Property Malaysia

Ooof. Once awhile we get these projects we know has its qualities, but just can’t help feeling jaded looking at it (and writing about it). Maybe we’re just being petty, so we’ll keep this review short and no-frills (We have this huge bone to pick with the sales person, but let’s just keep to the facts about the apartment).

Probably everyone who’s apartment hunting in PJ would have seen or at least heard of this place. The earlier Ken Damansara sold really well, and there is a third condo was just launched last weekend (we’re received 5 e-mails in one day. Talk about SMS spamming). They are all next to each other, and they marketing it as the Ken Damansara trilogy (please insert your own LOTR or Star Wars joke here.)

Right. We’re keeping this short. The price is affordable (RM196psf. to RM240psf.). The location, fabulous (right between Damansara Intan, Damansara Kim, Damansara Utama, Damansara Jaya and SS2. Oh look, we only mentioned Damansara four times…). The developers are calling this the “Golden Triangle of SS2” (We learn NEW things on the job everyday…!)

Most young adults who are working in the suburbs or KL want a cool, new place to stay where it’s convenient to move about. No hassle of a big home for the mobile generation, plus there are facilities like pool, gym, convenience store right at the doorstep. It’s a yuppie dream.

Access to the condo is via two alternatives, one KL on the Sprint highway, or through Jalan SS2/72, which is basically through the existing linkhouses and older part of SS2. The access road to all three Ken condos is quite narrow and tight, one wonders with the roadside parking for other nearby condos and Damansara Intan, how will it be in the future.

(Location map will be uploaded soon, thanks for being patient!)

For Ken II, there are 271 units, including 8 penthouses, and 4 ‘ultra-exclusive’ super-penthouses. For typical units, there is a choice of 3 layouts, 1,291sq.ft, 1,439sq.ft and 1,565sq.ft.

Type A (1,565sq.ft) is the largest typical unit. It comes with a large balcony, and 3+1 rooms. There are 2 baths, and the yard is quite large, forming an ‘L’ shape. The dry kitchen is open to the dining and living, and the wet kitchen is quite small. We suppose it’s a trade-off with the yard.

Type B (1,439sq.ft) is similar, but the living and dining is smaller. Type C (1,291sq.ft) is proportionately smaller, but without the maid/utility, leaving only three rooms. All 3 units are nicely laid out, no major complaints here, appealing to families and students renting. With two towers, each tower has two wings, each wing has only 4 corner units.

One note, though, potential buyers are advised to study the dimensions of the spaces and rooms in the unit properly to get a feel of the sizing.

They are giving a few renovation packages such as more power points and air-conditioning wiring, all at fixed prices for the convenience of the buyer.

The main draw of this place is the quite affordable price, going for RM196 to 240psf. The marketing people have come up with this almost convincing plan to show your immediate returns on this property, touting about 30% returns. We suppose the good location is a major factor.

In conclusion, not much to complain (except our experience there), may interest investors. After all, prime land left for development in SS2 is extremely scarce, and existing property prices are nothing less than astronomical.