I had lost track how much the PSF worth in these area, perhaps you can compare with Tropicana Bay resi (similar bedroom/size, seaview / non seaview), or Asia Green's Zen (but this should be lower PSF as it is meant for 'affordable' and not 'lifestyle/luxury').

Maybe compare also Summerton (but it is leasehold so I expect the PSF lower), Queens waterfront no need compare coz the PSF for seaview unit sure vy expensive, unless u compare the non-seaview (facing west) unit, but again that is not a apple-to-apple comparison, as I assume the your Quay West unit is seaview facing.

Unfortunately Alesi, the unit I have in consideration is pool view facing, not seaview facing. But with morning sun. In Queens its like rm800+psf even for units facing QB mall, no need to mention about those units seaview facing 😅 Way out of budget haha.

Units in Quay West seaview facing is higher in square foot size, therefore making it more expensive. Also a mere dream for a first house buyer like me 🤣 Plus, full seaview is not 100% guaranteed as there are, like you said future reclamation works to be done on the shoreline.

I did consider Tropicana Bay previously, but thought twice in buying second handed property as I understand that legal fees will be higher? 🤔 Plus I did hear that the gov is giving some benefits to first time home buyers buying off property directly from the developer (for this year at least)

May I ask for your kind opinion on high density condos? Like versus low density condos, as I’ve seen a lot of Fb ads promoting “low density” as one of their selling points. The density per acre has got me a bit worried that I’m thinking of considering future developments in that area instead 😅 Which may backfire if prices are skyrocketing high.

Would also like to know about the work quality of this developer aka Asia Green Group. Would like to consult professionals like yourself because I can sense that you have a lot of experience in this field ☺️

You are most welcome!
If the purchase is for your own stay, I reckon that you reside in the island? Have you ever considered the properties in the mainland, say, Batu Kawan area?

With the HOC worth to get properties like Vertu which have a developer discount atm

Hihi, yes, I reside on the island and currently am working in Bayan Lepas. Initially did consider cause of the cheap prices of property there but the thought of daily traveling put me off 😅 Now targeting Qb area because that area is right smack in the middle where it’s nearer to travel to Bayan Lepas area and Georgetown. Actually I’m just considering this project because it’s the one that’s ‘almost completed’ where I don’t have to wait for a completely new project from the ground up. Also waiver of fees for purchasing this year is a plus. Can forget about Queens because of the price, plus it’s a bit near to the airport in my opinion. Just weighing the pros and cons of QW at the moment haha. That’s why seeking for advice.

Hi Kintaro, do you mean the one by Aspen? Is that the one in SP? I did consider the ones with HOC but I did see from some discussions in lowyat that developers somehow ‘hike’ up the prices to make up for the discount? Not sure how true is that though 😅 QW comes with MOT discount of 30k.

Vertu Resorts by Aspen got 10% discount atm. Spa price is 542k for 1030 sqft. After rebate it's 488k with free legal and stamp duty as well. Purchaser still need to pay the valuer fee though

Vertu in Batu Kawan.....the Aspen's project in SP (Sungai Pinang) is Beacon. Beacon i think sell poorly.

Don't easily fall into 'low density' sweet talk by the agents.....once the building aging and maintenance cost shoot up the owners will bite the pain. Anything below 300/400 units per project I also won't consider. Do you ok to pay close to rm500-600 maintenance fee just for the low-density ?

For example Olive tree condo in bayan baru and The Loft in Bt Maung area, these are less than 200 units condo but the maintenance fee close to rm600/month.

Many many years ago I bought my house in a 700 units project and people around me is like "wahhhh why u buy so high density!"......today high density is more than 1000 or 2000 units .....and the maintenance fee and sinking fund in my condo is a lot so no issue to up-keep the building & maintenance.

Wow! That’s comparatively cheap! But then again, traveling daily to the island will be hassle 😔 Especially during peak hours 😭

Not really. I live on the island and commute to Batu Kawan for work. It just takes 35 to 40 mins one way. Smooth traffic most of the way.

P.s. the current developer promotion they are throwing in free aircond and heater as well. I heard the earlier batch even had free cabinet.

This post has been edited by oe_kintaro: Dec 15 2021, 10:41 PM

I guess you travelling on the opposite way (morning: island to mainland. Evening: mainland to island) so the traffic is less hectic. Anyway the 2nd bridge is still under-utilize so the traffic is not really heavy also.

Oh my god there are people paying rm600 maintenance fees?? If it’s a super luxury condo then I understand, but if it’s just middle class condo that’s way wayyyy too expensive 😱

No wonder I still see units being sold as new in Olive tree and The Loft.. But rm600 is crazy high. Plus that’s in a month. 1 year it’s rm7200! The higher assessment fees for commercial property doesn’t sound that bad now 😅

That’s good to hear. 700 per project does seem just nice. How high is the maintenance, if you don’t mind me asking. What condo is that btw?

Ps: Forgive my late replies… I have a daily limit of 3 replies per day haha

Oh I see… Not sure how it is from island to mainland during peak hours.. but usually the main jam is from mainland to island right? As there are more people living in mainland commuting to the island than vice versa. I rmb I the few times I got caught in the jam.. Not really an experience I would like to have daily 😅😅

Wow that’s so nice! The Quay West project I’m considering doesn’t even come with anything… they don’t even have air conditioning piping 🙄

Prices of condos on the island is equivalent to those landed property on the mainland 😔

Yes. 2nd bridge is generally under utilized so traffic on it is smooth both ways. The islander's mentality of Penangites (i.e., a general reluctance to work on the mainland) works to my advantage in this case. Donno how many more years I can enjoy it. I save more petrol with this commute than those poor sods who are plodding along in the FIZ traffic jam everyday.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021...world-to-retire

Penang property only can up, cannot down.
With gurney wharf and Penang south island. Next 5 years dunno the property gonna go to what price.

the maintenance fee is just rm200 but that is a 11 year old condo already. The amount rm200 on 11 years ago was just right (not cheap, not too expensive).........11 yrs later today seems very cheap hahahaa

Has anyone seen the stone condo at Paya terubong? There's 2 water pipe up on top at the front door.

Nice! Rm200 is cheap! So you mean to say that your house’s maintenance fees has been the same for 11 years? That’s so good.

Alesi, may I consult you as to which area to focus on in Penang if we want to get a.. say.. middle range property.. For stay as well as investment… So that when it’s time to sell, you don’t incur a loss instead. Been reading a lot in this forum and I see people complaining that there are those that are selling properties below market.

But then again, as what diehard has said.. if prices in Penang island keep going up.. who exactly can afford them in future? Everyone would need to be millionaires by then 😅😅

Yesterday I saw on FB, is that consider complete condition? I think flat also don't have such nonsense... And the onwer complaint about the building facade why doesn't look like what the sales brochure image with vertical vegetation and the management solutions is the paint the walls with green & yellow colour and make it even worst ....lol