THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

special

SUBURBAN PROPERTY
land in Bandar Utama. All units
are equipped with air
conditioners, kitchen cabinets, a
built-in oven, cooker hood and
hob, wardrobes, and water
heaters.
One unique feature of this
development is the use of flexible
drywall partitions set between the
rooms, enabling residents to
configure the layout in the units to
suit their own needs.
These drywall partitions are
structurally tough and smooth,
perfectly straight and have the
ability to withhold the weight of
80kg. In addition, all services can
run inside the wall.

Residences at 9 Bukit
Utama are well-equipped
for modern dwellers.

The Effingham
Sprawled across 32 acres
(12.9ha) of freehold land, this
three-storey gated and guarded
villa neighbourhood is the epitome
of luxury living within the city.
Residents are protected by
24-hour security with CCTV and
enjoy facilities such as a gym,
swimming pool, multipurpose hall,
barbecue area, and playground, all
in the residence clubhouse.
These homes come in nine
different designs and are fitted
with air conditioners, kitchen
cabinets, a built-in oven,
microwave oven, cooker hood and
hob, dishwasher, wardrobes and
solar water heater.
The developer welcomes you to
visit its properties and enjoy the
location, size of units and
ambience of the developments. A
thorough tour and viewing of the
location and actual units will be
conducted during such visits.

Height
of luxury
BANDAR Utama Development Sdn
Bhd is a major industry player in
property development and one of
the very first property developers
to embrace the build-then-sell
concept advocated by Malaysias
Ministry for Housing and Local
Governments.
It has earned a reputation for
constructing homes based on this
concept in its award-winning
township of Bandar Utama in
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, a successful
township where a strong sense of
community exists among its
residents.
It sets the standard for premier
living, world-class business
facilities and the ultimate urban
lifestyle and leisure with
environmentally friendly
innovations.
Bandar Utama is easily
accessible via an excellent network
of highways and expressways.
Connectivity to the township will
be further enhanced with the
upcoming MRT line scheduled to
begin operations in December this
year.
The new LRT3 Line, which starts
from Bandar Utama to Klang, is
also eagerly anticipated.
In addition, Bandar Utama is
located within the centre of a
transportation hub consisting of
major bus and coach terminals
connecting to Kuala Lumpur, Klang
Valley, Genting, Penang, Singapore
and more, making travel for work
or leisure a breeze.
Current projects in the area
include residences of 9 Bukit
Utama and The Effingham.
These projects feature a wealth
of value-added lifestyle essentials,
amenities and open parks in
proximity to modern day
conveniences.
They are within walking
distance to public schools, 1 Utama
Shopping Centre, First City
University College, British
International School, the five-star
One World Hotel, The Club @ Bukit
Utama Golf Resort, and a business
precinct consisting of major
tenants such as KPMG, IBM, Sri

Pentas, Media Prima Group,

Paypal, and other multinational
and local corporations.
All purchasers of homes at 9
Bukit Utama and The Effingham
will enjoy a complimentary twoyear family membership at The
Club @ Bukit Utama Golf Resort.

9 Bukit Utama
This residential development
consists of three condominium
blocks on a 7.5-acre (3ha) freehold

n For more information, visit

www.bukit-utama.com.my and
www.the-effingham.com.

An artists impression of a unit at high-end landed property neighbourhood,

The Effingham.

Feature

9 Bandar Utama
Freehold

Tenure
Address

The Effingham

Along Persiaran Bukit Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

Property type

Condominium

Three-storey villas
(gated and guarded)

Built-up size

Standard size range:

2,286sq ft (212.4sq m)
to 2,668sq ft (247.9sq m)

5,654sq ft (525.3sq m) to
12,713sq ft (1181.1sq m)

Number of rooms

4+1

6+1

Land size

N/A

Maintenance fee

RM0.21 per square foot

3,681sq ft (341.9sq m)
to 10,753sq ft (999sq m)
RM600 per month

Launch price

RM510 to RM550 per square foot

From RM4.3mil

Specifications of two Bandar Utama projects.

Looking
beyond cities
By THERESA BELLE
BESIDES providing a long-term
housing solution for working
professionals or young people
wanting to build a home and
family, buying property in the
suburbs is a popular investment
for those who want to support
their mortgage payments with
rental income.
Statistics from the Valuation
and Property Services
Department of the Finance
Ministry illustrate a promising
scenario in the residential rental
market, with a positive growth of
43.1% in the development land
sub-sector last year compared to
2014.
This growth of rental yield is
directly linked to the ongoing
development in suburban areas,
where the expansion of public
transport facilities such as the
Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass
Rapid Transit (MRT) has elevated
the demand for comfortable,
convenient housing.
With land in the Klang Valley
getting scarcer and more
expensive, it is interesting to note
that 60% of buyers in our Bandar
Sri Sendayan project are either
residing or working in the Klang
Valley.
Our semi-detached homes are
well received by those in their
40s looking to upgrade into
larger, quality homes, say
representatives from
property developer
Matrix Concepts Holdings
Sdn Bhd.
Plans to bring together the
municipalities of Shah Alam,
Petaling Jaya, Klang, Subang,
Selayang, Ampang Jaya and
Sepang under Greater Kuala
Lumpur to extend the reach of

the Klang Valley are a welcome

response to the land space
conundrum in the nations
capital and its surrounding cities.
This growth is reflected in the
property market as purchasers
look for apartments,
condominiums or landed
properties that are not too far
from Kuala Lumpur the hub of
business and urban living to
build their lives away from the
hustle and bustle.
The need for affordable
housing becomes more crucial in
rough socioeconomic conditions,
which is why these homes are
increasingly becoming the
preferred choice for first-time
buyers.
Yuthashini Ramani, 26,
describes her recently purchased
dream home in Semenyih: I got
this double-storey terrace house
that has a decent space to fit my
future family and ageing parents,
good porch for two vehicles and
a kennel, and a bit of land.
The kitchen is much bigger
than todays apartment kitchens,
and I have a storeroom and a
decently sized hall upstairs.

> TURN TO PAGE 8

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

2 suburban property

THE great socioeconomic

transformation of the nation has
increased the cost of living in
urban areas, and now young
people looking for more affordable
alternatives are being attracted to
dwell in nearby suburbs and
districts instead.
In Seremban a township
approximately 60km from the
business centre of Kuala Lumpur
residents are able to find
comfortable homes that are
cost-savvy without compromising
on land area or quality.
The latest Malaysian Vision
Valley (MVV) integrated
development project under the
11th Malaysia Plan will capitalise
on the potential of this popular
town in west Negri Sembilan.
With a proposed area spanning
108,000ha, MVV is poised to
transform Seremban into an
investor-friendly central business
district that will generate massive
investment and growth in the next
three decades.
In tandem with this
development, existing and new
roads connecting MVV will be
upgraded and constructed to ease
the Klang Valley congestion,
complementing the development
of the Greater Kuala Lumpur area.

Lush, green haven

Nestled a mere kilometre from
the LEKAS Highway and adjacent
to the Seremban International Golf
Club (SIGC) is Residensi SIGC
Seremban, a new residential
initiative by Matrix Concept
Holdings Berhad.
This exclusive neighbourhood is
built on historical ground. Boasting
a distinguished history tracing
back to 1952, SIGC is a renowned
and meticulously kept course
measuring 6,252m from the
championship tee boxes and
playing to a par-72 over 18 holes.
Since opening to members in
1984, SIGC has undergone multiple
layout improvements and
maintenance programmes to
uphold its reputation of green,
prolific fairways.
The units at Residensi SIGC are
enveloped by a beautiful green
landscape, including a panoramic
view of the golf course for selected
units. On top of that, residents

An artists impression of
Residensi SIGC Serembans
linear concept park.

Finest
resort living
will also enjoy an exclusive
membership to the club, courtesy
of Matrix Concepts.
This latest residential component
at SIGC will feature three types
of housing bungalows,
semi-detached and super link
homes ranging between
2,988sq ft (277.6sq m) and
5,533sq ft (514sq m).
They are called Aria
(double-storey bungalow), Allora
(double-storey semi-detached) and
Irama (double-storey super link).

Safe and sound

Secured round-the-clock with
24-hour surveillance and security,
residents can rest assured that
their safety is of utmost priority.
The perimeter of Residensi SIGC
is equipped with CCTV along the
fencing and within the house
compound (for semi-detached and
bungalow units), card access
system, intercom system and, for
most units, a panic button in case
of emergencies.
The bungalows and
semi-detached units have alarm
systems linked directly to the
guardhouse along with an
environmentally considerate solar
water-heating system, which cuts

An artists impression of a master bedroom of Residensi SIGC Seremban

overlooking the golf course.

costs for the consumers while

conserving energy for the planet.
Other green initiatives at
Residensi SIGC include newly
planted trees and a rain-harvesting
system in selected units.

One with nature

With a focus on combining
affordability, connectivity and
healthy living, Matrix Concepts has
masterfully transformed vast areas
in Residensi SIGC into facilities for
the community.

Upon stepping into the

neighbourhood, visitors and
residents are sure to be enthralled
by the uniquely lush open green
spaces, where the splendour of
nature can be fully appreciated in
solitude or during priceless
bonding moments with the family.
Building on the nature theme,
there is also the linear concept
park that makes for an ideal
recreational environment,

promoting a healthy outdoor

lifestyle with a balance of exercise
and leisure.
Within this park, there are
playgrounds, a tennis court,
running trail and basketball hoop.
Residensi SIGC provides an ideal
environment for individuals or
families to embrace the great
outdoors.
Also on the extensive list of
amenities is an open pavilion with
a swimming pool, barbecue area
and gym for residents to get their
share of rest and relaxation.
Located by the main lobby
of the property, the gym has a
floor-to-ceiling glass enclave with
breathtaking views of the strategic
landscapes.
Residensi SIGC is ready to
welcome you to a picturesque
lifestyle, brimming with grace and
comfort for the entire family.
Set within 41 acres (16.6ha) of
scenic landscaped grounds, take a
moment to bask in the charm of
this exclusive enclave designed to
appeal to every discerning taste.

n For more information, visit

www.residensisigc.com.my.

Suburbs
on the rise
MANY young adults face the
dilemma of having to decide
between remaining close to their
jobs in urban areas and
relocating to the suburbs, where
they can enjoy the perks of city
life and career while still
attaining good work-life balance.
In a study released by the
National Association of Home
Builders in the United States, it
was found that people born after
1977 are now more inclined to
live in single-family homes
outside of urban areas, even if
they hold jobs and obligations in
major cities.
Vice president of the trade
group that carried out the survey,
Rose Quint, said that the majority
of individuals in this generation
want to buy a house in the
suburbs because they want to

10%

24%

66%

Individuals ideal home location

Want to live in suburbs
Want to live in rural areas
Want to live in city centre

live in a larger space than they

would obtain in the city.
The study concluded that most
young people with a family or
those considering starting a
family prefer homes with three
bedrooms or more.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

4 suburban property

Booming multifaceted township

SPRAWLED across 5,322 acres
(2153.7ha) of freehold land in west
Negri Sembilan, Bandar Sri
Sendayan is envisioned to be a
tranquil, tropical nature-inspired
sanctuary.
This exciting new township
brings together residential,
commercial, institutional, hi-tech
industrial, agricultural and leisure
development elements to
exemplify its vision: Nurturing
Environments, Enriching Lives.
The premier integrated
development is set to be a vibrant
hub for self-sustainable community
living, where families will find an
oasis of fulfilment while businesses
find promising opportunities.
Bandar Sri Sendayan is
developed by BSS Development
Sdn Bhd, a member of Matrix
Concepts Holdings Berhad.
The company was founded in
1997 and has since developed
projects in Seremban, Port Dickson
and Bahau in Negri Sembilan and
more in Johor.
A Matrix representative says,
We anticipate the demand for our
properties to remain encouraging
because we focus on providing
affordable houses. The average
price of houses is RM203 per
square foot, while those in
surrounding developments with
comparable quality are priced
between RM230 and RM300 per
square foot.
Given the rising property prices
in the Klang Valley, more property
purchasers have begun looking
down south for more affordable
options.
In 2013, Bandar Sri Sendayan
had less than 40% of its purchasers
coming from the Klang Valley in
last year and this year, this number
has increased significantly to the
60% range.

Convenience in
connection
With a gross development value
(GDV) of RM5.5bil, Bandar Sri
Sendayan comprises five main
development components:
residential and recreational,
commercial and institutional,
Sendayan TechValley, TUDM
Academia and Training City, and
Orchard.
The first-class township
currently consists of a
30,000-strong population and this

eco-friendly industrial park will be

a hub for several supporting
industries anticipated to generate
job opportunities for a highly
productive workforce.

Complete community
living

An artists impression of Elymus, a two-storey, semi-detached residential development project in Bandar Sri
Sendayan.

number is expected to grow to

120,000 upon the completion of
development in 2020. By this time,
it is hoped to be the pride of
Seremban, where community
members can live, work and play.
Contributing to this growth is its
strategic location within the
Greater Klang Valley, which is a
conurbation initiative by the
Federal Government to extend the
Klang Valley to the south, up to
Seremban.
Bandar Sri Sendayan is easily
accessible from major highways. It
is approximately 7km to the
North-South Expressway Southern
Route (E2) exit at the SerembanLabu toll and 20km to the KajangSeremban LEKAS Expressway
(E21) exit at Sentul.
It is also connected to the
Seremban-Port Dickson Highway
(E29), which links to Port Dickson
in the west and Mambau,
Seremban in the east.
The new Paroi-Senawang-KLIA
Expressway leading to Sendayan
TechValley, which is currently
under construction, will further
enhance connectivity in the area.
On top of that, the proposed
High-Speed Rail (HSR) link between
Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will

The dTempat Country Club is equipped with amenities such as an

Olympic-size swimming pool, badminton, tennis, squash and table tennis
courts, aqua gym and bowling alley, among others.

The Matrix Global Schools is a private national and international school

campus.

have a station in Labu, a mere 5km

away from Bandar Sri Sendayan.
There will be a connecting road
to the proposed link highway to
KLIA via Sendayan TechValley,
adding to the townships efficient
arterial road system.

Equipped for exclusivity

The townships impressive
network of connections supports
the commercial convenience
featured in components such as the
Sendayan Merchant Square.
This is a 100-acre (40.46ha)
lifestyle commercial development
comprising dTempat Country Club,
Matrix Global Schools, shop offices,
retail outlets and an upcoming 4H
In proximity
Palm Mall
Aeon Shopping Centre
Mydin Shopping Centre
Tesco Seremban
Columbia Asia Hospital
KPJ Seremban Specialist
Hospital
Hospital Tuanku Jaafar
Seremban (HTJS)
Police station
Fire station

(hypermarket, hardware,
household and home
improvement) Centre.
The 380,000sq ft (35,303.15sq m)
dTempat Country Club comes with
a host of amenities, including an
Olympic-size swimming pool,
badminton, tennis, squash, and
table tennis courts, a 10-lane
bowling alley, gymnasium, aqua
gym, children water play station,
game room, restaurants and cafes,
retail outlets and M.I.C.E (meetings,
incentives, conferencing,
exhibitions) facilities.
Under the institutional banner of
this southern hub is Matrix Global
Schools, a 700,000sq ft (65,032.12sq
m) private national and
international school campus,
which caters to the demand for
quality education in the area.
Sendayan TechValley is an
international hi-tech industrial
park that will also prove to be
central to the growth of the area.
It has been steadily raking in
foreign direct investment (FDI) in
sectors, including automotive,
aircraft and engine systems, metal,
construction, rubber and medical
devices.
Supported by the excellent
location as well as connectivity
and transportation network, this

Residents can rest, relax or get

active at Sendayan GreenPark,
which is equipped with badminton,
skating, football, basketball, jogging
and tai chi facilities. There is also a
playground, reflexology path,
fitness station, pond and
amphitheatre for the benefit of
the community.
All these facilities contribute
to the booming residential
component of Bandar Sri
Sendayan.
In the heart of this township is
Sendayan IconPark a 116-acre
(46.94ha) town centre modelled
after Bandar Utama in Petaling
Jaya featuring a hospital, hotel,
shopping mall, convention centre,
commercial units, offices and
condominiums.
The public infrastructure in
Bandar Sri Sendayan is enhanced
with street lights along Persiaran
Bandar Sri Sendayan and an
upgrade of the tunnel along
Persiaran Bandar Sri Sendayan
Mambau in collaboration with the
state government, which will
undoubtedly step up the
connectivity and safety for all.
In keeping with the theme of
nature, the developers are
committed to beautifying the
landscape on all connecting roads
for a more pleasant driving
experience.
With 6,200 completed residential
units, 2,000 more under
construction and 2,295 to be
launched in the near future,
Bandar Sri Sendayan is shaping
into a community and commercial
hub worth looking out for in the
south.

n For more information, visit

www.1sendayan.com.
Facilities
Existing
Matrix Global Schools
dTempat Country
Club
Sendayan MetroPark
Sendayan Merchant
Square
Sendayan GreenPark
Sekolah Rendah Jenis
Kebangsaan Cina
(SRJKC) and Sekolah
Kebangsaan (SK)
government schools
24-hour convenience
store
Petrol station
Fast food outlet
Police post
Upcoming
dTempat Boutique
Hotel
KIP Mart Hypermart
Tamil primary
vernacular school

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

6 suburban property

THE Selangor State Development

Corporation (PKNS) is well known
for building houses in strategic
locations that not only incorporate
contemporary designs but are
also reasonably priced.
This is a demonstration of
PKNS commitment in meeting the
demands of Selangor residents
for homes that are within their
means and do not compromise on
quality.
This year, the state agency shows
that it is staying true to this vision
with the rolling out of two new
residential developments located
in townships with ample growth
potential and numerous pull
factors.

Stylish affordability
The first project, Azhara, is
located within the borders of
Antara Gapi, which is also
developed by the state agency.
The township is situated in the
vicinity of Serendah, Selangor,
which is rich in natural features
and boasts plenty of outdoor
recreational activities through
surrounding amenities such as the
Serendah Golf Resort, Eagle Nest
Outbound Adventure Eco Resort
and the famous forest retreat
Sekeping Serendah.
The 23-acre (9.3ha) development
contains 146 units of
semi-detached homes, all sporting
premium fixtures and finishings.
Billed as an ideal living enclave,
the houses are inspired by the
urban lifestyle and feature
modern, practical and inventive
designs.
Homes in Azhara come in
two layout types, with type A,
numbering 66 units in total,
having a land size of 2,797sq ft
(259.8sq m), and type B consisting
of 80 units and measuring 2,714sq
ft (252.1sq m). Both types feature
4+1 bedroom layouts.
Launched in January this year,
pricing for the units starts at
RM875,000 and RM835,000 for
type A and type B respectively.
Accessibility-wise, the residential
development is situated near the
Serendah KTM station, one of the
stops along the KTM West Coast
Line.
It is also accessible by car via the
New Klang Valley Expressway
(NKVE), among other routes.
The second project, Puteri
Daffina 2, is located in Kota Puteri
another PKNS township
development within the district
of Gombak, Selangor.
The houses incorporate the
concepts of convenience and

An artists impression of
Azharas type A homes.

Homes for the people

PKNS
offers
homes
that are
inspired
by the
urban
lifestyle.

comfort along with elements of

nature.
Each of these houses sports
its own unique design to fulfil
the varied needs and choices of

the contemporary suburban

customers.
All 92 of the two-storey link units
come with pillar-free car porches
to maximise parking space.

The living room incorporates practical and contemporary design to cater to modern
families.

The interiors feature high

ceilings for an enhanced sense of
spaciousness as well as wide
window openings that optimise
ventilation and natural light, both

Wide window openings allow residents to enjoy natural ventilation and

light, creating a comforatble living space.

of which, when combined, result in

comfortable common spaces where
families can gather.
The four-bedroom units,
measuring between 2,085sq ft
(193.7sq m) and 2,340sq ft
(217.4sq m), were launched in
March, with price points starting
from RM472,440.
A network of highways such as
the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor
Expressway (Latar Expressway)
and Guthrie Corridor Expressway
(GCE) connect the township to
surrounding neighbourhoods such
as Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.
Kota Puteri is also known as
Bandar Baru Batu Arang and falls
under the administration of the
Selayang Municipal Council. There
are 12 sections in the township,
with Puteri Daffina 2 located
within Section 2.

The right audience

The projects target
owner-occupiers who work within
the Klang Valley and draw a net
income of approximately RM8,000
per month as well as investors
interested in expanding their
property portfolio.
As of January this year, the
completion rate for Azhara was at
72%, while Puteri Daffina 2 was
90% finished.
Both are developed on leasehold
land, with the term set to expire in
2104.
The overall sales value for
Azhara has been estimated at
RM125mil while that of Puteri
Daffina 2 has been calculated at
approximately RM47mil.

n For more information,

visit www.pkns-property.com.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

THE STAR, TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2016

8 suburban property

Tips for purchasers

Choose a
property that
meets your
pricing and
location
requirements.

Meeting individual needs

> FROM PAGE 1
She is pleased with life in
Semenyih, where she resides in a
modernised area sans noise
pollution and congestion.
Buying a house here also allows
her to check in on her parents in
Cheras without having to make
long commutes from her
workplace in Wangsa Maju.
Areas such as Semenyih and
Shah Alam are just a few examples
of locations at the outskirts of the
capital Kuala Lumpur that have
been popular among property
seekers in recent years.
Greg Basil, 34, bought his
first property a four-bedroom,
three-bathroom end lot in
Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam in 2008.

Although he enjoys the space

of his landed home and
self-sufficiency of the area, he
recently started to feel that the
house may be too big and the
location far from the areas he
frequents.
I am fairly satisfied with my
purchase but if I had one gripe,
it would be that there is only one
exit out of the area via the KESAS
highway and if it is jammed up, I
cant move around, he says.
With recent and up-andcoming developments, though,
developers and purchasers alike
are paying more attention to
connectivity.
In newer areas such as Bukit
Jelutong, for instance, Osho
Manikkam, 24, found what he

needed a medium-cost apartment

that was a spillover unit.
Price was the main criteria in
my search for something below
RM300,000 in the Klang Valley.
I was looking at areas that had
development potential, and of
these, Setia Alam and Bukit
Jelutong met both my
affordability needs and had
promising future developments
based on what I knew of the
developers and general area
plans, he says.
With the greater potential and
affordability in suburban areas,
properties here are looking more
appealing than ever to a
generation determined to brave
through sluggish markets and
demanding economic cycles.

YOUNG people living and

working in the city are often
priced out of the property
market in urban areas, on top
of the rising cost of living that
can be exorbitant to most
starting out in an entry-level
job.
This has led many to look in
the fringe areas a drive away
from major cities to purchase
suburban property. With the
vast resources available,
potential buyers are
encouraged to weigh all options
before placing a downpayment
on their dream home.
Here are some tips from
young, successful first-home
purchasers Yuthashini Ramani
(Y), Greg Basil (G) and Osho
Manikkam (O) on what to
consider before committing to
a property buy.
l Secure financial stability
Y: Ask yourself if you can
afford a huge financial
commitment. Apart from
securing a loan, I believe one of
the biggest challenges for
future buyers is preparing the
10% deposit and lawyer fees.
O: Do not splurge on an
expensive car or take out huge
personal loans for transient
value-adding expenses.
Minimise credit card debt you

do not want to find a dream

house only to find yourself
unable to qualify for a
mortgage.

l Know the area

Y: Have a chat with your
local policeman to gauge the
safety in the area you are
considering.
G: Based on my current
experience, I would say
purchase property near an
LRT station as that gives you
an alternative mode of
transportation even if you
have a car.
O: Study the development
blueprints and upcoming
projects in the area as this
would give you a good
idea of the future value of
your property.

l Think it through
Y: Focus more on function
and location rather than
design. Avoid the trend of
buying very old houses and
then lifting its looks it may
be cheap, but think about the
deteriorating condition of a
20-year-old house.
O: I believe you cant go
wrong purchasing reasonably
priced landed property in
suburban areas.