• Anjali Kassim Chan
  • 8 November 2015
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Another jewel is added to UEM Sunrise’s development in Mont’ Kiara – The Residensi 22.

Strategic, vibrant and exclusive. That is what one would make of Mont’ Kiara, an affluent neighbourhood 20 minutes’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur.

Once upon a time, 20 years ago, Mont’ Kiara was a 4-hectare abandoned plot of estate land. Today, it is one of Malaysia’s stories of triumph and accomplishment known as the Integrated Global Village of Malaysia, which has successfully lived up to its name.

Over the decades, Mont’ Kiara’s reputation among homebuyers and investors just keeps getting stronger. In this day, the mere mention of its name alone is testimony that it has achieved remarkable milestone since beginning with barely nothing but an empty and forsaken land.

Mont’ Kiara now has a new project to showcase. The Residensi 22(R22) by UEM Sunrise Berhad.

Built on the fervent belief that perfection is in the detail, the influential developer ensures that every sprawling unit of Residensi 22 will come with unique features that epitomise the difference between the good and the distinctive.

Think Marina One, Singapore. Think Iskandar Malaysia and you will have one thing in common which is in the name of the master developer who has been running the show all these years now.

UEM Sunrise is not about to slow down despite the economic downtrend and still believes that there is hope in the property market, where their presence and efforts still form the core development of the Malaysian property landscape.

UEM Sunrise, after announcing its shift in focus from Johor to the central region of the Peninsula recently, is now bringing the attention back to central Malaysia again and Residensi 22 among others, is one such developments that is keen to attract buyers to Mont’ Kiara and provide them with a long-term investment benefit where Kuala Lumpur is concerned.

Residensi 22 Mont’ Kiara Details

Development Name : Residensi22 Mont’Kiara
Developer : UEM Sunrise Berhad
Land Size : Approximately 5.43 acres
Expected Completion : 4th Quarter 2017
Tenure : Freehold
Land Use : Residential (Condominium)
No. of Units : 534 units
No. of Storey : 38 storey
No. of Tower : 2 tower
No. of Units per Floor : 4 units
Maintenance: RM0.28/sf

Built Up Area:

3+1 bedrooms
Type A – 2243sf

Type B – 1878sf
Type C – 2038sf
Type D – 2020sf

4+1 bedrooms
Type E – 2973sf
Type F – 3041sf
Type G – 3043sf

Price range of all units begins from RM1.3million to RM2.5million.

Project Details

This land has been fully-occupied by UEM Sunrise, and they are sharing with other developers as well, such as Loh & Loh and IREKA Group of companies, among others.

Residensi22 is a luxury high rise residential development and contains 534 units with sizes ranging from 1,878 to 3,163 square feet (sq ft). This development is targeted to be completed in October 2017.

Spread over 5.43 acres, the 39 and 40 floor towers has great accessibility to the NKVE, DUKE, Sprint and Pencala Link Highways. You are never far away from any point of the Klang valley. Residensi 22 is located nearby Acoris Mont’ Kiara, a future hub for upmarket shops, boutiques, hotels and other attractions, meaning that lucky residents have all the convenience practically at their doorstep.

It says, ‘there is always something for every mood, every requisite. Luxuriate in urban living beyond the ordinary’.

Once completed, Residensi 22 residents will definitely be spoiled for choice by the facilities on offer at the two towers, Block A and Block B.

Facilities in the development are spread across six floors. In Block A, the Sky Deck and the Sky Lounge will be located on Level 36 and Level 37

A comprehensive facilities deck is on Level 2, a Chill Out deck on Levels 17 and 18 as well as a Sky Deck and Sky Lounge on Levels 36, 37 and 38.

Offering an interesting menu of facilities for all ages, the development boasts tennis, basketball and badminton courts, elegant water features, a pavilion, a children’s playground and a multipurpose hall. Extending the signature experience further is a dining pavilion, a lounge, a games room, a 50-metre lap pool, a wading pool, sauna, changing rooms, a Jacuzzi, a gymnasium and a yoga-cum-Pilates room.

Additionally, the development features breath-taking sculpture gardens, a meditation lawn, lush greenery, a reflective pond and a sunbathing deck among others – all of which inspire the true spirit of resort living amidst modern conveniences.

While in Block B, they will be located on Level 37 and 38 respectively. The two floors in each block are simply perfect for small parties, dinners and other forms of entertainment.

2. R22 Facilities plan

The children will have their own playground to enjoy themselves. Residents looking for tranquillity will be pampered with a meditation lawn, a feature seldom found in other condominiums. The environment is not forgotten as there is also a landscaped garden to relax in.

As for the units, for the sake of privacy, there will be only four units per floor and each floor will come with four lifts. The interior design will have a high level of personalisation for its fixtures and fittings, making it easy to tailor the home to the owner’s taste.

R22 has a variety of 3 and 4 bedroom units capable to be built in two phases, tailored for upmarket living. The design approach sees the high rise as a staggered block plan, essentially made up of 2 sets of conjoined towers, addresses the also the geo-technical soil profile of the site and the geomancer’s recommendation.

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The bedroom of R22 showroom

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The intercom that communicates with the guardhouse

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The kitchen that comes with the cabinet

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Spacious wet kitchen

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The marble flooring

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The wooden panel flooring for the room is in place as well

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The sample for the balcony of R22 overlooking Mont’ Kiara

The huge living room of Residensi 22 showroom

The huge living room of Residensi 22 showroom

In terms of the master plan and site planning, the development of the 2 staggered conjoined towers solution allows for a larger deck spaces and a welcoming public domain as well as the design solution is also address the amended and more stringent authority’s guidelines on planning with respect to site coverage, set back and open green areas.

1. Floor plan

Each tower block lift core to serve only 4 units for exclusivity. All units are laid taking advantage of the N-Sorientation , with 75% of the units being corner units.

All lobbies at the typical floor as well as stairs and service lobby are naturally ventilated.

The 2 towers feature 2 sky-gardens at each tower, accessible to all residents creating additional green-spaces in a highly urbanised environment. These sky-gardens are unique for a residential development in Kuala Lumpur, although is now quite widely accepted in Singapore.

The iconic form at the top of each tower is a series of sculptural recreation pavilion marking out the site in its urban context.

Facilities

  • Swimming pool
  • Children’s pool
  • Gymnasium
  • Tennis court
  • Badminton court
  • Basketball court
  • Multipurpose hall

 

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The stage of completion as of November 2015

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Location

Situated by the Sprint Expressway’s Penchala Link which connects Sungai Penchala to Mont Kiara in the Klang Valley, Mont’ Kiara is situated at the northwest of Kuala Lumpur.

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The location of Residensi 22 at Jalan Kiara 3 and its Sales Gallery at Jalan Kiara (same row as Plaza Mont’ Kiara)

Located in the heart of Klang Valley, roughly halfway between Kepong and downtown Kuala Lumpur and adjacent to Sri Hartamas, the township consists mainly of residential condominiums and office complexes.

Mont’ Kiara is a 15-minute drive to either Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya or downtown Kuala Lumpur. While Taman Tun Dr. Ismail is 5-10 minute drive via the Penchala Link tunnel on the Sprint Expressway that costs a one-way toll of RM 3.00.

The upcoming MRT2 Circle line will include stops in the Mont Kiara enclave providing better access for residents of Mont’ Kiara across the Klang Valley.

If you are finding it hard to find the location of R22, remember that as you are approaching Mont’ Kiara from the Sprint Expressway, Kerinchi Link, make sure to keep an eye on the signboard that shows you are headed towards Mont’ Kiara. You are on the right track if you see this signboard below.

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Take on the second turning

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The signboard leading to the showroom at Jalan Kiara and the project site at Jalan Kiara 3

If you miss this turning upon reaching the junction by 1Mont’ Kiara, you may have to go into Desa Sri Hartamas and take a huge detour to get back to the second turning into Mont’ Kiara again.

R22 is located along Jalan Kiara 3.

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Look for Lanai Kiara and turn right into Jalan Kiara 3

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The project site

Mont’ Kiara has a reputation as a premier location for international education institutions such as the French School of Kuala Lumpur (FSKL), Taylor’s College, the British Garden International School (GIS) for primary and secondary and the American Mont’ Kiara International School(MKIS). Due to this convenience as well, there have been a steady growth of the international community in that area.

Here, parents are seen picking up their children from the GIS and just enjoying each other’s company.

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The international schools which are heavily guarded with top-notch security says a lot about the community that lives here. Accidents and crimes are not to be taken for granted at any cost around Mont’ Kiara and the developers are keeping this place a safe haven for its residents with much thought put into the security aspects of its developments.

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In front of R22 beside GIS is the Global Doctors building, a state-of-the-art medical services provider for travelers, expatriates and local people. Gloria Jeans Coffee and the 24-hour, 7-eleven also share the same building on the ground floor.

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Residensi 22 overlooking  The Gardens International School

Residensi 22 overlooking The Gardens International School

With a neighbourhood that is impeccably outlined by quality properties the likes of Flora Murni, Lanai Kiara and Vista Kiara, it is a good feeling to imagine the pristine lifestyle that these residents enjoy alongside each other.

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Pristine neighbourhood

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Thanks to excellent connectivity to Kuala Lumpur(the center business district), PJ and Bangsar, residents of R22 would enjoy a good distance from the city centre despite the fact that there would be no MRT that goes through the area.

However, Mont’ Kiara still remains as one of the best places to cater to the varying taste buds of the modern generation and teems with a healthy dose of activities.

Main interesting hangout venues in the neighbourhood include Plaza Mont’ Kiara, 1 Mont’ Kiara Mall, Plaza Damas, Publika/Solaris Dutamas and Solaris Mont’ Kiara are within the surrounding radius of the R22.

Along Jalan Kiara is Plaza Mont’ Kiara which is one of the oldest buildings at Mont’ Kiara. You will find eateries that cater to the residents around the area. It looks quite old by now and is in need of maintenance and revamping.

The walk from Jalan Kiara 3 where R22 is located towards Jalan Kiara 4 where the PLaza and 1 Mont' Kiara are located is a breeze

The walk from Jalan Kiara 3 where R22 is located towards Jalan Kiara 4 where the Plaza (from the back) and 1Mont’ Kiara are located, is a breeze

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Here, you will see people hanging out at the quaint-looking coffeehouses around Plaza Mont’ Kiara (which is a 10 minutes’ walk from R22) to people grocery-shopping at the Jaya Grocer, 1MK and Korean mart nearby.

 

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Hangout areas and eateries at the Plaza Mont’ Kiara

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Grocery-shopping is made convenient with marts at the Plaza

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Small computer shops that tend to your electronic needs are also available at your service

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DHL for courier services are also available

The developer has been a constant in churning out buildings that keep catering to suit the changing times and the Plaza is just a testimony of another building which you would be able to truly appreciate how far this developer has come in recent years.

If you would like to keep a lookout for newer and fresher looking buildings around, you would be able to find them within a stone’s throw away. Walk further north along Jalan Kiara and you will find the Mont’ Kiara Pelangi, Mont’ Kiara Palma and Mont Kiara Pines in a row.

MK Palma

The Shoplex along Jalan Kiara (Image source : Google maps)

Street view along Jalan Kiara

Streetview of Jalan Kiara taken from Google Maps

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Here is where the Shoplex is located below Mont Kiara Palma and Mont’ Kiara Pines that offers quite a nice setting for evening hangout sessions over coffee and happy hour.

The Mont Kiara’ Palma is also an award-winning condo fringed with landscape footpaths that make visiting this place a pleasant experience.

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Shoplex, Image source : www.lokety.com

In addition, the following key venues from R22’s distance. This is what I have discovered during my tour around the Desa Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and Publika areas.

  1. Publika is 10 minutes from R22 at Jalan Kiara 3 – Jalan Desa Kiara – Jalan Duta Kiara (underpassing the Sprint Highway)
  2. There will be no MRT being proposed at Mont Kiara because the developer figured that it would cause a lot of noise to its very own UEM Sunrise residents
  3. Hence, due to the unavailability of the MRT station within Mont Kiara alone residents would have to drive from Mont Kiara towards the proposed MRT Line near Matrade Building even after the MRT completion in the future. This station would be situated near Matrade Centre between Jalan Dutamas 2 and Jalan Khidmat Usaha
Publika@Solaris Dutamas

Publika@Solaris Dutamas

Getting to Desa Sri Hartamas

The roadside pavements have been built to be comfortable for walking. If the GIS is on your right, you want to walk a little further (heading south) and you will arrive at a traffic light at the T-junction.

That is an exit from Jalan Kiara 3 that if you turn right onto Jalan Desa Kiara, and into Jalan 19/70A would take you to Desa Sri Hartamas. And an abundance of local food courts and Asian eateries await.

However, do keep in mind that there is a shuttle bus that ferries UEM Sunrise residents from its own projects to hangout venues sic as Publika@Solaris Dutamas

The bus schedule also helps Mont’ Kiara’s UEM Sunrise’s residents to Mont’-trotting around the clock.

The UEM Sunrise Bus Schedule for Mont' Kiara residents, must have access card to your UEM residences

The UEM Sunrise Bus Schedule for Mont’ Kiara residents, must have access card to your UEM Properties

If you are adventurous enough, you would want to take the extra tour towards the North Kiara area which is already slightly off the beaten path from the Mont’ Kiara surrounding.

I drove towards the north of Kiara and stumbled into a village, which I supposed must have been around since before the development of Mont’ Kiara itself. But let’s leave that topic for another day as this would be an intriguing topic. I would certainly love to explore further in the future to keep track of the progress that developers around have made for this side of the KL townships.

As it was, with convenience all round, drive along Jalan Kiara 3 to the main road which takes you to the other side of town at Desa Sri Hartamas. It is a good hunting ground for food and of course the famous Souled Out is also there. It is also within walking distance.

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Walking in the neighbourhood is made a pleasant experience for pedestrians

The developer has certainly given much thought in terms of offering its this neighbourhood a pleasant and unforgettable experience.

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Comfortable and scenic pavements for pedestrians

As you walk along the road, you would be able to enjoy the view of well-designed, high-rising condominiums, palm trees on every turn and soak in the atmosphere of a lively mix of a mature and vibrant community.

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Analysis

The typical types and built-ups available for sale at Residensi 22 are as follows:

  1. Type A (2,243 sq ft)
  2. Type B (1,878 sq ft)
  3. Type C – (2,038 sq ft)
  4. Type D – (2, 020 sq ft)
  5. Type E – (2,973 sq ft – 3,163 sq ft)
  6. Type F – (3,041 sq ft – 3,136 sq ft)
  7. Type G – (3,043 sq ft – 3,137 sq ft)

Price range of all units begins from RM1.3million to RM2.5million.

Let us compare prices of Residensi 22 with UEM’s Sefina, Arcoris and the six-star MK10. The table below shows the price comparison for other projects by UEM Sunrise.

Project title Tenure/Land Title Average Price (per Sq. Ft.) Maintenance Fee(per Sq. Ft.) Car Park Bays
Residensi Sefina Mont’Kiara Freehold 837 0.33 2
Residensi22 Mont’Kiara Freehold 850 0.28 <3,000sf : 2 carpark>3,000sf : 3 carpark
Arcoris Mont’Kiara (MK20) Integrated Residences/ Freehold 1050 0.38 >1,000sf : 1 carpark>1,500sf : 2 carpark>2,000sf : 3 carpark
10 Mont’Kiara (MK10) Condominium/ Freehold 918 0.22 3

 

These four projects are freehold. To date, the UEM Sunrise group has a remaining landbank of close to 60 acres in Mont’ Kiara. At the outset, with RM850 psf, the Residensi 22 is considered to be average in this range.

The Sefina is yet another attractive development by UEM Sunrise which is situated just a few blocks down from Residensi 22. Arcoris Mont’ Kiara which is due for completion in 2016 is situated beside Plaza Mont’ Kiara, whereas the 6-star 10@Mont’ Kiara stands elegantly next to Pavilion Hilltop and Kenny Heights Sanctuary by the Sprint Highway.

A look at Sefina showroom as a better option for the younger buyer who is interested to make this an own home

A look at Sefina showroom as a better option for the younger buyer who is interested to make this an own home

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Sefina showroom

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Sefina Showroom

While the Sefina is targeted towards the younger buyers who have a minimum monthly income of about RM10K, R22 is more targeted towards the higher-income range market who can afford to pay a minimum of RM12,000 in monthly instalment to service their loans. The former has a smaller space compared to R22 and appeals more to the moderate-sized family, hence the price is slightly lower than R22.

The MK10 is the most prestigious development to date. With a six-star rating and with more than 300 units that went for sale from a 2 blocks of 43 storeys’ high, the developer had priced MK10’s psf at RM 918 to Arcoris’ RM1050 psf for bigger built-up space.

Needless to mention, Arcoris Mont’ Kiara is also a multi award-winning luxury development with the Arcoris Suites, SoHo and Residences.

If you are buying into the area and are thinking that the price for the new developments are beyond your affordability, still sub-sale properties around Mont’ Kiara are going between RM500,000 and RM800,000.

These sub-sale properties are in no competition with the new developments coming up because they offer buyers the win that come from the neighbourhood and location comfort for the long term. The prices here seem to be catered for serious buyers who wish to stay put for a long time.

Still worthy to look into is the fact that, with the onset of a prospective KL Metropolis, there will bound to be demand for Mont’ Kiara as a location of choice soon.

The KL Metropolis

Image source : www.klmetropolis.com

Artist’s impression of the KL Metropolis (Image source : www.klmetropolis.com)

the-development

Artist’s impression of the KL Metropolis (Image source : www.klmetropolis.com)

One of the unique selling points buying into Mont Kiara is to anticipate the upcoming development of the Kuala Lumpur Metropolis.

Conceptualised as a 21st century commercial business district, the KL Metropolis is poised to become one of the nation’s most important cities. It is ambitious and synergistic and it boasts a mixed development that would set the benchmark for future developments in the region.

The Metropolis has been proposed to occupy the lot where the distinguishable Matrade building is erected. Yet, feedbacks regarding the culmination of the project from some sales people around the area had been lukewarm, if you will. Pegged for completion in 2025, feels somewhat like a distant dream away from reality.

Why the KL Metropolis is an interesting project to look forward to:

  1. It is designed to meet Malaysia’s GBI Township requirements and is already a registered LEED for Neighbourhood Development Masterplan with principles of smart growth, green building and sustainable community design.
  2. There will be direct access into the Metropolis from the main roads of Jalan Duta and Jalan Kuching, through the Jalan Khidmat Usaha.
  3. Public road transportation connectivity
  4. Future incorporation of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and My Rapid Transit(MRT) routes and stations within the KL Metropolis development for easier accessibility.

Interesting to observe, due to the slowdown in the current economy at the moment, developers are constantly looking for interesting ways to attract buyers and boost the property market. Ask for rebates and you might just be lucky enough to be accommodated for your enquiries.

Due to some of these future projects in the pipeline such as the KL Metropolis which is now well-aware of by investors and property enthusiasts, the prices of the properties around Mont’ Kiara have appreciated by threefold over the years.

The prospect of a growing population is immensely beneficial to the surrounding areas of these major developments.

 

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Summary

Two of the key questions you want to ask yourself when you are considering this location is whether your property here would be for the short or the long term.

The location being Mont Kiara, and knowing the reputation of the developer, it is no doubt that buying a property here with UEM Sunrise, would mean you are also going into the good books of the developer.

We are at this point experiencing a high demand for the property market to continue churning out projects, however, we have to realise the fact that our consumers are only able to afford ‘this much’.

And if you want to buy into Mont’ Kiara, you sure have got to be certain of your standing in the present. My two cents’ however, is that Mont’ Kiara although it is overpriced especially now that times are not as rosy, is nonetheless a great place to settle in with your family.

Thus, I would advise only the serious buyers(or investors) to consider a unit here for the long-term. Even that, if he or she has been great in managing her/his property portfolio with panache.

About the developer

As one of Malaysia’s most distinguished developers, UEM Sunrise has scaled major milestones and is an undisputable leader in the property development segment of the country.

Established in 1968, Sunrise Berhad was bought over by engineering-based infrastructure and services group, the UEM Land Holdings Berhad, in 2010 for RM1.39billion (subsequently renamed to UEM Sunrise).

Having had won numerous awards, UEM Sunrise Berhad is responsible for numerous residential, commercial and integrated developments largely within Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya and Nusajaya, among others. UEM Sunrise has received multiple awards over the many years as it remains competitive in the property market of Malaysia and carved its name in projects abroad.

The awards won included being ranked No. 1 in Quality Attributes for four consecutive years (2003-2006) in The Edge Malaysia’s Top Ten Property Developers Awards. It is also thrice winner of the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award in 2005, 2001 & 1997 for Best Residential Development, and is listed as one of Forbes Asia’s “Best Under US$1billion” turnover public listed companies in 2005.

As a result, the Mont’ Kiara name has become one of Malaysia’s best-known addresses, housing a vibrant community of more than 40 nationalities. The company just announced its latest developments in Australia and Canada.

Looking at the rate that it is going, slowing down is probably the last thing one would expect of this major Malaysian developer.

 

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Eric Wong

Anjali Kassim Chan