Property Malaysia

If you have ever been to the top of the new Sunway hotel or played futsal at the sports complex at Bandar Sunway, you would have noticed the large tract of previously undeveloped land left behind Sunway Lagoon. The land is extends all the way to the river separating Puchong and Sunway, and is characteristic for the large depression in middle left behind by activities of a bygone decade.

Now Sunway is developing and launching what could be the last major piece of land Bandar Sunway into an exclusive lakeside development known as South Quay City. In their own words, they are turning this 178-acre site into a “vibrant waterfront precinct with top-notch residential estates, respectable educational institutions, as well as world-class integrated services and facilities with ancillary commercial elements”. Apparently, they had a competition among the architects and this design was taken from the winner’s work.

They have laid out an impressive master development plan for the area, stretching from the LDP right up to the existing Monash University. The development is sparse, in line with making this a rather low density upmarket area.

Quay? Never mind. The complete, unabridged named for this parcel is actually BayRocks Garden Waterfront Villas at Sunway South Quay, A Lakeside Metropolis. Wow, try saying that fast. They’ve all the marketing angles covered there in a kind of overkill way, haven’t they? I mean, we get it, it’s lakeside. Water. Quay. Bay. Garden. Villas. Metropolis reminds us of some comic-book superhero.

Marketing aside, the rest of South Quay will mainly be condos and other highrise development, although a lot of it is still on the drawing board at the moment. What is set in stone is BayRocks, the bungalow parcel, consisting of 77 units. They are arranged in 6 rows of homes in an arc cascading down to the lake, somewhat like an open air auditorium (incidentally there’s one in nearby Sunway Lagoon). Obviously, there are 11 units that is the fastest to be snatched up, that would the row right next to the lake. In the centre of the lakeside row, is the management office.

When we stood at the site, the immediate impression is that it’s a low point, and you can see all around you it’s higher than you, although it’s a big, big area. Sort of like standing at the centre of a huge, shallow dinner plate.

There are 4 types of designs to choose from – 11 units Aquara (6,662sq.ft.), 26 units of Bayuna (6,757sq.ft.), 28 units of Curentia (6,659sq.ft.) 11 units of Dalluria (6,469sq.ft.). All the units are two and a half storeys, extravagantly designed with your own private plunge pool, feature wall, and a water feature. Very impressive. Some units even come with the option of installing a private lift, this is fast becoming a trendy must-have with all the new super-expensive launches in KL these days.

All the trappings of the rich and famous are there – 5+1 rooms minimum, AV room, large full height windows, wide parking enough for 3 cars, landscaped features, quality fittings and finishing.

This is one of those projects that are limited to those who can really afford it, the price tag is from RM4,530,000 to RM6,178,000. In this area, there isn’t any other project like it, so it can’t really be compared on an apple to apple basis. Even neighbouring Casabella doesn’t quite match up in terms of the surrounding, although if in terms of interior only, there may be some justification for comparison.

Sunway is selling the whole environment of a tropical-lakeside concept for South Quay. They are also throwing in lots of freebies to give added value to the pricey homes, and the location and connectivity of Sunway is pretty good, and is well-documented elsewhere.

We like the façade of the homes, there’s an interesting mix of old-world elements in there with the new. We are actually quite interested to see the launch of the condo units, especially if they are going to make it for a more affordable price range. Would we buy it if we were in the market and can afford it? Probably not, we aren’t fans of Bandar Sunway. Although, with this, it only serves to make the upcoming condos more viable. You should drop by to see the appointment only show units.

This project will be financed by Kuwait Finance House along the Islamic principle of Musyarakah (joint-venture profit sharing).