Zen Residence, Puchong
We were told it was going to be the tallest condominium in Puchong. Not much competition for that award in Puchong really, there’s no particular shortage of developable land here. But Zen Residence, launched recently, is a pretty ambitious but competitively priced entry into the condo market.
Where in Puchong? Puchong is really large, and when you mention it to someone not staying here, they’ll most probably think of IOI’s Bandar Puteri or SP Setia’s Setia Walk project, or some recognizable landmark like IOI Mall or Tesco. Well, Zen Residence is located next to Puchong Hartamas, which is located somewhere behind the aforemention Bandar Puteri, on the old Batu 14 road (which has now been upgraded) serving as a shortcut to Puchong Utama / Bandar Bukit Puchong. There aren’t any other condo projects here at the moment, except for the completed Koi Tropika. Most of the surrounding areas are existing village. If you have problems locating the site, just look for the three prominent factories in this area - Pelikan, Tractors Malaysia and DHL and you see it on the opposite side of the road.
But for those who know this area, you’ll also probably associate it with another important aspect - the upgraded dual carriageway that will serve as Zen Residence’s main access road. The road curves dangerously from the LDP, and is notoriously for being an accident stretch. And during peak hours, the traffic is pretty nasty here, not helped by the many closely spaced traffic lights and the many people trying to get out onto the LDP.
But anyway, back to Zen Residence. First off we’d like to say we’re pretty impressed by the marketing done by these folks - pretty classy and appealing to the modern buyer, when they can easily have gone the opposite direction used by most other development within this price range. There are two towers that are almost symmetrical, separated by garden space and a ‘floating’ 2-storey clubhouse. It doesn’t defy gravity, its just that its on an elevated floor. Much of the space available is used for landscaped gardens and facilities, partly due to the fact that the odd shape of the land doesn’t permit for more space for tower blocks. They’re marketing this condo as one that has a lot of facilities, with highlights such as a Zen-inspired pool, squash courst, glass gymnasium, and lower wading pool, etc. As they’ve chosen this Zen theme, some of the facilities have a Japanese inspired elements, which is well implemented for a small development like this one.
The first tower, Tower A, is now open for sale. There are only 8 units per floor, and they’ve touted it as every unit being a corner unit, meaning that each unit shares a common wall with only one other unit. While the unit types start from Type A all the way down to Type G, there are basically two layouts to choose from, the difference between the unit types is mainly the orientation and the slight variance on the size. The size range is from 1,178sq.ft. up to the largest of 1,493sq.ft. and the units have 3 or 3+1 rooms. All units come with a lanai, a concept which we prefer over the more common balcony. Well, if you have the space, might as well make it into a lanai which forms an extension of your living room rather than a balcony which would not be used as much.
The range of size start quite large, meaning they are targeting more to families and young couples, not so much emphasizing on the bachelor pad niche. This also show in that they’ve provided a walk-in closet for the masterbedroom, and a large bath too. Other than the standard packaged stuff like security and discounts, they are offering 2 parking bays per unit and first year free service and maintenance charge. They are also offering an upgrade package that is quite attractive, all to entice families and investors to put their investments here. Some of the parking bays are located on ground level, but most of it is in a multi-storey parking structure that is connected to each of the tower.
So which units are the desirable ones? Frankly, there isn’t much to see surrounding this place, so the best bet are the ones looking down onto the pool.
Price wise, although the brochure notes that the cheapest price is RM100k, we are told that the lowest priced unit actually starts from RM280k onwards. This is about RM235psf onwards. Some purchasers may have qualms above this pricing for an area that is quite away from any main commercial area (the nearest would probably be Bandar Puteri 5) and less developed area, but the developed is selling the concept of a slightly higher market condo. Do we like it? Yeah, as we said, it looked impressive, but the pricing may inhibit some quarters who are looking for their first home.
The developer is serious about selling their product - they’ve hired a marketing consultant. Their website does not mention any previous projects.
| Project Name | Zen Residence |
| Location | Puchong |
| Description | Two blocks of residential condominium |
| Land type | Leasehold |
| Development size | 4.16 acres |
| Encumbrance | Charged to AmBank |
| Price | RM280,000 to RM1,040,000 (starting from RM235psf. |
| Unit size | 1,178 – 1,493sq. ft. |
| No of units | 286 |
| Launch Date | now available |
| Expected Completion | end 2011 |
| Developer | Sentral City (M) Sdn. Bhd. |
| Contact | 03 – 8061 1238 |
| Website | www.sentralcity.com.my |
from the pixs rendering, it doesn’t look like lanai. Thought lanai has full window closure?
is the price quoted here before discount? from their website, can get max. 30k discount or 10%. Is this true?
Concept and facade pretty much up-to-date, but didn’t like the outside toilets for bedroom 2 and 3, even for 13XXsqft unit.
And the floating club house, design doesn’t go well with the building.
Price wise, will give Setia Walk a run for its money.
Comment by linustw — November 27, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
we’re told that the discount is on for a limited time, something like an early bird discount, but its best to talk to the salespeople for details.
yeah i definitely feel its gonna an excellent alternative to Setia Walk, but of course SW has a more complete ‘lifestyle’ mall and shops there.
Comment by Administrator — November 27, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
RM280,000 to RM1,040,000? developer ni sudah gila ke? overpricedlah!
Comment by nik271 — November 27, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Puchong is really a strategy place but traffic is worst in the peak hour.
Comment by Horizon — November 27, 2008 @ 6:53 pm
setia walk will be quite congested based on what I seen. Zen residence has 4 ways to go to
1) via Tractor’s Malaysia
2) Bandar Puteri via DHL
3) Bandar Puteri via Puchong Hartamas
4) LDP via Bandar Bukit Puchong exit
Comment by James — December 1, 2008 @ 8:15 am
Access is not a problem but it could get congested during peak periods and admin is right about the twisty dangerous roads.
I live nearby and accidents where drivers overshoot a corner or knock down light poles are common
MPSJ will also have to do something about the surrounding area esp. the cow shed nearby.
The dirty pens of cows and goats housed nearby and kampung vibe doesn’t blend well with the Zen’s modern looks
Comment by aaronpang — December 5, 2008 @ 10:44 am
anyone has any idea on what is the future plan for the surronding areas( kampung, factory, etc…) of zen residence?
Comment by pprr — December 6, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
I was told the developer has a JV arrangement to build commercial shops in place of those old houses. I think it will be great if it happen. But it might spoil the tranquility of the Zen Residence…ha, such an irony.
Comment by Jason L — December 16, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
I bought a small unit because of the quardrant security they offer. Hard to find a safe place to live in affordable price. I hope they keep their promise! Beside not having to pay the bank until deliver helps.
Comment by Joveena — December 18, 2008 @ 11:47 am
I totally agree with Joveena on the security issue. I bought Zen Residence for the same reason. My present house had been broken in twice this year, really feel unsafe even at home now. Well, just hope Zen can be ready soon, can’t wait to use the big bathroom…really love it
Comment by Jason L — December 25, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
dear nik271
I cannot help but notice that you constantly mention this overpriced or that overpriced…
well… face it… if you don’t have the money, please go to other forums and find something u can afford…
Comment by nikloser — December 28, 2008 @ 12:40 am
I think I like the hotspring in the clubhouse.Something unique.I wonder what will it be in real.Hope they really do something nice as what they have claimed….But I bought one because of the security and the open lanai.
Comment by James C — December 30, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Moderate density, good concept, free 5 yrs maintainence fee :O and each unit comes with 2 carparks, great plus point.. But building with kampung surrounding..
Comment by jean — December 30, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
went to view their show unit and was quite impressed with the overall design and also the security concept. I think it will be a good buy if they could deliver what they promise. I think it’s better than Aseana……….
Comment by Sean — January 5, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
I been to the showroom and we place the deposit on the first day we visit. The very impressive layout, Spacious Master bathroom & Lanai is the best we like.Moreover,the concept of the condo with Zen garden, pool, hot spring etc is something we looking forward. But after we consider very seriously, i decide to cancel the puchasing on this condo. The reason is the location is position around kampung, the road with too many traffic light, Have a very nearby school around with lot of noise and it remind me i not staying in city but in kampung eventhought the developer saying that the area will be change in future but matter is how long to wait. I hope that this kind of layout and concept of condo can find a better location to place. The location is totally cant accepted. Of cause, the price a bit high but still acceptable if the location is more convenies and strategy location. From very serious buyer
Comment by simon — January 30, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Simon
Why worry? With high parameter fencing walls plus 24 hrs securities you will be living in your own serene world. Look at the Sri Hartamas Condos and Aman Suria, they are also next to kampung & new village and many traffic lights to reach there also.
What is important you like the condo, the accessibility and the nearby township.
Comment by Joveena — January 30, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
Went to the show unit that day, like the lanai, like the bath room, like the 6-tier security, like the 14 foot wide living hall, like the big swiming pool, like the green surrounding, like the generous 2 parking bay per unit, like the ready made interior and renovation, like the “every unit is corner unit”, like the 6 foot window, like the low density, like the freebies, like the low downpayment, like the free 5 years maintenance fee.. but I am earning peanut :p .. better luck next time
..
Comment by jean — January 31, 2009 @ 3:31 am
Hi. I’m new to this web community. I would like to puchase a double storey intermediate house (~5 year old) at Puchong Utama 2. I was told the BU 1900sq, and size 22x75. The asking price is RM280k. Anybody staying there? Can you share with me? Is the price fair? Thanks
Comment by Pak Lah — February 1, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Hi Pak Lah,
I’m now staying in Puchong Utama 2. I bought the house (corner lot, 75x22+20) in Feb 2008 for RM400k. The house was without renovation. If I remember correctly, when the first launched the units in 2003/3004, the intermediate unit was priced at ~ 240k. The newer phase, Puchong Utama 1, intermediate units fetch around 300k. So I think 280k for PU2 intermediate unit is quite reasonable but also depends on the conditions of the house. I would say the location and environment of PU2 is not bad but not the layout & interior of the house. I spent quite a bit to renovate the house to make it look nice. Value for money for the lot size and built-up area comparing with other project surrounding…….
Comment by Sean — February 3, 2009 @ 11:12 am
Pak Lah,
280K for a 22X75 house is too cheap to be true in Puchong area. I will grab it fast before someone else got it.
Comment by Jason L — February 20, 2009 @ 11:56 pm
Hi everyone,
wanna ask some advice from you guys. i visited the show house last 2 weeks. everything seems perfect to me. however, something pulling me back. The zen is leasehold
estate. can anyone advice me is it worth to purchase a leasehold properties and after 99 years, the government probably will get the land back and develope something else.. is anyone concern about that? thanks man..
Comment by Brian — February 23, 2009 @ 11:42 am
Hi Brian.. Government might or might not reclaim the land but i think the developer is leasing from private than government.. however, leasehold property will have some hassle in owner transfering and also financing.. rule of thumb is bank will be less willing to finance a leasehold prop with remaining tenure less than 60 years.. If you are ok with, please go ahead..
Hi Jason, Puchong Hartamas going less than 300k.. GnG summore.. don’t look at classified ads as they are usually markup price .. if you seriously nego with owner, you might get a good deal.. As for buying from developer, sorry la.. fix price liao, cannot bargain :p
Comment by jean — February 23, 2009 @ 11:19 pm
Hi Jean, forget link house coz it is just too much problems with maintenance and security.The garden is good to have but hard work to keep it looking good. Besides, finding a good neighbour is getting harder these days.
Comment by Jason L — February 27, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Hi Jason,
Kinna agree that good neighbourhood is hard to find nowadays.. that is y good neighbourhood comes with a premium price tag so that you don’t stay with tom dick and harry around..
I am sick staying round with bunch of neighbours, play loud music as though having a disco night, triggering car alarm to alert the neighbours they have a car, rev-ving their stupid wira-lution, waja-lustion and kancil-lution turbo charged engines, having tonnes of dogs in their garden and the dogs bark like no other ppl’s business, and also open buring… X( ..
Comment by jean — March 1, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Hi everyone, i hv been to the showhouse, the condo really impressed me, then placed deposit alr. after few days, viewed the surroundings, like a kampung area, an indian kampung, some1 told me to get info from municipal council for future planning or whether to knw the squatters be removed or not.(by the way, who knws how,where to get it?)
as an investment purpose, is this property a good investment in terms location, surroundings? although the condo concept n design is really good and attractive. need more opinion n comment, tq guys.
Comment by William — March 11, 2009 @ 9:39 am
Hi William,
Please refer the following Link
http://www.jpbdselangor.gov.my/Publisiti/MPSJ/PETA_CADANGAN.pdf
As far as I understand from the Propose Plan, the kampung will be remained. Only the front portion of Zen will be developed..
For investment purpose.. I would suggest you to check on near by condos as benchmark..
Comment by jean — March 13, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
Thks, Jean, btw, i cant really confirm the area in the plan, isit just at the puchong batu 14 there? and the front portion of Zen will develop meaning the main entrance or the opposite road? thks again
Comment by William — March 14, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Try to match this on PETA_CADANGAN…
http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=3.000738&lon=101.6198444&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2
Hope you can find your way..
Comment by jean — March 14, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
Thks Jean. i hv found out the place alr, thks alot. but, from the peta cadangan, beside the Zen residence is light orange color boxes, isit showing the current squatters or future becoming some new teres houses, as it shows tidily n accordingly.
Comment by William — March 15, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Solid colour means existing and most likely they will be kept as it is.. in otherwords, the kampung will most likely to stay.. Light colour means future development.. Like the plot of land for Zen, its light orange means future residential area..
Comment by jean — March 17, 2009 @ 1:26 am
Hi,
I just placed for a unit at block B. But i was only offered with 10% with 8K deposit disc + 20K funriture package and 1 year free maintenance.
Can i reconfirm is you guys getting better offer? Like 5 years maintenance?
Comment by derrick — March 25, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Hi everyone, recently im looking a house. Need advice from your does Puchong Utama 2 environment is safe? Because i saw the guard just open the gate when got people drive in without any checking. And when turning from kg. bahru to PU2, they is a empty land, do your know what is the future development there?
Comment by vivian — March 30, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
Developer promised to pay bank interest while the project is still under construction for 3 years. However, when i check with them, it was NEVER stated in the bank agreement or in the s & p. Therefore, if the develop fail to pay bank interest in a particular month, penalty will be on the buy. If the project was delay for than 3 years or the project was abandon Then, how??…….Of course the buyer has to pay everything lo. and get NOTHING Is it true??
Comment by Stephen — April 23, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
When deposit placed, you will be given a letter signed by developer stated clearly all the freebies including the interest free thingy during construction period, until vacant posssession. If the project delay the developer will still paying the interest as its covered until vacant possession. If talk about abandone, every develping projects have the risk of being abandoned. However, with the recent enacted Housing Development Act, the risk has been minimised. In fact its quite difficult for the developers to abandone a project half way. If still worry, go for completed project.
Comment by zenton — May 3, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
developer had been urging us to sign S&P.. however, after signing it… i had no news from bankers, although i had been calling the developers several times.. until I need to personally chase the bankers.. after asking them.. they had been very difficult.. especially having to return the deposits.. anyone having this problems?
Comment by jack — May 3, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
anyone having this problem? loan had not been approved on time, and mine had been delayed for more than 3 months.. although S&P had been signed. developer had been giving a lot of reasons when deposits were asked to be returned. anyone did notice that the clause ‘deposits to be returned if panel bank had rejected the loan applications’ had been included in the S&P?
Comment by jack — May 3, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Hi.. I love the showhouse..the concepts..but.. its surrounded by kampung and its leasehold..
What do you all think of Atmosfera Condo? Similar price and its freehold. But, the concept not as highclass and its very highden.. How le? Which one to pick? Its my first house, any good tips for me pls? TX!
Comment by jl — May 4, 2009 @ 4:11 am
i also pay the deposit for block A 16 floor, price around 280k++, but haven’t sign the S&P yet, coz still waiting the bank loan. since this developer is 1st time build residency project so have some worry also.
Comment by wee — May 6, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
hi wee.. dun rush into the S&P.. this is what i am facing now.. the loan approval process took me for 3 months.. and i called this malay lady from the developer, and yet she promised you all the best things in the world.. after 3 months… i called her and she is still saying the same old thing.. i was so fed-up and asked for deposit refund.. until then she told me my S&P is being stampped, and the refund process will take longer time.. I knew that the deposit is just a small amount of money, but true enough.. is from the consumer.. not threaten… but if the lady is still playing tricks.. i will consider of bringing this up to consumer association..
Comment by jack — May 7, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
Hi Jack,
Dont be despair, you are not the only one who waited for long time for loan approval. Banks are the one to blame for tightening the credit, but we also must first look at our own eligibility to get loan. Well, I must be so lucky that I got my loan offer within 2 weeks..hehehehe
Comment by jasonl — May 9, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
I have also bought a unit in tower A, type H with 1493sq ft. Yes, i do love the concepts, the design, the security, the promotion package etc. S&P signed and loan approved in 1 month time, agreed there is some chasing done to get it signed and approved, well not surprise as they are they fist timer. Location wise, IMHO it is convenient, IOI mall, Tesco, Giant are around, at any point of time if we were to make this as investment, it should not be a big deal as the Industry area is just nearby. Traffic is not an issue as i will be out early for work and back late from office. Weekend traffic is bearable. Noted the price is alittle pricey for the area, but i would rather for the the premium than suffer my life during my duration of staying there. Kampung around is not an issue, as this is a gated compound and with the 6-tier one of its kind security + free inhouse alarm system, i can have a piece of mind. I don’t see as much of a problem especially when your unit is not even facing them. This is my first house, and i am glad i have made the right choice, provided they deliver what they promised
Comment by veni — May 9, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
hi jack… actually how ur loan status… i think u need to check with the banker… let say ur loan is not approved then ZEN should refund to u….
but if ur loan is approved but for private reason u wan to cancel… then those sales man sure give u those busuk face..
Comment by Vince — May 18, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
Just to say Hi..
Comment by Zen Banker — May 20, 2009 @ 10:34 am
that y i din sign any S&P till i get the loan approved.one of my friend also facing the same issue, loan not approve, it take him 1 month++ to refund, till now haven’t get his deposit back yet!!
Comment by wee — June 8, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Finally the launch is on. last friday’s adv in Star say it is on this Saturday (4-7-09) . The new website is impressive with pretty picture of hot springs. For real? lets find out at the launch.
Comment by jasonL — July 2, 2009 @ 12:40 am
Any promotional going on? Mind or share
?
Comment by Hint — July 2, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
i also facing refund problem, over 2 month still delay the refund the deposit!!!!!anyone here having the same issue, and how to settle it?
Comment by wee — August 24, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
hi… i paid my deposit sometime in May/June. Till now bank is till processing my loan…It was rejected to to my high commitment but i am appealing for it. Liked everything that was offered. meantime, i also checked out other new projects but i can tell you, although Zen it quite pricey, other are even more. i saw one development at jln ipoh, selling 200k above, no free kitchen cabinet or airconds.Finishing was not to my expectation when looking at the price. View was terrible! Other new projects are selling 300k above with less facilities and security. Zen is a good investment for me. But now i am feeling so devastated coz i’m still waiting for my appeal to be accepted.
Comment by Nash — September 14, 2009 @ 8:18 pm