 15 minutes north to Seremban town, 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and 2 minutes to the Bangi (Lama) township.
with modern lifestyle features such as underground external electrical and telecommunication services facilities.
Being close to the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and the MSC, and adjacent to the education hub – comprising Bandar Baru Bangi and Bandar Baru Nilai which encompasses tertiary educational institutions such as UPM, UKM, UNITEN, Inti UniCollege and KUIS – Bandar Seri Putra is a much sought after address among civil servants, professionals and the intellectual community in the Southern Klang Valley. Its range of residential and commercial properties are infused
Extensively landscaped to provide a green environment, Bandar Seri Putra emphasizes on wholesome, healthy living. Interested buyers may select from a wide range of properties including bungalow lots, bungalows, semi-Ds, double-storey terrace homes, townhouses, low-rise and high-rise apartments, as well as commercial shop offices. For further details, kindly call (603) 8927 1611 or send an email to salesbh@umland.com.my
2nd Series
Further Information: 34, Jln Seri Putra 1/2, Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi 43000 Selangor. Tel: (603) 8927 1611 / (603) 8925 4972 Email: salesbh@umland.com.my Web: www.umland.com.my
92 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | iLUXURY
Shng Villas
Vue Residences
Location: Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Semi-Detached House Land Title: Residential Build Up: 4,218 sq ft Listing Price: From RM2,300,000 Developer: Valencia Terrace Sdn Bhd (730978-X) Phone: (603) 7985 8188 / (6017) 581 2405 / (6017) 801 3575 Fax: (603) 7952 9848 Email: sales@ijm.com Website: www.ijmland.com
Location: Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Serviced Residence Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 2,833 sqm Build Up: 500 - 1,003 sq ft Listing Price: From RM371,600 Expected Date of Completion: Dec 2013 Developer: Tanah Perangsang Sdn Bhd (538766-X) Phone: (6016) 229 5168 Fax: (603) 5637 9370 Website: www.vueresidences.com.my
Laman Ceylon
Icon Residence
Location: Jalan Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Serviced Residence Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Build Up: 624 - 1,604 sq ft Listing Price: From RM701,800 - RM1,890,000 Expected Date of Completion: End 2014 Developer: Eminent Ace Sdn Bhd (341126-T) Phone: (603) 7806 3138 Fax: (603) 7806 3238
Location: Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Serviced Residence Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 2.57 acres Build Up: 887 - 4,716 sq ft Listing Price: From RM1,200,000 Expected Date of Completion: 3 Years from SPA Date Developer: Maxim Heights Sdn Bhd (747466-P) (A subsidiary of Mah Sing Group Berhad) Phone: (603) 6205 9888 Fax: (603) 6205 9999 Website: www.icon-residence.com.my
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94 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | KLANG VALLEY CONDOMINIUM
Project Name: Dwiputra Residences Location: Bandar Putrajaya, Putrajaya Property Type: Apartment Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Listing Price: From RM389,500 - RM694,200 Expected Date of Completion: Sept 2015 Developer: Setia Putrajaya Development Sdn. Bhd (424955-P) Phone: (603) 8861 5700 / 6500 Fax: (603) 8861 7900 Website: www.spsetia.com.my
Project Name: Skypod Residences Location: Bandar Puchong Jaya, Puchong, Selangor Property Type: Serviced Residence Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 5.2 acres Listing Price: From RM383,800 Total Units/Lots: 640 Bumi Discount: 5% Expected Date of Completion: December 2015 Developer: Pilihan Megah Sdn Bhd (195631-P) Phone: (603) 8064 8899 Fax: (603) 8064 8822 Website: www.ioiproperties.com.my
Project Name: AraGreens Residences Location: Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Property Type: Serviced Residence Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 7.5 acres Build Up: 684 – 3,831 sq ft Expected Date of Completion: 2015 Developer: HSB Development Sdn Bhd (710822-A) Phone: (603) 2787 0688 Fax: (603) 2787 0699 Website: www.aragreens.com
Project Name: 9 Bukit Utama Location: Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Property Type: Condominium Land Title: Residential Tenure:Freehold Listing Price: From RM1,165,800 - RM5,000,000 Total Units/Lots: 911 Bumi Discount: 7% Status: Completed With CF Developer: Bandar Utama Development Sdn Bhd (74255-D) Phone: (603) 7729 8363 Fax: (603)7729 8682 Website: www.bukit-utama.com.my
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96 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | KLANG VALLEY CONDOMINIUM
Project Name: Zeva @ Equine South Location: Bandar Putra Permai (Opposite Jusco Equine), Seri Kembangan, Selangor Property Type: Serviced Apartment Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Leasehold Build Up: 454 - 1,536 sq ft Listing Price: From RM220,888 Expected Date of Completion: June 2015 Developer: Kensington Vision Sdn Bhd (909233-W) (A member of Trinity Group)
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Phone: (603) 8942 9009 Fax: (603) 8062 9222 Website: www.zeva.com.my
Project Name: The Z Residence Location: Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Condominium Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Build Up: 1,032 - 1,407 sq ft Listing Price: From RM558,888 Expected Date of Completion: Jun 2014 Developer: Darul Dinasti Sdn Bhd (563438-T) (A member of Trinity Group)
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Project Name: Iringan Hijau Condominium Location: Ampang Hilir, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Condominium Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 2 Acre Build Up: 3,304 - 5,446 sq ft Listing Price: From RM3,000,000 Total Units/Lots: 26 Status: Completed with CF and strata title issued Developer: Dawntree Properties Sdn Bhd (234256-W) Phone: (603) 2162 6688 Fax: (603) 2162 4545 Website: www.iringanhijau.com
Project Name: Metropolitan Square C Condominium Location: Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Property Type: Condominium Land Title: Residential Land Area: 16.05 acres Build Up: 975 - 1,245 sq ft Listing Price: From RM525,564 - RM834,000 Total Units/Lots: 258 Bumi Discount: 7% Expected Completion of Date: Jan 2015 Developer: Saujana Triangle Sdn Bhd (339170-W) Phone: (603) 7722 1000 Fax: (603) 7722 4464 BLOCK C CONDOMINIUM
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98 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | KLANG VALLEY RESIDENTIAL
Project Name: Primer Garden Townvillas Location: Cahaya SPK, Shah Alam, Selangor Property Type: Townhouse Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 17.76 acres Build Up: From 2,343 - 2,863 sq ft Listing Price: From RM700,000 - RM1,500,000 Total Units/Lots: 244 Expected Date of Completion: August 2015 Developer: SJ Properties Sdn Bhd Phone: (603) 7846 4407 Fax : (603) 7846 4905 Website: http://spkhomes.spkb.net/
Project Name: Tamarind Location: Puteri Heights, Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, Selangor Property Type: Semi-detached House Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Build Up: 42' x 70' sq ft Total Units/Lots: 33 Developer : Hartawan Pasifik Sdn Bhd Phone : (603) 2142 3222 / (603) 2148 3222 Fax : (603) 2141 5222
Project Name: Lake Club Parkhome Location: Rawang Town, Rawang, Selangor Property Type: 2-sty Garden Villa/3-sty Grand Villa Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 63.56 Acre Build Up: 2,511 to 3,570 sq ft Listing Price: From RM720,000 - RM1,380,000 Expected Date of Completion: Dec 2014 Developer: Hype Park City Sdn Bhd by DA Land Phone: (603) 6093 7188 Fax: (603) 6092 7988 Website: www.daland.com.my
Project Name: Canary Residence @ Cheras Hartamas Location: Jalan Cemara 1, Cheras Hartamas, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: 3 & 4 sty Terrace/Link House Land Title: Residential Tenure: Leasehold Land Area: 4.25 Acres Build Up: From 2,400 - 3,500 sq ft Listing Price: From RM1,181,040.00 Expected Date of Completion: Mid 2015 Developer: OCR Phone: (603) 7710 1000 Fax: (603) 7729 0300 Website: www.ocr.com.my
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100 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | KLANG VALLEY RESIDENTIAL
Project Name: Sterling Villas Location: Cheras South, Selangor Property Type: Zero-Lot Bungalow Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Build Up: 3,600 - 4,300 sq ft Listing Price: From RM2,650,000 - RM3,480,000 Total Units/Lots: 32 Bumi Discount: 7% Expected Date of Completion: 2014 Developer: Sterling Housing Development Sdn Bhd Phone: (603) 7955 6988 Fax: (603) 7958 4688 Website: www.sterlingvillas.com.my
Project Name: KRISALIS Location: SS5C, Kelana Jaya, Selangor Property Type: Semi-detached House Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 4,950 - 7,855 sq ft Listing Price: From RM2,200,888 - RM2,686,888 Expected Date of Completion: November 2012 Developer: Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) Phone: (603) 5510 2316 HP No: (6016) 251 0113 / (6016) 245 8116 Fax: (603) 5510 2337 Website: www.pknsproperty.com / www.krisalispkns.com
Project Name: The Rafflesia @ Park Location: Damansara Perdana, Selangor Property Type: Semi-detached House Land Title: Residential Land Area: 27.35 acres Build Up: 3,752 - 5,131 sq ft Listing Price: From RM2,553,315 - RM4,444,000 Total Units/Lots: 50 Bumi Discount: 7% Expected Date of Completion: June 2014 Developer: Saujana Triangle Sdn Bhd (339170-W) Phone: (603) 7729 1133 Fax: (603) 7710 2558 3 Storey Semi- Detached Home Website: www.mkland.com.my
Project Name: First Village of Gold Coast Morib Resort Location: Pantai Morib, Banting, Selangor Property Type: Timber and Modern Bungalow Land Title: Residential Tenure: Freehold Listing Price: From RM488,888 Price per sq ft: RM88 Total Units/Lots: 158 Expected Date of Completion: 2015 Developer: STG Group of Company Phone: (6010) 948 9965 / (6016) 2070 983 Fax: (603) 3323 3188
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102 | LATEST DEVELOPMENTS | KLANG VALLEY COMMERCIAL
Project Name: Cantonment Exchange (CX) Location: Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur Property Type: Shop-Office Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Build Up: 1,507 - 14,077 sq ft Listing Price: From RM424,800 - RM8,129,800 Total Units/Lots: 192 Bumi Discount: 5% Expected Completion of Date: 2015 Developer: Aureate Construction Sdn Bhd Phone: (6016) 216 2886 Fax: (603) 4041 1879 Website: www.sbcgroup.com.my
Project Name: Gravitas Biz Park Location: Shah Alam, Selangor Property Type: Factory Land Title: Industrial Tenure: Freehold Build Up: 4,900 - 5,900 sq ft Total Units/Lots: 50 Bumi Discount: 7% Expected Date of Completion: Mid of 2015 Developer: Potensi Rajawali Sdn Bhd Phone: (603) 2161 3322 / (603) 7728 2229 Fax: (603) 2161 3327 Website: wwww.oskproperty.com.my/gravitas.html
Project Name: Suria Jelutong Location: Bukit Jelutong 2, Shah Alam, Selangor Property Type: Soho Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Land Area: Approximately 4.5 acres Expected Date of Completion: March of 2015 Developers: Sunsuria Hillpark Sdn Bhd (561852-T) Phone: (603) 6142 2727 / (603) 6145 7777 Fax: (603) 6142 2227 Website: www.sunsuria.com
Project Name: Sazean Business Park Location: Klang, Selangor Property Type: Shop-Office Land Title: Commercial Tenure: Freehold Land Area: 22’ x 75’ Listing Price: From RM1,650,000 Expected Date of Completion: June 2013 Developer: Sazean Development Sdn Bhd Exclusive Marketing Agent: REI Group of Companies Phone: (603) 9058 6692
110 | MIPIM Asia AWARDS 2012
MIPIM Asia Awards 2012 Finalists Revealed The MIPIM Asia Awards 2012 is the most prestigious recognition for outstanding developments in the Asia Pacific region. Check out the finalists for this year’s competition.
2012
MIPIM Asia 2012, which will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7-9 November, has recently revealed the winners of its established Awards competition, which have honoured outstanding real estate projects for their innovative, technical, environmental and architectural qualities in the Asia Pacific region since 2007.
China, Singapore and Malaysia have dominated the list of entries with respectively 55, 14 and 10 projects. China's participation has notably increased by almost 90% compared to 2011. Submissions also covered Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
The MIPIM Asia Awards jury, headed by Vincent H.S. LO, chairman of Shui On Group, met in Hong Kong on 27 July to examine the 117 projects from 12 countries that entered this year's competition.
The 14 industry experts, composing the international jury, selected the winners in 11 distinct categories, for a total of 30 rewarded projects, which are:
BEST CHINESE FUTURA PROJECT Suning.com Headquarters, Nanjing, China Architect: NBBJ Developer: Suning Corporation
01 Yongsan Internationl Business District 02 Xihongmen Development, Daxing District 03 Hysan Place
Tsinghua University Law Library, Beijing, China Architect: Kokaistudios Developer: Tsinghua University Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Administration Information Building, Suzhou, China Architect: Aedas Ltd Developer: Suzhou Industrial Park Education Development and Investment Company BEST CHINESE FUTURA MEGA PROJECT China Southern Airline Guangzhou Airport City, Guangzhou, China Architect: Woods Bagot Developer: China Southern Air Holding Company Northstar Xin He Delta, Changsa, China Design Architect: The Jerde Partnership Developer: Beijing Northstar Group Xihongmen Development, Daxing District, Beijing, China Architect: Aedas Ltd Developer: Beijing Chingchuang Development Co. Ltd BEST FUTURA PROJECT Diagonal Tower, Seoul, South Korea Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Developer: Dream Hub Yongsan Development Co., LTD. Ophir-Rochor, Singapore Holding Company: M+S Pte. Ltd. Architect: Buro Ole Schereen/DP Architects Developer: Ophir-Rochor Developers
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Yongsan International Business District, Seoul, South Korea Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC Developer: Dream Hub Project Financing Vehicle Co., Ltd/ Yongsan Development Co.
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BEST FUTURA MEGA PROJECT Berjaya Jeju Airest City, Seogwipo City, South Korea Architect: Baum Architects Developer: Berjaya Jeju Resort Ltd BEST INNOVATIVE GREEN BUILDING Double Cove, Hong Kong Architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in collaboration with Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (HK) Ltd. Developer: Henderson Land Development Co Ltd
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HAUS@Serangoon Garden, Singapore Architect: ADDP Architects LLP Developer: City Developments Ltd/Hong Realty (Pte) Ltd Jem, Singapore Architect: SAA Architects Developer: Lend Lease BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT Hysan Place, Hong Kong Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates PC, Benoy limited and Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (HK) Ltd. Developer: Hysan Development Company Ltd Kerry Parkside, Shanghai, China Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Developer: Shanghai Pudong Kerry City Properties Co., Ltd TaiKoo Hui, Guangzhou, China Architect: Arquitectonica International Corporation Developer: TaiKoo Hui (Guangzhou) Development Company Ltd BEST OFFICE & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 50 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong Design Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP Developer: National Properties Holdings Ltd Tianjin Global Financial Center, Tianjin, China Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Developer: Finance Street Jinta (Tianjin) Real Estate Co., Ltd.
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Zuellig Building, Makati City, Manila, Philippines Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Developer: Bridgebury Realty Corporation BEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Ascentia Sky, Singapore Architect: P&T Consultants Pte Ltd Developer: Wing Tai Land Pte Ltd (on behalf of Winpride Investments Pte Ltd) Duchess Residences, Singapore Architect: MKPL Architects Pte Ltd Developer: UOL Group Limited JKC1, Singapore Developer: Park Court Pte Ltd Architect: ONG&ONG Pte Ltd BEST RETAIL & LEISURE DEVELOPMENT Central Plaza Rama 9, Bangkok, Thailand Architect: Benoy Developer: Central Pattaya Group Korea International Exhibition Center II (KINTEX II), Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Architect: NBBJ Developer: KINTEX Parc 66, Jinan, China Design Architect: P&T International Incorporation Developer: Hang Lung Properties Ltd
BEST RETAIL EXPANSION Nike, Shanghai, China Developer: Guangzhou Zhengjia Enterprise Co., Ltd Vacheron Constantin, Beijing, China Architect: Kokaistudios BEST URBAN REGENERATION PROJECT Chengdu Daci Temple cultural and commercial complex, Chengdu, China Architect: The Oval Partnership Ltd/Make Ltd Developer: Chengdu Qianhao Real Estate Company Ltd Shanghai Bund Waterfront, Shanghai, China Urban Designer: NBBJ Developer: Shanghai Urban Planning Administration Bureau/City of Shanghai Surpass Court, Shanghai, China Architect: logon Developer: Shanghai Yicheng Investment For more information on MIPIM Asia 2012, please visit www.mipimasia.com
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GS Realty Sdn Bhd
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KIM REALTY established in 1980 offers a complete range of Real Estate Agency, Project Marketing and Auctioned Property Marketing services with 4 branches in Klang Valley, with more than 100 well-trained and qualified negotiators, project marketing executives and division managers dedicated to serve our clients and meet their specific needs for the last 30 years with the motto, ‘Service You Deserve From Professionals You Can Trust’.
Today, GS REALTY is renowned as one of the largest real estate firms in Malaysia, winning multiple awards, such as the ASIA PACIFIC EXCELLENCE BRAND 2011 and we have co-organised one of the biggest Real Estate Conference in Malaysia, the ‘National Conference – Wealth from Real Estate Investment in Asia’ (2010) and ‘Wealth from Real Estate Investment in Asia’ (2011). Join us and create a prosperous and successful future for yourself! Contact us for further information and the next step in your career. Tel: (603) 9222 5796 / (603) 9222 5797 Fax: (603) 9222 5791 Web: www.gsrealty.my Email: enquiry@gsrealty.my
Prosper Realty E(3)1092 Founded in 2005, Prosper Realty is an established real estate agency with a unique combination of knowledge and entrepreneurial flair. Through strategic partnerships with reputable developers and financial institutions, we are proud to be recognized as providers of high quality commercial and residential property, simultaneously offering clients plenty of successful opportunities in investments; selling or buying and leasing of properties. We also have a dedicated team specializing in Project & Property Management; Property Development & Investment Consultancy; Sub-sales & Auction Sales as well as Property Auctioneers. Take full charge of your career now! Join us and together we will make the most rewarding professional experience ever!! Kota Damansara Tel: (603) 6156 3366 | Fax: (603) 6156 3399 Mont Kiara Tel: (603) 6207 8222 Fax: (603) 6207 8111 Web: www.prosper.my
We have a dedicated team to handle expatriate and local sale and rental of properties, commercial and industrial properties, investment and corporate real estate, agricultural, industrial and development land advisory services. To join us as Real Estate Negotiator, please call us for a challenging & rewarding career! Tel: (6019) 336 0899 | (603) 7729 9988 Fax: (603) 7727 9366 Email: pjbranch@kimrealty.com.my Web: www.kimrealty.com.my
Well Properties E(3)0594 Registered and incorporated with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents in June 1986, WELL Properties has been a well of real-estate knowledge and expertise with its dynamic and innovative approach to realty ever since. Plumbing its depth of experience in the Klang Valley and Selangor markets, WELL Properties provides sales and leasing services for commercial, industrial, retail, residential and land properties. Their suite of first-class services will make your first encounter the start of a beautiful lifelong partnership. Tel: (603) 9076 7177 Fax: (603) 9076 9177 Email: wellproperties.segar@gmail.com Web: www.wellproperties.com.my
THE TIME REALTY is a registered real estate company providing real estate service, primarily engaging in sales and rental for all types of property (commercial and residential properties) more than 25 years in Malaysia. THE TIME REALTY prides on its comprehensive property listing database which able to provide accurate property information and professional advices to our NEGOTIATORS and CLIENTS. Our current project is over 3000 units of new mixed residential and commercial properties in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor area. In accordance to our ongoing expansion programme, we seek dynamic, independent and highly motivated candidates who share our passion amongst others. We never failed on ensuring productivity and profitability for our negotiators, we enjoy success and we want to share it with YOU. Come join us now!
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Harta Putri E(3)0628 Registered in 2006, Harta Putri truly brings out property as an investor’s crown jewel through its comprehensive services in Marketing and Letting of Residential and Commercial Properties in the Klang Valley and its surrounds. Helmed by Pn. Rusnani Ab. Rahman, who is armed with a Bachelor of Estate Management (UITM) and is a licenced Agent, Harta Putri is made up of experienced Senior Negotiators with through depth of experience in the respective areas they specialise in. Tel: (603) 4108 3217 Fax: (603) 4108 3211 Email: harta_putri@yahoo.com
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128 | launchpad
Green Homes: The Heart of Sustainable Living What makes a home green and environmentally friendly? It is certainly not the colour painted on the walls. And it is not only about surrounding one’s home with lush greenery. A green home is a green building that aims to reduce its overall impact on the surrounding environment, while providing a healthy and productive indoor environment. The main focus of the building is to increase the use of resources such as energy, water and materials efficiently. Simply said, a green building refers to a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's lifecycle: i.e. from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition.
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It is generally agreed that green buildings first came about in the 1990s. A green building offers a number of benefits, including an improvement in the quality of life as well as cost savings. Green buildings have shown an increased market value in terms of higher sales, higher rental rates, increased occupancy and lower turnover, compared to comparable conventional buildings. In Malaysia, the Green Building Index (GBI) was created in 2009 to kick-start efforts to build green. Its goal is to lead the local property industry towards becoming more environment-friendly. Some of the earliest certified green buildings in the country consisted of government projects such as the Low Energy Office (LEO) Building of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water; the Green Energy Office (GEO) Building of GreenTech Malaysia Corporation; and the Diamond Building, which houses the Energy Commission. In recent years, many private developers have taken up the challenge to build green homes as they begin to realise the benefits and value of building green. The strong support from homebuyers is a clear indication that the demand for green homes is here to stay.