Property Malaysia

Reader Saiful has sent in some recent photos of Sierra Residency. Sorry for the delay in putting them up, we’ve been having a bit of problems with our internet connection.

For the original review of Sierra Residency and a lively ongoing discussion, you can read it here.

Got the invite via SMS and a letter that came today.

Perumahan Kinrara Bhd will be launching their latest linkhouse tomorrow with the following details:

If it is going to be anything like the last launch, the response should be very good. Units purchased are based on balloting basis. For more info, you can check out the developer’s homepage here. You can also download a copy of the brochure.

Seven reviews for July, not a bad catch. And they were all before the property exhibition season in end-July to August. As usual, the project reviews page has been updated.

The July reviews are as follows:
Matahari, Desa Sri Hartamas
Seni, Mont’Kiara
Challis Damansara, Sunway Damansara
Alam Idaman, Taman Tasik Puchong
Elite Apartments, Taman Mas Sepang
Ampersand@Kia Peng, Ampang
Ceriaan Kiara, Mont’Kiara

This project was launched during the recent Homebuyer International 07.

For a couple of good reasons, many having been anticipating this project with some anticipation. Negara Properties has been low profile in the last few years around the Melawati area, but of recent times, there’s been some talk of resurgence spearheaded by their Melawati Urban 1 project and of course, this one.

Taman Melawati was practically built by Negara Properties back in the 70’s and 80’s. After almost fully developing what was once a tranquil green area between Hulu Kelang and Gombak, they slowed down while maintaining some parcels of land here and there as the area grew into maturity. In the last couple of years, a few other developers have entered the Melawati area as part of the anticipated boom in high end property in this area, as part of the ripple effect from the KLCC / Ampang area.

Some developers have bought up sizable land for landed homes, like Mutiara Goodyear, SDB Properties, Loh and Loh and Lum Chang. Others projects are smaller, built on plots at the fringe of the existing development, like Amberhill, Kemensah Residency and Kemensah Mewah.

3residen is on a parcel of land away from these proposed developments and the existing neighbourhood. It is still next to Taman Melawati, but 3residen is part of a newer area of development further up along the MRR2. The location is across the highway from the shoplots developed by Platinum Victory as part of their project in the Taman Melati area. At the moment the project has a good view of the limestone hills, and is served by a direct turn-off from the highway, after the KL Football Academy field.

The area is a strong point in the marketing strategy of 3Residen, given that the site is located at the foothills of greenery and the limestone hills that Melawati is famous for, the very same one that most of the competition here also uses in their brochures, too. But Negara Properties have a slight advantage in that they know Melawati, given that they are the ones that developed a huge portion of it in the first place, and that experience should count for something.

The project consists of two towers, one is a mid-rise and another tower is lower rise. A large portion of the 3.3 acres for the development is taken up by the ground level facilities and parking structure. The project design seem to revolve around the concept of three, the towers have 3 small wings that have two adjoining units giving a total of 6 units per floor. There are also 3 types of single units available, with sizes at 1,389sq.ft., 1,206sq.ft. and 1,098sq.ft.

The units are designed with the “semi-D” design primarily, given that there are two units per wing per floor. The largest type (Type A) has 3+1 rooms while the other two have 3 rooms. But even at 3 rooms, all units have with a special enclave that can be separated out to be an AV or family room. Alternatively, that space can be used to make the living bigger if you find it small. All typical units have 2 baths. One attraction is that there is a large foyer to accommodate your shoe cabinets and store, and the yard is adequate, unlike some really small ones that we’ve seen. All units come with balcony and ample a/c ledges.

There are two types of penthouse layout available, both are 1 and a half storey duplexes. The highlight here is Sala and Jacuzzi. What’s a sala? It’s a Thai-style open pavilion, we learnt this from Wikipedia. Wow, what buzzword will they think of next?

In terms of facilities, they are putting the large area available to good use. The landscaping and pergola design looks appealing, but of course the main focus of attention is the surrounding natural greenery and scenery.

Some property folks have been saying that Melawati is building up to be the next growth area for the last 2 years already, but some are still waiting for it to happen. While some of the anticipated projects focus mainly on the upmarket hillside homes segment, there aren’t that many that cater for the mid-rise condo market that isn’t too expensive. This looks good on most fronts, but certain people may have some misgivings of staying so near the MRR2.

Pricing on the average is RM280psf, maintenance fee is 20sen psf, please check with salespeople for details.

Right after the International Homebuyer last weekend, there are two more big property show in the next 2 consecutive weekends. Today, MAPEX started at Mid-Valley, there was actually a special pull-out in the papers.

Malaysia Property Exposition (MAPEX ) 2007 Klang Valley

Date: 3 August 2007 - 5 August 2007 (Friday to Sunday)
Venue: Halls 2 & 3, Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC), Mid Valley Megamall.
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Admission: FREE
Organizer: Real Estate & Housing Developer’s Association Malaysia
(REHDA Malaysia)
Telephone: 603-7803 2978
Fax: 603-7803 5285 / 7805 1206
Website: http://www.rehda.com

Mega Malaysia Property Showcase 2007

Date: 10 to 12 August 2007 (Friday to Sunday)
Venue: Matrade Building.
Opening Hours: Not sure, but should be the usual-lah.
Admission: FREE
Organizer: Exhibition Guide (M) Sdn Bhd
Telephone: 603 9056 3323/012 3062 980

We never get tired of marvelling at the cute, ergonomically constructed homes some Europeans like the design and build. Like this one, by Tommie Wilhelmsen called Kolonihagen Summerhouse.

Very cute.

(source: here)

The sleeping area is above the small porch, and the kitchen is really minimalist.

For more pics and story, check it out here.