About

 

Coming from a humble little town called Tangkak in northern Johor state of Malaysia, I am so lucky to have chances to learn and work in both Johor Bahru and Singapore – a conurbation with more than 6.5 million still fast growing population – since year 1996. Hope now I can have a chance to contribute back to the community by sharing what I see, what I know and what I learn in this wonderful place.

I am the creator of GoFinance™, a tool that allows investor to accurately evaluate if an investment is worth investing as well as worth financing for maximum return. This tool is now available at www.PropertyMethod.com, the first online real estate investment course for Malaysians. As a student in the life-long learning journey, I am deeply honoured to be included in the team of PropertyMethod.com.

107 Comments

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  • goBetong

    Reply Reply December 29, 2008

    Hi Ong,

    You have done any research on condos located along Jln Abdul Samad/Hyatt areas. To me, that would be the premier location for JB condos – away from the hustle bustle of the city and yet within minutes to town. They are many older condos and newer development like Sri Samudera. I think a write-up of these development and their potential will be of interest to any potential JB condo investor. Cheers and wish you and family a very happy new year!

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply December 29, 2008

      Thank you for your suggestion, goBetong.
      The location is considered as premier as Stulang area. We will try to write more about properties in these areas in our upcoming articles.

      Happy New Year!
      Cheers

  • KCLau

    Reply Reply December 30, 2008

    wah .. your children so big already
    I am way behind you man!

  • Poul

    Reply Reply January 7, 2009

    Hi ongkl,

    Thank you for a very informative website. My wife and I are currently planning our retirement in JB (under the MM2H programme)and we expect to be buying landed property (for our own residence) in JB within the next 12 months. The area we have in mind is the area between Taman Abad and Kebun Teh. We’ll be looking for a small-ish (3-4 bedreoom) property, either bungalow or semi-d. We are looking at this as a long-term investment and were not after a quick return. Actually, I wouldn’t mind a ‘renovators dream’, as long as the building structure is sound.

    If you don’t mind, could you tell me what the market is like in that area with regards to trend in property prices?

    We currently live in australia but want to retire in JB to be close to my wife’s family. We’ll be in JB for CNY and will start viewing properties then. We’ll then come back in August to hopfully find the property we want and sign the S&P then.

    Any advice you can provide to assist us with the purchase will be greatly appreciated. As you can appreciate, buying property ‘long distance’ is quite daunting, especially when we don’t have much knowledge of the process and market in Malaysia.

    Again, thank you for a great web site.

    Cheers
    Poul

  • ongkl

    Reply Reply January 8, 2009

    Hi Poul, glad that you like our web site.

    In Taman Abad (Century Garden) and Kebun Teh, prices for the types of property you are looking at don’t seem to drop because of the convenient location. We did came across some properties there. Let us check them out again for you and see if we can provide you with any information of them.

    We advise you to appoint a property agent and a lawyer here to facilitate the purchasing process. Try to meet up with them when you are here for CNY. They will save you a lot of time and money for the whole process.

    Hope we can help you further.

    Cheers

  • Belle

    Reply Reply January 16, 2009

    Hi Ong and Poul,

    Me and my hubby are planning to sell our double-storey terrace house located in Bt Indah in view of our plans to eventually settle down in Singapore. We bought the house in 2005 and we’ve done up quite a fair amount of renovation to this 78×22 house. Since you’ll be coming back to CNY, if you’re interested, maybe we can arrange to view the house?

    Thanks.

    cheers,
    Belle

  • Poul

    Reply Reply January 19, 2009

    Hi Belle,

    Thank you for the ofeer to view your property (Bukit Indah) is too far away from JB tow for us.

    Ong,
    Thank you very much for your email. I appreciate your advice, which we will heed for sure, and you have obviously gone out of your way to collect the information and the photos for us. I appreciate that very much.

    Cheers
    Poul

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply January 20, 2009

      Hi Poul,
      You are most welcome. So sorry that most of the properties are very run down.
      Meanwhile, Joey has agreed to help you find out details of some houses around the area. We are waiting for her information and photos.
      Do let us know if we can assist you further.

      Happy Lunar New Year

      Cheers

  • publicyway

    Reply Reply February 1, 2009

    Hi Ong,

    How can i know about properties that under bank auctions? I think there is a auction house doing it in City Plaza, are they appointed by the banks or…?

    How many are there (places i can know abt auction houses) and usually how fast do they update their list. Also for good bargain do they “keep” the info to regular gangs of property agents istead of releasing it out the the public?

    By the way are you a property agent? if not can you recommend one?

    Thanks a lot Ong.

    Publicway

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply February 2, 2009

      Hi publicyway,

      We are glad that you like our posting.

      You can contact auctioneers to get a latest auction properties list from them. Their contacts are available at auction advertisements on papers, notice board at the ground floor of JB High Court and Internet.

      Besides City Plaza, some LACA auctions are held by auctioneers in their auction houses in TJB tower.

      Most auctioneers are appointed by banks. Banks also appoint certain property agencies to find bidders for their auction properties. These agents collaborate with auctioneers to provide services in facilitating their clients to successfully bid the property they wanted in auction.

      We will post an article later this week to share our experience and details in acquiring auction properties in JB.

      We are not property agent but real estate investors. A list of recommended property agents in JB with different expertise has been sent to you.

      Cheers

  • Jackson

    Reply Reply February 15, 2009

    Hey Paul, if you are looking for new landed property. (Projected completion date Oct 2008).
    There is one in Larkin, call Aman Larkin.
    2 1/2 storey terrace
    18 * 65 land area
    1800sq ft built up
    4 bedroom (more like 3 bedroom + 1 maid room) + 4 bath
    Leasehold till 2099
    Price starting from RM268,200-00 (Non Bumi)

    BUT. Masjid Jamek Larkin (Mosque) is located right next to this project.(I mean it is literally 5 minutes walk distance) So if you don’t mind, it would actually be a pretty sweet place. Decent pricing, near town and other places.

    • mr. lee

      Reply Reply February 27, 2010

      can u, give me your phone no i can call becouse i want rent house near by jb custom. i waiting your no. ok……….

  • Poul

    Reply Reply February 25, 2009

    Hi Jackson,

    Thanks for the suggestion, I actullay don’t mind the Larkin area, but we are looking for a property with a bit of land; 4000 sf or more. We’ve got our eye on a couple of properties in Taman Abad, but we are biding our time to see what happens to world economy before we make our move. Hopefully things will turn for the better in the not too distant future.

  • Dave

    Reply Reply April 4, 2009

    @poul i visited a lawyer friend who has a house at the kebun teh area. it is a bungalow lot, her husband is an architect and they turned it into a lovely 2 storey home. i’m bad with words, but its a cosy place with glass full panel glass doors everywhere which should open up nicely for parties. if you are looking for a “renovator’s dream” you definently should try there. big bungalo lots with lotsa land. But keep in mind the drainage/sewer systems, coz thats what my friend told me, think it has to do with some older parts of JB(town) still has open drainage(not toilet waste of course).
    and kebun teh area is about 30++ years already i think..

    p.s: my full time job is in web applications so i’m not a real estate expert… so pls don’t flame me if i get any facts wrong. 😉 happy house hunting and hope you move in to JB soon. cheers!

  • ejay nazario

    Reply Reply April 5, 2009

    Hi everybody,

    Would like some opinion as i am new in JB. Appreciate if anyone could tell me which part of JB that most tenants like to stay ? how about malaysians who work in Singapore; which aprt of JB that most of them are renting? Hope to get some answer. Thank you very much!

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply April 7, 2009

      Hi ejay nazario,

      For Malaysians working in Singapore, Larkin, Tmn Pelangi, Tampoi, Perling and Bukit Indah are their favourite places to rent a house or apartment because these locations are convenient for them to go to work.

      Permas, Molek and Mt Austin are places where you can find a mix of tenants who work in JB and Singapore.

      Cheers

      • mr. lee

        Reply Reply February 27, 2010

        i want rent house can u cl me my no is 012-5454133 or 0167033690. i waiting for u ok……..

  • Hubert Ong

    Reply Reply April 7, 2009

    Hi OngKL,

    Thanks a lot for providing the valuable info.
    Your info is extremely useful for potetential real estate investor.

    I am thinking of buying a single terrace house in JB for rental soon.
    Do you think Tun Aminah, Bukit Indah is a good choice? My target tenant is those working in Singapore.
    Would be much appreciated if you could recommend terrace/condo which is easy to rental out with some capital appreciation in the long run.

    Thank you.

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply April 7, 2009

      Hi Hubert,

      Tun Aminah and Bukit Indah are famous with some of the new development projects there which deliver beautiful new houses and estates. However, the rental yield for terrace house is not as high as apartment.

      For example, a double storey terrace house cost more than RM200k can be rented out at RM1000-RM1200 if furnished. Compared to apartment, which its furnishing cost is much lower, you can get the same amount of rent from a less than RM180k (some time less than RM150k) apartment.

      Rental apartments/condos like Bistari Impian, Pulai View, Datin Halimah, Wadihana, Bayu Putri and Prima Regency are on high rental demand.

      Cheers

      • Hubert

        Reply Reply July 12, 2009

        Thank you OngKL for your valuable info.

        Could you email me a list of JB agent with different expertise.
        What is your view on landed property (esp Bukit Indah) price trend for next year?

        Thank you.

        • ongkl

          Reply Reply July 15, 2009

          Hi Hubert,

          An email has been sent to you.
          I expect the price of landed property next year will still besagnann JB.

          Cheers

  • Kent

    Reply Reply April 13, 2009

    This is a really good website about the real estate investment. I like your site.
    I’m currently stay in johor – skudai and i very interested in real estate investment.

    I’d read a few book about the real property investment which is written by azizi ali, Milan Doshi , and Rich Dad’s Advisors Ken McElroy.

    I am a fresh graduate student and since i don’t have so much capital to start to buy investment then i prefer investing my knowledge first.

    Do you have any good book about the real estate investment can be recommend to me?

    Thanks for your advice

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply April 14, 2009

      Thank you, Kent.

      Besides the few books that you mentioned, I would like to recommend “The Real Estate Investors Hanbook” by Steven Fisher to you. This book explains most of the stategies that a real estate investor must know.

      Cheers

  • khalid

    Reply Reply April 16, 2009

    Hi Ong,
    I am eyeing a unit at Lagenda Tasik for investment purposes. Understand that it is a leasehold ppty (99 yrs). What do you think of its rental yield? Do you think its a good location to target those working in Singapore? I am really a greenhorn at real estate investments. Would appreciate your opinion on this…
    Also do price quoted normally include or exclude the RM10000 levy imposed on foreigners by the state government?

    cheers

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply April 17, 2009

      Thank you, JC, for answering Kahlid’s question about the RM10k levy.

      Khalid, Lagenda Tasik is located in a good location. There is no problem to attract those who are working in Singapore.
      However, the project has yet to be completed thus it’s still early for us to estimate its rental yield. Based on its selling price, we expect it’s rental yield to be a bit lower than Bistari Impian and about the same as Suria Mas.

      Cheers

  • j c

    Reply Reply April 17, 2009

    khalid,

    Normally property selling price are not inclusive of the RM10k levy fees. Some developer might have offer/promo where they pay the RM10k on your behalf while some don’t.

    So, do ask the sales personnel regarding it.

  • chris

    Reply Reply April 20, 2009

    Hello ongkl
    great information on JB and the real estate situation. Do you have any opinion on the bayu puteri marina service residences? Saw some interesting advertisement and will be in JB end of the month. Where can I find someone who must assist me in my hunt for property investment?

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply April 25, 2009

      Hi Chris,

      Hope the name list that I emailed to you can assist you in your hunting.

      As mentioned in my email also, the area of bayu puteri marina is good but the existing traffic system there is bad. We can’t see any possibility of traffic improvement there in the near future. However, rental demand is there for people who work in both JB and Singapore.

      Don’t be attracted by any guaranteed return thingy.. It has been factored into the purchase price. That’s the reason why JC pointed out that the price per square feet is too high. Calculate carefully to see if it’s really worth borrowing…

      Thanks for your sharing, JC. Hope you can hang out round here frequently.

      Cheers

  • j c

    Reply Reply April 21, 2009

    Chris, i guess you meant the Puteri Paradise Service Apartment?
    Last time AP Realty used to be their agent, but last i heard they are no longer the agent for that project.
    Been there twice, the Guaranteed Return thingy is something like you buy that property, lease it back to them for 3 yrs (i.e 3 yrs for them to rent it out as a hotel room). You’ll get few days to stay in your room for free per year.
    Last year December when i asked who will be managing the hotel, i was told ‘not confirmed yet’ … erm, not sure for now though.
    To me, the price per sq ft is kinda on the high side.

    p/s : Ong, hope you don’t mind me kepoh-ing here. Not much forum/website on JB’s Real Estate.. so i only get to hang out round here…

  • Nura Hakub

    Reply Reply June 24, 2009

    Hello all!

    I need some info about properties in JB. We have been scouting around for properties about CIQ area – Stulang, Taman Pelangi, Taman Century. Any recommendations? How about Aman Larkin? We are young couple who wants to be away from hustle and bustle of Singapore therefore we would like JB to be our second home and we dont mind commuting to and fro the causeway. We have been surveying properties for Bukit Indah/Setia Tropika/D’Serambi however we felt that the distance is a bit far as those are around Perling area and above. This may be a stupid question but which is worth buying new property or exisitng property?

  • Nura Hakub

    Reply Reply June 24, 2009

    Khalid…

    I have been to 3 developers with regards to the levy for Singaporean. We have to pay RM11K for the levy and it will be at our end.

  • Nura Hakub

    Reply Reply June 25, 2009

    Went to Aman Larkin (just to passby). The place is really industrial place. I am just wondering if they are going to something with the surrounding (i.e. landscape) around the area. Travel time from Aman Larkin to CIQ is much less than 15mins (we did time it). Am going during the day time to see how it is like…

    Anyone look at the property around Jalan YAhya Awal (Beside Tenaga Nasional Building – right after CIQ)? I think its call City Villa…

    • Meris Chan

      Reply Reply October 21, 2009

      Hi there. Yes, there is a completed project around Jalan Yahya Awal named City Villa. It is a freehold properties with 2.5 storey terrace houses and 2 storey semi-d houses,both with guards doing patrolling 24 hours but it wont be gated.

      It is only 5 minutes to CIQ, and i personally think it is worth investing due to the spill over effect from Singapore’s escalating house price. At present, the terrace house is selling at RM498,800 and the semi-d is RM788,000. SUch prices are a 4 bedrooms HDB flat (leasehold somemore) in Singapore but here, you can own a Freehold landed property which is only few minutes away from Singapore.

      It is no doubt in the neighbourhood of Malay as there are wooden type of houses around the area, but mind you, for those who can afford to stay in the city are definitely not lower income group of people! Think about it, even if they rent the premises will somehow reflects their ability to pay for rental in city centre! And also though i am Chinese myself, Malay area is much safer than other area in comparison. i dont know if u notice those black listed area in JB such as permas, tun aminah etc are all Chinese area?

      Go visit the showhouse from 10am to 6pm daily!

    • daing

      Reply Reply March 7, 2010

      Hi read about Aman larkin, i have seen the property, but i can suggest if u r a bumi u can check at nongchik height at jln kolan ayer few block from the former Hyatt hotel. Its a honeycomb type house. we already bought 1 semi-d type house there.

  • Dr Siah

    Reply Reply July 5, 2009

    hi ong,
    This is Dr Siah here. I am from Tangkak also. I am currently developing a mixed development project at Teluk Jawa, Johor Bahru.
    If possible, I would like to meet up with you.
    Please let me know your contacts.
    Thank you.

    Dr Siah

  • RBD

    Reply Reply August 3, 2009

    Hi

    I am Singaporean in my mid 30s currently contemplating buying a semi D double storey in Malaysia cause i love malaysia

    I am currently looking at Bukit Indah and Setia Tropika developed by the Setia group.

    1) Is the JB market worth investing in?
    2) Which would be a better location from long term investment perspective? Bukit Indah or SEtia Tropika?
    3) I believe the initial batch of Bukit Indah properties have doubled in value over 10 years. Am i right or wrong? please correct me

    Look forward to your valuable advice

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply August 4, 2009

      Hi RBD,

      1) Yes, JB market is worth investing, please see my comment to KC at https://reijb.com/property-price-rental-trend/#comments. This week S$1 can already change for RM2.45, instead of RM2.4 at the time I posted my comment in Dec 08.
      2) Personally I prefer Bukit Indah because of the security there.
      3) The property value there is appreciated for sure, but I doubt it is doubled.

      Cheers

  • teo kim hwee

    Reply Reply August 4, 2009

    Last week i visit Puteri Paradise Service Apartment, same question throw them who is the hotel operator, the answer i got was there were a few candidates but not firm. Seems todate, still cannot decide on hotel operator or no operator at all.

    The other project like KSLcity that KSL is running hotel operation themself, feel more confortable as they are listed and convinced.

    for PPSA, if at anytime, hotel operator withdraw business, who to ask for help? I think better think twice. although 5 years GRR, after 5th years, am i able to find any tenant fot it?

    Thanks.

  • jc

    Reply Reply August 16, 2009

    @teo : ‘con’vinced? Although they are listed, but Hotel Management?

    Wondering what is Ong’s view on KSL City

  • Koh

    Reply Reply August 20, 2009

    Hi Mr. Ong,

    I’m a newbie try to make investment in property and currently planning to buy my first property in Prima Rengency, do u think i’m doing the right decision to buy a 130k studio there for rental investment (i heard the market value there only 120K, is it true?) If the rental can up 1000-1200, is it still worth to have the property. Btw how they charge the legal fee for the property? and how about the tampoi indah 2? An agent brought me to see the apartment that cost 82k and rental Rm500 (maintance fee maybe around RM75).. is it there also a good place for investment? Or you have any better suggestion for me to start the property investment?

    Regards,
    Koh

    Hope u dont mind i really dont know too much about property.

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply August 21, 2009

      Hi Koh,

      You may want to read through my other posts in this blog to undertand better how to make a good investment.
      Simply put, if you can get a rental above your monthly installment and other costs, it should be considered a good investment.
      To have a better investment, you have to know how to increase the return on investment.

      Cheers

  • Koh

    Reply Reply August 21, 2009

    Hi Mr Ong,

    I had read through all the post in this blog, just need someone to advice. Can u introduce some banker to me? Which bank have provide the best rate? I heard bank(public bank)will give a bit high rate to which take the homeloan for investment rather than homeloan for own to stay. is it true? Why?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Koh

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply August 24, 2009

      Hi Koh,

      A list of recommended bakers in JB has been sent to you.

      Most banks give better offer if the property that you finance is for your own stay. This is because the risk is lower to bank for a home owner to default his installment payment, since nobody want to lose their home.

      Cheers

      • KOH

        Reply Reply August 25, 2009

        MR Ong,

        Thanks.

        regards,
        Ms koh

  • mimi

    Reply Reply September 4, 2009

    hi Ong,
    i am interested in the tasek11 and casa impiana terrace house.
    do you think i can easily get a tenant for shopoffice or house?
    thanks for your thoughts

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply September 7, 2009

      Hi mimi,

      At this moment it may not be easy to get a tenant for both shopoffice or house there. However, if the economy is really on its way of recovery, by next year it will be easier to find a tenant for shopoffice than house.

      Cheers

    • Meris Chan

      Reply Reply October 21, 2009

      Hi Mimi, i wonder if you were the one who visited City Villa at Jalan Yahya Awal?

      The 2.5 storey terrace house at City Villa is selling about RM498,800.00 and it is FREEHOLD. Though not gated, they have 24hours security guard patrolling.

      THe accessibility is great, as long as u are near to Inner Ring Road. Location wise, it is 5 mins drive away to CIQ and CIty Square, JOhor specialist centre, general hospital, famous schools from kindergarten Hilltop, primary and secondary school like Convent and English College,to higher education like Rima College, International school and Arts College located nearby. Walking distance is a new public library and some groceries shops. There are several petrol stations, car service centres, car aircon service centre and paying TNB bill is only across the road! 2 mins drive u can go to Danga CIty mall for shopping!

      If those are not elements for great investments then pls tell me what are they?

      • Dan

        Reply Reply November 14, 2009

        city villa might be a good place…. but mayb someone should point out that place is notorious for flooding? yea.. they put in some new longkangs.. but you never know in malaysia.. and for half a million.. i would put my $$ somewhere else.

        meris, sounds like you really like the place.. are you buying there too? or are you selling it. its a great location, but why are you asking people with singapore access to educate their kids in malaysia? hospitals are nearby but i would go to a poly clinic anyday. Higher education? i’m sorry.. but those colleges are definently not high up on my list… and come on grocery shops? what grocery shops. it seems you have put in the whole list of the neighbourhood. and seriously…. danga city maill is highly overated.

        half a mil…. for a singaporean. i would get a guarded and gated property ie: impian heights. or perhaps somewhere in ponderosa. still accessible and much better shopping too.

        • Meris Chan

          Reply Reply December 6, 2009

          Yes, i dont think this City Villa suits u too cos u dont seems to blend in the kampung lifestyle here, no offense, but the residents and neighbours here are happy and friendly.

          All our purchasers are professionals like specialist doctors, engineers, lawyers, even polititian (MCA YB) and teacher. with their brain like that level, i really dont know why they didnt think of the issues u mentioned just now?!

          I think it is rainy season now, probably can take a look whether the new pumps are working or not. The houses are on the slope/ high ground, and if it floods to the house, i think Singapore would have no roads, not to mention ponderosa which is near to the river.

          Anyhow, appreciate your comments. Buying house is like choosing wife/husband, u may not like that girl but somehow other man will sweep her feet off too, and we cant say that man is silly and u are smart just because u failed to see the beauty of that lady, can we?

  • Fion

    Reply Reply October 1, 2009

    Hi Ong,

    Have you done any research on Lagenda Tasek Luxuries Suites? Good for stay or investment?? Please feel free to share with me. Thanks a lot!!!

    • Meris Chan

      Reply Reply October 21, 2009

      Hi, pls also view the reply from me to Mimi.

  • Steven Ho

    Reply Reply November 3, 2009

    Why no more updates (new blog posts)???

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply November 12, 2009

      Hi Steven,

      I am so sorry to all readers as I have been very busy since month Sep.
      I will try to update new post when I get more settled down.

      Cheers

      • Meris Chan

        Reply Reply November 14, 2009

        Hi guys,

        Yeah, was wondering what is Ong up to too. not much activity on the post and yet to meet people from here who visit the showhouse at Lorong 5, Jalan Yahya Awal, JB (Opposite TNB office building and next to new library).

        10am to 6pm opens daily except public holiday!

        cheers

        meris

  • kom

    Reply Reply November 24, 2009

    Hi Ong

    Since you are well verse with JB what do you think about adda heights? Actually we intend to settle down in JB and aggressively looking for a house to buy. Currently im staying at Permas but we couldn’t find a good one. Priority will be gated. I’m working at Permas and my hubby in S’pore. Actually I like Tmn Gaya but I dunt like the location of “ulu tiram”. If give u a choice, which will be your preference, setia tropika or adda height? Which location the market value will appreciate?

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply December 5, 2009

      Hi Kom,

      I’m not so familiar with Adda Heights. However, Setia Tropika project is one of my favourite projects in JB.

      Cheers

  • kom

    Reply Reply November 25, 2009

    Hi Ong,

    Actually I like casa impiana too and the location wise very strategic. The price is within RM400k for 26*75. My only concern is the property is leasehold. We are buying a property to settle down for long term. What is your thought on this matter and also my earlier queries?

    Thank you

    rgds
    kom

    • ongkl

      Reply Reply December 5, 2009

      Hi Kom,

      If it is for our own stay, I always recommend to buy a freehold property.
      RM400k seems too high to me.

      Cheers

    • Meris Chan

      Reply Reply December 6, 2009

      Hi Kom,

      Do come visit the showhouse at Lorong 5 (sale office), Off Jalan Yahya Awal road, the terrace is RM498,800 FREEHOLD. completed with CFO. We had a purchaser,a couple of specialist doctors, who viewed there then came here within one day, they have already put the deposit of RM2000. Now they are doing renovation.

      seeing yourself would be more convincing!

  • edward lim

    Reply Reply November 30, 2009

    hi ong ,

    any advise on the new ksl city condo ,studio apartment 550 sq ft around 330k rmis it a good buy ,what is the potential rental yield for this apartment as the developer only guarantee 8% for three year

  • kom

    Reply Reply December 7, 2009

    Hi Meris,

    Thanks for the info. Actually I viewed the houses over there. I love the location coz very convenient and nearer to good schools. However I booked at Adda height. RM410k for 44*70. Cluster home and it’s more or less 15km to JB town. With new highway it will take less than 15 mins to reach JB town.

    • Meris Chan

      Reply Reply December 7, 2009

      Kom,

      No worries, houses at Adda Height also very nice. Of course the house value will not escalate as fast as in City Centre, but the important thing is u like the house. I am sure there will be good schools around there in near future.

      Do reccommend your other friends on City Villa houses who wishes to reach JB town in less than 1 minute than 15 minutes, can? Million thanks 🙂

      Meris Chan

      • KOH

        Reply Reply February 5, 2010

        Hi Meris Chan,

        actually looking for house in JB area. My future wife actually currently working in sgpore and while me working in skudai. Plan to find a place near to CIQ so that my future wife can be easily drive to work daily. City Villa unit for terrace hse still available. i try to find more info abt City Villa but not available. Can u sent me some info to my email. thanks

        • Meris

          Reply Reply April 19, 2010

          Hi Koh, u can check out the developer’s website at multimax.com.my, the project is city villa. so u will be able to view the floor plans. Our showhouse opens from 10am to 6pm where 1pm is lunch break.

          It is sited at Lorong 5, off Jalan Yahya Awal, in the city of Johor Bahru. It is 5 minutes away from causeway, easy access via inner ring road, few minutes away from general hospital, specialist hospitals, famous schools like Convent (Top 10 school), English College, even the eateries are well known like restaurant ZZ, saga, Taat house etc. Paying bills like TNB is also just across the street!

          The landmark here is TNB Office building, which is sited opposite our houses. or behind Esso station (the smaller one) of Jalan Yahya Awal. If u r a daily commuter to singapore, we have 2 Esso Stations, 1 shell and 2 Petronas stations in the vicinity. There are also car mechanic, car wash, car aircon shop nearby.

          No matter how rich u are, u simple cant find a second place with such complete facilities, and mind u that they are all famous and well known!

          Definitely a great investment, even a blind man can see that.

          Meris

  • Daing

    Reply Reply March 1, 2010

    Hi guys…after reading some of the forum here, I would like to contribute 2cents of my knowledge on property. I hope to get good comment & also an uplifting recommendation. My wife is a malaysian who work in SIngapore. As a malay there are bumi n non bumi lots that she able to purchase. In 1996 we bought a Malay reserved land property suited at jln yahya awal bukit saujana condo, I will not comment on the agency running the condo but what i like to highlight here is that we only stay ther from 1996 to 1998. after that the unit is rental out till today… its a leasehold 99 n only for bumi but location location location play an important role in any property.
    At current situation we r now in the process on getting a semi d at nong chik height a stone throw away from former Hyatt hotel. Again is 99years but remember the rule of the thumb is location location location. Hope to hear from u all n we can learn from 1 another so that we can invest n live happily when we retired..:)

    • Meris

      Reply Reply April 19, 2010

      No doubt it is a good investment in Bukit Saujana apartments, as to rent out the units but if u want to stay there again? it will be a ‘no, no’, especially if u have kids around. definitely not a nice environment to live in.

      Yes Nong Cik Height is well located,to stay it is a ‘Yes’, even though i hate the fact that u need to do a stupid u-turn if u are going towards Larkin, and if u are coming home from Thistle hotel direction, u need another long way up to the roundabout (near the Istana entrance) to U- turn back to the taman. kinda irritates me. 😛

      whatever rule of thumb u may have, location is important no matter when it comes to bumi, non-bumi or malay reserved. to stay yes, but as an investment? No, one, cos it is 99 yrs (if 99 yrs are not relevant in invesment, then why did those area with 99 yrs lease trying so hard to convert to 999 years ie. Uda, and try to convince people it is freehold?). secondly,the restrictions of ‘Malay Reserved’. I am a Chinese, u may think i am sour grape cos i cant buy the house. But what kind of investment are u talking about when u r restricting ur own market?

      Simple calculation like 10 Malaysian genuine buyers, 7 Malay, 2 Chinese and 1 Indian. they are only 7 Malay can buy, and 7 houses sold. but normal houses (without restrictions), my target market will be 10 malaysian also can buy and another market is Singaporean also can buy,so i got 10 houses sold with 1 waiting list. who is at the better position when u talk about good property investment? i would rather buy more units in Saujana apartments and rent out, good rental investment. I would stay in Nong Cik Height and say it is a good house to live in but got to think twice in the long run.

      Pls convince me if i am wrong.

      Thanks

      Meris

      • daing

        Reply Reply June 3, 2010

        Hi again…great to hear from you, its a matter of opinion..good to have such great feedback afterall its a market share that everyone can gain..but we cant change the policy as this been regulated by the govt or relevent authorities… nevertheless there are pros n cons of such situation, every country have their own need n interest to their citizen. Rule of the thumb just for the advantage..:)

  • Hoover

    Reply Reply March 10, 2010

    Hi, I’m looking for an investment in Johor Bahru. It always makes me hesitate to start investing because of the fear of rental vacancy. Is there any available apartment unit in Johor Bahru, price less than RM 120k, with fairly good monthly cashflow? Looking forward the first investment after doing some study in real estate investment for months, especially those articles in this website. Any advices are highly appreciated. Thanks!

  • Mohd Saad

    Reply Reply April 13, 2010

    Hi Mr Ong

    Trust you are well

    I’m newbee in property and keen to buy service apartment in Jb. Looking at Danga Bay area, appreciate if you have more info on Oakwood Residence.Do the buyer have an option to buy and lease back ( GRR )? Who will managed the apartment? Who is the developer? When will the property to be launched/ open for sale?
    What is the potential of the property appreciation in long term?

    Appreciate for your kind assistance.

    Warmth Regards
    Saad

  • SH

    Reply Reply May 26, 2010

    Anyone can enlighten me on straits view condo? How is the area like? Does it have high demand for rental?

  • SH

    Reply Reply May 26, 2010

    What about Wadihana? Good for investment?

  • Nicole

    Reply Reply June 6, 2010

    Hi all,

    I would like to ask if anybody knows anything about Cube 166, new housing development by a new developer Intrajaya Murni Sdn Bhd? They bought a piece of land from JP Perdana (whom we all know suffered financial problems and still haven’t delivered houses sold few years ago). Anyway, Intrajaya Murni intends to build terrace houses on that plot and I’ve seen the showhouses, very pretty. But I’m worried because of JP Perdana…hmmm… any comments?

    Regards,
    Nicole

  • koh

    Reply Reply June 11, 2010

    Hi Ong,

    I planning to buy Palazio (mayland), how u thing of that?

    Koh

  • JC

    Reply Reply June 29, 2010

    Refering to Nicole’s post, I’m also attracted to Cube 166 unit design.
    However, my concern goes out to these:
    1. never heard of Intrajaya Developer before (wonder how is their service)
    2. been hearing quite a number of negative comments of JP Perdana developer after booking service from a few friends. has this phase got anything to do with JP Perdana?

  • Lee Jin Hong

    Reply Reply July 22, 2010

    Did you book the cube 166?

  • YY

    Reply Reply July 28, 2010

    Hi,

    I’m interested in one of the property at Adda Heights. Is a semi-D which cost RM450k. Do you think buying a property in Adda Heights is a good investment? Besides investment purpose, i would like to stay there for my retirement too. Do you think with RM450K i can get a better deal at other developer?

  • kom

    Reply Reply August 12, 2010

    H

  • kom

    Reply Reply August 12, 2010

    Hi YY

    Myself bought a unit at Adda Height – Mapple Red, last year. Which phase are you talking about? I did alot of surveys before proceed with the purchase cause i feel it was far cheaper than Setia Tropika , Austin Heights and its cluster where you have land at the side.

    After a few months i bought, the sales guy offered extra RM40k if i intend to sell my units, bear in your mind that the completion in only next year. Today i just met property agent and willing to offer extra RM90k from the purchase price coz its corner unit. The purpose that i bought is for own stay but now i feel its good for investment too….

  • Nick

    Reply Reply September 1, 2010

    Hi Kom,

    I also is one of the buyer who bought the unit of Mapel Red. Actualy same as you, i do a lot of study about this project before proceed to buy it. In terms of pricing, Adda Heights is really located at strategic location which can easily access to EDL and south-east highway. On top of that, the state goverment have annouced that foreigners can only buy properties valued at RM500,000 and above,so you possible to adjust your selling above RM 500k in order to target foreigner invester. Keep in touch for any update of Mapel Red 🙂 Cheer

  • kom

    Reply Reply September 14, 2010

    Hi Nick

    Good Day

    Nice to hear from you and i’m glad to hear that we gonna be a n’bour. Which unit you have bought and facing which side? The houses are almost completed up to 70%-80%. We might get the keys by June 2011. In fact i bought that unit for my own stay and have no idea to sell coz we can’t get another unit with that pricing. My unit is facing the Semi-Ds. The only worry is the oil palm trees right at the back of the Semi-Ds which are belongs to Dato Onn. I’m wondering what Dato Onn intends to do over there. Hopefully not sewerage tank etc.

    In between Adda gonna launch new project by end of this year or beginning of next year right next to Maple Red. The price starts from RM650k. I believe our $ in Maple units are really worthfull.

    Keep in touch

  • Nick

    Reply Reply September 17, 2010

    Hi, future n’bour

    I bought C1 which facing south. i agree with u that we might be able to get the CFO before the expected date. 🙂 Whenever u come to view ur unit just pm so that we can go together ya.

    Cheer..

  • Teo

    Reply Reply October 8, 2010

    Hi Ong,

    Read your above sharing. Thanks:) I saw some adv for sale Prima Regency Studio RM140K-RM160K, high floor & some not renovated unit, is it right price to buy? Will the coming up Palazio huge project will affect the rental demand & property prices (Prima Regency) in future? Hope to hear your advise:)

    Thank you & appreaciated.

    Best regards,
    Teo

  • Ken

    Reply Reply October 11, 2010

    HI Ong, are you familiar with austin heights 2 storey cluster house? I am looking to buy a unit there but prices have risen above RM 500k now compared to developer selling price 3-4 years ago of RM 310K. Similar cluster houses in adda heights, setia indah (new launching at RM 635k) are all very expensive too .
    I am worried that once i buy and if property prices tumble, market value of austin heights house will go down as well since there is a big gap between current selling price and developer selling price. Hope you can advise and share your opinion.
    Thanks/rgds, Ken

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