Some of us might have missed the exciting news on Penang receiving some pretty cool international recognition in 2020.
For starters, International Living, a website that covers global retirement opportunities, listed Penang as among the ‘11 Best Islands For Retirement Abroad’.
CNN Travel listed the humble Penang Asam Laksa as among the 50 most delicious foods in the world! It sure tickled taste buds enough to make the list.
And then, Georgetown made it onto the list of "The 10 Best Destinations for Digital Nomads". With the work from home (WFH) culture taking root, many are now prioritising good cost of living, adequate co-working spaces, and good access to Wi-Fi.
With all of this recognition, coupled with an abundance of food options, relaxing beaches, and charming atmosphere, it’s hardly a surprise that Penang continues to be a desirable place for both Malaysians and expats to call home.
So if you’re looking to buy a property in Penang this year, check out these top 5 hotspots (looking at PropertyGuru’s “For Sale” listings, we took the ones with the highest average number of enquirers in 2020) spread across the island and mainland, to find your own sanctuary.
1) Timor Laut (Island)
This district covers the north-eastern half of Penang Island, and is where you will find much of Penang Island’s major tourist attractions, such as the Penang Botanical Gardens, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill, the tallest peak on the Island.
Timor Laut, as a historic location, is great for families with all the amenities needed nearby, plus easy access to the mainland via the Penang Bridge.
Developments of interest in the area:
a) Ferringhi Residence 2, Batu Ferringhi
Sitting in arguably the most prestigious and popular part of Penang, Ferringhi Residence 2 in Batu Ferringhi offers resort-style living amid the backdrop of the Penang Hill forest range, and the Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve.
This freehold hilltop enclave consists of three blocks, with a total of 632 units with facilities like an infinity pool, jacuzzi, water spa, gym, yoga room, and jogging track.
Owning a home in an internationally famed tourist destination gives you access to everything from local hawker food and high-end culinary delights to a host of recreational activities for all ages.
b) Middleton @ Minden Heights
Sitting in the established neighbourhood of Minden Heights, Gelugor, this development offers convenience, and great access to schools, higher learning institutions, and malls. Here, you will be located just ten minutes away from the Penang Bridge.
This low-density development consists of two residential blocks, with 220 units. Residents can enjoy 24-hour security and facilities such as a gym, jogging track, children’s playground, swimming pool, and a sauna.
2) Bayan Lepas
Located to the southwest of Penang Island, this district is home to the famous Snake Temple filled with vipers, pythons, and cobras!
Following the opening of the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in the 1970s, demand for housing in Bayan Lepas began to steadily grow.
Over the years residential townships, schools, shopping malls, healthcare facilities, and other amenities were built to cater to the needs of residents.
Developments of interest in the area:
a) Summerton Bayan Indah
Summerton Bayan Indah, located near Queensbay Mall, has both residential and commercial components to it. It features the freehold Primo Heights luxury suites, the leasehold Primo Summer luxury suites, and Primo Avenue business park.
Each suite is designed with spacious areas, and the facilities provided include a gym, infinity pool, jacuzzi, multiple gardens, and wellness zones.
Here, you are a mere five minutes away from the Penang Bridge, ten minutes away from the Penang International Airport, and 15 minutes away from Georgetown.
b) One Foresta @ Bayan Lepas
One Foresta is part of the affordable housing series that aims to assist young Penangites in purchasing their first homes.
With its price tag of RM300,000 onwards, One Foresta boasts a great location with well-planned living spaces.
In terms of convenience, you will be surrounded by schools, banks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
On top of that, the area is close to the Second Penang Bridge, Penang International Airport, and the Free Trade Zone.
3) Georgetown
With its rich history reflected in well preserved colonial buildings, and a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian architectural styles, Georgetown was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008.
Living in the capital city of Penang means convenience at your fingertips. Here you will be close to healthcare facilities, public transport, financial and educational institutions, on top of a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Developments of interest in the area:
a) Tropicana 218 Macalister
Tropicana 218 Macalister sits along the famous Macalister Road, where you will find banks, a hospital, hotels, and some of the best hawker food, all on one street.
This mixed development offers residents vibrant urban living coupled with great facilities. A total of 211 suites and 88 residences housed in two blocks.
Step out of your home and immediately you will come across an endless array of hawker food, street art, and heritage buildings to feast your appetite and eyes on.
b) Gurney Park
A two-block condominium with 39 storeys each, housing a total of 588 units. Even though it was completed in 1999, it still remains a popular choice for those who wish to live in the heart of the hustle and bustle.
Located right next door to two of Penang’s most famous shopping malls – Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon – means that residents will have all of their necessities easily covered.
Within the development, there’s 24-hour security and the usual list of facilities – swimming pool, gym, and children’s playground, to name a few). It’s also just a short drive away from many excellent educational institutions.
4) Bukit Mertajam
This town has a rich heritage of culture and food. But it’s probably best known for being home to St. Anne’s Church, one of the main churches in Southeast Asia to host the annual Novena celebrations, attracting thousands each year.
Bukit Mertajam is a good location for young families looking to escape the city, with some 14 primary schools, 7 secondary schools, shops, banks malls and more, to cater to the everyday needs of residents.
Developments of interest in the area:
a) Prominence @ Bukit Mertajam
Prominence @ Bukit Mertajam is a freehold residential serviced apartment with one 33-storey block, consisting of 412 units. Residents will enjoy facilities such as a swimming pool, children’s pool and playground, badminton court, sky gymnasium, and a mini golf course.
Living here means being located close to the Penang Bridge, and Bukit Mertajam KTM station, alongside a host of amenities from shopping and dining to leisure and entertainment.
b) SeventyNine Residence
SeventyNine Residence @ Bukit Mertajam is a freehold condominium constructed amidst the hilly backdrop of Penang Island.
The developers integrated a meditation area, sauna, lounge pool, and BBQ area for the adults, while the kids get a baby pool, infinity wading pool, and a playground. The perfect place for growing families.
The development’s convenience is unparalleled, with access to the Bukit Mertajam and Taman Batu KTM stations, shops, schools, and healthcare facilities, all within a few minutes.
5) Butterworth
You might not think of Butterworth as a place to settle down and buy a house. But this unassuming town has a laid-back charm to it, with gorgeous views of Penang Island from Bersih Beach, beautiful street art, and of course the food.
Butterworth has an affordable and attractive property market and is well connected to the rest of Malaysia, parts of Thailand and Singapore, via Penang Sentral transport hub.
Developments of interest in the area:
a) Ocean View Residences @ Harbour Place
This project is developed along the coastline, giving residents breathtaking views of the ocean. What’s more, every unit comes with a sun deck, on top of other facilities such as an infinity pool, music room, jacuzzi, sky garden, and sky lounge.
The location is a great choice, owing to its easy access to a variety of delicious foods, major banks, the Seberang Jaya Hospital, and a number of schools.
b) Wellesley Residences, Butterworth
The Wellesley Residences @ Harbour Place is a freehold condominium that consists of two blocks. They are 30-stories and 27-stories high respectively, and both have a total of 401 units.
Situated nearby public transportation hubs like the Butterworth Railway Station and Butterworth Bus Terminal, this development is easily accessible via Lebuhraya Lingkaran Luar Butterworth, Jalan Assumption, Jalan Chain Ferry, and Jalan Sungai Nyior.
Want to dive deeper into the charming Pearl of The Orient, and find out where some of the best neighbourhoods for living in Penang are? Take a look at this list that features some of the best neighbourhoods for youth, families, and expats to call home.
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