Property Malaysia

UPDATE DEC ‘06: You can find recent site progress photos of both the Meritz and K Residence HERE.

Speaking of KLCC condos, there are those with a great view of the twin towers, and there are those with less than great views. And then there are those just across the road but without a view of it.

We are speaking, of course, about the Meritz, developed by DNP on Jalan Mayang, which is within walking distance across the road from Jalan Ampang. However, they were quick to let us know there WON’T be a KLCC view, because they are developing an office block obscuring the direct view.

But the other perks of being so close to KLCC are still on offer, notwithstanding. LRT station, good bus and taxi service, shoppers paradise, prestigious address, right in the central business district, you know the usual drill.

For the Meritz, they are offering 110 units of condominium on commercial land, although they are carefully choosing not to use the term ‘service apartments’. Their view is that it’s basically a residential-type apartment, and does not have the facilities and services that serviced apartment normally provide, like launderette, bistros, convenience stores, day-care centre, etc. However, it is still on commercial land, and the management fee reflects the higher rates (45sen psf) you will be paying.

There are basically 2 types of units on offer, either 2-room (at about 1,400sq.ft) and at a 3-room version (at about 1,500sq.ft). Both unit types have a few minor variants, giving a slightly broader range for the buyer, but it is still limited to 2 or 3 rooms only. There are 4 duplex penthouse units, but all of them ALSO have only 3 rooms.

Each floor basically has 5 units only, with 6 levels of parking at the lower floors, and 2 floors of common facilities. The facilities include swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, function rooms and basically the usual amenities and luxuries you would expect from a condo of this type.

The façade of the building eschews the current trend of full glazing windows and steel look, it opts for a more distinct boxy concrete white-look, with some irregularities in the patterns. Some people are not too bothered with building façades, but the more artistically or aesthetically inclined among us might object.

The 3-room apartment which is about RM1,500sq.ft, does not emphasize not luxurious space. The master bedroom is quite small, and can’t really fit a full set of wardrobe comfortably. The second and third rooms are well-sized and share a non-attached common bath, which also triples-up as a powder room for guests. The dining and living has full height windows, but not a large view. Of course you probably need to consider the view your unit will be facing.

As for the kitchen, it is decent sized, but no wet kitchen. The yard is too small, with only space for washing machine. The utility/maid will have problems even fitting a bed. This unit type however, has an advantage over the more numerous 2-bedroom type, since it is situated at one end of the building and does not share a common party wall with another unit.

The 2-bedroom unit at about 1,400sq.ft, is more proportionately sized. The living and dining is larger, and the master bedroom is also larger and decidedly more comfortable. However, the kitchen, yard and utility is still very tight. This unit also comes with a hidden storage area / shoe cabinet, if covered with smart interior designing, looks quite impressive.

The kitchen comes equipped with appliances, and a washing machine is provided (and dryer, too for larger units). The finishing materials are adequately impressive.

Each unit comes with a parking bay, but you need to pay RM40,000 for it (!). At the moment it is comes with a considerable discount, but still…? There’s more. No additional parking bays are available for sale, so if you have more than 1 car, you need to find parking elsewhere (!!!).

The developer has completed 8 Ampang Hilir and Lanson Place Ambassador Row, both in the Ampang area. The WingTai Asia Group has many properties is Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.