Property Malaysia

Now this is a different development in Malaysia, probably the only one. Or at least the only one that is to this quality in terms of concept.

Let’s start from the very beginning. Long ago (in the 70’s) Selangor Properties owned two hilltop lowrise condominium development atop the hill at Ukay Heights, called Century Garden and Emerald Hill (we’re not particularly sure of the name, but it was very well-known back then). They mainly rented the units out, particularly to the expats working in the nearby International School. Then some time back they sold them to E&O and later, the current developer has relaunched the units under the marque of Maple Homes.

There are actually two separate plots of land near each other, but there is no connecting road. Both have separate access roads. Puncak Ukay is the smaller of the two, but situated on a higher elevation. Ukay Bayu will have a swimming pool and many more units to choose from. In this review, both will be regarded as one single development.

What they have essentially done was first strip everything off from the units right down to the bare structure – the flooring, wiring, sanitaryware, everything. Then they refurbished everything again with modern fittings and finishings, just like what you would expect in a brand new luxury condo in Mont’Kiara or Damansara Heights. They even added a lift to every block, and added modern features like sliding doors, full height windows and pretty cornices.

But they maintain some aspects of the façade, like the railings, pigeon holes, maintaining the look and feel of a house from that era, a sort of colonial-influenced Malaysian home.

Let us just say it here and now – we loved it. Absolutely loved it. We have a soft spot for heritage-styled buildings, and let us just tell you, the view from the unit is fabulous. The units in the higher Puncak Ukay face KLCC, whereas Ukay Bayu looks into the Klang Valley in other directions, like Ampang Jaya and Cheras. The project has maintained all the shady mature trees and original covered parking structures, giving the surroundings a cool, secluded feel. Other developments have to wait like 2 years for trees and landscaping to come anywhere near fully grown, this one has an unbeatable environment.

The road leading up to the development passes through all those old money bungalows dotting the hillside and greenery. Access is either from Jalan Ukay or the MRR2 (via Jalan Ampang). The development is surrounded by greenery and bungalow lots in Taman Hijau, Taman SA, etc – so you don’t have to worry about having your view blocked by anything, it’s already at the top of the hill where Ukay Heights in situated.

There are 8 blocks in Ukay Bayu and 3 in Puncak Ukay. All blocks have only two units per floor (designated left or right unit) and only 4 or 5 levels of unit, with the exception of Block 8 which has 5 levels. The penthouse units come with a roof terrace with garden, and the ground floor units come with the garden surrounding the block. It’s good for those people who fancy a patch of green, and don’t mind you neighbours above you looking down at you while you’re gardening. The lowest units don’t hae much of a view, though. Some blocks have the entrance at ground floor, but some are at mid-level, so in all there is a myriad of unit types for you to choose from.

The units are small, given that they were designed long ago before the age of obscenely large condos you see everywhere these days. Units are from 1,121 to 1,440sq.ft, with 2+1 bedrooms (penthouse from 1,523 to 2,052sq.ft). The exception is Block 7 & 8, where the units are 2,192sq.ft (penthouse 3,126sq.ft) with 3 rooms. Perhaps the developer could have combined some of the adjoining units to get one large unit per floor, but we think they resisted that idea to maintain the concept of the development. But apparently some of the buyers are doing that.

2+1 rooms and a modest build-up mean that it’s only suitable for very small families or couples, or renting out to these kinds of tenants. Apparently, the previous tenants of the place were mainly from the International School staying for many, many years, some of which are keen to come back once the refurbishment is completed to stay back here again. We can really understand why.

Puncak Ukay and Ukay Bayu is priced at RM400 to 450psf., which a unit is available for about RM500k. Sure in Mont’Kiara you can get a larger, spanking new unit for the same price (not to mention loads of nifty facilities too) but this place has something you can’t find anywhere else, that old world charm and architecture, a fantastic view, and a very low density populace (there are only 65 units in Ukay Bayu and 24 in Puncak Ukay).

Maintenance fee is 30sen for UB and 50sen for PU. There is a new guardhouse under construction, a refurbished swimming pool, landscaped gardens, playground and a BBQ area. Unit comes with 2 covered parking bays and the developer is throwing in some freebies like air-conditioning and heater.

Some units have small balcony (very nice for a morning cup of coffee while enjoying the sunrise view), some have a full height sliding door and railing, which we thought was a little dangerous…! One complaint is that for the price of a new unit, you’re getting an old structure (albeit with new fittings), so concrete creep and strain may be expected, but we expect the developers to have done touch up and strengthening works. Also, while the surrounding is mainly nice bungalows and older homes, the area immediately after the Ukay Heights zone is very different.

As we said, we were thrilled with the place. But we have to admit, it’s also not for everyone. It’s not overly expensive, and it has character. We also realize that small units are not ideal, and that from an investor’s point of view, it isn’t the best vehicle, so we guess it only for those who can afford it and appreciate it’s charm.

The brochures gives some excellent photos of the area’s surrounding, but looking at it and the floor plans don’t really do justice to seeing it for yourself.