QUOTE(chesterst @ Feb 7 2019, 09:25 AM)
I’ve been window shopping to buy a place for own stay for awhile. While developers are charging cut throat prices for brand new condo developments in Klang Valley (although some are justified), I noticed one could snap a good sized (about 2000sf 3 + 1 rooms), rather low density condo in Kenny hills for about RM 1.5m. Prime examples include both Seri Dutas, Intan Kenny, Villa Bukit Tunku and Belvedere. Of course need to spend about 100k refurbishing but you get super prime address and the greens!
A little closer to town in the equally affluent residential area of Uthant options include Desa Angkasa, Desa Uthant and Desa Palma.
I’m aware that Sri Bukit Tunku is cheap but am not considering this due to its various shortcomings (near rail line, fringe not Kenny Hills proper, maintenance not in good shape etc).
What’s your take on this? Not a big fan of super modern condos and don’t mind living in a slightly older building provided that maintenance is top notch.
If you are buying for your own stay and don't care for capital appreciation or rental yields then these are great places to stay. This is generally the case with ALL but a very select few high end condos and service residence these days. The transacted price you see on Brickz, asking prices you see on iProperty has very little to do with reality.
The main issue with all these types of condos? Expensive maintenance charges!! Despite that due to the low number of units maintenance isn't top notch as there is only so much money in the pot. Many of these places are bought by investors for rental and most don't care that it has a tired looking exterior or facilities. You as the owner occupier will be out-voted on many communal improvement measures if it calls for more money to be paid. However be prepared to fork out upwards of RM900-1000 per month on maintenance fees. If you are prepared to pay that kind of money then by all means go for it.
All the places mentioned at Bukit Tunku tend to have mold as a major issue. High dewpoint to blame. This will definitely be an issue on lower floor units. There are ways to mitigate it indoors but you won't be able to do much in the common areas. Ultimately some will find this to be a big issue and some would be fine with it.
U-Thant area, many of those condos you mentioned are lived in by foreigners who may also be low-ranked consular staff. These people have diplomatic immunity and don't give two hoots about rules, just be prepared to be on the losing end if ever you get into any neighbourly disputes and he decides to give you 2 tight slaps across the face.
My take? These are properties you must really love it to buy one today.