According to findings in an online survey, safety and security have become top priorities for potential house buyers.

AS a result of the increasing number of break-ins and the worrying crime rates, there has been a wave of gated and guarded (G&G) housing developments that are putting safety and security on the top of their priority lists. This shift in paradigm matches the demands from the pool of potential buyers in Malaysia who are perceptibly more drawn towards developments with enhanced security features.

In order to understand the market’s sentiments, StarProperty.my recently carried out an online survey to gauge the public’s perception on this issue through a series of questions.

According to the feedback from 546 respondents – comprising 77% male and 23% female aged 20 and above who are mostly professionals, managers and executives – 92% of them have a preference for G&G developments.

G&G developments have been gaining much traction in the world of real estate. Seven-eight per cent believe that this is because such developments offer a greater sense of safety and security.

To echo their stance, the majority of the respondents would expect G&G developments to include several prominent features. Ninety-one per cent of the respondents expect these developments to have 24-hour security patrols in addition to perimeter fencing while 84% expect to have at least one guard house within the surroundings of the development.

A comment that stood out from others came from a respondent who cited “the availability of a management and maintenance team to oversee the upkeep of public areas” as among the important criteria of living in G&G developments.

Exclusivity and privacy are not the only reasons why potential buyers look into G&G developments; “snob appeal” is also cited as part of the charm of owning a G&G development. Homeowners in gated communities have a higher pride of ownership and are more inclined to keep their property in top notch condition.

However, the most common downsides to living in a G&G community are the increased costs (monthly fees), irresponsible and under-qualified security guards as well as difficulty for visitors to gain access.

Based on the respondents’ analysis, the majority of the participants hold the belief that safety and security are fundamental aspects to consider when it comes to purchasing a house. The participants also revealed that exclusivity multiples the appeal of owning a G&G development.

Source: StarProperty.my

Modern homes: Visitors checking out the offerings by Ivory Properties during its recent Merdeka Roadshow at Gurney Plaza.

Ivory Properties Group Bhd will offer special promotional packages for its various developments in Penang during the three-day Malaysia Property Expo (Mapex) 2014 starting on Friday.

These include Tropicana Bay Residences, the first phase of the Penang WorldCity mega waterfront development in Bayan Indah, along with The Wave in Penang Times Square, and The Latitude in Mount Erskine.

Home buyers will also have the choice of assorted units from the developer’s already completed projects at the fair at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition (SPICE) Centre.

Ivory corporate communications manager Ann Tan said they received overwhelming response to the Tropicana Bay Residences in their recent Merdeka Roadshow in Gurney Plaza.

Though the residences’ units come in eight different layouts sized between 455sq ft and 1,950sq ft, the 872sq ft units proved the most popular.

The development’s seafront location and overall concept were also appealing.

“We noticed that most were first-time buyers, newly married young couples or small families looking for homes that are modestly sized, affordable and strategically located,” she noted of the current trend.

The residences will be housed in six blocks of 22-storey towers and priced from RM458,000 to RM1.3mil, with an average rate of RM867 psf.

Conceptualised by an international architect, they are designed to foster healthy outdoor living, and feature resort-style amenities like an overhanging pool, tennis court, saunas and gymnasium, among others.

Visitors may also consider The Wave, whose unique design won it a ‘highly commended’ accolade in the ‘Residential High-rise Architecture, Malaysia’ category of the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2014-15 recently.

Tan said the revolutionary concept of The Wave, which is Phase Three of Penang Times Square in George Town, would make it one of the most sought-after addresses in the city.

“Its exterior features sun protection stripes over a glazed glass facade that appears to be in different colours when viewed from different angles and times of the day, creating the impression that waves are rhythmically lapping over the building,” she said

Inside, the 27-storey tower — which sits on an 11-storey facilities, retail and car park podium — will house 312 corner, intermediate, penthouse and duplex units ranging from 1,205 sq ft to 2,905 sq ft.

Those seeking a place to run businesses are catered to with the commercial units of The Latitude, sized at 1,390 sq ft and priced affordably at around RM600 psf.

“They are ideally located in a densely populated area with over 1,500 residential units in the vicinity,” Tan pointed out.

To find out more, visit Ivory’s booths at Mapex 2014, which is on from 10am to 9pm daily.

Source: StarProperty.my

Raintree Park 1, the latest addition to Pearl City township development by Tambun Indah. This is a gated and guarded development surrounded by choices of learning institutions, supermarkets, shops, and other facilities. It is mere minutes drive to the North-South Highway, Penang Science Park and the Penang Second Link and Up-Coming Pearl City Mall.

Types of property:

• Luxurious Duplex Villas
• 2 Storey Luxurious Terrace House
• 2 Storey Luxurious Link Semi-D

Property Project : Raintree Park
Location : Pearl City, Simpang Ampat, Penang
Property Type : Duplex Villas, 2-Storey Terrace & Semi-Detached
Tenure : Freehold
Developer : Tambun Indah
Indicative Price: RM 450,000 onwards

The Malaysia Property Exhibition (Mapex) 2014 in Penang this weekend will be more than just a property fair.

Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Penang chairman Datuk Jerry Chan Fook Sing (pic) said visitors could bring their children along as there would be a Kids Corner where they could play.

“There will also be a clown going around giving out candy floss and popcorn.

“We will also be arranging for a model to dress up as Captain Francis Light to escort Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to the stage to launch the exhibition,” Chan told a press conference on Mapex 2014, which will be held at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday to Sunday.

The event is organised by Rehda and Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang).

“The organisers will donate RM50,000, generated from the sales of the exhibition booths, to six charities at the launch.

“They are the D’Home Mental Health Association, The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, Grace Harmony Home, Penang Cheshire Home, Children Protection Society and St Nicholas Home Penang,” Chan said.

Rehda committee member Ng Chin-U said the exhibition would primarily showcase residential property projects in Penang.

He expects some 30,000 visitors to the event which will showcase projects with property prices ranging from RM346,000 to RM15mil.

Special sales packages will be offered during the exhibition which will also have lot of activities for kids and adults.

There will be a daily lucky draw at 7pm. The daily grand prizes are trips for two persons to Bali, Bangkok and Koh Samui.

The exhibition will open from 10am to 9pm daily over the three days. Entry is free.

Eco World Development Sdn Bhd is taking up the largest exhibition space at the event. The other exhibitors are SP Setia Bhd Group, IJM Properties Sdn Bhd, Asas Mutiara Sdn Bhd, Chong Company Sdn Bhd, Sunway Grand Sdn Bhd, BSG Property, Ivory Properties Group Bhd, Ideal Property Group, Airmas Group, Tambun Indah Land Bhd, Tropicana Macalister Avenue (Penang) Sdn Bhd, MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd, Palmex Industries Sdn Bhd, Inspirasi Elit Sdn Bhd and Plenitude Bayu Sdn Bhd.

Source: StarProperty.my

Dua Residensi, an affordable housing development by Penang Development Corporation in Teluk Kumbar, Penang. It is located opposite to Puspakom Teluk Kumbar, a mere minutes drive from Teluk Kumbar town center via Jalan Teluk Kumbar.

This development comprises 348 affordable units with size ranging from two different sizes – 850 sq.ft. and 1,000 sq.ft. There are also 346 units of low medium cost which are priced at RM72,000 a unit.

Indicative Price:

• Low medium cost: RM72,500 (700 sq.ft.)
• Affordable units: RM250,000 (850 sq.ft.), RM330,000 (1,000 sq.ft.)

For registration details, you may refer to our Affordable Housing page.

You may also click here to find out more about other affordable housing in Penang.

Project Name: Dua Residensi (formerly known as Duo Residensi)
Location : Teluk Kumbar, Penang
Property Type : Affordable housing development
Total Units: 348 (affordable), 346 (low medium cost)
Built-up Area: 700 sq.ft., 850 sq.ft. &  1,000 sq.ft.
Developer : Penang Development Corporation

Location Map: