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SITE PROGRESS: Seiras Residences @ Utropolis (Sep 2025)

Property News/ 7 September 2025 No comments

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About Seiras Residences @ Utropolis

A modern high-rise within the 44.3-acre Utropolis Batu Kawan integrated development, strategically positioned near UOW Malaysia KDU, The Ship Campus, Columbia Asia Hospital, IKEA, Design Village, and the Second Penang Bridge. Introducing Penang’s first triple-key concept, it offers highly flexible layouts—from dual-key units with a private studio to triple-key units featuring three self-contained suites—designed for multi-generational living, co-living, or strong rental potential.

Each home comes with 2–3 parking spaces, while residents enjoy extensive lifestyle facilities such as co-working spaces, co-kitchen and dining areas, gaming and fitness zones, Olympic-size pool, jacuzzi, pickleball court, and vibrant ground-floor retail. Blending smart design with community living, Seiras Residences is both a forward-looking home and a savvy investment in Batu Kawan’s fastest-growing hub.

*Photo taken in Aug 2025

Find out more about Seiras Residences 

Register your interest here

*By submitting this Form, you hereby agree to our PDPA Consent Clause.
(This information may be used by the developer or their appointed agent to initiate follow-up communications with you on the project.)

JKPSB launches new phases of Taman Seri Saujana with community celebration

Property News/ 6 September 2025 No comments

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JKP Sdn. Bhd. (JKPSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MKD) and implementing agency for the Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP), has launched Phase 6 and Phase 7 of its flagship Taman Seri Saujana project in Seberang Perai Selatan.

The pre-launch ceremony, held at Nibong Tebal Arena, was officiated by MPBPP chairman and JKPSB chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli. The event drew more than 1,000 attendees, including state leaders, government officials, industry partners, potential buyers, and members of the public.

Modern homes at competitive prices

Phase 6 features 32 double-storey semi-detached homes, while Phase 7 offers 42 double-storey terrace units, designed with modern layouts and family-friendly spaces. Each unit comes with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, catering to growing households seeking comfort and practicality.

  • 2-storey semi-detached homes: From RM550,000 (Lot size min. 34’ x 70’, built-up min. 24’ x 37’)
  • 2-storey terrace homes: From RM461,000 (Lot size min. 22’ x 65’, built-up min. 22’ x 32’)

Buyers will also enjoy added perks such as free legal fees for Sales & Purchase Agreements. The project is open to both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera purchasers.

seri-saujana-phase-6-7-tnA strategic township development

Spanning 34.3 acres, Taman Seri Saujana is a mixed development across seven phases, featuring affordable cluster homes, terrace houses, semi-detached units, shop offices, a community hall, and a surau. Its location in Mukim 7, Jalan Bukit Panchor, offers residents easy access to schools, healthcare facilities, recreational areas, Mydin, C-Mart, and other amenities.

The project has been designed to balance affordability with exclusivity, providing modern two-storey homes that emphasise both spaciousness and functionality.

Kenduri Rakyat brings community together

In line with JKPSB’s commitment to “merakyatkan pembangunan” (people-centric development), the launch was accompanied by a Kenduri Rakyat. Guests enjoyed a kampung-style feast, cultural performances, a children’s colouring contest, clown and face-painting activities, as well as exhibitions and financing counters by participating banks.

The event fostered a sense of togetherness while giving the community first-hand access to information about the project.

Commitment to community well-being

JKPSB Chief Executive Officer Farizul Arif Abd Mutalib said the company’s mission goes beyond property development.

“JKPSB is committed not only to delivering quality housing but also to uplifting community well-being through projects that are accessible and beneficial to the Bumiputera community in Penang,” he said.

With Phases 6 and 7 now open for sale, Taman Seri Saujana continues to strengthen its position as one of Seberang Perai Selatan’s key township projects, offering families modern homes in a strategic and vibrant setting.

Register your interest in Seri Saujana Phase 6 & 7 here

*By submitting this Form, you hereby agree to our PDPA Consent Clause.
(This information may be used by the developer or their appointed agent to initiate follow-up communications with you on the project.)

Guaranteed Rental Returns (GRR): The Illusion and The Reality

Featured Articles/ 5 September 2025 1 comment

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So, you’ve probably seen those property ads promising a dreamy “Guaranteed Rental Return” (or GRR for short). They’re everywhere. The deal sounds sweet: buy a place, and the developer promises to pay you a steady 5% to 10% return every year. No tenant headaches, no landlord drama—just easy, passive income. Especially for first-time investors, it’s a seriously tempting offer.

But before you get swept up in the glossy brochures and smooth sales talk, let’s pull back the curtain. The reality of these schemes is a lot more complicated and risky than it seems.

That “Guarantee” Isn’t What You Think

Here’s the first big red flag: that “guarantee” isn’t legally protected like your main property contract is. If things go south, you can’t just go to the housing tribunal. You’re looking at a messy and expensive lawsuit in civil court.

And the company promising you all this money? It’s often not the big, stable developer you’re buying from. It’s usually a tiny side company with barely any money to its name. If the scheme fails, that little company can just vanish into thin air, and you’ll be left holding the bag.

The Fine Print is Full of Tricks

Even if you do get your payments, there’s a catch. That “guaranteed” money isn’t a gift—it’s already baked into your purchase price. You’re basically paying a premium for your own money back.

Plus, those contracts are often loaded with sneaky clauses that let the company cancel the whole deal with very little notice. On top of your mortgage, you might also be stuck paying for mandatory fancy furniture packages or high maintenance fees.

What Happens When the Music Stops?

After the guaranteed period ends (usually 2-5 years), the party’s over. Suddenly, every single unit in your building hits the rental market at the same time. With so much supply, rental prices crash. And good luck selling—new buyers will know the original price was inflated, so your property’s value takes a nosedive. The developer, having fulfilled their promise, has zero reason to help you find a tenant.

We’ve Seen This Movie Before in Malaysia

The Arc @ Cyberjaya is a famous example of a GRR scheme failure. Buyers were promised a guaranteed 8% annual return for up to 25 years. However, the payments stopped very quickly, often within the first year. The company behind the guarantee was a separate entity with no money, making legal action pointless. Owners were suddenly stuck with mortgage payments for empty units in an oversaturated market, causing property values to crash and resulting in major financial losses for investors.

The lesson from these stories? If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.

The Bottom Line for Buyers

Don’t let a flashy “guarantee” blind you. Do your homework:

  • Check who’s backing the guarantee. Is it a reputable company with real money, or just a flimsy shell company?
  • Get a lawyer to read every single line of that contract before you sign anything.
  • Compare the promised yield to what similar properties actually rent for in the open market. Is it realistic?
  • Ask yourself the most important question: “Would I still buy this property if the guarantee didn’t exist?”

If the answer is no, then walk away. A real investment should stand on its own two feet, not on a shaky promise.

– Ken Lim
(Founder, PenangPropertyTalk.com)

Penang steps up flood mitigation efforts

Property News/ 5 September 2025 No comments

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The Penang state government is continuing its efforts to tackle flood problems with several projects already in progress.

In Taman Machang Bubuk, a flood mitigation project costing RM1.95 million started on 21 February this year. The works will take about 18 months and are expected to be completed by August next year.

According to State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, about 10 percent of the project has been completed, with utility relocation works now underway. He shared this during a visit to the Machang Bubuk community hall on 2 September, joined by local leaders and technical officers.

The project is fully funded by the state government under the Drainage Contribution fund. Contractor Ye Shen Trading has been appointed to carry out six key components, including upgrading roadside drains and culverts, building a slump structure, and resurfacing the affected roads.

Before this, a study was carried out in 2022 to identify suitable solutions for the area. The findings led to the current project being approved and implemented.

Since 2020, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has received RM26.08 million in allocations for flood mitigation and infrastructure works across its areas.

Apart from Machang Bubuk, another major project is ongoing at Sungai Permatang Rawa with a budget of RM15.6 million. This project has already reached 71 percent completion and is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. Once ready, it will benefit around 1,000 residents in Kampung Permatang Rawa, Kampung Padang Lalang, Kampung Tanah Liat and Taman Guru by reducing the risk of floods.

Looking ahead, the state has also applied for RM105 million in federal funding under the 13th Malaysia Plan to carry out a new flood mitigation project at Sungai Kilang Ubi, which is often affected by flash floods.

“These projects are important to protect residents and reduce flood risks in affected areas,” Zairil said after also visiting a nearly completed flood mitigation site at Taman Sejahtera.

D’Hazelton @ Farlim – Affordable Living in Harmony with Nature

Advertorial, Farlim/ 4 September 2025 No comments

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Introducing D’Hazelton @ Farlim, an upcoming affordable development by GSD Land Sdn Bhd that offers more than just a home — it’s a lifestyle in balance with nature.

Prime Location at the Heart of Farlim

Strategically located off Jalan Bukit Kukus, with easy access via Thean Teik Highway, D’Hazelton is surrounded by everyday conveniences:

  • Bandar Baru Supermarket
  • Econsave
  • Farlim Night Market
  • Permata Sports Complex
  • A variety of eateries

Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle and convenience of the Farlim township just minutes away.

Spread across 8.09 acres of freehold land, D’Hazelton features:

  • Tower A: 35 storeys
  • Tower B: 34 storeys
  • 32 commercial units

Each home is sized at 900 or 1,000 sq.ft., thoughtfully designed to be spacious yet affordable — perfect for first-time buyers and growing families.

Lifestyle That Embraces Nature

D’Hazelton promotes a green lifestyle with:

  • Multiple facility decks at levels 2, 3, LG7 and LG8
  • Communal spaces and greenery that elevate everyday living

Slated to be completed by 2029, D’Hazelton @ Farlim is a thoughtful blend of affordability, connectivity, and community – where home is not only a place to stay, but a place to grow.

Contact GSD Land at 1700-818-932 or +6012-503 9932.

Register your interest here

*By submitting this Form, you hereby agree to our PDPA Consent Clause.
(This information may be used by the developer or their appointed agent to initiate follow-up communications with you on the project.)