So I actually took a leap of faith, took a studio unit with KL tower view. I thought to myself, how wrong could it go?

Obvious Pro's:
1. Awesome location. Really is 2 minutes walk from the Avenue-K (via the rear exit) to the actual site. Another 2 minutes stroll from within Avenue K to the KLCC LRT. With a prominent landmark a stone's throw away and an already well known functioning LRT (versus certain developments which promises a MRT in the future).

2. It's "Phase 1". If it's right, snap it up early for best return. Some of the discounts, make the ROI (for a buy, semi-hold, sell) reasonably attractive.

Nightmare scenarios:
1. Property bubble bursts. KLCC property has not enjoyed the optimistic increase psf as other KV areas (or southern corridor). My personal view is most likely stagnation or minor dip. Just hold extra 5 years if need be.

2. Developer abandons project. IMHO, low likelihood. Just a risk I'll have to bear with.

3. Entire Malaysian economy goes South, creating a spiralling effect of loom and doom. Would Malaysian government sit-back and do nothing when Vision 2020 is upon us? Can the economy recover in 5 years (since I've planned to hold extra 5 years if required)?

I'm not a BBB fanboy, but as long the development is completed as planed, overall, I think it's all good.

It will be to a hybrid flip strategy:

Plan A: Primarily to buy and sell upon completion. Will let go if 20% margin gained. Else....

Plan B: Bleed abit while trying to rent out (or just stay as holiday home). With 35 year mortgage, monthly commitment after deducting received rental wont be significant to dent my finances (the key question i asked myself was whether I had the holding power...maths told me yes).

Plan C: If rental somehow works (though unlikely given the high density), wait and see approach until 20% margin achieved.

Plan D: If rental doesn't work, and bleeding excessively after 5 years, time to part ways.

The game plan is have sufficient holding power for up to 5 years. If you have the holding power, and not out to make a quick buck, given this location...How wrong could it go?

Well, I guess I personally (key word personally) do not feel it's that high a risk, and the concept sounds right.

To be fair, initially, I thought wouldn't the money better be parked elsewhere? But a sifu told me, this is a lifestyle concept development. People do not stay in KLCC because it's most economically sound. People who drink Starbucks do not really appreciate coffee, it's for the zing, and the target market for KLCC properties are aimed at different target groups. (Sort of like why I don't understand why people pay top dollar for a Rolex, when it's really meant to tell time, and it'll increase risk of getting hands' getting chopped..)

At the end of the day, there will be hindsight heroes in life. "You should've, or could've done this or that...". As long as the action was measured and taken consciously, and potential consequences taken into consideration, then it's better than sitting on the fence. I took the road less travelled, and that has made all the difference (whether good or bad).

Taiko, don't dare to count the chickens till they hatch (assuming they do hatch).

Quality of expat tenants depends on both global market and Malaysia's market outlook. Some expat colleagues have mentioned that the allowances they receive become increasingly competitive (may be a positive for studio unit sizes aimed at single or young couple expats).

Any thoughts on how the hike in electricity tariffs, GST would positively contribute to increase to property prices? There is talk of inflation 2014/2015 (and stabilizes thereafter in 2016). For conservative investors, keep you cash safe and when for the hammer to fall. Once it does, "Cash is King" and grab the low-lying fruits. Patience is a virtue for the fore-sighted.

Alamak, I better gather more cashew nuts to bring back Tong San...Hopefully, still in time before the party gets too rowdy.. Now getting tons of facebook bashing on the ruling coalition for the recent price hikes (with rumours of petrol increase after CNY). Gong Xi Gong Xi...

I will miss the awesome food in Malaysia