Year 2008 is coming to its end. We have voted 9 of the best and worst apartments/condominiums in Johor Bahru from over 20 candidates for their “must-know specialties”.
The most strategic location
Surrounded by 3 highways – Tebrau Highway, Skudai Highway and JB inner ring road, Wadihana is located in kampong Wadihana – centre of the triangle of the 3 highways. “Perfect location”, surrounded by kampong, you will even get “rooster” giving you a wake up call every morning. That will be an extra you will not get in city living!!!!
The most “unbelievable” location
So near yet so far!!!! You could see Pulai View from Skudai Highway, yet it is impossible to get in directly (from City or Skudai). You would need to make an U-turn 2km away (which is about another 10 mins) from every direction in order to enter into it. Otherwise, you have to take small roads from Angsana Plaza or Tampoi Indah. Thanks to the designer of the “head-spinning” Perling Flyover – “Another Project by BN”.
“Too-well-planned” Club House location
Larkin Residence’s Club House is at least 200m away from the nearest resident unit, o.5km away from the farthest unit. Thanks to the on-hold phase 2 which is supposed to be constructed in between the club house and the existing phase 1. The developer should not have “planned” so far…
The best of the worst
Besides its large compound and good management, every 8 units in each floor of Sri Wangi are served by 2 spacious lifts with security gate at the entrance of ground floor (small point, it makes you feel like you are a jailbird getting out of the lift), making its residents the most fortunate apartment residents – although surrounded by several pretty run-down apartments like Lily & Jasmine, Sri Kenari and Park Avenue. Truly a rose among the thorns!
The worst of the best
Sri Kurnia is situated in one of the high class estate in Taman Pelangi. Although it has less than 60 units only, the management seems to have difficulty in managing this apartment with its super-small compound. Imagine, how would you feel if you see a main gate that still requires human power to open for residents and visitors?
The largest swimming pool
Straits Views has more than 3 pools as shown in the pictures. We found its compound for common facilities to be the biggest among all condominiums we have seen in JB.
The most pathetic swimming pool
If you are wondering how small a swimming pool can be for a condominium, you should visit Embassy Suite. Allegedly its swimming pool can only accommodate a family with 3-5 kids! Can you imagine the residents still have to share this pool with a budget hotel operating inside the condominium! Take a look at the picture and you can understand our sentiment. Sigh….
The most “environmental-friendly”
With broken light bulbs in most common areas (corridor of several floors and lifts) for the whole year, Larkin Utama is considered the most energy-saving apartment in Town! They even have a water conservation policy – “they DON’T change water of swimming pool at all”. They are really going “Green”…
The most children-friendly
Bistari Impian is the only apartment we found to be equipped with childcare centre just at the door step. Also, there are 2 primary schools (one Kebangsaan and one Chinese) within walking distance.
The too-lenient security
To top the list of leniency, we have to hand it to Bistari Impian. Anyone can get in and out without being checked. In fact, anyone can just enter into the apartment by waving hand to the guards in guardhouse – no ID is required from visitor. So, don’t expect you will be given a permit. Just drive straight through! Also don’t expect you can find out who has just moved in recently because the guard house has no record!
The most secured security
Prima Regency is the only condominium with so-called “3-tier security” – main entrance, building entrance and lift. If you happen to drop by in the evening, you will even see more than 10 security guards assemble in neat form in front of the management office for their daily briefing.
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What are the safest apartments in JB now?
Hi Ong
When was Aloha built/completed? Is this a freehold development? Have the owners obtained their strata titles? Is the property management good? Any other similar properties good for investment? What’s the difference between condo, apt and serviced apt? Any impact in the returns?
Would appreciate your valuable comments. Thanks a lot.
Megan
Hi Megan,
Sorry that I don’t have much information of Aloha. But the management there is good.
In Malayisa, major differences between condo, apt and serviced apt are the amendities and services provided by management of the property. All these factors will affect the demand directly and therefore the potential return.
Cheers
Hi all,
I am thinking of getting Sri Kurnia condo because of its size (about 1700sf) and location (T. Pelangi) for about RM260k. I have read your appraisal “worst of the best”. I know the surrounding area is really small but i heard there’s been new management since this year and the place looks more spruced up with a new coat of paint. I may move in there in 2/3 years time but in the meanwhile, i plan to rent it out. Do you think its a good investment?
Hi Mick,
RM260k for a 1700sf condo is in fact quite a good buy looking at the supreme location of Sri Kurnia. I have not been there since last year and I don’t know if the condo has been upgraded or not. If the new management can manage the condo in a better way, it will definitely attract more tenants and buyers.
If you are able to rent the unit out for RM2000 and above, this should be a good investment.
Cheers
Greeting Ong !
Do you have any details on The Habitat Condo ? Is it a good property to invest in ? What’s the rental like and how’s the management ? Would appreciate your insight ?
Thanks !
Hi li,
Sorry that I am not familiar with the condo.
Cheers
Hi Ong,
Such a great website provide many useful info.
Currently i’m working in singapore and next yr planning to buy a property in jb for own stay. Any good suggestion? My utmost concern is location and security. As i need to travel daily to singapore. Please give some info and how much budget should i prepare. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Hi Fion,
Sorry for the late reply.
You can try to look for apartments around Tampoi area as the location is near to both causeway and 2nd link.
However, avoid apartments with poor management which directly affects the security and quality of the neighbourhood.
You can consider Kip Park and Pulai View. The former costs above RM160k for a 3-room unit but it’s quite crowded, while the latter costs above RM210k for the same size of unit due to its low density and better management.
Cheers
How can u get a 1700 sq feet Sri Kurnia for 260k! unless it is a lelong one.Pls let me know if u ‘ve this good lobang.
i’m concern about safety surrounding the Wadihana. Any friend of u staying there.
Thanks
The unit at Sri kurnia is only 1,400+ sq feet and not 1,700 sq feet. Rental (fully furnished) is only around RM1,300- 1,500. I heard from a friend who has a unit there that the management is very poor. Decided against purchase for investment.
i hv a question to ask is skudai villa apt nearer or larkin residence apt as i hv to go in n out by bus fr sg n i got a 16 year student fr sg .dat need to go to school still pls reply as iam very keen n intested k
Hi Nur,
I would recommend you to consider Larkin Residence due to its nearer location to causeway, good management and environment.
Cheers
Hi Ong, how are you ? Hope everything is fine with you. I was told that a foreigner can only buy a condo which cost RM 250K above, is this true ? If the price of a condo is less than RM 250K but purchasing 2 units, will this be allowed ? Can you recommend townhouse in JB ? Thanks
HELLO ONG, PLS ADVISE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY : TOWNHOUSE AT NUSAVILLA, TAMAN NUSA BESTARI JAYA, SKUDAI, JB. AREA 1635 SQFT, PRICE RM 260K. HOW IS THE LOCATION AND IS IT GOOD FOR INVESTMENT ? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
Hi Winarto,
I have visited Nusavilla once early of this year. The environment and management there are considered good. Location wise Nusa Bestari is one of the fast growing new towns in JB. It sould be fine if you are buying it for your own stay. However, if you are considering it for rental income, RM260k seems a bit high unless it’s well furnished.
Cheers
Hi Ong,
Just came across your blog, very useful for singaporean.
I have some questions and hope you can help me. My husband is a Malaysian and a singapore PR. I am a singaporean. we want to invest in Apt/Condo in Johor Bahru. Can you recommend some apts? We have a budget of abt 180K ringgit. What areas are good for investment?? How much can the bank loan us? Is the loan better to loan from singapore or malaysia? Sorry for asking so many questions..Thank you.
Hi Joan,
Based on your budget, I would like to recommend you to look for 2 to 3-room apartments in Tampoi and Larkin, e.g. Kip Park, Bestari Impian, Suria Mas, Larkin Residence. If you don’t mind the location to be far away from causeway/second link, you may consider Prima Regency.
Local banks normally can loan up to 90% of the property purchase price. I would suggest you to borrow from Malaysian banks as Singaporean dollar is getting stronger and stronger which means your interest cost may be getting higher (relatively) if you borrow in Singapore.
Cheers
Well I see you have time to delete my post but not time to answer my initial question. Why does that not surprize me?
Sorry Garry as I have lost track of your initial question posted in June. Anyway, I really don’t know which apartments in JB are now the safest.
Any other reader who can enlighten us about this?
Cheers
I would like to rectify some mistakes cited by Mick.There are 3 sizes available in Sri Kurnia,namely 1500,1755,1860 sq feet respectively and the rental can now fetch 1800 if fully furnished.I am the proud owner there and the new management is doing the great job of upgrading the premises.I am confident this property will appreciate once the economy recovers.Location,location,location
thanks for information. i was told that nusavilla/nusa bestari is near to the 2nd link checkpoint to s’pore, is it true ? what about the rental demand there ? actually i plan to buy for investment / rental income but maybe in future for own stay.
Hi there.. i owned a corner property in Nusavilla… type Sayan, Phase 1… approx 1300sq.ft.
please email me if interested.. i have build in kitchen cabinet by Oriss with nicely furnished hood and hob by Electrolux, nicely done lighting (modern minimalist)… view to appreciate… i need to let it go fast as i am relocated to KL now… very hesitating to sell cause the are is coming up… Tesco, Giant, Jusco, Medical Centre and many more…
Hi Mark
Can you contact me regarding the property you want to sell?
wtlam@hotmail.com.
Thanks,
Leon
hi Ong,
So mush appreciate for your helping to solve our confusing.
Here’s my enquiry….. Do you have any idea about PELITA INDAH CONDO?
Do you think is good idea for invest? How much do you think is the reasonable price?
Thanks
cheers
simon
Hi Simon,
I have been there 2 months ago. The management there is really bad. I personally won’t invest into it…
Cheers
Hi Ongkl,
Do you have any ideas how much is the selling price for Prima Regency, 3 bedrooms apartment when they first lauch?
Hi DG,
If I am not wrong it was around RM140k-RM150k for lower level when they first launched.
Readers please correct me if I am wrong.
Cheers
opps you may contact me at 012-7023194… or email me at marxgraphy@gmail.com
Ong,
Trust you do not me answering Megan’s queries.
Aloha was completed circa 1993. It’s freehold with individual strata title issued for each unit. It certainly is one of the better managed condo in JB, in a prime location in the proximity of Danga Bay, away from the hustle of the city and yet closeby. Some of the Johor royalties even stay there.
Thanks
What are the crucial flaws in structure, appliances and facilities that should be addressed when buying a house and how can these flaws be detected visually before one ends up buying a house that looks good on the outside but is a hazard (aka, roof, plumbing, aircon units, etc)?
Also, what is the legal process? How much does it cost? How long does it take?
HELLO ONG, I WILL BE IN S’PORE ON DEC 23-28 AND WILL CROSS OVER TO JB FOR 2 DAYS TO LOOK AROUND THE CONDOS FOR SALE. HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU TO MEET ? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WADIHANA CONDO FOR INVESTMENT, OFFERING AT RM 300K FOR 1667 SQFT ? I WAS INFORMED THAT ABOUT 10 YRS AGO THIS CONDO CAN SELL AROUND RM 600K AND NOW HALF OF IT, THE STRATA TITLE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED, WHY IS THIS CONDO DROPPED SO MUCH ? THANKS
Hi Winarto,
10 years ago property market in JB was still hot and at that time Wadihana was very new, that’s why the price could be so high. On the other hand, according to some property agents, most potential buyers feedback that they don’t like its entrance.
I heard that the strata title was just issued recently.
Cheers
Hi Mr Ong,
I need your advise.
Can u pls tell me if sri samudra is a good condo?, management? etc
What is a reasonable price for a two room 750 sq ft apt?
current price.
Unit abv 10 th flr
not facing sea
thanks for yr help
another question is, can a singaporean buy a property less the 350,000 ringgit?
understand a levy of 10,000 riggit is required for foreigner buying.
also understand from 1 jan 2010, a capital gains tax wud be implemented.
any gains u need to pay 5% tax
is this correct?
tks again
Hi Joros,
Sri Samudra is one of the quality condos in JB. You may check with property agents for its details.
The RM10k levy is applicable to foreigners who are buying a property less than RM250k in Malaysia.
Yes, the government is implementing back the property gain tax.
Cheers
Hi Mr Ong,
May I have your opinion about Pulai View apartment that asking for RM270k? Is it worth it? How is their management? I’m currently looking for apartment/condo around JB area that convenient for me to travel to singapore everyday. Thanks.
Cheers…
Hi Kin Beng,
Sorry for the late reply.
Pulai View is one of my favourite apartments. Good location and management. The only drawback is the interior.
If the unit is well and fully furnished and located at high floor, RM270k is a fair price since such an unit can fetch up to RM2.5k monthly rent.
Cheers
Since Pulai View is one of your favourite, I am sure you own at least one unit there.
I am looking into this apartment too. But am not very sure if it is easy to rent out the unit there, i.e. if the demand for rental market is high. And, if the demand is sustainable in the long run. Hope to hear your view on this, and your experience with the tenants there. Thanks.
Since Pulai View is one of your favourite apartments, I believe you must own at least one unit there. I would like to hear your view on the rental market there:
1. Though it is good yield, 2K-2.5K is rather high. Is it easy to find a tenant? Especially so when the rental at Danga View or Larkin Residence are cheaper and location is nearer to the town and causeway? Why would tenant choose Pulai View over other similar apartments/condos nearby?
2 Can the high rent in Pulai View substain in the long run?
Thanks in advanced.
I am in from Canada to view some properties. Please contact me through email and I will pass you my phone number.
I am in Sg. now and be coming to JB Wednesday. My HP is 06590988056.
hi.. mr ongkl..
i am a beginner in investment of real estate. i would like to diversify my investment portfolio to property (JB area). In 2009, i intensively involve in stock market investment and next year 2010 i plan to involve in property investment in which more stable, lower risk..
So, i need someone who can advice me. i need the following info/ tips :-
1) strategic location (Taman) for commercial/ shoplot invetment (price below 600k)
2) strategic location (taman) for apartment/ condo investment (price below rm250k)
i prefer area around Tebrau, skudai, JB city or nusajaya.. Thanks for your valuable info. Happy New Year 2010…..
Hi Ong,
I am planning to buy a property in Indah Samudra condo ,They are asking 350K , I am not sure if its worth the investment ,since i saw few cracks inside the house which a bit scares me . Is that condo safe to buy and worth the investment .
Appreciate your comments
Thanks
Prasanna
hi, bukit indah has a soft launch for their serviced apartment, The Sky. The selling price is above 280K for 2 bedrooms. What do you think? Will this be the good investment?
eh ray..why unable to find any info on “The Sky”..is it by setiahomes?..
hi ong,
there’s talk recently that s’poreans can purchase units which are only Rm$500k and above from 2010 onwards. Is there any truth in this or is this just a ploy by developers to push sales and create an artificial ‘rush’ to purchase properties??
Would also apprciate your comment on question raised by Ray on The Sky in Bt Indah…
cheers
hi joros and winarto!!
if you re looking for condos around , i would recommend abdul samad, jalan tengku petri , jalan kolam air or jalan mariamah area where all the luxury condos are located. good thing is this area is quiet and access to most areas are just within minutes with no traffic jams. the residents of this area are mostly prominent peoples like businessman and high ranking officials.very relaxing and strategic location to stay. you all might check out on vista heights condominium which the management are presently giving a facelift to it. spacious area 2100 sf in prime location.
Hi! Currently i’m looking for double storey units with guarded gate at Bukit Indah. Pls recommend. Thanks!
hi Mr. Ong,
Do u know anything ’bout Sri Mutiara, Seri Alam. In term of management, security etc. TQ
Hi ong,
Near the skudai road, there got a apartment called Kip Park apartment.
May I know regarding the apartment isn’t a good location for investment? How much the apartment there?
the apartment can rental out how much per month?
Kindly provide me some information.
Thank you
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