01
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2017 WEDNESDAY
HOTTEST FAIR IN TOWN > P05
INSIDE THIS ISSUE www.starproperty.my
LANDED VERSUS HIGH-RISE PROPERTY CONSIDER THE FEATURES OF DIFFERENT DWELLING TYPES > P04 StarProperty.my
StarProperty
MORE PROPERTIES PUT UP FOR AUCTION INVESTORS FACING FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS > P06-07 StarPropertyTV
StarProperty.my (Eng)
HOW TO SPOT A SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD
DO SOME CHECKING BEFORE MOVING YOUR FAMILY TO ANOTHER HOUSING AREA > P10
Property Trends (Chi)
events
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2017
02 highlights
REFLECTIONS ON HOME OWNERSHIP By ERNEST TOWLE
B www.starproperty.my StarProperty.my StarProperty StarPropertyTV
EDITORIAL
editor@starproperty.my
Assistant General Manager ERNEST TOWLE ernest@thestar.com.my
Content Coordinator LEE YAN LI lylee@thestar.com.my
Content Writers LEE YAN LI VIKNESH ASHLEY HAKIM HASSAN NG PAU LING AISYAH SUWARDI THARMINI KENAS HIDAYAH SARUDIN VIKTOR CHONG Video Producer JONATHAN ROBERTS Video Editor PAMELA FONG PEI LE Designers KWONG CHEE OON QUEENY YONG NURUL AIDA TAJUDIN
MARKETING & SALES Head of Customer Engagement & Support IVY LEONG 03 7967 1347 ivyleong@thestar.com.my
UDGET 2018 was tabled in Parliament on Oct 27. For the budget, the government of the day has to weigh the costs and opportunity costs towards all that it intends to invest or not invest. Having a starting point and strategy is critical, and the will to execute the plan makes the difference. On the real estate front, for some time now the arguments over the difficulty of home ownership has ranged from high prices to the inability to secure a mortgage. It cannot be denied that to be a home owner today, you would need financial capability and stamina to go through the entire property ownership process.
To think that the commitment of property ownership ends once the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) is signed, would be to underestimate the long-term financial responsibility of this significant business undertaking. Buying real estate without thinking of the outcome, or just for the sake of buying, may cause a person to end up in situations beyond his or her control. Without careful consideration of cash flow, gearing management and exit strategies, buyers may disqualify themselves from executing other options in the future. If you only have the initial deposit but not the ability to secure a mortgage or make payments throughout the mortgage period, all the planning in the world to grow your wealth will come to nought.
STARPROPERTY.MY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Reel Estate
Chance to win over RM7,000 in prizes Do you own a house? Do you intend to buy your own home in near future? What do you think the challenges are when it comes to home ownership? Tell us more by joining the StarProperty.my Buyers’ Sentiment Survey 2017 and stand a chance to win one of many prizes worth over RM7,000. Some of the exciting items are powerbanks, travel luggage and a smart phone. Log on to bit.ly/spsurvey2017 to learn more!
KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE
11 - 12 NOV 2017 11am - 7pm
Sunway Velocity Mall Hottest fair 23 - 26 Feb property 2017 10am - 10pm Visit the upcoming property exhibition to explore the latest housing offerings in the market. Attend talks by prominent speakers to gather essential information on property matters. Go to fair.starproperty.my for more information.
Ep01: Can the value of a property increase with a playhouse? Ep02: Inheritance tax to bridge the gap between rich and poor? Ep03: Beware of property fraud Ep04: Are millennials bad with finance?
LATEST HAPPENINGS IJM Land hosts fun-filled day for Seremban 2 community
Real estate practitioners honoured at MIEA’s awards
IJM Land Seremban 2 organised a Fun In The Sky event, with 180 home owners receiving keys to their houses at the Rimbun Vista Central Park. It was a fun day out for 500 home owners and their family members.
UEM Sunrise unveils new serviced apartments
Property Business Head of Sales JAMES OOI jamesooi@thestar.com.my
UEM Sunrise Bhd recently launched its latest serviced apartments Residensi Solaris Parq with a gross development value of RM755mil. The high-rise is the first phase of Solaris Parq, the company’s latest mixed development on 18.76 acres of freehold land within the Dutamas enclave. It will comprise four components – Residensi, Galleria, Suites and Office with a combined GDV of RM3bil.
Acting Head, Sales (Agent Business) KENT THEW
03 7967 1388 (ext 1861) kentthew@thestar.com.my
Over 700 members of the real estate fraternity gathered in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the resilience and professionalism of 31 individuals and firms at the National Real Estate Awards. Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA), the annual awards recognise the highest standards of excellence and were presented by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong.
#CBDlistens to help create work-life balance
Jade Hill sales gallery opens for business
Download E-mag at: STARPROPERTY.MY(English) PROPERTY TRENDS (Chinese)
Reel Estate, a new series by StarProperty.my, brings you the latest happenings in the real estate industry. Log on to bit.ly/starpropertytv to watch videos.
Gamuda Land Bhd is optimistic that their latest offering, the 17.18 acre Hana Gardens located within their Jade Hills township in Kajang, will be met with positive response after recording encouraging sales for its first phase. The company has sold all 32 units in the first phase of the development.
Strong take-up for Elmina Green project
Sime Darby Property achieved a strong 70% take-up rate for the first phase of its recentlylaunched Elmina Green project. A total of 131 out of the 187 units offered for sale were taken up by purchasers during the Elmina Green’s Phase 1 launch. The units were snapped up within two days.
CBD Properties launched #CBDlistens on its Communication Day at Menara Star on Oct 27. About 180 employees from eight out of the 10 branches in Malaysia participated in the event that focused on appreciating the CBD workforce. According to CBD Properties Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Adrian Wang, #CBDlistens is an effort to create a better work-play balance among the employees. It is also an effort to grow as a team by lifting everyone up in the company. This event is co-sponsored by Propwall.my and OCBC Bank.
WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2017
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STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2017
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LANDED VERSUS HIGH-RISE PROPERTY By VIKTOR CHONG viktor@mystar.com.my
Consider the features of different dwelling types
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HILE price is usually the main component that distinguishes landed property from highrise property, there are several other important factors to be considered when it comes to these two types of dwelling.
Maintenance
High-rise properties are always associated with maintenance fees because of facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, and state-ofthe-art security system with guards on patrol. The maintenance fees are to be paid by everyone living in the high-rise. Residents have to pay up even when they are not using the facilities. A potential buyer looking to invest or live in a high-rise should consider the performance of the building management. An incompetent management will drive the property price down and reduce the saleability of the unit. Even potential tenants will stay away. Worse, the property owner is powerless
to remove the management unless the majority of residents can be convinced into making a change. For a landed property, maintenance of the premises is entirely borne by the owner unless the house is within a gated and guarded community. The owner gets to determine what facilities he or she requires and pays only for the ones needed. This also means that the proprietor will not be able to enjoy facilities such as a gym or a swimming pool. Without shared resources from other residents, it is not feasible to maintain such amenities unless the owner has sufficient funds.
Capital appreciation With a surplus of high-rise units and land being scarce, prices of landed properties are skyrocketing. Middle-income earners now find it hard to own landed properties.
Room with a view
Unless a landed property is overlooking a scenic beach, there isn’t much to offer from an aesthetic point of view. Residents of highrise properties, on the other hand, could have a bird’s eye view of the city below. In a city that is filled with skyscrapers, high-rise units also enjoy better ventilation and lighting.
Regulations
Owners of high-rise properties are often subject to more rules and regulations as the population density is higher. For starters, most high-rise properties do not permit pets. Landed property owners are less susceptible to such rules. They also have more leeway to renovate their property and add extensions.
Parking space
Investors who are looking for capital appreciation should consider holding on to landed properties to make the most out of the situation. High-rise units, on the other hand, experience a slower rise in value but are more economical as they usually demand a lower price.
As many Malaysians still rely on cars or motorcycles as the main mode of transport instead of public transportation, the parking space provided by landed properties offers a huge convenience. High-rise apartments have limitations when it comes to the number of parking spots available. Some residents may have to pay a premium to rent parking lots in the building or find a place outside to park their vehicles. However, landed properties have the same problem if the owner decides to buy more than two cars. For more, please log on to www.starproperty.my.
SUNWAY VELOCITY WELCOMES NEW BRANDS
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N ITS effort to elevate retail experiences, Sunway Velocity Mall welcomes international and premium designer names in high-end fashion, food and more. The arrival of globally acclaimed Sacoor Brothers, Coach, Lacoste, Braun Buffel, Une Olive En Provence and many other designer brands will serve to entice the growing number of discerning shoppers. Together with the existing impressive range of luxury marques, the new high-end brands accentuate Sunway Velocity Mall’s positioning as the city’s go-to retail haven. Beyond fashion brands and cosmetics, Sunway Velocity Mall also welcomes TGV Indulge and several top eateries such as Aragan Yokocho, Grand Imperial, and the newly-opened Michelin-star Putien Restaurant. The aim is to provide the finest trappings covering retail and gastronomic experiences as well as entertainment. “From fashionistas to foodies, there is a growing preference for trendy lifestyles and engaging experiences. Sunway Velocity Mall aspires to deliver these lifestyle propositions," said Sunway Malls chief operating officer Kevin Tan.
Among the designer names at Sunway Velocity Mall is Coach. Espousing authenticity, innovation and relevance since 1941, Coach boasts its impressive range of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections for women and men. Also featuring leather goods of intricate craftsmanship, Lancaster brings its unmistakable style with the bold aspiration to make every woman in the world unique and beautiful. Comfort and sophistication
define the menswear collection of Sacoor Brothers with soft tones that intersect with signature touches. Providing “red carpet” treatment and more, TGV Indulge reinvents the cinema. Guests get to enjoy music as they enter an exclusive lounge and are presented with a menu of delectable delights served from a private kitchen. Providing a resplendent, illuminating allure, the shiny gemstones of Swarovski, Lazo Diamond, SK Jewellery and Kim
Man Heng are set to offer the perfect “rock” for any special occasion. Being Malaysia’s first and only Une Olive outlet, the brand brings its delicate range of finest cosmetic products formulated and inspired by the wonderful properties of the humble olive; age-old recipes and formulas that have been carefully retained to maintain its original allure and quality. Meanwhile, Clarins offers an array of cosmetics, skincare, makeup and fragrances.
Housing 10 service restaurants under one roof with more than 200 dishes, Aragan Yokocho opens its largest outlet at Sunway Velocity Mall. The freshest seafood is flown in weekly from Japan to preserve its quality and original taste. In addition to freshly brewed coffee, Doutor Coffee serves freshly prepared food and a variety of imported pastries. This café is just one of many prime coffee outlets serving up the best brew in town.
events
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By HAKIM HASSAN hakim@thestar.com.my
GET TO GRIPS WITH THE QI IN YOUR LIFE
How living spaces can help maximise your potential through feng shui
KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE
11 - 12 NOV 2017 11am - 7pm
Sunway Velocity Mall
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feng shui has been 23 - 26LTHOUGH Feb 2017 10am - 10pm
practised by the Chinese community since the time of the ancients, there are still misconceptions and misinterpretations to the art, says Soleil Trinity founder Jessie Lee. While it is true that feng shui deals with the flow of energy (qi), she disagrees that it mainly pertains to how certain objects can create wealth. Lee explains that the function of feng shui is to maximise an individual’s potential and show how living spaces can accommodate those possibilities. “It is the most difficult adjustment to make because most people are unwilling to help themselves to become better. This is the part where are a lot of people are sadly mistaken, especially when they think that all they have to do is buy specific objects or wear certain accessories. “We subconsciously create a space to keep us on the move and to remind us of our goal and purpose in life,” she said in an interview with StarProperty.my. Lee explains that feng shui in Chinese metaphysics is called “everything in our destiny” – which is to maximise the potential of human beings according to their fate and circumstances.
Jessie Lee
She adds that feng shui is divided into three components, which are referred to as the cosmic trinity of heaven, earth and human. Heaven is what has been fated for us, such as your birth circumstances, says Lee. It is something that a person is destined for. “When we plot our date and time of birth according to Chinese astrology, we can find out our strengths and weaknesses and how to improve our lives.” For the second component, Lee talks about the earth – or more precisely the environment. Different settings have different qi due to natural landforms, and feng shui looks at how they affect people. “Our universe is held together by an energy force which we call qi. And different places will have different types of energy, according to feng shui. “We need to know what sort of energy is present in a particular environment, so that when we buy a property it will benefit us in our life,” says Lee. She gives an example of a businessman buying a house: he has to figure out what
By VIKTOR CHONG
viktor@mystar.com.my
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR HOUSING LOAN WHEN YOU DIE?
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property investor should always look to the future as he or she plans the next course of action, and that includes considering the aspect of death. When mortality is tied to the legal implication of a housing loan, most people would be confused over the nitty-gritty. Messrs Eunice Tan & Partners founder Eunice Tan Mui Lee answers some burning questions that shine a light to this issue. If the borrower dies, how will the bank derive money to repay
sort of environment is conducive so that he can maximise his potential as an entrepreneur. The final component of the trinity, the human aspect, is based on the human psyche which deals with a person’s state of mind and mentality, among other things. Lee explains that understanding the self is essential in order for us to adjust to our environment. “Some people like a comfortable environment of dim lights and soft cushions which is very Ying because they are by nature aggressive or very Yang. “If a person is fated to be impatient, aggressive, and gets frustrated easily and lives in an environment that is very Yang or fiery, that person can’t rest.
"The mind will constantly be on the move, always thinking, and eventually the person's health will be affected,” Lee adds. Jessie Lee will be one of the speakers at the StarProperty.my fair to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Nov 11 and 12 (Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 7pm. She will focus on how feng shui can help buyers maximise their potential. There will also be a Soeil Trinity consultancy corner where three consultants will be providing complimentary tarot card readings, face and palm readings, floor plan analysis and Bazi consultation. Be sure to prepare questions about buying property and which home suits you. For more information, visit fair.starproperty.my .
Nov 11 Saturday Speaker
Time
Topic
Jessie Lee Founder of Soleil Trinity Resource
1pm – 2pm
The Right Alignments Can Benefit Your Life
Caleb Chin and Tony Yap Co-founders of Bricksmen Group
5pm – 6pm
Embracing the Evolution of Property Market
Mark Chua Founder of 925
1pm – 2pm
7 Simple Ways to Boost Your Income & Property Portfolio
Mekanik Wang Founder of Now Asia International Sdn Bhd
3pm – 4pm
The Power of Cashflow
Shan Saeed Chief economist at IQI Group Holdings
5pm – 6pm
Why Malaysia is on the Global Investors Radar
Nov 12 Sunday
the housing loan? Does it become a bad debt? No. It will not become a bad debt automatically. If the Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA) covers the housing loan, the bank will enforce the terms of the MRTA and make full repayment of the remaining balance. If this is not applicable, the next of kin or the administrator of the estate may continue to make payment. The administrator of the estate or the executor of the deceased may redeem or continue to make repayment of the housing loan from the deceased's estate. It would become a bad debt when there is no repayment towards the
housing loan from the estate of the deceased (also the borrower). If it becomes a bad debt, the bank will foreclose on the property. What are the legal steps that will happen if no will is created? If there is no will, the next of kin or the beneficiary of the deceased's estate may file an Originating Summons in court for an order to appoint the said person as the administrator of the deceased's estate. The court will determine whether there is any objection from the beneficiaries to appoint the applicant as administrator. If there is no objection, the court will grant the order appointing the
applicant as administrator of the property. Once the order is made, the administrator shall forward a copy of the court order to the bank for their record and continue to make repayment of the loan or otherwise to redeem the property from the Bank.
Eunice Tan
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MORE PROPERTIES PUT U High number of property foreclosure due to investors facing financial constraints
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CCORDING to ActionGuru.com. my, the number of properties going under the hammer continues to move in an upward trend. Based on data analysis of the property market, a total number of 6,225 residential properties valued at RM1.78bil were put up for auction in Q1 2017. This constitutes a 31% increase from the same period last year, and a 61% increase compared to the year before. The average foreclosure in each month comes to 2,075 residential units with an estimated value of RM600mil (See Graph 1) ActionGuru.com.my executive director Gary Chia says that this trend is a result of several reasons, including curtailed domestic business activities, tightening of lending criteria by the local financial institutions and the elevated level of domestic household debt. “We think that the staggering number of residential property foreclosure in Q1 2017 may also be due to investors experiencing financial constraints as rental yield is relatively low while capital appreciation is slow to materialise. “This, in turn, is affecting their loan repayments. Besides that, existing home owners could be burdened by high financing cost.” Chia reckons that the number of property owners facing foreclosure will continue to climb if the economy moves in the opposite direction. “Some of them who lost their jobs have defaulted on their mortgages while beleaguered business owners are struggling to hold on to their assets,” he says, adding that many investors who entered the market during the property market boom are now in a bind because of the implementation of cooling measures.
The rise of private auction
Private auction is the practice of individual owners deliberately putting their properties up for sale.
According to Property Auction House executive director Danny Loh, this practice is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia. “These are not distressed or foreclosed properties; the auctioneers will help these home owners who wish to sell their properties in the shortest time and at the best possible price. “The terms and conditions of sale, in particular, and the reserved price will be determined by the seller,” Loh explains. He elaborates that private auction provides openness and transparency. “A public announcement about the property will be made during the auction; nothing is hidden. “The crowd will then decide whether to make a bid based on the information available at the event. “Sale of properties through private auction removes all possibility of manipulation as well as withholding and misrepresentation of facts by estate agents,” says Loh.
Caution during an auction
While we have all heard success stories about property investors making handsome returns from foreclosures, Chia cautions the people from jumping on the bandwagon. “Our advice to the public is to be cautious in their investments because the property value is expected to remain subdued, notably in the category of commercial and office building, amid negative business sentiments and constrained household income growth. “Highly-leveraged property investors may decide to deleverage or reduce their debt when their investment units are unable to generate sufficient rental income to meet their financial obligations. "This will further aggravate and prolong the slowdown of the property market,” he explains. Having said that, Chia believes that deeply undervalued property will emerge during this adjustment period and will resuscitate buying interest from investors.
Graph 1 1Q
2015
2016
2017
Foreclosure Residential Property
RM’mil
Foreclosure Residential Property
RM’mil
Foreclosure Residential Property
RM’mil
January
1985
386
1577
418
1676
477
February
1833
324
1815
843
2094
645
March
2157
405
2050
523
2455
678
Total
5975
1115
5442
1375
6225
1780
RM
1.78
billion
6,225 residential properties valued at RM1.78bil were up for auction in Q1 2017.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are many advantages to buying properties at an auction, most notably is that you get a fair price. Loh adds that home buyers could escape the often lengthy negotiations and tedious process of purchasing a new home. More than that, there is no risk of property abandonment when buying a foreclosed property. However, one cannot overlook the downside of distressed properties. Loh says that under the terms and conditions of sale, auctioned properties are sold on an “as is where is" basis. For example, because of the "as is" condition of sale, most times the buyers do not get access to the premises for inspection and evaluation. Furthermore, there will be no vacant possession given, meaning that successful bidders have to get their vacant
possession directly from t “Moreover, there is a the lucky buyers to settle purchase price usually 90 the day of purchase. If no deposit will be forfeited," “Lastly, outstanding c maintenance fees, utility rent must be settled by th because these expenses a borne by the banks,” he a To minimise risks, pu contact the auctioneers fo the properties put up for
Important checkpoints
When buying a foreclose presents several caveats given attention to. “Always obtain a copy of Sales (POS)
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2017
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UP FOR AUCTION
rom the occupants. e is a deadline given to settle the balance of the lly 90 to 120 days from If not paid, the initial ited," says Loh. ing charges such as tility charges and quit by the successful bidder nses are sometimes not ” he adds. s, purchasers should ers for more details about p for sale.
t ints
eclosed property, Chia veats that should be
Sale (COS) from the respective auctioneer or solicitor. Read through the documents to make sure that all the details are correct. “Understand the costs to be undertaken and what will be excluded from the financial institutions or vendors,” says Chia. He adds that it is advisable to conduct a title search on the foreclosed property to find out whether there is a private caveat filed by a third party. Besides that, he warns purchasers to always check with the financier on the available loan amount for the property because the deposit paid for successful bidding is not refundable. “There is no vacant possession for auctioned foreclosed property. The successful bidder has to evict the occupier of the property with his own costs and resources,” says Chia. To learn more about property auction, log on to bit.ly/spauction.
Private auction is the practice of individual owners deliberately putting their property up for sale.
COURT AUCTION VERSUS BANK AUCTION
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copy of the Proclamation POS) and Conditions of Property Auction House executive director Danny T. F. Loh
HERE are two types of property auction. Loan Agreement Cum Assignment (LACA) auction is done by banks either on their own or through third-party agents for properties without individual or strata title. Non-LACA auction is done through the High Court or Land Office for properties with individual or strata title. Both auctions are open to public participation. Here are some of the main differences between Non-LACA Auction and LACA Auction: Non-LACA auction
LACA auction
Introduction
Non-LACA property auction is conducted by the High Court or Land Office for properties with an individual or strata title.
A LACA property auction is conducted by banks for properties without an individual or strata title.
Legalities
Governed by the National Land Code (NLC), it si usually conducted at the court or land office. When the debtor can't pay the housing loan, the bank could apply for the auction process from the High Court or the land office. Before the auction, the NLC dictates that the auction be publicly advertised, the conditions of sale to be prepared, and to deposit the individual or strata title in Court.
Not governed by specific legalities, terms and conditions are varied according to different contracts, and usually target properties without the issuance of individual title or strata title. The debtor uses the property as collateral for a bank, hence when the debtor is unable to repay the loan, the bank could auction the property based on the deed of assignment.
Participation
Only those who prepare Only those who prepare a a bank draft can bank draft can participate participate in the auction. in the auction. However, members of the public can observe the auction process.
Process
The High Court will assign No court proceedings. The the auction units to the auction is commenced auctioneer. by sending a letter to terminate the borrower’s licence to occupy the property.
Deposit
Bidders must put down 10% deposit.
Online auction listings platform ActionGuru. com.my executive director Gary Chia
Bidders have to pay 5% to 10% deposit, depending on different banks.
developments
STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2017
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LAKESIDE LIVING IN THE HEART OF PJ
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Sunway Serene Residence will add to the rich landscape of a mature neighbourhood
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HESE days, young urban Malaysians constantly lament the lack of housing opportunities within prime locations. Yet, despite the soft market, eager property seekers are on the lookout for homes within mature neighbourhoods. They would have cause to cheer with the launch of Sunway Serene Residence – a property that offers lakeside living in the heart of Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The development spans across 17 acres and comprises bungalows and semi-D’s in the sky. Tower A (52 storeys) will house 452 units and Tower B (51 storeys) will have 442 units. These units size range from 892 sq ft to 1,788 sq ft, which are ideal for upgraders or young professionals. Sunway Serene is an urban oasis which weaves architectural forms with parks and open space. This development has all the earmarks of a Sunway Property masterpiece, with strong emphasis on connectivity and sustainability. It takes vision, experience and artistry to create lakeside living spaces within Petaling Jaya, and Sunway Property has again lived up to its reputation of being a titan in the industry. As a result of such thoughtful planning, Sunway Serene residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle being surrounded by greenery beside a serene lake and breathtaking views of
the Subang Golf Course.
Wide range of facilities
Sunway Serene offers more than 50 types of facilities with low maintenance fees. Such a wide range of facilities will cater to the needs of all residents at this development. Sunway Property has invested in beautifying a 15-acre public lake, transforming it from a waste pond into a scenic community pool that is suitable for recreational activities. The developer has also built a 1.2km jogging track by the lake for the enjoyment of residents as well as members of the public. Besides that, adults and children can float along a 210m lazy river. A Mini Water Play area will also be available for children to slide and splash to theri hearts' content. Another key facility is The Sky Gym that overlooks Petaling Jaya. With its great view, the gym will surely entice residents and visitors to work out there. After an exhausting session at the gym, residents will likely head for the Sky Jacuzzi on level 50 to ease their tired muscles. Even better, enjoy a relaxing dip in the Olympic-length infinity pool after an arduous day at the office. For the more energetic and athletic, there is an indoor badminton court as well as a multi-purpose court that can
be used for playing futsal or basketball. Another unique feature at Sunway Serene is the 24-hour infirmary operated by Sunway Medical Centre. The nurse who is stationed at the infirmary will be able to provide first aid assistance and treat minor conditions like fever, cough, gastric pain, sore throat and diarrhea. The infirmary will also provide screenings for blood pressure and glucose levels. Health education workshops will be conducted at the centre as the developer continues to meet the needs of all residents from infants to the elderly. Residents wishing to host simple gatherings or events could use the Sky Lounge. Other facilities within the development include a herb or hydroponic garden, multi-purpose room, hammock garden, pool viewing lounge, BBQ terrace, multi-purpose hall, mini library, theatre room, games room, yoga room, outdoor gym, cabana lounge and surau .
avenue for family time beyond the perimeters of their property. This much-coveted development is accessible via major roads and highways, namely the DamansaraPuchong Expressway (LDP), Federal Highway, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas). Getting into Sunway Serene will be made easier with a 260m-long paved scenic bridge. Built especially for residents, the driveway is envisaged to reduce traffic in the area and residents will not be caught in peak-hour traffic. Access to destinations in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur is available via toll-free routes from Sunway Serene. Residents can also rely on public transportation as the Setia Jaya BRT station, Setia Jaya KTM station and Kelana Jaya LRT station are all close by. The icing on the cake is the development’s proximity to some of the top tertiary institutions in the country, including Sunway University, Monash University, Inti College and Taylor’s University. For more information, visit www. sunwayserene.com or call 017-964 0788.
Easy to get in and out
Its location in the neighbourhood of Petaling Jaya affords Sunway Serene a comprehensive set of amenities and infrastructure. Nearby shopping centres include Paradigm Mall and Sunway Pyramid which give homeowners another
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1 The development overlooks the serene lake and 18-hole Subang Golf Course. 2 The living area at the show unit. 3 Parents and their children can enjoy floating along the 210m river. 4 After an arduous day at work, Sunway Serene residents can have a relaxing time at the Olympic-length infinity pool.
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STARPROPERTY.MY WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER 2017
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viktorchong@mystar.com.my
HOW TO SPOT A SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD Do some checking before moving your family to another housing area
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VERYBODY wants to live in a neighbourhood that is free of crime. When it comes to raising children, parents will go to great lengths to make sure that their young ones are not influenced and affected by any form of negativity, both psychological and physical. Here are a few things you could do to find out more about a particular neighbourhood before deciding to move there.
Tour the area
Damage to public property paints a picture of the community that is living there. Broken lampposts, busted seats at the bus stop, graffiti on the walls of private property and shattered glass are
signs of a violent society. You should also take into account the amount of abandoned developments in the vicinity because these places attract homeless people and drug addicts. Desperation and poverty will usually pressure these people into committing undesirable activities. A well-kept neighbourhood, on the other hand, should be filled with neat houses, tidy lawns and beautiful gardens.
Check out the nightbirds
Time factor plays a vital role when it involves crime. Revisit an area when it is dark to find out more. Note the presence of teenagers in groups or any gang of motorcycle riders in the area. Illegal motorcycle and car racing usually commence when darkness sets in.
Introduce yourself to your potential neighbours, you could ask them about the recent crime that happened around there.
The presence of undesirable elements will give you an idea of the number of delinquents in the neighbourhood.
Sampling tours
Visiting the neighbourhood once isn’t enough for you to form an opinion on whether it's a suitable housing area. Tour the place a few more times at different intervals to gain a better understanding of the events that occur there. It may sound tedious, but a quality environment is important if you intend to raise your children there.
Speak to the locals
As Malaysians, we understand that the local 24-hour Mamak restaurant is a treasure trove when it concerns political gossips and other local issues. Choose an appropriate time to strike a conversation with the workers, best if it is a few hours after breakfast. The shop owner will be more than happy to kill time by telling
you about the goings-on in the area. Better still, introduce yourself to your potential neighbours. You could ask them about the recent crime that occurred around there. Ask their opinion if this is a suitable place for your family.
Threat from local wildlife
If you are planning to raise your children in a more traditional setting, it would be advisable to consider the local wildlife. A rural village in the jungle should not be too far from a hospital. Access to quality medical treatment is vital when faced with the threat of poisonous snakes and wild animals. The native folk could give you information on the presence of any deadly predators that roam the area.
Nearby entertainment Not unlike abandoned developments, discos and bars attract drunk people and drug peddlers. Entertainment
outlets should not be too close to residential units to avoid loud music as well as unruly people. A quick check using google maps will help you understand more about the surrounding area.
Gated with security
The location of the property in a gated community with security is a bonus. Being near a police station will also be beneficial. The frequency of police patrols and vigilance from the local Rela community should be known.
Signs of labour flight
Are there many houses in the area that are left unsold? A surplus of unsold property may be an indication of a downturn market or the residential area being far away from amenities and facilities. The shift of labour to the cities will create unemployment and result in a demographic exodus. A neighbourhood that is too quiet will attract crime.
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