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EVERY FRIDAY IN WOULD YOU RATHER BUY A NEW HOME OR REFURBISH YOUR EXISTING ONE? Check out The Edge Property TV at theedgeproperty.com to fi nd out what some visitors to the MAKE BETTER DECISIONS www.theedgeproperty.com recent Penang Maspex prefer. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

EP4 NEWS EP5 DEALMAKERS EP9 GARDEN The Edge-Mah Sing Investing in buy-to-lease Five plants that Millionaire Contest winner property schemes mosquitoes hate picks Icon Residence miles apart from Subang neighbour One is a relatively new and affl uent township while the other is an old industrial area known for housing the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and aviation business-related offi ces. Both are interestingly diverging markets with contrasting price points. See story on ep6.

SUHAIMI YUSUF/THE EDGE PROPERTY + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP2 PROPERTY | NEWS

ON NEWS ROUNDUP Go to theedgeproperty.com for more listings

Four bidders shortlisted for meanwhile, will commence in 2018 strategy and marketing, this building at www.theedgeproperty.com Bandar project and conclude in 2020, in parallel will be in high demand,” Jayasanga- Four out of 12 companies and/or with the opening of the Northern ran told reporters during the signing consortia from domestic private de- Line Extension. ceremony between Paradigma Intan velopers, government-linked com- Bouygues Group is well known Sdn Bhd, wholly-owned subsidiary panies and foreign parties, have for its work on large residential and of Emkay Group, and MKN AT-Life been shortlisted and approved mixed-use developments. Such ex- Sdn Bhd on Sept 15. by 1Malaysia Development Bhd amples include Eikenøtt in Switzer- MKN AT-Life is the offi cial ad- (1MDB) as potential development land, Th e Sail @ Marina Bay in Sin- vertising consultant for Mercu partners for the 486-acre Bandar gapore and the Brickell City Centre Mustapha Kamal. Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. 99ha is estimated to be complet- in Miami. Mercu Mustapha Kamal has a Get a new CH Williams Talhar and Wong ed by 2025. He said this after the gross development value of RM385 home or (WTW), the transaction advisor for groundbreaking of the project by Emkay expects good demand million. It comprises 27- and 14-sto- refurbish the the Bandar Malaysia Request for Penang chief minister Lim Guan for Mercu Mustapha Kamal rey towers, with net fl oor areas of Proposal (RFP), is working to fi nal- Eng on Sept 14. Emkay Group is confi dent its new 285,091 sq ft and 213,719 sq ft re- old one? ise the development partner(s) by Th e project will include the fi rst offi ce tower, Mercu Mustapha Ka- spectively. the end of October. IKEA store in the northern region, mal in , will be Th e 14-storey Tower 2 is for lease Danny Yeo, deputy managing di- the Columbia Asia Medical Centre fully taken up by 1Q2016 due to the and en bloc sale while the 27-storey rector for WTW said the fi nal deci- and a 10ha central park. — Bernama maturity of the location. Tower 1 will be for lease. sion making process will be guided Emkay Group chief operating of- Tower 2 will be completed in De- by value maximisation with terms Bouygues UK bags £1 bil fi cer, fi nance, corporate and strategy cember this year with a net lettable that are fair and reasonable. Battersea job Jayasangaran Dhanapal said there is area of 183,000 sq ft, while Tower 1 Bandar Malaysia is a mixed-use Battersea Power Station Develop- growing demand from companies will be completed in October 2016 development located close to KLCC. ment Co (BPSDC), the development for this project. and ready to be occupied in De- Taman Desa It will be a central transport hub for manager of the Battersea Power “Most of [the] corporate offi ce cember 2016. — growing old the upcoming MRT line 2 and 3, Station project in London, has ap- towers in Damansara Perdana were Mercu Mustapha Kamal has MSC gracefully KTM, Express Rail Link and future pointed Bouygues UK as the pre- already reaching 90% occupancy status and is pre-certified Green access to major highway networks. ferred contractor for Phase 3 of the rates and we believe by effective Building Index (GBI) Gold. Construction is expected to com- project, with a contract worth over mence as early as 2017. £1 billion (RM6.51 billion). According to a recent statement, First phase of Aspen Vision work on Phase 3 is due to start in City to be ready in 2018 early 2016. BPSDC said Phase 1, 2 Aspen Vision City Sdn Bhd, a and 3 together will be the largest joint-venture company between single development project in cen- Aspen Group and Ikano Pte Ltd, tral London since Canary Wharf. expects the fi rst phase of its RM8.4 Phase 3 features a new pedes- billion integrated mixed develop- trianised high street known as Th e ment, Aspen Vision City, in Penang, Electric Boulevard. Phase 3 will also to be completed in 2018. comprise 1,305 homes on either side Phase 1 of the project is Verve, of the 250m long boulevard that will a gated and guarded commercial off er 350,000 sq ft of space that will The Edge Markets Sdn Bhd (1104546M) precinct sprawled over 14ha with a lead people through the Malaysia Level 3, Menara KLK, No 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, gross development value of RM776 Square set to the immediate south (From left) Emkay group company secretary Lai Fook Pui, Paradigma Intan Sdn Bhd , 47810 , million. of the power station. executive director Datuk Fazwinna Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, MKN At-Life Sdn Bhd , Malaysia Aspen Vision City chief executive Work is expected to start on the managing director Azmil Khuzaid Zakaria and MKN At-Life Sdn Bhd executive director offi cer Datuk M Murly expects Verve northern half of the Phase 3 site in Srikanth Ramachandran at the signing ceremony between Paradigma Intan and MKN to be completed by 2018, while the 1Q2016, set to be completed in 2019. Publisher and Group CEO Ho Kay Tat At-Life. Photo by Suhaimi Yusuf/The Edge Property entire development spanning over Works on the southern half, Editorial For News Tips/Press Releases Tel: 03-7721 8219 Fax: 03-7721 8038 Email: [email protected] If you have any real estate-related events, email us at [email protected]. Senior Managing Editor Azam Aris LAUNCHES & EVENTS Events listed here will also appear on theedgeproperty.com. Contributing Editor Sharon Kam Editor Rosalynn Poh Deputy Editors E Jacqui Chan, Wong King Wai Assistant Editor Lam Jian Wyn Contact: (03) 7710 1018 Bhd at its township of . Senior Writer Racheal Lee Activities: Chinese orchestra, Activities include lantern riddles, Writers Zatil Husna Wan Fauzi, traditional Chinese folk dance, kids’ anklung heritage and kids’ chinese Chai Yee Hoong, Rachel Chew, Hannah Rafee, Tan Ai Leng, performances, lantern-making opera mask changing. Early Natalie Khoo presentation, lantern parade, birds will get free lanterns. fi reworks. Mooncakes will be Art Director Sharon Khoh served and visitors treated to a Civic Heart exhibition Design Team Cheryl Loh, Valerie Chin, Aaron Boudville, special preview of show houses. Date: Oct 3 and 4 Aminullah Abdul Karim, Venue: Level 1, Malaya 1, Westin Yong Yik Sheng, Tun Mohd Zafi an Venue: Tropicana Aman – 2, Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 199, Jalan Bukit Mohd Za’abah, Noorain Duasa Persiaran Aman Perdana 3, Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Corporate Bandar Tropicana Aman, 42500 Time: 11am to 7pm Managing Director Au Foong Yee Tropicana’s mid-autumn Telok Panglima Garang serviced apartments at Paramount Contact: Diana (012) 340 4941/ Deputy Managing Director celebrations Time: 5pm to 9pm Utropolis, Glenmarie’s only William (016) 337 6664 Lim Shiew Yuin Date: Tomorrow (Sept 19) Contact: (03) 7710 1018 university metropolis. Drop by KDU WTW International introduces Civic Advertising & Marketing Venue: Tropicana Metropark Sales Activities: Crystal Gu Zheng this weekend to learn more about Heart, South Perth by Finbar. This To advertise contact Gallery – 1, Jalan Delima 1/1, Subang performance, traditional Chinese Utropolis and property investments. freehold, 38-storey residential tower is GL: (03) 7721 8000 Hi-Tech, 40000 folk dance, diabolo performance, Guest speaker, Ahyat Isyak, will located eight minutes away from the Fax: (03) 7721 8288 Time: 12am to 5pm fi reworks, making of Chinese dough talk about the greatest value Perth CBD. Civic Heart has a total of Chief Marketing Offi cer Sharon Teh (012) 313 9056 Contact: (03) 7710 1018 fi gurines, dragon beard candy, mochi creators of property investments. 294 units and its pre-sales starts now. Senior Sales Managers Tropicana Corp Bhd invites all and mooncakes will be served. Please RSVP by Sept 18. Geetha Perumal (016) 250 8640 to be part of the mid-autumn Fong Lai Kuan (012) 386 2831 celebrations at three of its sales Paramount Property Mid-autumn festival at Setia Peter Hoe (019) 221 5351 Gregory Thu (012) 376 0614 galleries. Activities at Tropicana introduces Utropolis Alam Head of Marketing Support & Ad Traffi c Metropark include Chinese Date: Tomorrow (Sept 19) Date: Tomorrow (Sept 19) Lorraine Chan (03) 7721 8001 cultural art, palm reading, making Venue: Lecture Theatre 6, KDU Venue: Setia Alam Welcome Centre, Ad Traffi c Asst Manager Chinese dough fi gurines, dragon University College Glenmarie, No 2 Jalan Setia Indah AD U13/AD, Roger Lee (03) 7721 8004 Email: [email protected] beard candy and mochi mania. Jalan Kontraktor U1/14, Seksyen Seksyen U13, , Selangor U1, 40150 Shah Alam Time: 6pm to 9.30pm Operations Venue: Tropicana Heights – Jalan Contact: (03) 5123 6022, Contact: (03) 3343 2255 To order copy P6/2, 43500 , (03) 5565 0760 Celebrate the mid-autumn Tel: 03-7721 8034 / 8033 Fax: 03-7721 8282 Time: 5pm to 9pm Paramount Property reveals new festival with S P Setia Group Email: [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + NEWS | PROPERTY EP3

Perth-based Psaros introduces Hong Kong shines two projects to Malaysians PETALING JAYA: Perth-based tion, which will include A$26 property developer Psaros million ocean-side swimming will be introducing two resi- pool, cafés, boardwalks and re- over the rest of Asia dential projects in Perth, Aus- tail precincts. tralia, namely Sundance and “The sheer number of en- Edge, to Malaysian investors quiries we’ve received so far is this weekend. a ringing endorsement of the The properties will be show- attitude towards this redevel- BY ZATIL HUSNA WAN FAUZI (-1.74%), Vietnam (-0.27%) and Chi- cased at Evergreen Laurel Hotel opment of Scarborough. Peo- na (-0.12%).Four performed worse in Gurney Penang and at Eastin ple can see Sundance’s poten- KUALA LUMPUR: Residential prop- than the previous year. Hotel in Petaling Jaya on Sept tial, both from a lifestyle and erty price growth in Hong Kong Singapore’s housing market con- 19 and 20. investment perspective, and was 16.43% in the second quarter tinues to struggle, with house prices “Savvy property investors will they want to be part of Perth’s of 2015 (2Q2015), outpacing that falling by 3.38% on an annual basis welcome these releases as they next booming suburb,” said of the rest of Asia, according to in 2Q2015, marking its seventh con- increasingly recognise the sig- Psaros. UK-based Global Property Guide secutive quarter of house price falls. nificant investment potential Meanwhile, Edge, located in 2Q2015’s recent report. House prices fell by 0.69% q-o-q dur- the state capital of Perth offers the city, comprises 96 units of “Hong Kong’s residential prop- ing the latest quarter. due to the city’s growth and one- and two-bedroom apart- erty prices surged by 16.43% dur- Th e report also compiled home the current exchange rate,” said ments and selling price starts ing the year to 2Q2015, a sharp prices from all over the world, which CEO Danny Psaros in a press from A$445,000. Each unit will turnaround from a drop of 0.66% Prices of existing homes have risen 9% this indicated that house prices have release on Sept 17. come with a parking space. during 2Q2013 to 2Q2014. Hong year in Hong Kong, according to Centaline surged in some parts of Europe, Sundance is a 7-storey, re- Edge is targeted for comple- Kong’s housing market slowed Property Agency Ltd. Photo by Bloomberg namely Ireland (10.88%), Estonia sort-style project featuring 100 tion in April 2016. sharply in the first half of 2014 (8.99%) and Iceland (6.19%). luxury apartments located on According to Psaros, Edge due to government cooling meas- Meanwhile, home prices in the Brighton Road, 500m from the has sustainability features such ures but bounced back strongly price increase in 2Q2014. United Arab Emirates, Russia and beach. as solar power, hot water gener- with housing prices rising by 3.83% Other countries that have shown Ukraine declined 11.7%, 11.1% and It will include a pool, gym ation and solar passive design. quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) during price growth in 2Q include Japan 10.6% y-o-y respectively. and sustainability initiatives de- It will have its own citrus grove 2Q2015,” said the report. (6.13%), Th ailand (3.72%) and South “House prices rose in 24 out of 39 signed to reduce living costs for with lemon and orange trees. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Korea (2.03%). of the world’s housing markets y-o-y, residents. Sundance units are “The trees will be planted on the average price of a three-bed- Meanwhile, half of Asia con- which have published housing statis- selling from A$379,000 (RM1.6 the 6th floor recreation deck, room condominium unit in the tinued to lose steam, with fi ve out tics using infl ation-adjusted fi gures. million). Sundance is scheduled situated 30m above the ground. Makati central business district of 10 Asian markets seeing prices Th e numbers have shown that house for completion in 2017. Not only is it a Western Austral- (CBD) surged 6.61% in 2Q2015 fall during the quarter under re- prices have surged in 28 countries Psaros said the suburb of ia first, but it’s also the highest on an annual basis, reflecting view. Th ese countries are Singapore and declined in 11 countries,” said Scarborough is currently un- citrus garden in the world,” said an acceleration from the 2.73% (-3.38%), Taiwan (-2.16%), Indonesia the report. dergoing a massive rejuvena- Psaros. + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP4 PROPERTY | NEWS

The Edge-Mah Sing Millionaire Contest winner picks Icon Residence

Brian Lim plans to share the condominium unit in Mont’Kiara with his sister

BY TAN AI LENG

t wasn’t an easy decision but after care- ful consideration, Brian Lim Choon Wah — the winner of The Edge - Mah Sing Millionaire Contest — has decided on his dream home. He redeemed his RM1 million cash voucher for a 1-bed- Iroom condominium unit in Icon Residence at Mont’Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Th e contest — a historic collaboration be- tween Mah Sing Group Bhd and Th e Edge Media Group — has enriched not one, but two people, as Brian decided to share owner- ship with his only and younger sister, Crystal Lim Ai Ping. Th e siblings were accompanied by their par- ents, Danny Lim and Lily Yoong, to sign the sale and purchase agreement at their dream home on Level 13A of Icon Residence yesterday. Th ey chose a unit with a built-up of 1,115 sq ft, which comes with a kitchenette fi tted out with appliances and cabinets. Mah Sing Group’s group managing direc- tor and chief executive Tan Sri Leong Hoy (From left) Mah Sing’s marketing and special projects deputy manager Rachel Leong, Leong, Brian, Crystal and Au at the signing of the SPA. Photos by Patrick Goh Kum and CEO Ng Chai Yong, together with Th e Edge Communications Sdn Bhd and Th e Edge Property Sdn Bhd managing director Au Watch a video of this event at Foong Yee, witnessed the signing. theedgeproperty.com “I want to thank Mah Sing Group and Th e Edge for organising this wonderful contest, giving me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this beautiful home,” says the 32-year- winner an opportunity to own a house, but old IT project manager, who was so excited he a good start to move forward and achieve could not sleep the night before the signing. new milestones. Brian says he had a long discussion with Icon Residence, he adds, is a good choice his family about which property to choose. as it is located in one of the most sought-af- Th eir choices included Ferringhi Residence ter locations in the Valley. Th e condo in Penang, M City in Jalan Ampang, D’sara has enjoyed a take-up rate of 94% since its Sentral in and launch in 2012. Th e current average selling in Bangi. price of the development, which was com- Crystal says it was a diffi cult decision as pleted in June, is about RM1,000 psf. Mah Sing had off ered them so many good Au hopes his fi rst “pot of gold” will be a properties. After nearly a month of deliber- good start for him and help him to achieve ation, they decided on Icon Residence. even more in the future. The interior of a show unit at Icon Residence Mont’Kiara. Brian says as Mont’Kiara is considered Th e online contest, which ran from June a hotspot in the , he believes 20 to July 31, attracted thousands of partici- Icon Residence will enjoy very good capital pants who hoped to win a RM1 million cash appreciation, not only for its location and voucher to purchase any Mah Sing residen- nearby amenities but also for the eye-catch- tial property in Malaysia. ing design. The 21 lucky finalists battled it out at “I plan to stay in this new unit. Although the grand finale on Aug 22 at the Southville other options such as renting it out had crossed City @ KL South sales gallery in Bangi. Bri- my mind, I decided to keep it as my new home an successfully went through four rounds and enjoy all the facilities here,” he adds. of elimination challenges to emerge the Leong says the contest not only gives the winner.

Icon Residence ICON Residence Mont’Kiara is located in Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ampang, are a one of Klang Valley’s most sought-after lo- 25-minute drive. cations. Th is upscale development off ers Th e development comprises three tow- excellent accessibility due to its strategic lo- ers with 290 residential units, with built-ups cation adjacent to a comprehensive network ranging from 1,100 to 4,000 sq ft. Icon Res- of highways and access roads that include idence off ers a range of 1- to 4+1 bedroom the SPRINT Expressway, Penchala Link, units as well as six penthouses. Th ere are North-South Expressway, Damansara-Pu- only two to six all-corner units per fl oor, of- chong Expressway and Duta-Ulu Kelang fering contemporary interior layout designs. Expressway. Icon Residence provides residents with Th e Kuala Lumpur city centre is just 15 comprehensive facilities such as a sky gar- minutes away while popular hotspots such den lounge, picnic lawn, herb garden, cas- as the commercial hub of Bukit Bintang, cading pond, gymnasium and meditation and corporate centres of Jalan Sultan Ismail, and yoga deck. Icon Residence in Mont’Kiara was completed in June. Photo by Mah Sing FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + DEALMAKERS | PROPERTY EP5

Angsana Banyan Tree. Shama Medini. Photo by Banyan Tree Group Photo by UMLand

Investing in buy-to-lease property schemes

It looks like a win-win deal but read the fi ne print to avoid future problems

BY TAN AI LENG investment attracted many in the early days, Buy-to-lease with ‘guaranteed’ rental returns checklist especially for projects located in prime loca- any of us have seen adver- tions catering to the expatriate community. tisements or heard about DOS DON’TS There were some good quality proper- “buy-to-lease” property • Do prepare a checklist on things to look out • Don’t just focus on the return rate and benefits, ties off ering buy-to-lease schemes that were schemes especially, ser- for, such as the rental yield, benefits and also check on the exit mechanism. Will the worth investing in, but as more investment viced apartments that are guaranteed return period. operator buy back your property at any time if schemes were introduced, not every one of used as hotel accommo- • Do due diligence and research on the you want to cash out? them honoured their guarantees and many dation. They sound really good as they allow property and the developer. • Don’t fully trust promises such as financing investors became apprehensive about these M • Do read the fine print, scrutinise the con- assistance and guaranteed return rates. property investors to gain returns without the investments. hassle of managing the property. tracts closely. Check the company’s track record. “Usually, young and new investors tend Under such a scheme, owners who pur- • Do calculate other costs besides the money • Don’t just rely on information on the internet to subscribe to these type of property invest- chase a property have to lease the unit back you use to purchase the property, such and brochures. If the property you plan to ments. Th e older and more savvy investors will to the property developer or property man- as income tax, maintenance charges and invest in is in Malaysia, grab your car keys stay away from guaranteed returns,” says Paul. agement company. In exchange, they will get sinking fund. and drive there to have a look. You may have For investors who are interested in invest- rental returns either based on a guaranteed second thoughts after the visit. ing in a property off ering guaranteed returns, return model or a profi t-sharing scheme, for the fi rst thing to do would be to scrutinise the a set period of time, explains property con- contracts closely. “Check on who is providing sultancy PPC International chief executive the guarantees and if there are escape claus- offi cer Siva Shanker. es,” advises Paul. He adds that buy-to-lease properties are Investors also need to check on the fi nan- not only limited to hotels, serviced apartments cial strength of the developer off ering the and resort homes, as they can be a normal guarantees. “Further to that, one would need residential property such as a house and con- to know if there is legal recourse if the rental dominium, or even student accommodation, payments due are not forthcoming,” he adds. offi ce space and industrial property. Th ere are also some companies off ering In countries such as the UK, investors have a profi t-sharing business model instead of numerous choices from hotel rooms, apart- guaranteed rental return. Paul says investors ments to purpose-built student accommo- Paul: Check on who is providing Siva: In Malaysia, the choices Previndran: You may end up may need to fi nd out whether they possess a dation where the whole building consists of the guarantees. The Edge are limited. Photo by Suhaimi staying in another unit. Photo by licence to do so. studio suites that come with kitchenettes. Property fi le photo Yusuf/The Edge Property Haris Hassan/The Edge Property “In Malaysia, profi t-sharing on rental in- “However, in Malaysia, the choices are lim- come with the developer or an investment ited as there are not many investment-grade Th e owners of Shama Medini will enjoy time-sharing benefi ts — certain days for free company is illegal unless they have a licence properties available,” says Siva. 6% guaranteed rental returns for the first stays in their property. Th e stays could be un- from Bank Negara Malaysia to sell these type According to Siva, buy-to-lease property fi ve years of the leaseback scheme. Th e next der the same hotel brand, while others may of investments,” he explains. investments have gained investors’ attention in fi ve years will be a revenue-sharing model, extend the benefi ts to other brands under recent years as most of these schemes prom- in which 45% of the rental revenue will be their umbrella. Overseas properties ise very attractive rental returns. Th e average shared by the owners. For instance, “at Shama Medini serviced More due diligence would be required if the rental return off ered is about 5% to 7%, some Ireka Corp launched Th e Ruma hotel and apartments, which will be managed and op- property investment is located overseas. On even up to 12%. serviced residences in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. erated by the ONYX Hospitality Group, in- the checklist would be details regarding in- “But keep in mind, like owning a property, Th e one-acre development, which is locat- vestors can enjoy 14 days free stay. Th ey can come tax, property management fees, com- owners still have to pay maintenance charges ed at the Jalan Kia Peng-Changkat Kia Peng choose to stay in Shama Medini for seven missions, repair and replacement costs, forex and towards the sinking fund,” he reminds. junction in Kuala Lumpur, has a gross devel- days, or OZO and Amari hotels, which are gains/losses and several other costs. One of the recent property projects off er- opment value of RM635 million. It off ered 253 under ONYX’s umbrella, for up to seven days,” “When it comes to investing in a foreign ing guaranteed rental returns is PTS Prop- units of hotel suites for leaseback investment. says Previndran. property, it is best to visit the property and erties Sdn Bhd’s luxury condominium hotel Th e Angsana Teluk Bahang, which is lo- Another important point for investors to conduct a proper due diligence before mak- Th e Pines Melaka with leaseback returns of cated in Penang, is developed by Senja Aman note is, although you own the property, you ing your decision,” he explains. 7.5% per annum for the fi rst nine years and Development Sdn Bhd and is the fi rst beach can’t occupy it, because once the property Th ere are other issues related to valu- 9% for the following six years. Others include resort in Malaysia managed by the Banyan is leased back, the owner will not have a say ations and property fi nancing which can Shama Medini by United Malayan Land Bhd Tree group. It offered 83 units of serviced over the property. be a tedious and diffi cult experience. For (UMLand), Th e Ruma by Ireka Corp Bhd and apartments for leaseback investment. Cur- “Even if some operators off er you free stays, instance, a developer overseas may prom- Angsana Teluk Bahang by Banyan Tree Group. rently, there are fewer than 10 units available. these are subject to availability, if your unit has ise to secure fi nancing for the investor, but UMLand will launch its buy-to-lease Sha- been rented out, you may end up staying in this may only be done when the property is ma Medini serviced apartments located in Main considerations another unit,” Previndran explains. nearing completion. Iskandar Malaysia, Johor by the end of this Zerin Properties chief executive officer “At the time of completion, if the valua- year. Shama Medini off ers 196 units of fully Previndran Singhe says there are three main ‘Scrutinise contracts closely’ tion on the property is unable to meet the furnished apartments for investors. Th e units considerations before deciding on a buy- Buy-to-lease schemes are not new to Malay- price that it was purchased for. It means that with built-ups ranging from 583 to 2,015 sq ft, to-lease investment: yield, benefi ts (free sia, however, there are some things investors the investor have to fork out more money for are available in four layouts — studio, 1-bed- stay, for example); and discounts on hotel need to be aware of. their investment,” he explains. room, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom. Th e aver- or apartment rentals. According to Carey Real Estate Sdn Bhd Hence, there are many things one needs to age selling price is RM1,300 psf. He explains that some operators give managing director Nixon Paul, the returns on be aware of before jumping into an investment. + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY FR EP6 PROPERTY | COVER STORY

Ara Damansara is a sleek township mainly made up of gated and guarded terraced housing and high-rise condominiums, targeted at the upper middle class. Photos by Suhaimi Yusuf/The Edge Property

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Ara Its upmarket appeal is earning it a reputation as one ble pri of the most sought-after addresses in the Klang Valley Ara Damansara and Subang are both minutes away from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. (Ar dem du BY HANNAH RAFEE & NATALIE KHOO best known shopping landmarks in Ara Da- Taman Desa Subang and Subang New Vil- estingly diverging markets with contrasting Th e mansara is Citta Mall, off ering a wide selection lage, Subang, it is bounded by the Guthrie price points. Th e luxury resort condomini- ties ra Damansara, Selangor is a of restaurants, services and entertainment for Corridor Expressway. Unlike its newer res- um development Ara Hill by Sime Darby is up relatively new and affluent local residents such as the Firezone Family KTV identially-concentrated counterpart Ara the most expensive non-landed residence township that is becoming in- Karaoke and MBO Cinemas. Ara Damansara Damansara, Subang has plenty of commer- with an average transacted price per unit at Ste creasingly popular among city Medical Centre, is also situated in the heart of cial and industrial areas such as Mah Sing RM1,308,000. Th e second most expensive In t dwellers in the Klang Valley. Ara Damansara. Integrated Industrial Park (MSIIP) by Mah project, at an average transacted price per me Originally made up of large Th is township has excellent schools near- Sing Group Bhd. unit of RM568,000, is Oasis Serviced Suites, cap parcelsA of freehold land in Petaling Jaya by such as IOP International Preschool, Kin- Despite their proximity, Ara Damansara also developed by Sime Darby. on North along the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah derland and the Japanese School of Kuala and Subang off er very diff erent landscapes. Th e least expensive units can be found low Airport road, this modern suburb was first Lumpur. Neighbouring Ara Damansara are among low-cost apartments scattered around sol developed in 1999 by Sime Darby Bhd. golf courses such as Saujana Golf and Coun- Decoding the paradox Subang, such as the flats around Taman wo Hedged by rows of mature trees, Ara Da- try Club and Tropicana Golf and Country of Ara Damansara, Subang Subang Perdana (average RM94,000 per mansara is evidently well-planned. Th e sleek Resort. In terms of connectivity, Ara Da- Ara Damansara and Subang have collectively unit), Subang Suria apartments (RM136,000) com township is mainly made up of gated and mansara is well-connected to highways witnessed signifi cant growth in the past cou- at Taman Subang Intan, and Subang Impian gro guarded terraced housing and high-rise con- such as the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), ple of years. Based on theedgeproperty.com’s (RM142,000) at Subang 2. ave dominiums, targeted at the upper middle New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Leb- research, the combined prices of non-landed Chua notes the disparity between the 201 class. Most of the developments boast mod- uhraya-Damansara (LDP) and residential property in Ara Damansara and areas. “Ara Damansara is a new and well- has ern designs and green features. Some of the Federal Highway. the adjacent Subang area have remained planned scheme by an established develop- RM notable landed high-end developments in- Surrounded by greenery, Ara Damansara stable in 2012 and 2013, averaging just un- er while Subang is collectively made up of clude the stunning Seri Pilmoor bungalows certainly exudes a cool vibe and an upmar- der RM300 per sq ft (psf), before shooting older and smaller schemes,” he says, adding sar and semi-detached homes by Sime Darby. ket appeal, earning it a reputation as one up to RM384 psf in 3Q2014. Th is represents that Ara Damansara has wider roads and yie Ara Damansara has a wealth of amenities of the most sought-after addresses in the a 29.8% year-on-year growth from RM294 landscaped parks. Ori such as malls, commercial centres Klang Valley. psf in 3Q2013. (Chart 1) “While Ara Damansara is targeted at the and a medical centre. Th e Oa- Next to Ara Damansara is Subang, Despite the recent poor mar- upmarket set, Subang off ers low-to-me- pro sis Square by Sime Darby Bhd, an old industrial area known for ket sentiments, demand for dium cost developments,” says Chua. Pan is one of the coolest hang out housing the Sultan Abdul Aziz homes in Ara Damansara and Based on theedgeproperty.com’s Me spots in Ara Damansara. It has Shah airport and aviation busi- Subang remains strong. “At analysis of data in the 12 months to hig numerous high-profi le restau- ness-related offi ces. Covering the present, the demand for prop- 3Q2014, the largest market share of ann rants, cafés, sky bars and bis- areas of Taman Subang Pelangi, erties in both areas is still intact. transactions (41.5%) falls between val tros such as Rakuzen, Th e Royal Occupancy of existing schemes ma Flush and Crazy Crabs. Situated are relatively high at 80% and be about 15 minutes away from the Chua: While Ara Damansara is targeted at the above,” says Anthony Chua, di- Wang: Ara Damansara is a relatively quiet na mixed-use commercial develop- upmarket set, Subang off ers low-to-medium rector of KGV-Lambert Smith area that has a good concept. Photo by (4.7 ment is British hypermart cost developments. Photo by Kenny Yap/ Hampton (M) Sdn Bhd. Abdul Ghani Ismail/The Edge (4.6 chain, Tesco. The Edge Property Ara Damansara Property eve One of the earliest and and Subang are inter- cor LY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + COVER STORY | PROPERTY EP7

Dataran Ara Damansara, where one can fi nd many amenities. Ara Hill by Sime Darby is the most expensive non-landed residence in Ara Damansara.

Source: theedgeproperty.com RM100,001 and RM200,000. Th is is due to consolidated and stable for the next few Subang’s large number of low-cost apart- Chart 1: Subang/Ara Damansara non-landed residential average price years before it rises again,” he adds. ments and fl ats. Indeed, Ara Damansara is witnessing Th e second largest share of transactions a number of new non-landed residential (12%) range from RM500,001 to RM600,000. launches such as Maisson Residences by Th is comes exclusively from Ara Damansara. Newfi elds Property, AraGreens Residences Also in the same review period, some 5% by HSB Development and Th e Potpourri by of transactions were for homes above RM1 See Hoy Chan Sdn Bhd. Th ese projects are million in Ara Damansara. poised to boost the secondary market prices “Ara Damansara’s excellent infrastructure in Ara Damansara in the near future. and accessibility to areas such as Taman “Th e Potpourri and AraGreens Residences Mayang, and Tropicana are are among the high-end developments in Ara some of the reasons why the township is Damansara,” says Wang. Due to be complet- doing signifi cantly better than the neigh- ed in 2018, Th e Potpourri has 743 apartment bouring Subang,” notes Lee Jastin, director units with built-ups of 525 to 2,440 sq ft. Th e of Oriental Realty. leasehold development is priced at RM800 psf Due to the disparity in infrastructure and and has a take-up rate of 70% so far. price points, Ara Damansara and Subang The avant-garde AraGreens Residences clearly draw diff erent markets. Lee says the consist of six blocks of 15-storey apartment target market in Subang is the lower mid- Source: theedgeproperty.com buildings, with a total of 700 units (eight units dle-class segment. “Th ey are mostly owner on each fl oor). With built-ups from 715 to 3,143 occupiers and more mature families com- Chart 2: Top 5 condominiums/apartments in Subang/Ara Damansara with highest sq ft, this serviced apartment is aptly priced pared to the younger segment in Ara Da- indicative asking rental yield at RM700 to RM800 (according to fl oor level) mansara,” he adds. by average price annual growth and is expected to complete by the end of 2015. Over in Ara Damansara, the target market Top 5 Condominiums/Apartments in Subang/Ara Damansara with Highest Indicative Asking Rental Yield Since its launch in August 2012, Ara Greens is mainly the upper middle class. “Th e buy- Average Average Asking Average Asking has had a take-up rate of 80%. Transacted Price Monthly Rent Monthly Rent No. of Indicative Asking ers are mostly owner occupiers between the Project Name (RM/psf) (RM) (RM/psf) Listings Rental Yield On the other hand, Maisson Residences ages of 33 and 55,” says Datuk Adrian Wang, Pangsapuri Merak 179 1,082 1.20 11 8.0% is a medium to high-end development, ac- Ilham Apartment 234 1,165 1.46 10 7.5% managing director of CBD Properties Sdn Puncak Nusa Kelana 443 2,291 1.82 47 4.9% cording to Wang. With a gross development Bhd. Th ey tend to be upgraders comprising Oasis Serviced Suites 744 2,308 2.92 149 4.7% value (GDV) of RM850 million, the 8.9-acre both locals and expatriates. Puncak Seri Kelana 454 1,887 1.75 52 4.6% Maisson Residences was previously known “Th e best-selling property types in both as Platinum Damansara that was abandoned Ara Damansara and Subang are still the dou- for about seven years, before Newfields ble-storey link homes,” says Nicole Chew, Property took over in 2014. With built-ups principal of Reapfi eld Properties Sdn Bhd rental rate of RM1.74 psf, with an indicative current rental in most premium areas such as ranging from 500 to 1,385 sq ft, its prices (Ara Damansara Branch). “Th ere is a higher rental yield of 3.7% per annum due to its higher Bangsar and Mutiara Damansara,” adds Wang. start from RM360,000. Due to be complet- demand for landed properties in the areas supply of units available for rent. ed in March 2017, Maisson is 93% taken up due to an undersupply of landed properties. Th ere are certain pros and cons in living Spillover potential since its launch in April last year. ing Th ere is less demand for non-landed proper- in Ara Damansara and Subang. “Ara Daman- In terms of residential supply, there is a short- “Compared with Subang, Ara Damansara ni- ties as there are many newly-completed and sara is a relatively quiet area that has a good age of landed homes in both Ara Damansara has more upcoming developments. I believe y is upcoming high-rise projects here,” she adds. concept with plenty of green surroundings,” and Subang. “Currently, there is a shortage of there is more potential for Ara Damansara nce says CBD Properties’ Wang. “Besides its landed properties in Ara Damansara. Th ere will due to its amenities,” says Lee. “Subang’s t at Steady rental yields great amenities, there is still much land for be a few thousand condominium units avail- limited amenities and industrial charac- ive In terms of price growth, the low-cost apart- new developments to come in. Th e concept able in the area in the next two to three years. teristics may continue to hinder potential per ments and fl ats chart the highest growth in of Ara Damansara is comparable to Bukit If these are owner-occupied, then the supply price growth,” Lee off ers. es, capital values on a percentage basis, based Jelutong, Shah Alam, where you see well- for the speculation market will be limited. In Hence, despite the potential for a spill- on research by theedgeproperty.com. With planned roads and cul-de-sacs, with rows contrast, if it is the other way round, you will over from , both the Ara nd low starting capital values, even modest ab- of well-designed resort homes and nice see many units up for rental or subsale,” says Damansara and Subang property markets und solute gains in the average transacted prices landscaping. I believe Ara Damansara is the Wang. “In Subang, there is also a shortage of are likely to continue to perform diff erently. an would lead to higher percentage growth. fi rst area in Petaling Jaya to introduce this landed homes and the high-rises are limited per According to the data by the edgeproperty. luxurious, resort-like concept,” says Wang. to residential only,” he adds. What to invest in now? 00) com, Subang Impian has gained RM43 psf, a Lee, concurs. “Ara Damansara and Subang Although Ara Damansara and Subang According to Wang, investors who are interest- ian growth of 35.6% y-o-y to reach RM163 psf in are also both minutes away from the Sultan possess diff erent qualities, both areas have ed in Ara Damansara/Subang should consider average price, in the 12 months to September Abdul Aziz Shah airport, which is a huge positive property outlooks. “Values in both buying landed homes for their own stay as the the 2014. Puncak Nusa Kelana in Ara Damansara plus for its residents.” areas are expected to appreciate between capital appreciation may hold in the next fi ve ell- has recorded a growth of up to 30.8% y-o-y to “However, there will be many upcoming 10% to 20%,” says Chua. years at least. “Investors should also consider op- RM443 psf over the same period. high-rises in Ara Damansara that may be tax- Th ere are future catalysts for Ara Daman- investing in commercial properties in Ara Da- of “Th e current rental yields in Ara Daman- ing the current infrastructure. Th ey will also sara and Subang. “For Ara Damansara, the mansara because their price points have not ing sara range from 4% to 5%, while the rental increase the traffi c congestion along the Sul- upcoming LRT station will be one of the key reached their highest points. Sime Darby is nd yields in Subang are from 7% to 8%,” notes tan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport road,” says KGV drivers to its growing market,” says Chua. Con- forecast to bring in more anchor tenants and Oriental Realty’s Lee. Lambert’s Chua. “And although the prices of nectivity in Ara Damansara is set to improve corporations into commercial developments the Based on the data by theedge- homes in Subang are comparatively more af- when the new LRT station on the in the area,” says Wang. me- property.com, as at June 2015, fordable, there is a lack of amenities in the line extension is completed. Reapfi eld’s Chew, concurs. “Th e landed a. Pangsapuri Merak in Kampung area,” adds Chua. “Meanwhile, the upcoming Kwasa Da- properties in Ara Damansara generally have m’s Melayu Subang generated the “Another challenge is the fact that mansara by Kwasa Land, will be a catalyst better capital appreciation. Th us, landed to highest rental yields at 8.0% both areas do not have enough cor- for the Subang area. Kwasa Damansara lies properties are the best investments due to e of annually, due to its low capital porate tenants and and high-income within Subang and Sungai Buloh. Th e future scarcity of land. en value (RM179 psf). In Ara Da- professionals to catch up with the developments of the 2,330-acre Kwasa Da- “If you are looking for higher rental yield, mansara, the highest yields can mansara township in the next 20 years may the high-rises below the RM1 million mark be found in Puncak Nusa Kela- Lee: Compared with Subang, Ara Damansara spill over into Subang.” adds Chua. may be the better choice,” she says. na (4.9%), Oasis Serviced Suites has more upcoming developments. I believe “However, before a spillover could hap- o by (4.7%) and Puncak Seri Kelana there is more potential for Ara Damansara pen in Subang, the area within Ara Daman- dge (4.6%) (Chart 2). How- due to its amenities. Photo by Haris sara itself has to be more mature. Th ere are See property listings for this area on ever, Pacifi c Place re- Hassan/The Edge Property still many ongoing projects which need to Market Watch EP8 corded a lower average be fi lled,” says Lee. “Th e values will remain + FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY EP8 PROPERTY | MARKET WATCH Go to theedgeproperty.com for more listings

FOR SALE [in Ara Damansara/Subang, Selangor] FOR RENT [in Ara Damansara/Subang, Selangor]

Oasis Serviced Suites Pacifi c Place Tenure: Leasehold D'Aman Crimson in a resort-like condominium. Type: Condominium/ Type: Condominium/ Asking price: RM650,000 Type: Condominium/ Quiet environment serviced residence serviced residence Built-up area: 1,327 sq ft serviced residence Agent/negotiator: Jimmy Lee Tenure: Freehold Tenure: Leasehold Bedroom(s): 3 Tenure: Freehold of CBD Properties Sdn Bhd Asking price: RM490,000 Asking price: RM520,000 Bathroom(s): 3 Asking rent: RM1,350 Tel: (016) 500 8660 Built-up area: 572 sq ft Built-up area: 864 sq ft Description: Renovated unit. Built-up area: 845 sq ft Email: [email protected] Bathroom(s): 1 Bedroom(s): 2 Living and dining areas with Bedroom(s): 3 Description: Unit facing pool Bathroom(s): 2 laminated fl ooring, built-in Bathroom(s): 2 Pacifi c Place and fully furnished. Comes with Description: Unit in Block C. kitchen cabinets; master bedroom Description: Corner unit with one Type: Condominium/ one covered parking bay. Currently tenanted, partly furnished with built-in wardrobe; air- parking bay. D'aman Crimson has serviced residence Oasis Ara Damansara is a with air condtioners, water heater conditioners and water heater. four blocks housing 1,068 units Tenure: Leasehold commercial hub that comprises and kitchen cabinets. Walking Agent/negotiator: Jane with shops and restaurants on Asking rent: RM1,500 two blocks of offi ce towers, fi ve distance to upcoming LRT station Wong of TPE Realty the ground fl oor. It can be easily Built-up area: 864 sq ft blocks of offi ce suites, two blocks of and shopping mall. Near amenities. Tel: (016) 232 3943 accessed via several highways Bedroom(s): 2 serviced suites with condo facilities, Agent/negotiator: KH Goh of Email: [email protected] like the LDP, Federal Highway Bathroom(s): 2 42 shops with a bank and a Central DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung Sdn Bhd and the elevated highway that Description: Partly furnsihed Piazza which has 15 units of food Tel: (012) 268 5454 Puncak Seri Kelana connects Jalan Lapangan Terbang serviced apartment unit. and beverage kiosks, a fl oating Email: [email protected] Subang to USJ. Once the new Facilities: Tai Chi garden, stage and water features over two LRT station next to the condo is games room, rooftop garden storeys. The development is easily Sri Ara Apartment built, there will be more options and swimming pool. accessible via major highways — Type: Condominium/apartment to commute to other places. Agent/negotiator: Amber the NKVE, LDP, KESAS, Federal Tenure: Freehold Agent/negotaitor: Billy Tho of Total Realty Sdn Bhd Highway, ELITE, Subang Elevated Asking price: RM380,000 Tan of BT Properties Tel: (012) 701 8559 Highway and GCE. It is located Built-up area: 758 sq ft Tel: (012) 379 9368 Email: [email protected] near the Subang Skypark Terminal, Bedroom(s): 3 Email: [email protected] Sime Darby Medical Centre, Citta Bathroom(s): 2 Pacifi c Place Mall, Tesco hypermarket, Japanese Description: Well kept, partly Oasis Serviced Suites Type: Condominium/ International School, APIIT furnished corner unit with kitchen Type: Condominium/ Type: Condominium/ serviced residence International College and Saujana cabinets, cooker hood and serviced residence serviced residence Tenure: Leasehold Golf and Country Club. Each suite hob, water heaters, and grilles. Tenure: Leasehold Tenure: Freehold Asking rent: RM1,900 has an alarm system, intercom, Comes with one parking bay. Asking price: RM520,000 Asking rent: RM1,800 Built-up area: 908 sq ft panic button, hot water system, Agent/negotitor: Gin Ting of Built-up area: 1,018 sq ft Built-up area: 382 sq ft Bedroom(s): 2 wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, cooker Hartamas Real Estate (M) Sdn Bhd Bedroom(s): 3 Bedroom(s): 1 Bathroom(s): 2 hood & hob and air conditioners. Tel: (017) 380 3381 Bathroom(s): 2 Bathroom(s): 1 Description: Serviced apartment Agent/negotiator: Yvonne Quah Email: [email protected] Description: Surrounded by Description: Partially furnished with wet and dry kitchen layout, of Chester Properties Sdn Bhd Hyatt Saujana Golf and Country unit on mid-level comes with one partly furnished with three air Tel: (012) 585 0323 Ara Hill Condominium Club, Kelab Golf Negara Subang parking bay. This unit is equipped conditioners, water heater, fans, Email: yvonne.excelhome@ and Tropicana Golf and Country with built-in wardrobes, kitchen fancy lights, kitchen cabinets, gmail.com Club, Puncak Seri Kelana is cabinets, cooker hood and hob, dining table and fridge. Facilities: across from Dana 1 commercial one air conditioner, hot water Roof-top recreational arena Oasis Serviced Suites centre, which hosts several system and built in security (playground, swimming pool, eateries and other amenities. It is alarm system with intercom. multi-purpose hall, Tai Chi a five-minute walk to Citta Mall. Agent/negotiator: Taq garden, roof garden); and 24 hour Other nearby shopping centres Latif of MIP Properties security with CCTV. Strategically Type: Condominium/ are five to seven minutes’ drive Tel: (012) 613 1220 located in Jalan Lapangan serviced residence away including Email: taqlatif@ Terbang Subang with good Tenure: Freehold and Empire Subang. Easy access mipproperties.com.my access To NKVE, Federal Highway, Asking price: RM1,199,000 to highways like NKVE, LDP, NPE, Kelana-Subang Jaya Link and Type: Condominium/ Built-up area: 1,442 sq ft KESAS, Federal Highway and Oasis Serviced Suites KESAS. Next to LRT station. serviced residence Bedroom(s): 3 Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang. Type: Condominium/ Short drive to Citta Mall, Tesco, Tenure: Freehold Bathroom(s): 3 Close to Sime Darby Medical serviced residence Empire Subang, Aeon Big, Subang Asking price: RM510,000 Description: This unit with high- Centre, Japanese International Tenure: Freehold Parade. Near To Japanese School Built-up area: 669 sq ft quality renovations and fi nishing School and SMK Lembah Asking rent: RM2,000 Of Kuala Lumpur, Sime Darby Bathroom(s): 1 is partly furnished with kitchen Subang. Walking distance to the Built-up area: 572 sq ft Medical Centre, Subang SkyPark Description: Fully furnished cabinets, wardrobes, dining table upcoming LRT station in Jalan Bathroom(s): 1 Airport and Oasis Ara Damansara. unit on a high fl oor. The unit, and chairs, sofa set, three air Lapangan Terbang Subang. Description: Fully furnished Quiet and peaceful place. with a spacious balcony, faces a conditioners, fans, lights and washing Comes with one parking studio suite with one parking bay. Agent/negotiator: Simon Khoo green fi eld. Included are built-in machine. Only two units per fl oor. bay, bedrooms have Comes with bed, dining table, of Gather Properties Sdn Bhd wardrobes and a dressing table, This unit is above the facilities area airconditioners, divans, curtains built-in kitchen and wardrobe, Tel: (012) 252 5693 built-in kitchen cabinets, cooker (swimming, wading and spa pools, and wardrobes. Renovated washing machine, air conditioners, Email: [email protected] hood and hob full air conditioning, table tennis, squash court and kitchen. Move-in condition. fans and lights. Unit faces Oasis hot water system, sofa, alarm, water features). Comes with two Agent/negotiator: Karen Chan Square with a view of the fountain. Puncak Seri Kelana intercom and panic button. parking bays in front of the lift. of Goldman Properties Located close to Subang Skypark Type: Condominium/ Comes with one parking bay. A mid-rise condominium in an Tel: (017) 317 1536 Terminal, Sime Darby Medical serviced residence Oasis Ara Damansara is a exclusive and very quiet environment, Email: [email protected] Centre Ara Damansara, Citta Mall, Tenure: Leasehold commercial hub located opposite Ara Hill is nestled in the sought- Japanese International School Asking rent: RM1,900 the Saujana Golf and Country Club. after locality of Ara Damansara. The Subang Suria Apartment and APIIT International College. Built-up area: 1,040 sq ft It features offi ce towers, shops, resort-style, low-density development Type: Condominium/apartment Easily accessible from major Bedroom(s): 3 jogging track, serviced apartments off ers Ara Hill Resort Villa and Tenure: Leasehold highways including NKVE, LDP, Bathroom(s): 2 and a Central Piazza. Amenities Ara Hill Resort Condominium. The Asking price: RM185,000 KESAS, Federal Highway, ELITE, Description: Fully furnished unit in close by include Subang Skypark Resort Villa comprises 20 blocks of Built-up area: 778 sq ft Subang Elevated Highway and a walk-up condominium located in Terminal, Sime Darby Medical 3-storey condos consisting of 110 Bedroom(s): 3 GCE. Minutes away from Saujana Jalan PJU 1A/46. Very convenient Centre Ara Damansara, Citta Mall, units measuring between 1,600 and Bathroom(s): 2 Golf and Country Club, Glenmarie with restaurants and supermarket Japanese International School 4,200 sq ft. The Hill Resort Condo Description: Intermediate Golf and Country Club and close by. Easy access to LDP, and APIIT International College. comprises eight 10-storey blocks with well-maintained unit. Facilities Tropicana Golf and Country Club. NKVE and Federal Highway. Less It is easily accessible via major units ranging from 1,600 to 2,390 sq ft include a playground, badminton Agent/negotiator: Joanne than 10 minutes to Saujana Golf highways — NKVE, LDP, KESAS, in size. Facilities include a clubhouse, court, jogging track, parking Chen of GS Realty Sdn Bhd and Country Club, upcoming LRT Federal Highway, ELITE, Subang swimming pool, tennis court and lot, mini mart, surau and 24- Tel: (012) 388 4838 station, Sime Darby Medical Centre Elevated Highway and GCE. gymnasium. There are also retail hour security. Subang Suria is Email: [email protected] and colleges. Located between Facilities include 24-hour outlets, a community hall and jogging a medium/low-cost apartment Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. security, barbecue area, business track. The condo has 24-hour security. located quite deep inside Ara Hill Condominium Facilities: Gymnasium, jacuzzi, centre, gymnasium, jacuzzi, Agent/negotiator: Kelvin Thong Subang, and is approximately Type: Condominium/ jogging track, swimming pool, jogging track, playground, of Vivahomes Realty (KD) a half hour's drive away from serviced residence 24-hour security, swimming pool, sauna and swimming pool. Tel: (016) 660 8856 the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, Tenure: Freehold badminton court, and others. Agent/negotiator: Steven Email: [email protected] Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. Asking rent: RM5,500 Agent/negotiator: Edmund Wong of Rina Properties Agent/negotiator: Sukyie Built-up area: 2,200 sq ft Liao of Kim Realty Tel: (019) 361 8806 Puncak Nusa Kelana Loh Total Realty Sdn Bhd Bedroom(s): 4 Tel: (012) 619 3102 Email: ultimate.property@ Type: Condominium/ Tel: (010) 221 8165 Bathroom(s): 5 Email: leongfuture@ yahoo.com serviced residence Email: [email protected] Description: Fully furnished unit kimrealty.com.my FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 • DIGITALEDGE DAILY + GARDEN | PROPERTY EP9

Five plants that mosquitoes hate

A little bit of help from nature to make your homes uncomfortable for those blood-suckers

TEXT & PHOTOS BY RACHEL CHEW

o one likes to have mosquitoes hanging around the house — not only are they irritating but some also carry viruses that are harmful to humans. There are some plants that repel insects, including mosquitoes, and although they may not have been proven effective, some people still have them around, hoping that they will help make their homes less friendly to bugs. Shaan Lalwani, a young horticulturist and landscaping designer based Nin Mumbai, India, shares his top fi ve favourite plants that can repel mosquitoes. These plants can be added to your garden, yard or balcony, although you may need a number of them to be eff ective. Th eir leaves can also be crushed and rubbed onto the skin to keep mosquitoes at bay. To avoid an allergic reaction, do try it on a small part of the skin fi rst.

3. CARNIVOROUS PLANTS 4. CITROSA Nepenthes or pitcher plants and venus Th is is a popular natural insect repel- fl ytraps “eat” mosquitoes and other small lent. Its qualities have been verified insects rather than repel them. Insects by research, including its eff ectiveness are drawn into the pitchers by their at- against Aedes mosquitoes. Th e plant is tractive scent and sometimes colourful actually a variety of the scented gera- pigmentation. nium that produces the citronella scent when the leaves are crushed. Planting tips: Poor nutrient-free soil; gen- erally likes bright sunlight without much Planting tips: Well-drained soil; full direct sun; 30 to 50ml of water for a six-inch outdoor sunlight; 30 to 50ml of water pot, use distilled, rain or well water only. for a six-inch pot, avoid waterlogging.

1. PEPPERMINT/HORSEMINT/ 2. ROSEMARY SPEARMINT Th is plant has been used for centuries Oil from the peppermint plant has been to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Re- evaluated for larvicidal activity against searchers at Seoul National University in 5. CATNIP diff erent species of mosquitoes such as South Korea have found that rosemary We all know cats love catnip, but not mos- Aedes aegypti and Anopheles. In fact, volatiles repelled mosquitoes as well as quitoes. Th e oil from the leaves has been it was found that mosquitoes are not or even better than diethyltoluamide proven to be 10 times more eff ective than the only insects that hate the smell of (DEET), and that the volatiles lasted as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Apart from peppermint. Ants, spiders, cockroach- long as DEET. its intoxicating eff ect on cats and repel- es, ticks, mice and even lice will be re- ling mosquitoes, the leaves make a very pelled too. Planting tips: Well-drained red soil, soothing tea as well. add coco peat or small stones to make it Planting tips: Well-drained soil; partial more permeable; partial to full sunlight Planting tips: Light, well-drained soil; can to full sunlight (three to four hours); 30 (two to three hours); 30 to 50ml of water be kept both indoors and outdoors; 30 to to 50ml of water for a six-inch pot, avoid for a six-inch pot, avoid waterlogging. 80ml of water for a six-inch pot. waterlogging.