When it’s time for you to choose a home of your own, what’s the first thing you’ll be looking for? Some might say the price, some might say the location, and others might even say “Depends on what my spouse/family/friends/etc recommend”!
Whatever your personal reasons may be, you shouldn’t forget to take your future neighbourhood into consideration as well. It’s not just the amenities that are within easy reach from your property; you also need to see the overall environment, and your neighbours.
Encyclopedia Britannica sums it up best as to why choosing the right one is so important: “The nature of social relationships within the neighbourhood is perhaps the most important way in which neighbourhoods influence child and family life.”
With that in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at which are the top 5 neighbourhoods (ranked according to their popularity) Malaysians are currently searching for in July 2020.
*Editor’s note: The data below was taken from the ‘For Sale’ listings on PropertyGuru.com.my
Where Would Be A Good Place To Call ‘Home’?
Despite the hard-hitting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing phases of the Movement Control Orders (MCOs) on the country’s economy, that has done little to dampen the interest of homebuyers when it comes to searching for a property.
According to PropertyGuru’s Malaysia Consumer Sentiment Study H2 2020, 57% of Malaysians are already considering a property purchase (whether it’s for their own stay or investment purposes) in 2021.
That could mean that they’re now starting their journey to search for the property that ticks all the right boxes: location, price, infrastructure, and neighbourhood.
The most popular on our list is Kajang, with a 28.4% increase Month-on-Month (MoM) in enquiries about properties in this area. It’s not hard to see why this is so; with an influx of new projects from reputable developers, the rapid improvement of infrastructure (highways and MRT stations), and modern amenities co-existing with traditional architecture, this is a town that’s enjoying a growth of interested home seekers.
Next up is Subang Jaya, with a 22.5% increase MoM in enquiries. Where it was once known as the town of tertiary educational institutions, it’ll now relish in its new status as a city on 20th October 2020. But that’s not what makes it so famous – it is, in fact, a gastronomic paradise with so many eateries from a variety of cultures that you won’t have much difficulty in answering “What to eat today”!
Shah Alam takes the third spot, with a 20.4% increase MoM in enquiries. While it may have the nickname of ‘city of roundabouts’, it’s also a neighbourhood that has plenty of recreational areas, commercial centres, shopping malls, and the country’s largest mosque – the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. You can easily travel to and from this place via highways and 4 KTM Komuter stations.
The fourth most popular neighborhood is Petaling Jaya, with a 20.0% increase MoM in enquiries. What was once a sleepy satellite town for the KL city centre, PJ (as it’s more fondly known) has boomed into a city to be reckoned with. You won’t lack things to do or see here, as there are numerous shopping malls, family-friendly attractions, dining choices, and nightlife options – all within easy reach by car or public transport!
Finally, we’ve got Puchong to round up our list, with a 10.2% increase MoM in enquiries. As a former industrial town with a mere 2-lane road in the 1980s, it’s now also home to residential, commercial, and office components. But, its most standout attraction? The amazing array of REALLY good food available, whether its restaurants and cafes, or food vendors and coffee shops!
Which Developments Should I Be Looking At?
According to the same report, 78% of Malaysians are intending to buy a property in Malaysia, while 79% of Malaysians say that they’re considering newly developed/launched properties.
So, we decided to help make your property purchasing process a little bit easier by providing you a list of the more recent project launches in each of the top 5 neighbourhoods.
Take your time to browse through each one and visit the respective pages to find out more information; who knows, you might just fall in love with one, and decide it fits what you’re looking for!
1) Kajang
- Developer: Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd
- Expected completion date: 2021
The Rymba Gardens phase of the exclusive Jade Hills township sits on a 10-acre plot of land that contains 104 units of linked and semi-detached villas. These nature-inspired homes boast a panoramic view of the township’s award-winning Central Park.
- Developer: Modal Ehsan Sdn Bhd
- Completion date: 2020
Comprising 2 18-storey blocks that house a total of 392 units, there are 5 types of built-up sizes for you to choose from, ranging from 872 sq ft to 1,313 sq ft. With a range of facilities like a pool, gym, badminton court, playground, and sky lounge, there’s something for everyone!
- Developer: Sime Darby Development Sdn. Bhd.
- Completion date: 2017
Along the perimetre of the prestigious Impian Golf & Country Club lies this gated-and-guarded enclave consisting of 37 units of 2-storey bungalows. Surrounded by amenities such as Giant, Tesco, and schools, convenience is right at your doorstep.
2) Subang Jaya
- Developer: Sime Darby Development Sdn. Bhd.
- Completion date: 2014
26 single-storey and 2 ½-storey freehold townhouses lie nestled in the heart of a lush landscaped area, that boasts a series of waterways meandering through. Designed to be sustainable, there’s a centralised waste management and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Developer: Sime Darby Property Berhad
- Completion date: 2013
As one of the 6 unique garden-themed sections, these freehold family homes were designed for harmonious inter-generational living, with living spaces up to 7,645 sq ft. 5 layouts are available for these Scottish-inspired bungalows surrounded by beautiful gardens.
- Developer: Tropicana Corporation Berhad
- Completion date: 2020
The third phase of this mixed-use development is 2 towers of serviced residential units, with Block A and B having 329 and 258 respectively. Residents will enjoy direct access to the Central Park, commercial areas, and GEMS International School.
3) Shah Alam
- Developer: Encorp Berhad
- Expected completion date: 2021
A perfect blend of elegant modern homes, well thought-out public spaces, and an abundance of nature, you’ll find that it’s easy to travel to and from home as the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and Federal Highway are a mere minutes’ drive away.
- Developer: Ara Ville Sdn Bhd
- Expected completion date: 2023
Boasting a distinctively terraced and sleek linear façade, this high-rise project allows residents access to 3 international schools, 3 renowned universities, 4 acclaimed golf courses, and 8 vibrant shopping malls – all within a 5 kilometre radius!
- Developer: Tropicana Corporation Berhad
- Expected completion date: 2021
Stylish lakeside homes with dual frontage or contemporary garden homes with verdant terraces – take your pick! These 2-storey superlink homes have built-up sizes ranging from 3,014 sq ft to 3,172 sq ft, all come with smart technology to enhance everyday living.
4) Petaling Jaya
- Developer: Sunway Property Berhad
- Expected completion date: 2022
Whether you prefer a view of the sprawling golf course or sparkling lake waters, you and your family will be safe in this development that comes with 4-tier security. What’s unique about this project is the on-site 24-hour care centre, with facilities supported by Sunway Medical Centre.
- Developer: Glomac Kristal Sdn Bhd
- Completion date: 2015
You can’t get any better than an address that allows you to shop to your heart’s content! This serviced apartment has popular malls like 1 Utama, IKEA, and The Curve at its doorstep. For those who prefer the outdoors, you can visit Bukit Kiara in TTDI and Central Park Bandar Utama.
c) The Zizz
- Developer: Jaya Megah Building & Engineering Sdn. Bhd.
- Completion date: 2019
618 residential units, 11 layout types, and built-up sizes ranging from 751 sq ft to 1,774 sq ft to choose from? You’re spoiled for choice, what more with an impressive array of facilities and MRT station within walking distance – everything is catered for your utmost comfort.
5) Puchong
- Developer: BSC Land Development Sdn Bhd
- Expected completion date: 2024
A freehold integrated development that houses over 30 recreational and social facilities as well as a 4-storey retail podium at its base, this pet-friendly project is located right at the heart of Bandar Puteri Puchong, connected to other hotspots via extensive highway networks.
- Developer: Plenitude Permai Sdn. Bhd.
- Completion date: 2016
This 452-acre freehold township is located within the high-tech Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) zone. With mostly landed properties, Phase E is no different as it consists of 2-storey terraced homes, surrounded by a 7-acre landscaped park.
- Developer: IJM Properties Sdn Bhd
- Completion date: 2014
Having the pristine Ayer Hitam forest reserve right next door to these 3 ½-storey signature bungalows mean that you can awaken to the cooling mountain breeze and be serenaded by the sounds of nature all day. Now, wouldn’t that be the epitome of luxury living?
If a brand new property isn’t your cup of tea, and you’d like something that has a little more history and charm, then why not consider buying a subsale property?