Issue 87 - Mar 2017 by Property Hunter Magazine

EAST MALAYSIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING PROPERTY PORTAL, MAGAZINE & EXPO

GUARANTEED RENTAL RETURNS

Dream Come True OR Too Good to Be True?

Praying for luck

HOT TOPIC

Mortgage approval Can I Buy Property With A Salary Of Less Than

RM5,000?

ISSUE 87 RM9.50 (Inc GST)

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CONTENTS PROPERTY SHOWCASE | 12

FEATURED EVENT | 22 CONTRIBUTOR | 26

Triconic Tower@Jalan Bundusan : An Integrated Living Concept Surrounds A Nucleus Of Vibrancy BUKIT BANTAYAN Highland Retreat Living At Its Finest Praying for luck - Mortgage approval

hot topic | 30

GUARANTEED RENTAL RETURNS Dream Come True OR Too Good to Be True?

HOT TOPIC | 36

When to Buy a House? (Part 2 – The best time to buy a house)

HOT TOPIC | 42

Can I Buy Property With A Salary Of Less Than RM5,000?

HOT TOPIC | 50

Property Jargon A-M (PART 1)

SPECIAL FEATURE | 56

New Year, New Focus for Big Bath

HOT TOPIC | 58

10 THINGS SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS DON’T DO

INTERVIEW | 62

Mr Erick Kho : Hopeful For The Future

FEATURED EVENT | 66

CONTRIBUTOR | 78 SPECIAL FEATURE | 80

Chinese new year events • Hap Seng Holds Chinese New Year Luncheon • Mah Sing’s Chap Goh Meh Celebration Ends With Feng Shui Talk • CNY with PacifiCity at Their New Sales Gallery • Joyous Chinese New Year Celebration at Aeropod • Am Pm Mart Opens in Kolombong • Newly Launched Jewel in Penampang District • Bukit Bantayan Block C Sees 50percent Take Up Rate During Launching • WSG Group’s Prosperous CNY at Kinarut • Benoni Official Launching Cum Handing Over Key Ceremony • Soft Opening for InHotel Attracted Many Now, condos are better than landed houses Top 2017 Design Trends Forecasted by IDS17

Editor’s Note: In issue 86, on the advert for PH Property Expo, it was erroneously stated that speaker Mr Kenny Wong was an ‘architect’. It has since been taken out in the latest version. On the same advert, Mr YK Hwong’s name was misspelt. It has since been amended in the latest version. We sincerely apologise for the mistakes and for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

Triconic

Tower@Jalan Bundusan : An Integrated Living Concept Surrounds A Nucleus Of Vibrancy words by Property Hunter

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE

renowned condominium project

average selling price is at RM448 per square feet

with a gross development value

onwards. Tentatively, a corner unit is added with

of RM390 million is making its way

a premium of RM35,000 and an inter-corner is

to a prime location ideally located

added with RM20,000 per unit. Every level up will

in Bundusan, Penampang. The

gradually increase from the second floor to the

residential project is expected to launch by the

highest floor at RM3,000 per floor.

first quarter of 2017. The elegant architecture of Triconic Tower prides itself on its contemporary,

The bathroom comes complete with top-notch

innovative yet comfortable homes for urban

bathroom cabinets, fittings, and appliances. To

dwelling with vibrant common facilities. The

surpass traditional bathrooms, Total Bathroom

enclave consists of 768 units and are all designed

Solution is incorporated, whereby, this solution

to capture and maximise surrounding views.

emphasises on safety and comfort with features

The hotel style condo boasts both indoor and

like anti-slip tiles, seamless materials for easy

outdoor communal and recreational facilities

cleaning, utilising the lotus-leaf-inspired bionic

for the family. The 3 blocks of the condominium

surface technology, quick drying materials, and

enclose a swimming pool, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground,

functional usage of space.

badminton court, basketball court, courtyard garden and a pond with gazebo.

As nowadays, the focus is on promoting a healthy lifestyle, Block A comes with a gymnasium, steam

Embracing urbanisation within a rapidly

and sauna rooms, changing rooms, jacuzzi pools

developing township, Triconic Tower is within

and table tennis area. First of its kind, separate

close proximity to a mixture of high- and low-

steam and sauna rooms are available, while the

rise commercial and residential buildings,

well-equipped gym promises to provide a safe

education institutions, retail hubs and eateries

and great workout environment for the residents.

for daily conveniences. This gated and guarded development also has excellent connectivity and

In addition, there will be a Management Office,

accessibility to the city centre.

a restaurant, tuition centre and a convenience store within the vicinity. If that is not enough,

Spread across over 6 acres, these 19-storey

head to the rooftop to unwind and enjoy the

condominiums are sized at 1,000 sq ft and 1,200

panoramic view. The rooftop offers the perfect

sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms alongside

blend of comfort and relaxation in comfortable

upscale facilities within different blocks, promising

surroundings whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there to work, rest

contemporary stylish fittings. At present, the

or play.

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On the other hand, another block boasts a function hall, indoor game room, reading lounge and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playroom. These communal facilities will surely pamper residents. They will have access to enjoy all the facilities in the different blocks. Every block will be equipped with a Smokers Terrace so that non-smoking family members have a place to puff away with comfort. Triconic Tower also comprises of 3 car park levels provided for the residents within the curtilage of the property. There is no better place to stay other than Triconic Tower. www.PropertyHunter.com.my

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

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TRICONIC TOWER AT A GLANCE Location Landmark Total Land Area No. of Units Total Floor Area (Block A & B) Total Floor Area (Block C) Distance to KK city Distance to KKIA Distance to Tun Fuadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park

: Second lot from Jalan Bundusan, Penampang : Adjacent to Beverly Hills Apartments : Over 5 acres : 768 units (3 blocks of 16-storey condominiums) : 1,000 sq ft : 1,000 sq ft & 1,200 sq ft : 8.3 km : 8.9 km : 2.8 km

Communal Facilities Swimming pool, wading pool, pond with gazebo, half basketball court, badminton courts, playground, BBQ area and open courtyard Block A facilities Gymnasium, sauna & steam room, changing room, jacuzzi pools and table tennis area Block B facilities Management office, restaurant, tuition centre and convenience store

Block C facilities Function Hall (160 pax), game room, reading lounge with home theatre (30 pax), surau and kiddies fun club Price range RM448,000 onwards for 1,000 sq ft, RM528,000 onwards for 1,200 sq ft Carparks 1 parking lot for every 1,000 sq ft unit & 2 parking lots for every 1,200 sq ft unit Carparks (1219 lots) Lower ground (655 lots), Ground Floor (264 lots) and Open covered (300 lots)

Another Iconic Project By:

Marketing Agency:

For more information, please contact Advance Property Consultants at

088 721 777 088 721 999 www.kinsabina.com

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PROPERTY NEWS

PROPERTY, INVESTMENT & BANKING NEWS KEEP TRACK OF THE TRENDS IN PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Sabah

SB IN

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International

Sarawak BK

West Malaysia

Banking & Investment

Free, Direct Access to Prince Philip Park Much Needed There is a need to provide

current Chairman, Ar Jebb

the general citizens of

Liew.

Sabah, in particular, Kota Kinabalu, a free and direct

Ho pointed out that

access to Prince Philip Park

PAM Sabah Chapter has

upon arrival at Tanjung Aru

suggested a minimum

Beach.

30-metre wide concrete cover with proper green

This is among the

turfing and plant landscaping

suggestions put forward by

over the water moat to

Ar Datuk Ho Jia Lit, a past

reinstate the visual and

Chairman of the Malaysian

physical direct access by the

Institute of Architects

public to the Prince Philip

psychological access to

(PAM) Sabah Chapter, after

Park.

the Prince Philip Park,” he

The current gazebo at Prince Philip Park

contended.

the public can get the beach back after it is closed for reclamation.

by the foreign architects/

Ho also stressed on having

“Based on the report, it

consultants is true that there

cheaper hawker’s food via

may take around five years

“We do not want the citizens

is a need for their boats

stalls for the benefit of the

which we feel is too long. We

to be psychologically and

and yachts to be able to sail

local poorer community and

strongly feel that the new

physically blocked by the

through and this landscape

students.

beach and public park should

water moat barrier which

cover is not acceptable,

was put there on purpose

then the best solution is to

to give the tourists a visual

swap this water moat with

sense that the park belongs

the public park which will

to the Resort Hotels,” he said

immediately restore the

in a statement signed by the

public’s direct physical and

viewing the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) Local

“Alternatively, if the claim

Plan Draft.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Chapter stressed that the developer needs to give a firm commitment on when

Jesselton Residences Obtains OC and Open for Retail Leasing Jesselton Residences is

In Malaysia, Vinci

an iconic building in Kota

Construction Grands Projects

Kinabalu, adding to the

has undertaken prominent

skyline of the CBD.

flagship projects in Kuala

be constructed first for the public to use before any other works,” the statement said.

Lumpur including the Berjaya Jesselton Residences

Times Square, Berjaya

developed by Palikota Sdn

Central Park, Ritz Carlton

Bhd, under the flagship of

Residences, Menara Hap

Jesselton Waterfront Holdings

Seng (Kota Kinabalu) and

Sdn Bhd, headed by Tan Sri

offices for Bangkok Bank.

Datuk David Chu, the group’s chairman.

The waterfront mixed development consists of 333

Vinci Construction Grands

condominium units and three

Projects Sdn Bhd, the

levels of high-end premium

world’s largest construction

mall with 123 boutique retails

company was appointed as

lots in total.

the main contractor for this development project. The

Soaring at 28 storeys high,

company is a wholly owned

the basement, ground and

subsidiary company under

first floors open up as a

Vinci, a French concessions

premium boutique lifestyle

and construction company.

mall, whilst the second and

Jesselton Residence

sixth floors serve as an exclusive car park areas for residents.

Set along the water edge in Kota Kinabalu, Jesselton Residences will be the tallest building in the city with a haven of intimate lifestyle, breathtaking

panoramic views of the islands and sea. Leasing for the malls have begun, with several leading international food and beverage outlets confirmed to open there.

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NEWS

Sandakan Strive for City Hall Status by 2030 The Sandakan Municipal

the effort of all quarters

Council aims to achieve City

to improve collection and

Hall status by 2030.

financial prudence,” he said.

Its President Datuk James

Wong said this during the

Wong said this would

swearing-in ceremony of 23

be possible if the local

councillors for the 2017-2018

government could collect a

session on Wednesday.

revenue of RM100 million by Also, present to witness the

2025.

event was Assistant Local “For 2016, we have recorded

Government and Housing

a surplus revenue of

Minister Datuk Zakaria Edris.

RM2,572,000 based on the collection of RM87,140,000

Meanwhile, Wong said in

against expenditure

early estimates the District

amounting to RM84,569,000.

Council would be spending RM63,672,000 on operations

“The excess was due to

and management from the

Sandakan town

RM63,919,000 allocation set

would jump further due to

for the year 2017.

the collection of rental from seven People’s Housing

He said the figure would

Project in the district, Federal

only be clear by the end

Government grants and

of the year, adding that it

others.

Ekovest-Samling JV Bags RM2.1 Billion Pan Borneo Highway Job Sarawak-based property

past two years, we reviewed

developer Ibraco Bhd,

our approved development

known for its range of

plans and decided to change

upscale residential and

certain components to

commercial property

develop affordable homes,”

projects, is recalibrating its

said Chew.

product portfolio to include more affordable housing.

“We have resubmitted our development plans to the

Managing director Chew

State Planning Authority. [If

Chiaw Han (pictured) said

everything goes well,] this

that the group has submitted

would help us gain [a] bigger

its new development plans

competitive advantage,” he

to the State Planning

said.

Managing director Chew Chiaw Han

“After the submission [to the

“We are not expecting

State Planning Authority], a

to recognise full income

catering to the needs of

Ibraco saw its net profit in the

few launches which we had

from these projects until

low- to moderate-income

third financial quarter ended

in the pipeline were deferred

after the first half of 2017

households.

Sept 30, 2016 (3QFY2016)

to 4QFY2016. However, we

(1H2017) due to the stages

plunge 61.1% to RM4.36

managed to roll out a few

of recognition. We will

million from RM11.2 million

launches as planned and the

begin seeing contributions

a year earlier. Revenue too

responses were satisfactory

beginning or beyond

took a dive, dropping 46.6%

despite the current

2H2017,” Chew iterated.

to RM32.43 million from

sentiment,” Chew said.

Authority to focus on homes

The move, he said, was made not only to meet the needs of genuine home buyers looking for homes but also to give the group a competitive edge in a challenging market, seeing that consumer confidence has deteriorated.

RM60.76 million year-on-year. Still, these projects, The group attributed

which comprise high-rise

slower sales, the lower

residential properties with

completion status of certain

commercial podiums as well

projects — on top of lesser

as commercial buildings

other income, higher

in Kuching and Bintulu,

administration expenses

Sarawak, are not expected

“In view of the weakening

and finance costs — to the

to contribute significantly to

market sentiment over the

decline.

Ibraco’s earnings this year.

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FEATURED EVENT

BUKIT BANTAYAN Highland Retreat Living At Its Finest words by Property Hunter

Located at the prime destination of Inanam, Bukit Bantayan offers retreat-influenced designs nestled at a high vantage point, surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas, ocean views, and cityscapes of Kota Kinabalu.

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aving transformed the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

an approximate take up rate of 80% for

The development consists of 296

landscape with state-of-

non-Bumiputeras.

condominium units in its first phase with

the-art infrastructure and developments for 40 years,

four different unit layouts. The homes The team held a property roadshow

will come with abundant facilities and

Gamuda Berhad, under its property arm

of their brainchild on 14th and 15th

amenities.

Gamuda Land has penetrated the Sabah

January in Marco Polo, Tawau and on the

market, joining the other big names in

21st and 22nd January in Sabah Hotel,

The first phase of the project is expected

the development sector.

Sandakan to draw attention to avid

to be completed by 2019. For more

homebuyers and investors. They were

information about Bukit Bantayan

Bukit Bantayan Residences, Gamudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

more than thrilled to see the crowdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Residences, please contact 017-838 8322

maiden residential development in

participation and interest at the exclusive

or visit www.bukitbantayan.com.my.

Sabah, has received an encouraging

event.

response since its launch in April with

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NEWS

Crowne Plaza Kota Kinabalu to Open in 2021 InterContinental Hotels

the ideal choice for business

Group (IHG) has announced

guests and leisure travellers

the signing of a management

looking to minimise travel

agreement with Golden

time to and from the central

Wave Sdn Bhd for a new 367-

business district. The hotel

room Crowne Plaza hotel in

is strategically located within

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East

the heart of this vibrant city

Malaysia.

and within walking distance to major office buildings,

Kota Kinabalu CBD

busiest airport, Kota Kinabalu

for growth in tourism,

attractions.

has seen significant tourism

especially with upcoming

2021 will mark the entry of

growth over the last few years,

developments such as the

the brand into East Malaysia.

The hotel will offer eight

with double-digit annual

Kota Kinabalu Convention

The hotel will be part of a

versatile meeting spaces,

increase in international

City. We are very excited to

mixed-use development at

including a large ballroom

visitor arrivals. Sabah’s

work with Golden Wave Sdn

a prime waterfront location

which can hold up to

economy is also expected to

Bhd to bring the Crowne Plaza

in downtown Kota Kinabalu,

600 people and can be

grow fourfold over the next

brand into East Malaysia,”

sitting amindst high-end

easily transformed to suit

decade with support from

added Harwood.

residences and a number of

a variety of MICE needs.

the Sabah Development

dining establishments which

Part of the Crowne Plaza

Corridor Economic initiative.

Golden Wave Sdn Bhd is a

offer stunning views of the

brand’s signature meetings

This presents an excellent

subsidiary of Bursa Malaysia

city’s waterfront.

programme also includes an

opportunity to bring in

listed Ho Hup Construction

expert team led by the hotel’s

the Crowne Plaza brand

Company Berhad. It is a joint

Situated within a 10-minute

Meetings Director to ensure

to cater to the expected

venture entity managed

drive from Kota Kinabalu

every event runs seamlessly.

rise in business travel in

by Ho Hup Construction

this emerging business

Company Berhad, along with

The opening of Crowne Plaza

shopping centres and tourist

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront in

International Airport and away from major traffic

Leanne Harwood, Vice

epicentre and popular tourist

Tribeca Real Estate Asset

bottlenecks familiar to the

President, Operations, South

destination in East Malaysia.”

Management and several local

city, Crowne Plaza Kota

East Asia and Korea, IHG said:

Kinabalu Waterfront will be

“Home to Malaysia’s second

shareholders. “The city shows great potential

Study Proposal Before Finalizing on Bigger Airport

A realistic study involving

need for a bigger KKIA should

thing, the land

all stakeholders of Sabah’s

not only be measured from

cost all of a

tourism industry must be

a civil aviation angle but

sudden go sky

made before finalising on

also from a local tourism

high in certain

a new mega Kota Kinabalu

perspective with a firm footing

areas. Tuaran

International Airport (KKIA)

on facts and all possible

for example,

project, stressed Sabah

implications.

all of a sudden

Hotels Association (SHA) chairman Christopher Chan.

the land costs “Is it the right time for us

went up very

The current Kota Kinabalu airport

to talk about a new one?

high as the

Chan said a greater KKIA

Because the total tourist

that should take precedence

airport was expected to be

should be made in a timely

arrival for 2016 is only about

to a new KKIA.

there but it didn’t happen,”

matter according to the

3.3 million,” he said.

reminded Chan, adding that

“Let’s be realistic, don’t put in

the mega project would

speculation when it might be

affect development plans

another 50 years before we

for building due to zoning

have a new airport,” he said.

economic climate whilst ensuring proper funding is

“The airport should have

available before sparking

been relocated to Tuaran in

speculations that would

the past but then that didn’t

impact the city planning and

happen and an upgrade was

property industry.

made to the present one.

He said the country should

“These things are going to

learn from history and the

create either a good or bad

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restrictions.

He said all options should be

Going a bit further, Chan also

considered before making a

wondered whether the new

final conclusion and a decision

airport would impact the Pan

should be made based on

Borneo Highway, a project

priority.

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CONTRIBUTOR

Praying for luck

Mortgage approval Words by Miichael Yeoh

n the picture, what do you think I am doing? Praying for money to drop from the sky or hoping for luck to come by?

Well, I don’t depend on them. I don’t believe that money will just drop from the sky or a miracle will happen. If a car were to break down, you will need a mechanic to fix the problem. He will follow a series of steps to repair the car and to make sure that your car is

Point is, never expose yourself. Every bank

running again.

has different approval criteria. Some banks might not favour you, but some might. I had

Likewise, when it comes to mortgage

a case once, this person’s Debt Service Ratio

approval, you cannot wait for miracles to

was very high at 150%, which is higher than

happen. To me, luck has nothing to do with

the normal 70-85%. So of course, the banks

mortgage approval. Many borrowers and

rejected his loan. I, however, reviewed his

agents like to photocopy stacks of financial

documents and managed to get 70% loan

documents and submit them to every bank

approval.

that they can find for approval. Is this the right way to go?

This is a fine example where the borrower:

Well, did you know that every time your

1. Knows himself very well.

documents are submitted, the banks will

2. Checked his credit status.

record and send them to Bank Negara which in

3. Found the best suitable bank for him.

turn will update the Central Credit Information System (CCRIS) every month? Wether your

On the last step, you’ll have to do more work.

loan is approved or rejected it will be updated

You’ll need to find out each bank’s approval

on the last page of your record. Let’s say Bank

criteria and also the different types of

A rejected your loan, Bank B, C and D also

documents for approval. You are not buying

rejected you, but Bank E approved your loan.

a RM1,000 property but hundreds or even

However, because so many banks rejected

millions worth. It is good to do extensive

you, there’s a chance that Bank E will also reject

research first as it will be hard to go back from

your loan in the end.

scratch when your loan has been rejected. It’s always primarily easier to diagnose a problem first.

I hope this article will assist you in making the right judgement. If you want to read more of my articles, go to www.miichaelyeoh.com

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NEWS

MARA Disposes Property in Australia

One of Majlis Amanah Rakyat

and the sale was done a

(Mara) Inc’s four properties

few months back via an

in Australia has been sold

open tender managed by an

recently to repay loans

international company, he

granted by two financial

told the media on Monday (9

institutions there, according

January).

to Mara Chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa. “We have to manage our properties in Australia and I am glad to inform that recently we decided to sell one of the properties because I wanted to clear the debts as the purchase of the

Following the sale, the proceeds were used to pay back and reduce Mara Inc’s debts, which is “more manageable now”, added Annuar. However, he didn’t reveal the selling price of the property.

building was made by taking

Parkview Apartments

International House at a price

million), which is higher than

higher the prevailing market

the building’s original cost

rate at that time.

of A$17.8 million (RM51.5

or borrowing money from

Previously, Australian

Australian banks.”

newspaper The Age reported

It alleged that a group of very

(RM13 million). The property

in 2015 that Mara Inc bought

wealthy Malaysian official had

was intended to be used as a

a five-storey apartment in

purchased the building in

hostel for Mara’s students.

Melbourne known as Dudley

2013 for A$22.5 million (RM65

Mara’s investment arm has opted to divest the asset,

million) by A$4.75 million

Ekovest Bags RM6.32 Billion Highway Construction Job Ekovest Bhd received

subsidiary Lebuhraya DUKE

“principle approval” from

Fasa 2A Sdn Bhd (LDF2A).

the government on Tuesday (Jan 17) for another major

“The proposed project is

highway construction job

expected to provide vital

worth RM6.32 billion.

connectivity and direct linkage for movements in and around

The company said the

Kuala Lumpur City Centre and

privatised expressway, which

completes the missing link

is divided into three sections

for seamless travelling in and

named Kampung Baru Link,

out of Greater Kuala Lumpur

Istana Link and Kapar Link,

and [the] Klang Valley,” it said,

involves a total length of

without providing specific

75.2km.

details of the routes.

Ekovest is currently

Ekovest said the project is

constructing the Sri

subject to further negotiation

Damansara Link and Tun

between the parties, and

Razak Link under Phase 2 of

that the principle approval is

its Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway

not binding until the relevant

(DUKE). The company has

agreement between LDF2A

also signed a concession

and the government is

agreement with Putrajaya to

executed.

construct the SetiawangsaPantai Expressway, originally

It added that the project is

called DUKE Phase 3.

expected to be funded by internally generated funds,

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia,

borrowings and other

Ekovest said the government

fundraising exercises.

issued principle approval for the latest project to its

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo is the

Ekovest to construct RM6.32b KL road links

single largest shareholder

rail, the mass rapid transit, the

of Ekovest with a 32.38%

KTM Komuter and the Express

stake. Lim also owns a 40%

Rail Link.

stake in Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd (IWH), in

Ekovest has recently raised

which Kumpulan Prasarana

financing for the Setiawangsa-

Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd owns

Pantai Expressway project

the other 60%.

via an RM3.64 billion sukuk wakalah issue. This is

A consortium comprising IWH

Malaysia’s largest sukuk issue

and China Railway Engineering

for a greenfield toll road

Corp (M) Sdn Bhd owns a 60%

project.

stake in Bandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which is undertaking the

In another development, the

Bandar Malaysia project.

Employees Provident Fund signed a deal last September

The project includes an

to buy a 40% stake in DUKE’s

integrated transport hub

concessionaire, Konsortium

project comprising the Kuala

Lebuhraya Utara-Timur (KL)

Lumpur-Singapore high-speed

Sdn Bhd, for RM1.13 billion.

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HOT TOPIC

GUARANTEED RENTAL RETURNS Dream Come True OR Too Good to Be True?

Guaranteed Rental! It certainly sounds like a dream for every investor. But how guaranteed are you and is it exactly what you need? As with every investment, it’s better to arm yourself with all the details before jumping right in. words by Property Hunter

hat is a

1. The investor should be cautious

“Guaranteed

if there are no paper promise or

Rental Return”?

an actual contract to protect the

A Guaranteed

buyer should the income not be

Rental Return,

generated.

or better known as GRR, is a future rental income that is guaranteed by the

2. The investor should study the

developer or management company to

current market of their chosen

the property purchaser for a contracted

property and monitor to see if

period after the purchase agreement

the income figure is realistic and

is signed. In simpler terms, it’s an

achievable.

auto rental when you own a property. Sounds too good to be true, you might say?

3. To ensure that the developer does not inflate the property price, the investor should ensure that the

GRR needs to be considered amongst

developer has the ability to manage

many other factors that determine

the property adequately for the

whether an investment is of good

income to be generated.

value or not. This will help the buyer consider the objectives and investment

Source: PropertyGuru.com.sg

timeline, which varies from individual to individual. Robert Gavin, CEO of Property Horizon gave three points to refer to when considering buying a property with GRR.

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HOT TOPIC

How long and how much?

It is best to find a package that either

package as they will have no problems

changes the rental return amount with

getting tenants. Such a property is

time, or a shorter guaranteed rental

definitely ideal for investment.

This is undoubtedly the most

period so that the owner can increase

important question. A normal

GRR package can run from 5 to 10 over years. Of course, some people say that the longer the better! Why go through the trouble of looking for a tenant if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already provided? However, there are also those who prefer a shorter period. But why would someone choose

the rental following the current market rate.

How Can They Guarantee Your Rental?

Who Guarantees It and How Safe? A GRR package will usually

be done via a tenancy agreement or a leaseback agreement with the

Most properties that offer GRR usually

management company. Be sure you

has a very strong advantage in rental

read up on the management company

amount.

rates in order to offer their buyers the

background and see if they have the

package. Typically, these properties

proper experience in handling your

In Malaysia, most GRR packages

are located next to an educational

property.

a shorter period if a longer guarantee is offered? The answer is the rental

between 6% to 7% returns. It is very rare to find something lower than this range. This amount is calculated on a yearly basis on the price of the property (usually net price).

Does The Rental Amount Change With Time?

This is another important things to consider when taking up a GRR package. As time goes by, the rental may increase as well. This is due to rising cost of living, inflation, economy, to name a few. In any normal circumstances, rentals will increase over time. However, there are a lot of GRR that promises a long period of guaranteed rental with no change in rental amount. Bear in mind as it prevents the owner from increasing their rental yield with time.

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institution, where the rental is easy and almost guaranteed. However, a GRR

There are also rare cases where the

is sometimes not so guaranteed after

company will take an extra step and set

all. In 2000, a developer had enticed

up an insurance protection for the rental

buyers of a GRR scheme of between 8%

or an external independent trustee

to 10% for 15 years. The property was

company to handle the rental money.

to be rented out to students studying

This is not common and is definitely an

in a higher learning institution nearby.

added advantage.

However, 6 years later, the investors received a letter from the property management company which stated that the GRR scheme would be terminated two months from then. It turns out that the students had been provided with hostels and in the end, renting out the units was almost impossible. The value of the apartments has since plummeted by almost half. Make sure you do your own research about the potential of the area to see whether or not it is feasible to safeguard yourself from any unexpected future pitfalls that might occur. Quite often, though, properties near popular landmarks (that generate a high number of tourists) may offer the

What Happens After The Guaranteed Rental Package Ends?

This is a good question and

Why Are They Offering It In The First Place?

Another burning question and there are

As with all properties, be sure to double

usually 2 main reasons for this:

check what the running costs are that

unfortunately, an answer is not always provided by the company providing the

What Running Cost Is Not Covered by The Package?

still needs to be paid. Usually, the 1. As a marketing selling point to

GRR package. This is mainly due to the

attract buyers; and/or

fact that most businesses understand

2. To earn an ongoing profit.

maintenance and sinking fund is still borne by the owner even under GRR. At the end of the day, it is your due

that the future is not guaranteed. Just like the owner, the developer

diligence to ensure that the package

A few options exist. The common ones

can earn in two ways, either sell or

offered is worthwhile or not. There is no

are: • • • •

rent the property. Offering GRR gives

perfect package or investment, there is

The GRR agreement is renewed

the property an added advantage to

only the best package and investment

when nearing the expiry period.

potential buyers. Renting it out will incur

according to the needs and wants of the

A new tenancy agreement is

additional costs (management fees, etc.)

buyer.

arranged on a yearly basis.

but the profit earned is more ongoing.

The management arranges a profit

Developers will usually choose to offer

Bottom line is, before plunging into any

sharing agreement with the owner.

the GRR if they think that the property

investment with GRR, you need to ask

The property is passed back to the

has a high potential for rental profit.

yourself these 3 important questions:

With selling it on GRR, the developer will

1. If the GRR wasn’t part of the deal,

owner and it is up to the owner to manage.

be able to reduce their costs and earn

would you still buy the property?

However, keep in mind that for the GRR

an initial profit through the sale and

to exist in the first place, that area is

then increase their ongoing profit via the

existing rentals of similar properties

usually a good rental area, making it

rental of the sold property.

within the same area?

easier to rent or sell the property in the

2. Is the GRR offered realistic to

3. Is the property selling price fairly

near future. If the initial GRR agreement

the same to other similar properties

is for 5 years or more, that is more than

within the same area?

enough time to handle the property.

If your answers to the questions are NO, chances are you could be better off looking elsewhere. Till then, invest safely and wisely.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

DBKK Tears Down 30 Illegal Squatters

City Hall began demolition

he told reporters during the

works on 30 squatter houses

operation.

along Jalan Pinggir 1 and Jalan Pinggir 2 at Bukit Bendera on

A month-long warning

Wednesday, Jan 18.

eviction notice was issued on Dec 17 last year against

Assistant Enforcement Officer,

houses built illegally on

Inspector Mohd Romzi Bin

government-owned land.

Musa said 25 personnel took part in the operation

According to Mohd Romzi,

that involved the State Land

the squatters consist of locals

and Survey Department and

from Kudat who sought work

Water Department as well as

in the city with no place stay

the police.

and had been living illegally in the area for over twenty years.

“All the squatters here had been given ample notice to

“They are still appealing for

vacate their homes, which

help to authorities since

was followed by demolition

last year to be resettled

work at the orders of Mayor

under the People’s Housing

Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, after the

Programme (PPR) units

expiry of the grace period,”

but have yet received any

Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Singapore? Bank Negara Malaysia

said in a statement, after the

(BNM) has maintained the

first MPC meeting for the year

Overnight Policy Rate (OPR)

yesterday.

at 3.00 per cent.

economy.

BNM said the global economy continued to grow at a moderate pace, while economic activity in the major advanced economies had improved and growth in Asia, supported by domestic demand amid some recovery in external demand.

“While the risks of

Nevertheless, heightened

destabilising financial

uncertainty and downside

imbalances are contained, the

risks to global growth

Monetary Policy Committee

remain, arising from risks of

(MPC) will monitor these risks

protectionism, geopolitical

to ensure the sustainability of

developments and commodity

the overall growth prospects.

BNM said at the current OPR level, the degree of monetary accommodativeness was consistent with policy stance to ensure the domestic economy continues on a steady growth path, amid stable core inflation, supported by sustained financial intermediation in the

Demolition process to kick off

response,” he said and added

demolition work is carried out.

there are no vacant PPR units for the time being.

He said there are no plans to relocate the squatters, noting

Mohd Romzi said the squatter

personnel were just carrying

families were also assisted

out orders to demolish illegal

by officers to move their

structures in the second

belongings which will be

operation by authorities

stored temporarily at an old

against illegal squatters this

Public Works Department

year.

(JKR) housing quarters before BK

BNM will continue to provide liquidity to ensure the orderly functioning of the financial market

For Malaysia, BNM said the

towards the end of 2016,” it

latest indicators point to

said.

continued expansion in the fourth quarter of 2016.

In another development, BNM said it will continue to provide

The central bank said headline

liquidity to ensure the orderly

inflation averaged 2.1 percent

functioning of the financial

in 2016 and is expected to

market.

average higher in 2017, amid the prospect of higher global

It said uncertainties in the

price volatility, it added.

oil prices.

global economy, the policy

“The MPC will continue to

“These risks could also lead

“The ringgit, along with other

developments might result

assess the balance of risks

to episodes of increased

emerging market currencies,

in bouts of volatility in the

surrounding the outlook

financial market volatility,” the

has seen a reduction in

regional financial and foreign

for domestic growth and

central bank said.

volatility since the sharp

exchange markets.

inflation,” the central bank

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environment and geopolitical

adjustments experienced

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HOT TOPIC

When to Buy a House? (Part 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The best time to buy a house) For many people, buying a house means tying oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self to a monthly mortgage repayment for the next 10, 15 or perhaps 20 years. Houses are expensive items, and in a volatile market, a slight up or down swing could mean a difference in price of tens of thousands of Ringgits. The research team found that when prices are rapidly moving up, the waiting game could mean that one will end up paying more for a much higher price. When prices are dropping, one may suffer similarly if a property is bought too early. Logically, now is the period to consider buying.

A research report by UTAR

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

iming can have a great

The Malaysian housing market

Using the year-on-year increase

impact on the value of

was experiencing an almost

in housing prices, a movement of

the purchase. However, it

unprecedented price growth over

housing prices over the period of

could be difficult working

the past few years. It was only until

1990 to 2016 was tracked using a

out the right time to buy a house

around 2013 that prices appeared

simple graphical method, followed

in a volatile market. In this second

to have stabilised. As home prices

by a statistical algorithm for the

part of the article, the research

spiralled higher, people are

verification of the results. Not only

team will proffer some suggestions

beginning to wonder if the local

are the results traced out in Figures

on how to identify signs for

housing market is in a housing

1 and 2 supportive of each other,

home buying in the context of

bubble which is ready to burst.

they are in line with the historical

the current environment of the

Nevertheless, the housing price

records.

Malaysian housing market. These

index data suggests that the market

suggestions are based on their

is not on the brink of collapse. But

statistical findings/results obtained

logically, what goes up must come

accordingly and the application of

down and vice versa.

conventional wisdom.

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HOT TOPIC

Results in Figure 1 uncovers 2 past episodes of the housing bubble in the domestic market for the period 1990 – 1993 and 1994 – 1998.

Figure 1 - Year-on-year change in percent of house price index

Housing prices were on the uptrend between 1998 and 2000 and thence hovered within short range until 2009 when price growth accelerated again, reaching another new high in 2013 when we observe the turnaround in price movement. Between 2009 and 2013,

30 25 20

housing price expansion points to a bubble-

making period. The ensuing years from 2013

saw the downturn in economic conditions both within and outside the country which negatively impacted the housing market. With careful observation, the interaction of the various market forces and factors as described in the first part of this article has

5 0 -5 -10 90

brought about the reversal in direction of the

Year

housing price movement, while also providing a buffer that allows gentler price drop. The graph in Figure 1 suggests that the housing

Figure 2 - Extreme buying and selling behavior

market has already entered the downward

250

slope of the current cycle and up to now looks

200

relatively stable, reflecting the supporting

150

efforts of the government and housing

House Price Index

suppliers.

120 2009-2016 [Price Cycle]

Based on research carried out, now is the time to consider buying. However, there is still a possibility this trend is just an intermediate short cycle or the downward momentum

80 40

15 10 5

of prices could increase further in favour of

buyers.

-5

The next step is to look for vital signs in the market that favour buying activities. It is believed that monitoring and logical analysis

Tracing out the degree of extreme buying and selling behavior Extreme behavior for any part of the blue line above their horizontal red line

of certain economic and market events could impact the housing market.

Suggestions for interested home buyers...

Property price cycle crossed the peak at 2013 and is on a gradual downslide. This phenomenon is a vital sign for us to enter the housing market. The question is: when shall we enter the market?

It is known that when the cycle is on the downside, house prices generally will be lower than the normal levels. Statistical testing results in Figure 2 show that for the period 2009-2016 the housing market is theoretically in a bubble. However, practically, it is a price cycle which has peaked, so there is less likelihood that house prices will go up further unless there is visual sign that it is on the way to follow a “U-turn”, however gradual it might be.

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Advertisements on residential properties for sale are pervasive and offers

are sweetened with rebates and

Expect a surge

and mounting housing inventories in

in housing

the country. These are signals that the

prices when the

local housing market has lost its vibrancy

economic growth

as well as any speculative fever and

starts to improve.

government incentive is needed to help

This is the time to purchase a home.

maintain market resilience.

that the housing market has

In an already weak market, when positive

excessive inventories.

news starts to surface reporting of

Recently there appeared some bright spots for the Malaysian economy. Firstly, oil prices have picked up, trading well above $50 USD per barrel. Secondly, there is the report of China’s significant increase in investment and participation in Malaysia, specifically in the East Coast Rail Link, Melaka Gateway Project and Bandar Malaysia as well as their keen interest in the KLSingapore High-Speed Rail.

incentives. It’s a basic indication

encouraging growth rates, business This reflects a sluggish market and that

expansion, and forecast of some

sellers are trying to clear existing stock.

buoyant economy, employment and

Recall that in the first part of this series

earnings will rise. With the improvement

it was reported that developers will hold

in the economy and the job market,

back or slow down on new projects

increase in demand for housing and a

when profit margins are not workable.

corresponding housing price hike will

In addition, constrained by rising costs,

certainly follow. So, when the media

there is a limit in lowering prices.

reports about how rosy the economy is

During an economic downturn, weak

getting, it is a good time for real estate

and smaller developers would likely be

investment. When the economy climbs

forced out of the market and thus easing

back in full steam, the housing market

market competition. Therefore, when the

may have entered the next cycle. When the effect of these development

backlog is cleared, prices of new home supply are not expected to be cheap.

Reports from sellers indicate that the

projects on the economy kicks in,

Supply squeeze may cause prices to go

market is now basically being supported

excluding the changes in the local

up instead.

by first-time home buyers while the

political scene, the market is expected

government is taking an increasingly

to start improving by the first quarter

active role to help this segment of

of 2018. But as it stands, the current

buyers with various financial plans. In

market scenario seems to suggest a ‘buy’

addition, there is the recent report of the

signal.

rising number of abandoned projects www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

Sunway Property Eyes RM1.1 Billion Sales in 2017 Sunway Property aims to

“Modelling our success from

achieve RM1.1 billion sales

last year, we are confident

this year on the back of new

that these launches will do

launches.

well as most of them are

integrated properties,” she Sunway Bhd Managing

told a media briefing on

Director of Property

Wednesday, February 15.

Development Division for Malaysia and Singapore

Meanwhile, Cheah said

Sarena Cheah said the group

Sunway Property, the

planned to launch between

property division of Sunway

10 and 12 projects in Malaysia

Bhd, is expanding the Sunway

and another in China, with

Velocity Two in Cheras after

a gross development value

adding a 3.42-hectare land

(GDV) of RM2 billion, this

in Jalan Peel to its land bank

year “Despite the number of

recently.

percent residential units, complementing the mall’s 75 percent commercial units. “With an estimated GDV of RM2 billion, we plan to build linkways between the mall and

launches this year, we remain cautious, each launch would

Located across Sunway

be dependent on market

Velocity Mall, the project,

demand.

under a 10-year tenure,

Sunway Velocity Mall

would comprise 70

Sunway Velocity Two,” she said. Besides the Sunway Velocity development, the project

LD Legenda to Release Developer Reserved Units

will be enhanced with the completion of a hotel, a medical centre and two corporate office towers which were already under construction. Currently, the group’ total landbank stood at 1,336 hectares.

Lien Dak Group of

a skyline infinity pool and sky

Companies’ RM300 million

park gym.

small office home office (Soho) development LD

Meanwhile, Lien Dak

Legenda will release

executive chairman Stephen

developer reserved units of

Wong recently received

Soho Suite Plus at current

the ‘2016 The World Young

prices this weekend.

Chinese Entrepreneurs’ award at the 13th World

A press release said there is a possible price restructure after Chinese New Year due to the rising cost of building materials. Limited two-room and threeroom units with dual key concept are still available, while the single-room studio units are sold out with a long waiting list. Construction on LD Legenda - located next to the Sarawak General Hospital and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Faculty of Medicine - is proceeding according to schedule and expected to

An artist’s impression of LD Legenda at night

The most difficult phase

and ground floors should

of the development - the

be completed and ready for

contiguous bored pile wall for

operation.

the basement and excavation for the basement level - has

The commercial outlets are

been completed.

currently open for rental and those interested are

The press statement said

advised to register for the

the ground condition

limited units, with selection

proved a challenge as

at the discretion of the

they encountered hard

management based on

rock during bored pile and

the tenancy mix of the

excavation work.

commercial arcade.

Going forward, the aim is to

LD Legenda will comprise

complete the superstructure

569 Soho suites and 52

of the building by early next

commercial outlets, 800

year.

parking bays over 3 levels of basement parking for both

be completed by December

By then the commercial retail

2018.

the Soho and commercial

shops at the lower ground

usage. Other features include

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Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Macau. The award was in recognition of his outstanding performance in the Architectural and Property Development Industry. Lien Dak Development Sdn Bhd was also awarded the ‘Asia Excellence Brand Award 2016’ in Hong Kong recently by world renowned Yazhou Zhoukan (Asia Weekly) for the company’s efforts in contributing to Sarawak. For more information on LD Legenda and the latest packages or promotions, visit ldlegenda.com

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HOT TOPIC

Can I Buy Property With A Salary Of Less Than RM5,000? Buying a house and a car are important for every working adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life as a house is needed for shelter and to raise our families and a car for easy commute to work and move around from one place to another. The burning question is... â&#x20AC;ŚCan you afford your first house? The answer is very subjective and dependent on many factors like the availability of a down-payment and number of dependents.

Words by Property Hunter

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HOT TOPIC

WHAT’S REALISTIC?

Millennials (those born between 1980s to 2000s) are considered the “homeless generation” because stagnant wages and skyrocketing property prices render it almost impossible for them to afford a down payment much less qualify for a home loan. Looking at the soaring property prices in Malaysia, many young people can’t help but complain. Past generations were luckier, as houses and land were more affordable to buy. For the younger generation today, buying a house doesn’t seem as easy as it once was. Banks look at your Debt Service Ratio (DSR) and generally would not approve a loan if the monthly instalment exceeds 60% of the borrowers’ monthly income and this is assuming the best-case scenario where the individual can fork out RM25,000 up front and possesses a good credit history. How many 20-somethings do you know would fit these criterions without receiving financial aid from their families?

Scenario 1

John is a 27-year-old, working in an executive position. His take home salary is RM2,600 and he is still living comfortably with his parents. Despite having a healthy social life, John manages to live reasonably debt free, aside from his RM400 a month car loan. After factoring in his expenses on food, transportation, entertainment, and mobile phone bills, he can set aside RM315 as savings. John lives a relatively comfortable life but he also realises that he cannot stay with his parents forever and would one day need to buy a property of his own. However, given the rising costs of property in urban Malaysia, owning a house seems more like an impossible dream unless John wins the lottery tomorrow. Going by current market prices and bank rates, here is a rough breakdown on what it would cost to finance a RM250,000, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 860sqft apartment in Penampang today. Property price

RM250,000

Down payment (10%)

RM25,000

Maximum loan (90%)

RM225,000

Tenure

35 years

Interest rate

4.65% (estimated)

MONTHLY INSTALMENT

RM1,085

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Scenario 2

Mark and Michelle, both in their late 20s, work in an executive position. Their joint take home salary is RM5,000. Unlike John, this couple has a 2-year-old daughter. After renting a small apartment for the last couple of years, they decided that they should get a bigger place to raise their daughter comfortably. The couple saves RM504 every month, despite having to fork out on groceries, car loan of RM600, fuel and maintenance, phone bills, baby products, to name a few. The couple monitor their spending wisely and tries to save wherever they can. Here is a rough breakdown on what it would cost to finance a RM550,000, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,000 plus sqft terraced house in Penampang today. Property price

RM550,000

Down payment (10%)

RM55,000

Maximum loan (90%)

RM495,000

Tenure

35 years

Interest rate

4.35% (estimated)

MONTHLY INSTALMENT

RM2,296

The government introduced the Malaysia My First Home Scheme; allowing first-time home buyers that earn less than RM5,000 a month to finance a house that costs up to RM500,000. The scheme removes the need for a down payment but the result of which is simply a large loan amount with a weighty monthly repayment. Even though the property market is hot right now, with developers offering exclusive packages and rebates, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean anyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially the younger generation, should jump into it before studying the market carefully. Without planning and precise calculation, you might fall in debt holes. Before buying a property, ask yourself these 3 questions. 1. Do you really need this house? 2. Do you have enough money for deposit and all other fees that might be incurred? 3. Can you manage to repay the bank for 35 years consecutively?

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general awareness purposes only and should not amount to any form of advice. The calculations, information and data contained herein are mere examples and the writer accepts no liability for loss or damage suffered or incurred by anyone as a result of the reliance on this article. www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

Limit Resale of PR1MA Homes

After the owners have met

Certificate of Completion and

the five-year moratorium

Compliance, instead of when

period, PR1MA homes

the land title was officially

should only be resold to

transferred to the buyer.

qualified Malaysian citizens who are purchasing a house

Meanwhile, HBA praised the

for the first time, according

government for implementing

to the National House

the Special PR1MA End

Buyers Association (HBA).

Financing Scheme (SPEF), which will help low-income

PR1MA homes should only be resold to qualified Malaysian citizens who are purchasing a house for the first time

“This is to ensure that

earners to obtain housing

such PR1MA units are

loans for such properties, as

PR1MA Corp announced the

years, while payment for the

not purchased en-bloc by

many have been rejected by

details of SPEF, which was

principal only takes effect

property speculators and

banks.

jointly set-up by the Employees

thereafter until the mortgage

Provident Fund (EPF) and the

is fully settled.

rented out again at very high rentals, depriving future

“However, as this is a special

Bank Negara Malaysia along

generations of lower and

financing scheme for the

with AmBank, RHB Bank,

middle-income buyers.”

lower income group, HBA

Maybank and CIMB Bank.

can loan a larger amount,

hopes that this financing

For the second option, buyers as the partner banks will

According to PR1MA Corp’s

scheme is only reserved for

Under SPEF, home buyers

also take into account their

CEO Datuk Abdul Mutalib

first-timers as PR1MA has

can get step-up funding and

monthly contribution to EPF

Alias, they are urging the

already allowed second-time

a similar facility but with an

Account 2. However, SPEF’s

authorities that the five-year

home buyers to buy PR1MA

option to withdraw from

lending rate higher is higher

moratorium for the resale

properties.”

EPF Account 2. Under both

at 4.75 percent compared to

options, interest is only

4.45 percent for similar loans

paid during the first five

available at present.

of PR1MA homes should start from the date of the

On February 12 (Monday),

Minimum Property Purchase Prices for Foreign Buyers

Malaysia, with its improving

It must be noted that although

are sufficient

infrastructure, average cost

the EPU guidelines on property

incentives provided

of living, diverse cultures and

acquisition by foreigners apply

to encourage

almost natural disaster-free

nationwide, the acquisition is

foreigners to buy

environment, has attracted

still subject to the respective

properties in

many foreigners to live here.

state authorities’ approval.

Malaysia, there are

Buying property in Malaysia

The transfer of property to

is a relatively easy process.

a foreigner based on family

On June 30, 2009, the

ties (only allowed among

He feels the

Economic Planning Unit (EPU)

immediate family members)

government should

produced a comprehensive

also falls under the jurisdiction

promote foreign

set of guidelines on property

of the respective state

property ownership

acquisition by foreigners to

authorities.

as a form of foreign

areas that still need

replace the previous approving

to be improved.

direct investment

authority under the Foreign

There are, however,

given that Malaysia

exemptions from EPU approval

foreign purchasers must be

Investment Committee.

seems to have a love-hate

for certain transactions, as

reasonable while safeguarding

The EPU had also revised

feeling towards foreign

well as exemptions given by

the interests of the locals,” he

the minimum threshold on

property purchasers for

respective state governments.

says.

fear that they will impact the

the acquisition of properties

interest of the locals.

Tan also suggests that

by foreign interests from

KGV International Property

RM500,000 to RM1 million,

Consultants (Johor) Sdn Bhd

“Policies must be consistent and

effective March 1, 2014, which

executive director Samuel

offer business propositions so

transparent while the fees for

is stipulated nationwide.

Tan tells TheEdgeProperty.

there will be greater economic

the application for approvals by

spillover from their projects.

com that although there

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developers sell properties that

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NEWS

World Trade Centre Proposal for Perth

WA Government unveils

The plan will undergo a

a proposal to build a

detailed assessment that

$1.85-Billion World Trade

will require the proponent

Centre in East Perth backed

to address a number of

by a private Middle-Eastern

requirements, including

group that includes former

funding options, before a

Perth Airport manager Neil

participation agreement can

Kidd. The privately-funded

be entered into with the state

towers would be 36 and

government, and before

75 storeys. It will be by far

possible state funding can be

Perth’s biggest and tallest

negotiated.

building.

A shopping mall, hotel, international trade, investment and convention centre would be woven into high-rise buildings that would also feature apartments and restaurants in what WA Premier said was a landmark development for Perth.

World Trade Centres

The proposed World Trade Centre

Association is led by Qatar-

Australian time zone and their

Lands Minister Terry Redman

based businessman Ghazi

top 3 trading partners are

said the proposal was exactly

Abu Nahl, with Kidd listed

China, Japan and the Asean

the kind of unique project that

as business development

nations.

the unsolicited bids guideline

director of the group’s Perth division.

was designed to facilitate “We believe a World Trade

In a recent interview with the

the renewal of an area that’s

reporters, Kidd said that some

underutilised, it will showcase

20 percent of the world’s

brand WA and it will stimulate

population reside in the

and boost trade”, he said.

Economy Boost for Sabah as 40,000 Chinese Tourists Flood In Tourist arrivals to Sabah from January to October 2016 registered at 2,753,709 compared to 2,601,022 for the corresponding period in 2015, showing an increase of 5.87%. International tourist arrivals were at 933,502 compared to 816,048 in 2015. Tourist arrivals from Peninsula Malaysia were recorded at 1,820,207 against 1,784,974. These arrivals will boost Sabah’s economy and leisure property in the State. The 2017 Chinese New Year season has seen fully booked rooms in many 4 and 5 star hotels.

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assessment of.

Centre in Perth will anchor

The average spending, inclusive of dining, hotel and tours, would roughly be RM3,000, meaning RM120 million would be pumped into the economy. With the ever-thriving influx of Chinese tourist, this will help with the property market as hotels, commercial properties and serviced residences will be in demand. The openings of 3 major hotels in KK have been delayed according to reliable sources but the development of the Sabah International

Kota Kinabalu city centre

Convention Centre is in

from Taiwan.

progress. At the same time, negotiations The good news is that

are still ongoing for more

Malindo Airlines will have

chartered flights from China

direct flights from KK to Taipei

to Sabah in 2017. The Federal

starting from May 2017, with

government has confirmed

a total of 4 weekly flights. This

that last year’s recorded

move is expected to bring in

tourist arrivals from China will

an additional 25,000 visitors

continue to grow.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

HOT TOPIC

Property Jargon A-M (PART 1) Don’t be puzzled when your real estate agent starts throwing around property terminologies that only they understand. Here, we’ve listed down some useful and probably familiar terms – and what they mean – that you might have heard every now and then so that you will not get lost in property translation ever again. Words by Property Hunter

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

ACCEPTANCE LETTER A letter from you after going through the terms and conditions carefully, stating your willingness to accept a loan that has been approved by the banks. APARTMENT Usually has fewer facilities than a condominium, with just basic features like a swimming pool and security. APPRAISAL A report that comes from a valuer or appraiser that analyses the estimated cost of a property. ASSETS Real and personal property in which a person has an unburdened ownership or equity that with which has value. AUCTION This is a public sale of a property or real estate that is sold to the highest bidder. AUCTIONEER A licensed person that is authorised to carry out a sale by auction. AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE Usually referred to in terms of property values, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s based on the percentage at which a region grows per year.

BASE LENDING RATE (BLR) BLR is the base interest rate that is determined by each bank on a formulated calculation before deciding how much to charge (i.e. interest rate) for your home loan. Bank Negara Malaysia determines the rate, but it is adjusted by the banks. The BLR usually changes and will rise or drop unpredictably. BANK VALUATION A survey to estimate the value of a property for mortgage purposes. BUNGALOW In Malaysia, bungalows are stand-alone houses that come in one, two- and three-storey styles and are also called detached houses. They have open spaces on all sides and you have the www.PropertyHunter.com.my

HOT TOPIC

choice to design and build your own house if you buy a readily available bungalow lot.

DISPOSABLE INCOME The amount of money that’s left after DEED OF

all expenses, including taxes, have been

ASSIGNMENT

paid for.

BUYER’S MARKET

A legal document

This happens when a majority of people

initiated to assign

DOCUMENTATION FEE

are wanting to sell their properties but

title, rights, and

This fee is to pay for the preparation of

interest where the

agreements, forms and other documents

the number of buyers is relatively low.

title is not yet issued to the property.

that are connected to the loan.

DEFAULT

DOWN PAYMENT

CAPITAL

Monthly instalments or interest

This is the first payment you make when

APPRECIATION or

payments that are due or that has not

you buy a property and is usually 10% of

GAIN

been paid.

the cost.

is the increase in

DEFECTS LIABILITY PERIOD

property value

Is a set period of time that a contractor

Capital appreciation

due to market conditions or supply and

must return to a site after construction

EXIT STRATEGY

demand, etc.

project has been duly completed to do

A planned approach to terminating a

repairs.

situation in a way that will minimise

CAPITAL GAIN

damage or maximise benefit.

Capital gain is the positive gain made

DEPOSIT

from the sale of a capital asset.

A sum to be paid as an assurance that upon vacating the premises, the tenant

CAVEAT

will not breach the conditions of tenancy

FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL

A legal notice that prevents the re-selling,

and will leave the property in a state of

A contractual right that requires the

re-charge, or any other act by any other

good repair and order.

owner of a property to give a person

interest or potential buyers.

the opportunity to buy or rent the said DETACHED

property according to specified terms

CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS (CF)

The same as a bungalow, detached is a

before offering it to someone else

CF is a certificate that allows you to move

term used to describe a property that

in after a property has been inspected

stands alone.

FIXTURES & FITTINGS

for safety for human occupation.

Non-structural items included in the DEVELOPMENT

property, such as lights, furniture,

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

A newly built or

kitchen units, built-in cabinets, etc.

Properties such as malls, offices, etc.,

older property

that are mainly used for business

which has been

FINANCIAL

purposes.

refurbished and

INSTITUTIONS

modernised.

All commercial

COMMISSION

banks and finance

Remuneration of a REA or REN for

DEVELOPER

service rendered.

A person or company that arranges for

companies licensed under BAFIA 1989

new buildings to be built, and buys, sells

and Islamic banks licensed under the

CONDOMINIUM

and improves buildings and land. You

Islamic Banking Act 1983.

Condominiums or condos, usually have

buy new developments directly from

extra facilities than apartments like a

developers upon viewing the plan or

FREEHOLD

swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, CCTV,

show units.

It means any estate that is “free from

sauna, etc. They are owned jointly by unit

hold”. There is no time limit and the

owners and are subject to the rules and

DISBURSEMENT FEES

freehold land stays with the title holder

regulations of the condominium.

Various types of fees that were incurred

until it is transferred to someone else.

by banks and lawyers such as the

However, only environmental and town

registration of charge fee, land search

planning controllers limit freehold

fee, bankruptcy search fee in relation to

developments.

the financing loan. The borrower pays the fees.

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FLIPPER

liability coverage for the homeowner,

Someone that purchases a home,

together with protection from damages

renovates it and sells it for a profit in a

caused by wind, fire, vandalism and

LETTER OF OFFER (LO)

short period of time.

other risks.

A contract between the borrower(s)

FLOATING RATE LOAN

and the bank stating the terms of the

A loan where the interest charge changes during the course of a loan due to the

expiry of the lease, usually 99 years.

housing loan package. INTEREST RATE

LOAN TENURE

rise and fall of indicators such as the

The amount

A set period that a person will take to

market or the BLR (Base Lending Rate)

charged by the

fully pay their loan.

lender to the FORECLOSURE

borrower for

LOCK-IN PERIOD

Legal action taken towards the

borrowing a sum

The number of years a person is tied to

homeowner by the financial institution

of money expressed as a percentage of

pay off the financial institution. Should

because the borrower is unable to make

the sum borrowed.

you choose to pay off your home loan in

full principal and interest payments

full, you will incur a penalty.

on the mortgage. The property that is

INVESTOR

pledged by the borrower to secure the

A person that invests money into a real

LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION

loan is then sold and the proceeds of the

estate venture with the expectation of

A Grant of representation issued by the

sale are used to settle the outstanding

financial gain on the capital invested.

High Court to a person to allow him to

loan amount.

administer the estate of the deceased

who died without a will. JOINT OWNERSHIP

LOAN TENURE

GATED AND

Ownership of a

Number of years taken to fully repay the

GUARDED

property between

loan principal and interest as agreed

Developments that

two or more

under a specific repayment programme.

have perimeter

parties, usually

fencing and a

between families,

guardhouse with controlled access. GUARDED DEVELOPMENT These developments are often guarded

in undivided shares. Also called “coproprietorship”.

MAINTENANCE

and do not necessarily have perimeter

KEEPER

fencing.

Keepers are investors that have the

The act of keeping, or the expenditure required to keep a property in a good condition and to

intention to profit from properties by

perform efficiently the service for which

GROSS DEVELOPMENT VALUE (GDV)

renting them out for at least a year, often

it is used.

The GDV is the figure that is based

many years.

on the total value possible from the

MARGIN OF FINANCING

LANDLORD

the value of property pledged to secure

GROSS INCOME

The person who rents out his/her

the loan.

Income before taxes are deducted.

property to a tenant.

GUARANTOR

LEASE

If a borrower fails to pay, a guarantor is a

A contract that states the terms where

person or entity that is legally bound to

an owner of a property agrees to rent

pay the debt incurred by the borrower.

out the premises or part of it to another

sale of all units within that proposed development.

The loan amount granted by the financial institution expressed as a percentage of

Stay tuned for Part 2 (N-Z) in the next issue, for more property jargons.

party. LEASEHOLD

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Land that is returnable to the

An insurance policy that combines

government for a set period after the www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

200 People Queue Up the Streets for 1 Property Viewing Sydney’s ferocious property

bathrooms, one with a spa

market is showing no

bath, a double carport, and a

signs of slowing down with

balcony coming off the main

cutthroat competition even

bedroom.

for rentals. The first floor had a black Pictures emerged of more

granite gas kitchen with

than 200 people lining

breakfast bar next to an open

up to inspect a modest

plan lounge and dining area

$860-a-week terrace in the

plus an internal laundry.

city’s inner west in scorching 35C heat on Saturday.

courtyard carport with a The sought-after home in

garden down the side and

Stanmore, about seven

an automatic roller door for

minutes walk from a train

security.

station, saw house-hunters young and old queuing

Other feature included

on both sides of the leafy

polished timber floorboards,

suburban street.

air conditioning on both levels, gas bayonets, high ceilings.

Worth about $1.6 million, it included three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, two

More than 200 people lining up to inspect a modest $860-a-week terrace in Sydney’s inner west. (Photo: Sam Spettigue/Daily Mail Australia)

There is rear access to the

Analysts expected Sydney’s property boom to continue in

2017 with a shortage of houses and slowing rates of apartment construction.

More houses would be

Overall house price rates were tipped to rise about five percent over the year, but trendy suburbs like Stanmore were likely to increase even more.

join lines like this one.

Malaysia Listed as One of the Best Places to Retire Home to Asia’s friendliest

The only Asian country in the

people and offering

list, Malaysia offers the best

unrivalled public transport,

of both worlds in terms of

Malaysia has been ranked

vacations, whether for first-

as the world’s sixth best

class destinations or budget

destination to retire in

holidays, with its rainforests,

by International Living,

beaches, mountains and

an authority on global

UNESCO heritage sites. In

retirement and relocation

fact, its cities have been

opportunities.

touted by International Living

making it more difficult for first home buyers to get into the market, forcing them to

A record number of houses were sold in the last week of December, with the inner west leading the way with 82.6 percent of auctions closing.

as clean and modern. Mexico, which was listed third

bought up by investors,

Kuala Lumpur

“There is a lot to see and do here. It’s just one of the reasons that first time tourists to Malaysia come back again and again, and ultimately end up moving or retiring here,” said International Living.

uniqueness of its multi-

and Penang, where I live, is

cultural society.

to die for. From state of the

Spain, Nicaragua, Portugal

It also highlighted the

“The food is not just first

and Malta.

country’s delicious food

in 2016, topped its Annual Global Retirement Index this year, unseating Panama which now occupies the second spot. Ecuador settled in the third place, while Costa Rica and Colombia grabbed the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Completing the top ten are

offerings as well as the

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art air-conditioned shopping “In Malaysia, you’ll get the

centres to colourful night

best street food, restaurants

markets, Malaysia has it all.”

and cafés in the region, and some interesting architecture

Buying property in Malaysia

that is unlike any other,” said

was also considered by

IL Malaysia correspondent,

retirees as a perk, since

Keith Hockton.

they can decide to acquire a property within the three-

class, it’s world class, and the shopping in Kuala Lumpur

month period of their visa.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

SPECIAL FEATURE

New Year, New Focus for Big Bath words by Property Hunter

This isn’t your ordinary bathroom and kitchen specialist. They’re your one stop shop to furnishing your house from your kitchen to your front door.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

he exclusive Chinese New Year

a stainless-steel carcass and scratch

“We understand that home renovation

celebration kicked off with none

resistant glass”, said Conan Teo, Big Bath’s

products can be costly in Sabah

other than the traditional vibrant

General Manager.

previously, so we’ve decided to bring in

lion dance arrangement by SJK

more affordable products with better The group also brings in new sanitary

quality to East Malaysian homeowners.

product lines every year. Teo added that

Our store is open daily from 8:30am –

Big Bath is a one-stop bathroom and

they’re now selling doors, high quality

7pm, Monday – Saturday and 9:30am –

kitchen solution which has established in

Double Layer Casement Window with

6pm on Sundays”, he said.

the late 1970’s. Over the years, the group

adjustable louvers and Premium Heavy

decided to bring in a variety of products

Duty Door, electrical products, apart from

Teo concluded by wishing everyone a

convenience to the public at an affordable

selling bathroom and kitchenware.

prosperous year.

price. Teo said the slothful market will not deter

For more information about Big Bath

“This year we are focusing more on

them from reaching out to more Sabahan

Sabah, call their Sabah branch at +6088-

providing better quality kitchen cabinets.

homeowners as the group plans to reach

428 329 or email them at sabah@bigbath.

The fully imported high quality cabinet

out to other townships such as Tawau,

com.my Or alternatively, please visit their

doors are made of stone and come with

Sandakan to name a few.

website at www.bigbath.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my

NEWS

HOT TOPIC

10 THINGS SUCCESSFUL INVESTORS

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T DO

Being a successful investor is not a challenge! It is a practice which comes with knowledge, discipline, and ideas.

Words by Property Hunter

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

THEY DO NOT do their due diligence via Internet forums Successful investors are comfortable with the reality that their future can’t be predicted. They aren’t easily influenced by what they read online. Instead, they do their own research and make appointments to meet relevant people for information.

THEY DO NOT think of exit strategies at the later stage (after they’ve invested) Successful investors are able to make money even when the markets are going down. Why? Because they know how to smartly manage their funds for the long-term since the future is always unpredictable. Thus, in short, they always have a backup plan for the worst-case scenarios.

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HOT TOPIC

THEY DO NOT fixate on price but understand the importance of value

THEY DO NOT wait for the right time to buy Successful property investors don’t try to time the markets. They know there isn’t a “right” time to do anything. They’re able to see the big picture and don’t get

Successful investors are always very

caught up in the details. And even when

patient with their investments. Most

they don’t have all the information they

investors fall into the trap of making

need, they believe it’s better to make a

purchase and selling decisions based

decision with some information, than

on minor fluctuations in the market. A

to not make a decision at all. They then

patient investor would always wait to reap the long-term benefits and will seldom make any instant decisions. Thus, patience goes down as a golden rule in

the rule book of investments.

THEY DO NOT neglect the importance of their financial credibility Apart from the advice from financial planners, smart investors trust their intuitions. Most people are not able to follow their intuitions and end up listening to their dreams or aspirations. Again! It is very important to understand your intuitions and separate them from your dreams and ambitions. Successful investors are able to clearly demarcate their dreams, beliefs, and aspirations.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

take action and gather the balance of the information as they move on.

THEY DO NOT make decisions emotionally Successful investors do not raise a brow when there is a rise or fall in the markets. They seldom let common perceptions influence their purchase decisions. Thus, they understand the golden rule that the rise and fall in the markets are natural but making purchasing or selling decisions based on them is absolutely mindless. Most investors fall prey to the game of emotions and end up losing and winning spontaneously which is a complete stalemate in the end.

THEY DO NOT speculate Rather than following the trends, successful investors follow a time-proven strategy that they repeat again and again,

Successful people confront problems as soon as possible. Just like most of us, they’re tempted to neglect things that are difficult to

recognising that you can’t become an

deal with, but tackle them anyway, because

expert by doing one hundred things at

putting off a problem only turns it into a

once. Instead, they do one thing a hundred

bigger one.

times till they become proficient and can produce repeatable results – that’s how they know they’ve become an expert. It

THEY DO NOT ignore problems

may make their investing boring, but the results make their lives exciting.

THEY DO NOT sit and wait for good deals. They create deals

Successful investors are very quick and pro-active learners. They learn from their mistakes and also constantly keep themselves familiarised with the latest updates from the financial markets. They invest a lot of time on their money which goes in line with a very famous quote from Warren Buffet – “The rich invest in time, the poor invest in money”. Some successful investors are also avid readers of financial books and magazines.

THE DO NOT “hunt” alone Successful investors know that if they’re the smartest person on their team, then they’re in trouble. So they surround themselves with other like-minded people, are prepared to pay good advisers, and have mentors who inspire and motivate them and keep them accountable.

Investment is a mind game. To be a smart investor, you need a smart mind.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

INTERVIEW

Hopeful For The Future Only a few months before his tenure as the President of MIEA comes to an end, Mr Erick Kho has managed to achieve many things in the past two years, continuing the work of his predecessors, to starting his very own initiatives. He has been instrumental in many property developments in the country and has a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market. Right after taking on the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post, Kho was the first MIEA President to plant the MIEA flag at Lowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak, on Mount Kinabalu. Here we touch on ARENA, and what his plans and hopes are for the future of MIEA. words by Property Hunter

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photos by MIEA

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INTERVIEW

What is the ASEAN Real Estate Network Alliance (ARENA)?

Now the concept of ARENA is to have

IRC or International Realtors Conference

a regional understanding among

which focuses on the Asia-Pacific Region.

the ASEAN countries. For example, if

This one was initiated by the National

In January 1st, 2015, our Honourable

countries like Singapore or Thailand

Association of Realtors in the US and they

Prime Minister, together with the

want to have a real estate transaction

have a membership of 1.2 million in 60

ASEAN Ministeriate, established an

or business in Malaysia, then MIEA will

countries worldwide. Now, this platform

initiative called AEC or ASEAN Economic

be the window for them to get through,

allows us to connect on a more global

Community which is a one platform for

and the same happens when we want to

scale. With these initiatives in place, I

ASEAN products and services. It is a

do businesses in their countries. This is

hope that they will attract the younger

government initiative, but as a private

clearly an advantage for MIEA members

Gen X and Gen Ys of Malaysia to be more

initiative, we, along with other ASEAN

to expand their business across the

countries have leveraged on this by

border within ASEAN.

forming our own, which is what we call

interested in the agency line.

What else can we expect from MIEA for 2017?

the ASEAN Real Estate Network Alliance

Besides the convention, the exhibition will

or ARENA. In our inaugural ASEAN

be a bridge for ASEAN to cross borders.

Convention and Expo in Bangkok in

It is a strong platform that will allow

As we all know, it has been a very

August last year, eight out of ten ASEAN

Malaysian developers to showcase their

challenging time. Currently, we’re facing

countries signed a MoU.

projects to real estate agents and gain

a ‘buyers’ market’ condition and we’re

exposure from neighbouring countries.

looking into more initiatives like these

This is very important to Malaysia because this initiative is a good opportunity for us to do inbound and outbound trading in real estate within

And what does MIEA hope to achieve from this?

so that our members will have more opportunities. Right now, we’ve got MAREC, the Malaysian Annual Real Estate Convention, which will be held on the 3rd

We want to further enhance the

and 4th of March. It will be an event for all

opportunities available to cross borders.

the estate practitioners to recharge, keep

This expo is an annual event, and this

However, ARENA isn’t the only initiative

themselves updated and to socialise. On

year, Malaysia is proudly the next host

that we’re doing as far as crossing

top of that, there will also be a continuous

country, which will be held in Kuala

borders are concerned. We also

profession development points, where

Lumpur in August.

participate in a global platform called

they can use to renew their licences.

ASEAN.

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Also, we recognise the importance of the youth wing, in which we started three years ago. Not only do we have an MIEA youth wing in Kuala Lumpur, but we now have them in Penang, Johor, KK and Kuching. This all started because we wanted to develop the youths. And for the first time at this year’s MAREC Convention, we will have a separate national youth convention which will be held a day before the MAREC Convention. For the first time, youths from all these four states will converge to have their own national initiative. You see, I’m a baby boomer. How I think and how the millennials think are very different. They are full of energy and they do things differently. They are more tech savvy and use a lot of social media, and they also have different and newer ideas. And we recognise that. We don’t know what will come out of this convention, but I’m sure that it will be something very exciting.

This is your last year as President of MIEA. What’s the next step for you? My two-year term will end on the next AGM which will be on 22nd April, which I will then go through a transition period before fully handing the responsibilities to the next president and deputy president. My responsibilities and focus thus far have been to enhance MIEA’s administrative capabilities. You see, we are an NGO, and we all work voluntarily. So we have to ensure that whatever program we undertake, whether it be short, medium and long-term perspectives, secures continuity. I have put in place, a few exciting programmes that I hope will be continued such as ARENA, IRC, and on a more local scale, MASPEX, the secondary properties exhibition which we will re-engineer into MIEA Property Expo. Now, this will also include primary properties, but, only agents can represent in the expo. So, if a developer wants to showcase their property, they have to appoint an agent to represent them. Developers aren’t allowed to sell. This way, it still maintains its position as an agents’ exhibition,

but this time, selling both primary and

when there are enough of us, only then

secondary properties. With time, we

can we bring in more initiatives and

realise that we need to evolve and relook

to have a louder, stronger voice when

at how we do things.

we speak with the authorities. As I said before, the process has already begun,

The other initiative which is longer term

we’ve already written to the ministry.

is to see that all registered agents and

Just like the Bar Council, if this succeeds,

negotiators become a member of MIEA.

there are so many positive things that

We’ve got 22,000 registered real estate

we can do in the estate agency industry.

negotiators and we’ve got 2000 real

Sometimes, you just have to help

estate agents registered in the country

yourself.

now. I’ve already written to the Ministry of Finance to make it mandatory so that we will be on par with the Bar Council where we can also make regulations. As you know, we have a big problem with

Is there anything else you want to highlight? MIEA has been very well received in the

a lot of illegals (unlicensed agents). But

last few years since working together with

if everyone that’s registered becomes a

BOVAEA, (Board of Valuers, Appraisers

member of MIEA, then it will agonise the

and Estate Agents Malaysia), especially

illegals. Why? Because we then have a

in the handling of illegal agents. I want to

bigger, stronger MIEA and we can have

highlight that we have a section on the

the authority to prosecute anyone caught

website where the public can file their

making illegal deals. This is very powerful

complaints about any illegal activities

to regulate because we want to make

that are happening. Another thing I’d like

sure that everyone has a level playing

to put forth is that we’re in the process

field.

of amending the MIEA constitution. We haven’t done a constitution amendment

The other thing that I want to focus in

in fourteen years and our acts and

the long term is the transformation of

guidelines are outdated. Some of the

our website. The website is already going

things in the constitution will be taken

through some changes, like today, we

out and to do that, we will be taking it to

already have a payment gateway. I also

the bylaws so that we can have greater

want to include a property listings section

flexibilities to adhere to on what is

to make it easier for all the members

happening to the current market at the

and it will be free. I want to promote

time. So, with all of this in place, I expect

co-agency among practitioners and this

and hope to see a much stronger MIEA in

is a way of giving back to the members.

the future.

This is one of the things that I want to see happen. What I want to see now, is for more registrants to become members because www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENTS

Chinese new year events 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77

Hap Seng Holds Chinese New Year Luncheon Mah Sing’s Chap Goh Meh Celebration Ends With Feng Shui Talk CNY with PacifiCity at Their New Sales Gallery Joyous Chinese New Year Celebration at Aeropod Am Pm Mart Opens in Kolombong Newly Launched Jewel in Penampang District Bukit Bantayan Block C Sees 50percent Take Up Rate During Launching WSG Group’s Prosperous CNY at Kinarut Benoni Official Launching Cum Handing Over Key Ceremony Soft Opening for InHotel Attracted Many

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FEATURED EVENT

Hap Seng Holds Chinese New Year Luncheon espite being an iconic

presence of famous companies such as

landmark in Kota Kinabalu

Shell.

for a year now, many still do not know that Plaza Shell is

more than just a modern office building,

their interest with the Group. Kingfisher Inanam Phase 2 will have a

Joanne also added that Sugar bun is in

total of 245 units. The whole project

the process of moving into Plaza Shell.

features a 3-tower condominium project

but also a one-stop centre for food and

located along Jalan Kiansom and will

beverages, said Deputy Regional Director

“The Sugar Bun outlet is in the middle of

have a total of 739 condominium units,

(East Malaysia) of Hap Seng Consolidated

its renovation and I expect them to start

varying from the regular 865 sq. ft to a

Berhad, Joanne Wendy Chung.

by April this year,” she said.

spacious 1,160 sq. ft.

Speaking at the Hap Seng Chinese New

On another note, Hap Seng Berhad will

For more information about Kingfisher

Year celebration on Friday (February

be launching Phase 2 of their Kingfisher

Inanam, kindly contact Hap Seng sales

3rd), she said that the building also

Inanam development this year.

representatives at 016-838 3949 / 088 –

boasts a dazzling three levels of retail

355 833 or visit their sales gallery at Jalan

podiums, featuring a wide variety of

Registration for Phase 2 is now open and

dining and retail stores besides the

avid investors are welcome to register

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Kiansom, Inanam.

Mah Singâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chap Goh Meh Celebration Ends With Feng Shui Talk

ah Sing Group, the

Sutera Avenue, Mah Singâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden

Sutera Avenue offers its new purchasers

developer of Sutera

development in Sabah is expected to

rebates up to 10% and free legal fees for

Avenue hosted a Chap

complete by the first half of this year

the Service Residences and up to 12%

Goh Meh Celebration at

(Block A facing the Coastal Highway). The

rebate for the Signature Office Suites.

its KKCC Sales Gallery, Jalan Pelabuhan

RM542 million development has sold all

In conjunction with Chinese New Year,

Tanjung Lipat on the 11th February

of its 10-storey retail and office units at

Mah Sing also offers a cash rebate up

2017 (Saturday) to mark the celebration

Block A; open for sale currently are its

to RM8,888 for the year of the Golden

of Chinese New Year 2017 followed

Serviced Residences and Signature Office

Rooster. Terms and conditions apply on

by a Feng Shui Talk by Ms Jessie Lee, a

Suites. Prices begin from RM605,000

all offers.

renowned Feng Shui Master on the 12th

onwards for the serviced residences and

February 2017 (Sunday).

RM463,000 (subject to GST).

For more information about Sutera Avenue, kindly contact 088-262608/0193621388. www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

CNY with PacifiCity at Their New Sales Gallery heers and drums from the

Guests and visitors were treated to a

Located in one of the prime and

vibrant lion dance filled the

lucky draw and the prizes include an LG

matured suburbs in Kota Kinabalu, the

air at PacifiCityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new sales

Screen TV, DeLonghi Toaster, DeLonghi

residential units offered at PacifiCity is

gallery in Hakka Hall on

Kettle and 3 hampers for the grand

almost fully sold.

Saturday, January 21. The beautifully

champions.

choreographed performance was

For those interested to know more

executed by none other than the famous

The Group also managed to close a

about PacifiCity and its special offers,

SJK (C) Yick Nam.

sale for their Grade A Office during the

visit their sales gallery at 3rd floor,

festive celebration.

Wisma Hakka, 26 Jalan Signal Hill,

The Group has moved their show gallery

Tanjung Lipat.

and HQ office to Hakka Hall to make

PacifiCity is an upcoming mixed-use

way for the final construction phases of

development comprising of residential,

Pacificity. They also took the opportunity

Lifestyle Shopping Mall, hotels and

to showcase their progress video to the

offices cleverly combined into a 25-acre

public.

site, opposite the Sabah Trade Center.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Joyous Chinese New Year Celebration at Aeropod

P Setia held a Chinese New

can then be used to redeem a limited

Year gathering at their sales

edition plush toy.

gallery in KK Times Square on Saturday, February 11th.

proximity to the international airport. For more information, kindly visit their

Aeropod project is S P Setiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden

Aeropod sales gallery or contact the

project in Kota Kinabalu. Aeropod is

team at 088-486 255.

Guests and visitors were welcomed

the largest integrated linear city in

by a lion dance performance and a

Kota Kinabalu spanning over 60-acre

crowd pulling game. The group enticed

of land. The project embraces S P

the public with an Angry Birds Game,

Setiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development philosophy of

encouraging them to shoot a rubber

LiveLearnWorkPlay and is expected to

dart at an object in front of them to earn

be a tourist attraction because of its

a certain number of points. The points

connectivity as a railway hub and close

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

Am Pm Mart Opens in Kolombong s part of Homesign Network

also added that the market can come

The market comprises of 334 stalls

Sdn Bhdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corporate Social

with better facilities such as chairs for

across three blocks and over 600

Responsibility (CSR), the

people to sit and rest whilst doing their

parking bays. Block A of the market will

company built a wet market

shopping.

feature handicrafts, Block B vegetables

in Kolombong. The opening ceremony

(mainly from Ranau) and Block C fruits,

lasted for 3 days from 24th to 26th

The aim of the Am Pm mart is to help

January and saw a joyous Chinese New

local SME earn profit and to support the

Year bazaar.

low cost of starting a stall.

meat and fish. Visitors were treated to lucky draws and choi san ye giving angpao (Chinese red

Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai visited the

The market will be open from 5am

envelope) as part of the Chinese New

wet market on Wednesday, showing

till 8pm every day, starting from 1st

Year celebration.

his support for CSR projects as such,

February and will be managed by

saying that it can help support the local

Goodmove Sdn Bhd.

community to start small businesses. He

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Newly Launched Jewel in Penampang District

enampang is one of the few

On February 11th, Sri Moraine Sdn Bhd

family-oriented areas which

launched their residential development

are being developed over the

project, Vision Garden, at their Wisma

Avid investors were treated to a lion

years. Beautiful condominiums

can enjoy living in a flood-free zone.

Prudential office and the response was

dance performance followed by a

have been erected in the areas to boost

overwhelming. The launched saw 16 out

property sharing from the Sabah Boy, Mr

the lifestyle and atmosphere.

of 43 units being taken up.

Enoch Khoo. In addition to that, those who purchased a property that day are

Today Penampang strives as one of the

The project comprises 95 units of

entitled to a lucky draw and one lucky

major industrial and commercial centres

3-storey and 2-storey terrace houses

lady won the RM8,888 worth of rebate â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

within the greater Kota Kinabalu area.

across 2 phases and is located at one

the highest amount in the draw.

Many retail stores are found scattered in

of the most aggressively developing

the district primarily in the Donggongon

area within Penampang District, Kg.

area, anywhere along Penampang Lama

Mahandoi. Situated on higher altitude

Road and Penampang-KK Bypass Road.

ground and they ensure their residents www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

Bukit Bantayan Block C Sees 50percent Take Up Rate During Launching

amuda Land launched their

Speaking at the launching, General

potential buyers to purchase their first

second block, Cemara Tower

Manager (Marketing), Simon Phang

home (or second) easily”, said Simon.

also known as Block C, today

Wah said the group’s idea of having

at their Bukit Bantayan sales

conveniences such as a child care centre,

When asked about the development’s

gallery in Inanam to mark the end of the

tuition centre, retail shoplots and beauty

progress today, he said, “As you can see,

Chinese New Year celebration and has

saloon are meant to create an easy living

we’ve already reached up to level 5 for

received a remarkable response with

lifestyle for the residents.

Block E (Ebena Tower) and have started

almost 50% take up rate for the second tower.

working on Block C (Cemara Tower) too. As part of the early bird promotion

Block E and C expected to be completed

scheme, with jut RM3,000 deposit, buyers

by 2019 and 2020 respectively”.

This 25-storey block consists of 296 units

are entitled to a 5% rebate and the Paling

with a starting price from RM441,800.

Menang Easy Payment Scheme 2.0. This

For this weekend only, those who make

Each unit will come with 2 car parks and

scheme allows buyers to pay the first

their bookings will receive an exclusive

potential buyers will have 2 types of

10% with 24 months’ instalment plan.

custom made Prosperity Silverware Set

views to choose from; Likas Bay View or

While the remaining 90% to be paid upon

upon signing of SPA. In conjunction with

Mountain View. Residents will be able to

completion.

Gamuda’s 40th Anniversary, buyers are

enjoy the various facilities and 24-hours

entitled to a further RM4,800 rebate

security surveillance offered at Bukit

“With years of experience in property

and to participate in a lucky draw which

Bantayan.

development, we understand our buyers

could potentially see them winning up to

and the market’s needs. Therefore, we’ve

RM48,000 rebate.

come up with such a package plan for our

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

WSG Group’s Prosperous CNY at Kinarut inarut is poised to be an

House 2017 at the Palm Condominium

old prices,” she said, adding that the

established township in

show gallery on Tuesday (31st January).

clubhouse at the development has also

the years to come with the upcoming Pan-Borneo

completed. According to her, the Palm

Highway project and promising

Condominium project which is located

The construction of Tower B will

developments in the area.

a 20-minute drive (without traffic jam)

be launched next year and Tower

from the heart of Kota Kinabalu City

E the subsequent year, and she is

The WSG Group managing director

consists of five towers totalling 640

encouraging homebuyers to buy this

Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said that

residential units with reasonable selling

year as the selling prices are expected

the sleepy town of Kinarut is poised

price which ranges from RM300 to

to go up by 20 percent next year as the

to experience a transformation as

RM400 per sq ft depending on the

price for building materials is expected

the commercial centre houses some

location of the units.

to increase next year.

“To date, we have completed Tower C

During the event, she also donated

branded names such as KFC, G-Mart, Mr D.I.Y Homeware, to name a few.

and D, and already have occupants. And,

RM50,000 to SJK (C) Kin Kiau, Kinarut, an

“The only thing that we are missing now

now we are in the process of developing

80 year old Chinese vernacular school

is a bank. I have approached Maybank

Tower A which is facing the South China

with only 20% Chinese students.

to open a branch here to complete the

Sea. We have another 20 units left and

puzzle,” Datuk Susan told reporters

we hope those who want to buy to

during her Chinese New Year Open

hurry up as we are still selling at the

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

FEATURED EVENT

Benoni Official Launching Cum Handing Over Key Ceremony atin Seri Panglima Chen Si

The official launching was officiated

Apart from the commercial shop lots,

Mui, mother of WSG Group

by YB Datuk Johnny Mositun, Deputy

the overall development includes Benoni

Managing Director Datuk

Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly

Residences, a 13-storey residential

Susan Wong presents a

of Sabah.

building that houses 208 apartment units.

School, during the launch of Benoni

Phase 3 consists of 56 units of 3-storey

Visitors who attended the launching was

Commercial Centre Phase 3 in Papar on

shop lots. The Group also took the

entertained with a 400feet dragon dance

Sunday (Feb 12).

opportunity to hand over the keys to

and a series of lion dance performances.

RM50,000 donation to Papar Middle

the Phase 1 buyers during the official WSG Group launched the third phase of their 45-acre mixed development which is situated along the Pan Borneo Highway.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

launching. G-Mart

Soft Opening for InHotel Attracted Many nHotel is strategically located

Eddie Teddy welcomed the guests were

in Sepilok Sandakan, Lahad Datu,

in Jalan Tuaran in the heart of

treated to a lion dance performance.

Kunak, Semporna, Tawau & other

the established township of Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

infrastructures. The opening saw a ribbon cutting

There are various amenities such as

session from the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing

The 6-storey hotel comes with 80

Inanam Market, supermarket, banks,

Director Mr Lim Chi Choi and Executive

rooms, with prices ranging from

commercial shop lots, restaurants with

Director Madam Tan Siew Ten.

RM125/night for a standard twin room

local delicacies, schools, post office,

to RM145/night for a premier double

church and temple surrounding this

InHotel is easily accessible by a wide

hotel.

range of public transport such as

room.

buses and taxis. The hotel is within The soft opening for InHotel, which

reach to other districts of Sabah

took place on February 12th, saw an

such as Kundasang where the Mount

incredible turn-up. Hotel Manager, Mr

Kinabalu located, the Orang Utan

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

CONTRIBUTOR

Now, condos are better than landed houses I’m certain that many people disagree with this statement, thinking, “No way! Does this guy know what he’s talking about?”. Perhaps, so please read on.

Words by PropertyKid.com

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

3 1 First things, first. Let’s talk

about the strong points of a condo today.

More secure and safe

Today, it is a fact that Malaysia

has become a very safe place…

for criminals, that is. The number

1 concern for most house buyers surveyed stated that safety is

their TOP priority. Now, condos have an advantage due to their three layers of security, such as the boom gates, lobby access, card access, and in-house security with CCTVs. Then there is the nature of the barrier of entry, which is usually 1 access door into your unit, which means that as long as that door is secure enough to even keep Spiderman away, then you’re sorted. As for landed houses, there are just too many points of entry and many choices for unwanted guests to get through

2 your door.

Rental Yield Rentals for condominiums have always been higher than that of landed houses – don’t ask me why, but if you do some research, you’ll find that a 1090sq ft unit at Alam Damai will be rented out for RM2000, fullyfurnished. That’s RM1.8 per/sq ft compared to a fully furnished landed terrace house in Foh Sang, which, at 1800 sq ft, would rent out for RM1800, which is RM1 per/sq ft. For a more high-end condo, like Peak Vista, this is even more so, which is at RM3500 for 129 sq ft, whereas Golden Hill, with its superior space of at least 2000 sq ft built-up and its 2 carparks, would go for around RM3000 per month.

Better Views Now I don’t know about you, but waking up to spectacular a sea view is one of the best ways to start your day. But with landed houses, they are generally not built on higher ground – although there are a few out there – hence, your outside views are essentially your immediate surroundings. However, having a park or a lake in the area is a bonus, but more often than not, you mostly only see your

4 neighbors.

Less hassle and better facilities Most tenants these days prefer renting because maybe they’re from out of town, don’t have the luxury of time, or are just too lazy to commit to a garden. So, condos are the easier option. You get to enjoy having a garden without having to put in the work. You also have other facilities compared to a landed house, such as a pool, gym, BBQ pit, and for some, even a sky garden. When going for a vacation leaving behind a condo, it only takes pressing the buttons in the lift. But going on vacation leaving behind a house, is much like brain surgery. Lock the windows, lock the doors, lock the grills, lock the gate, the side door, turn the alarm on, set the security

“up”. With the escalating land costs, very few developers would build landed houses in a prime location. And even if they would, the price you pay for it will be very, very high to justify the land cost. So, if you want to have more sleep time and just wake up 15 minutes before going to work,

you should stay in a condo.

Less renovation costs This is because condos today usually come with things like laminated floorings, air conditioning, sometimes both dry and wet kitchens. So, it’s less work and money saving, unlike landed where you have to renovate from the entrance of the house, all the way to the roof (which with condos, the maintenance fees will usually

take care of it).

Cool factor Sometimes it’s just cool to stay high up in the air, so to speak. Of course, some people just prefer landed no matter what. And 9 out of 10 times it’s because with landed, you own the land, and it’s nice to feel the dirt on your feet. That’s something that I can’t argue with, but if you look at the changes in lifestyle of the newer generation, they no longer want

cameras…the list goes on.

to spend much time at home,

Better Location, less commute time

seeking entertainment and

Condos are usually located in areas where there is a lot of demand for housing. But these

instead, more time outside adventure. PropertyKid. Always Learning. Always Investing.

days, land is expensive, so to maximize profits, developers would think, “Why build only a row of terraced houses when I can build 20 vertical rows of condos?” Which is why, they build www.PropertyHunter.com.my

SPECIAL FEATURE

Top 2017 Design Trends Forecasted by IDS17 On January, hundreds of international talents assembled at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the Interior Design Show (IDS17), which is an annual catalyst to discover the latest design trends and innovations from across Canada and around the globe. Here, the show’s curators have forecasted some of the top trends for 2017 inspiring the direction of design for the year to come. “This year, we’ll see designers and trends that will encompass the expansion of the outdoor living realm to the fusion of tech and design accumulating into an awe-inspiring and ultimately exciting year for design,” Karen Kang, National Director, IDS Canada. Photos by v2com

domination in 2017. Floors,

trend for homeowners looking

Smarthome, this is modern

ceilings, and surface areas will

to make a rapid impact.

like you’ve never seen it

be adorned with interesting

A mix of size, colour, style

before. This year, home décor

materials, tiles, and patterns

and texture creates endless

will take a futuristic trip to

to create an eye-catching

possibilities to complement

introduce avant-garde lighting

statement. Designers will play

an existing room or make

and appliances for the savvy

with strategically placed tiles

a complete transformation.

homeowner who refuses to

mixing into other patterns to

From floors to walls, rugs

sacrifice style for convenience.

create an unconventional focal

become art with rooms being

point.

built around them as opposed

Material Matters Mixed materials continue their

Rugs as art Area rugs will be the go-to

to on top of them.

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Tech & Design From Smartphone to

J&M Republicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of a kind rugs www.PropertyHunter.com.my

SPECIAL FEATURE

Urban Retreat In an age where homes are smaller and lives are busier, the city retreat becomes more important than ever. As an extension of the living area, creating an outdoor urban oasis will be the perfect addition to any home or condominium. In 2017 expect to see mixed materials work their way into outdoor spaces.

Natural Landscape Group maximises outdoor space through innovative seating

Feminine Redone

Strong and beautiful, the new feminine aesthetic goes beyond pretty. This trend sees a juxtaposition of bold architectural details and lines, mixed with soft colours and feminine shapes.

Maker Movement This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maker class embodies the essence of North American craftsmanship: quality and style while using local raw materials to design unique pieces. The Maker movement speaks to consumer trends towards personalization, one-offs and supporting local and independent design.

Classics Revisited Old will meet new in 2017, as we witness traditional furniture structures reimagined with a modern edge. New materials, colours, and textures will revamp even the most dated of styles for a playful and referential approach to design.

6 IDS17 MAKER, Morgan Clayhillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade wooden Graffiti Cabinet

www.PropertyHunter.com.my

Award winning Gwello Light manipulates the dynamic movement of luminosity itself

Innovative Lighting Experts are shining a spotlight on lighting as the true showstopper for commercial and residential spaces. It’s not just fresh interpretations of shapes, but also the incorporation of interesting technology from LED and beyond that make this trend new and innovative.

Emerging Designers The Interior Design Show has been an incubator of emerging design talent since the get-go. New professionals within the industry will continue to be leaders with

AVANI has mastered the art of utilizing natural tones for a modern finish

Kitchens and Baths

the experimentation of materials and

Stylish kitchens and bathrooms will never go out of style.

forms to display fresh perspectives in

Year after year these rooms act as a perfect “splurge” for

design.

homeowners looking to renovate. With the introduction of wood panelling and technology, a fusion of classic design with modern sensibilities will be popular this year.

About the Interior Design Show An incubator of ideas, the show hosts the most influential design minds of today, curates feature exhibitions and collaborations, and is a platform to launch never-before-seen products. IDS is not just a fair – it’s a total design experience. www.PropertyHunter.com.my

APARTMENT FOR SALE