THIS WEBPAGE IS DESIGNED AND HANDSCULPTED TO APPEAL TO A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT USERS -- MALAYSIANS LIVING IN MALAYSIA WHO ARE LOOKING FOR NEW REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES IN THEIR OWN LANDS, FOREIGNERS LIVING IN MALAYSIA WHO NEED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE WHILE WORKING IN THE COUNTRY, AND FINALLY FOREIGNERS FROM OUTSIDE OF MALAYSIA WHO WANT TO BUY A HOLIDAY HOUSE OR RETIREMENT HOME THERE. It is a wide audience I am trying to appeal to, but the type of properties offered here are generally the same -- the focus is on the luxury side of the market (if only to satisfy my fantasy of living in this kind of place!) The magical thing about Malaysia is that while there are plenty of luxurious properties available, the prices are very reasonable and cheap compared to global norms. For foreigners thinking of investing in Malaysia, here are some other benefits -- the infrastructure is generally excellent, there are worldclass medical facilities abounding, as are the telecommunications -- and did I mention the food? You only have to check out the Eating Asia webblog to see what Malaysian food is like! Malaysians already know how great the food is though, so they can skip down the page to the properties section, to see what is hot and happening at present.
As one website devoted to retirees remarked: "Malaysia has an excellent infrastructure, good medical facilities and a wealth of cultural sites to explore.
"Malaysia is located outside of "ring of fire", which spares it from experiencing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is made up of two regions, West Malaysia which consist of all the states on the Peninsula of Malaysia located on the main Asia continent, and East Malaysia, consists of the states of Sabah and Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo. The country is located at the centre of South East Asia, neighbouring with Thailand and Singapore located north and south of the Peninsula Malaysia, respectively.
"There are many reasons to consider Malaysia as a retirement destination, not least of all the year-long temperate climate."
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HERE IS A SELECTION OF THE LEADING REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN MALAYSIA, HOW TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM, AND A SMATTERING OF SOME OF THEIR LATEST OFFERINGS:
D-Choice Properties:
Phone: 6012/2080 366, 603/8210 2028. Website: http://properties.d-choice.com/. Email: properties@d-choice.com.
They might be called D-Choice Properties, but this real estate company is certainly not D-Grade. D-Choice Properties transact residential, industrial, commercial buildings and land situated in the Klang Valley such as Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Petaling Jaya (PJ), Damansara, Bangsar, Puchong, USJ, Kepong, Selayang, Rawang, Nilai, Bangi, Kajang, Cheras, Shah Alam, Klang, Dengkil, Banting, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
On the D-Choice website you can input your Malaysian properties into their online marketing search engine. As well as having a virtual listing, your property will also be marketed by real people in the real estate business, off-line (and in real time)! If you sell or let property through D-Choice Properties you can enjoy a discount of up to 30 per cent on the Malaysian Board Of Estate Agents regulated agency fee. If you are an expatriate looking either to rent or buy a property in Kuala Lumpur, D-Choice also have plenty of good advice to offer you.
The last time I went online (April 19 2006), D-Choice had this particular advice for foreigners thinking of moving to Kuala Lumpur (or being transferred there):
What Is the Cost Of Living In Kuala Lumpur?
Based on the latest research by HSBC, the cost of living in Malaysia adds up to RM7,200 a month for a couple with two children, and RM3,000 a month for a single person. This includes grocery, car maintenance and parking, utilities, transportation expense, education and recreation. Excluded are personal income tax, upscale entertainment, accommodation and travel.
"The market for rental housing and apartments in the Kuala Lumpur area is large and reasonably priced by regional standards. A furnished, three-bedroom apartment in a prime area rents for RM2,800 to RM9,000, while a furnished house in the same location costs RM3,500 to RM15,000.
"There are a number of international schools in KL offering British, American, French, German, Japanese and Chinese curricula. Tuition fees at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (US curriculum) range from US$6,700 for kindergarten to Grade 5 to US$8,400 for Grades 9-12.
"Salaries for stay-in maids cost from RM700 to RM900 a month. Check the classified ads in newspapers for agencies. Maids from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh can also be hired but government levies are imposed.
"Gardeners cost between RM200-300.
"Prices of selected consumer items: McDonald's Big Mac (US$1.13), Pizza Hut 12-inch pizza (US$5.79 to US$6.58), a can of Coke (US$0.24), a can of beer (US$1), a pack of premium cigarettes (US1.10), 1.5-liter bottle of mineral water (US$0.30 to US$1.32), 275g box of cornflakes (US$0.79 to US$1.32), loaf of wholemeal bread (US0.47 to US$0.66).
So you can see, Malaysia sure is cheap. If you enlist the likes of D-Choice to find you property in Malaysia, perhaps you will find the properties are d-Cheap too (that means Dirt Cheap, lah.)
m a l a y s i a n + d e v e l o p m e n t s
Andaman: Bandar Nusa Rhu, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Developer: Centralfields Sdn Bhd (383504-M): 14 Jalan Glenmarie (Persiaran Kerjaya), Section U1, 40150, Shah Alam, Selangor. Phone: 03/7846 8833. Fax: 03/7845 8549.
The developer says of this development: "Coming home to Bandar Nusa Rhu is always relaxing because
the roads leading to our homes are beautiful landscaped and curved for a welcoming and scenic drive.
"Private Enclaves
"Our homes are nestled within the privacy of well-planned
precincts to create a low traffic, pedestrian friendly
environment. Every precinct, which consists of a limited
number of units, will have a single entry and exit point.
This will help reduce the flow of vehicles coming into and
leaving the precinct.
"Lushly Landscaped
"With ample landscaping, 50 feet wide tree-lined boulevards
and pocket parks in every precinct, the atmosphere at Nusa
Rhu is always relaxing, peaceful and quiet.
"Spacious Homes
"Designed with big built-ups, our large homes feature
generous living areas, giving you plenty of room for a
truly comfortable lifestyle."
Berjaya Central Park: Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur (next to Concorde Hotel.)
Due to be completed in 2009, Berjaya Central Park will feature a twin block of 50 storeys situated atop a podium block. Both blocks will have 814 units, with the first block serving as a hotel and the second, for serviced suites.
Berjaya Times Square: 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tagged as the world's largest building ever built in a single phase, with 7.5 million square feet of built up floor area, Berjaya Times Square is one of KL's major landmarks. Inside the building you will find more than 1000 specialty retail shops, 1200 luxury service suites, 45 food outlets catering for virtually every taste or whim, Asia's largest indoor theme park and Malaysia's first-ever Digi IMAX 2D & 3D theatre.
According to online realtors, D Choice Properties which is selling these units: "Seven different types of suites ranging from the modestly proportioned Studio Suite (51 square meters) to the 2-rooms, Brooklyn Suite (99.4 square meters) are available; Berjaya Times Square Suites brings new meaning to the term "city living".
"Each suite features luxuries such as living area, dining area, a spacious ensuite bathroom with separate shower, long bath, a 29-inch color television, a mini stereo with CD / VCD functions, a mini refrigerator and coffee / tea-making facilities."
For more details contact D Choice Properties.
The Binjai: Corner of Persiaran KLCC and Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur.
These two 44 and 45-storey apartment towers are currently taking shape over the streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Back in 2003, the KLCC Group who are developing the project announced: "The two elegant 43 storey towers will provide tastefully-designed residences with the finest amenities adjacent to the 50 acre KLCC Park, to which private access will be available. The park reflects the tropical greenery, vibrant colours and patterns of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, while its calm setting provides an urban sanctuary in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
"It is the only choice for those who aspire to the ultimate standard of city living. With only 168 exclusive residences, every home offers rooms of extraordinary proportions, designed with exquisite attention to detail. The privacy only a home can provide. Only two or three residences occupy each floor in the development. Furthermore, to ensure security and further privacy each residence will have its own lift lobby and spacious lanais and balconies with unrivaled cityscape views. The interior finishes will be of the highest quality and a choice of quality and durable materials will be presented to purchasers for internal finishes and fitted kitchen.
"Each residence will present breathtaking views of the KLCC development and will provide flow-through fresh air ventilation. Each unit will give a new meaning to living in style with its luxurious master bedroom and spacious master bath suite.
"Residents will be able to indulge themselves in the full range of resort standard recreational facilities, which will include: swimming pool, lap pool, wading pool, spa pool, tennis court, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, squash court, lounge and multi-purpose hall. Support features include: an integrated security system, resident manager, function room and fast link broad band internet connection."
The project has come a long way since 2003, and indications are the towers will be completed by the end of this year (2006). Tower A will have two units per floor, with a standard built-up area of 3,700sq ft, while Tower B will have three units per floor, each of 2,300sq ft.
Even the typical units will have private lobbies, leading to three bedrooms, a study, maidfs room, separate living and dining areas and three balconies.
The Binjai will also boast 14 penthouses that come in various sizes. The four-plus-one Sky Apartments will average 5,000sq ft while the double-level Sky Penthouses will range from 17,000sq ft (Tower B) to 19,000sq ft (Tower A).
The three Sky Penthouses will come with the added feature of private swimming pools.
The Binjaifs units are priced from RM2.3 million or RM1,000psf, making it the first project in Malaysia to hit the four-figure mark for a square foot of space.
Damansara Perdana: Petaling Jaya. Phone: 03/7729 1133 (ATC), 03/7722 1000 (MSQ). Web: www.damansaraperdana.com.my.
Damansara Perdana has been dubbed by some as the most happening and prestigious address in Petaling Jaya. According to the development's website: "The 750-acres Damansara Perdana is located within the Golden Triangle of Petaling Jaya, which also consists of Bandar Utama and Mutiara Damansara. This vicinity has consistently been voted by The Edge as the most sought-after address in the Klang Valley. Be it business, convenience, leisure or residential, this place is abundant of life with impressive accessibility via the LDP, SPRINT highway (Penchala Link), Persiaran Surian, and NKVE, renowned shopping and entertainment centres 1-Utama, IKEA, The Curve, Tesco and Cathay Cineleisure (to be opened for business soon), offices, hotels, schools, and much more.
"With the recent opening of the 24 million ringgit direct-connection to the SPRINT highway (Penchala Link), traveling to Kuala Lumpur City Centre is a breeze. It only takes about 7 minutes to reach Jalan Duta from here. This fast-developing township is only a mere 5 minutes to Mont' Kiara via the SPRINT highway Penchala Link.
"Since the handing over of Perdana Condominiums in 2002, the masterminds of this unique township and leading property developer MK Land Holdings Bhd has continuously innovated new cutting-edge lifestyle-oriented properties with good quality. Built around its theme 'Resort-style, High-tech, High-art', investors had a taste of the first glass-edged pool in a condo, mini golf driving range, e-lifestyle township and duplex condos with a private garden.
"Impressive mixed developments have been consistently handed over on time with CF i.e. Perdana View condo and service apartments, Emerald condo and service apartments, Perdana The Place, Perdana Business Centre, and most recently the prestigious Armanee Terrace Condominiums.
"This RM9.7billion township will be launching its first landed property this year in the form of boutique semi-detached homes. With the newly improved road interchange system at the entrance of Damansara Perdana, traffic conditions have been greatly improved. The commitment towards the design and development of Damansara Perdana by MK Land will ensure the consistent capital appreciation within this area...
"Those who missed out on owning the industry trend-setting Armanee Terrace Condominiums (ATC) have yet another chance. The new and improved Armanee Terrace II condominiums are now open for sale. This luxury duplex condominiums feature a private garden, double-volume ceiling in the living room, full-glass frontage, superb security, club services wi-fi, and much more.
"Visit the Damansara Perdana Show Village today to feel the difference that has made this township the talk of the town in recent times. Take advantage of owning a piece of this bustling township now to benefit from its proven capital appreciation in years to come."
Prices for the properties range from RM313,843 to RM873,266 for single storey condominiums and duplexes at the Metropolitan SQ (Milan), RM678,000 to RM3,992,000 for duplex condominiums at the Armanee Terrace II, and RM423,078 to RM2,113,289 for office suites at the Metropolitan SQ.
The Heritage Mines South Lake: Showroom, 1 Jalan Orkid, MINES Resort City,
43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Phone: 603/8941 3888.
Fax: 603-/8942 3232. E-mail: sales-enquiry@minesbhd.com.
Located close to the University Putra Malaysia and the University Kebangsaan Malaysia and the techubators Cyberjaya and Putrajaya.
Situated on a 9.54-acres site, The Heritage is a one-of-its-kind waterfront development with three Venice-style canals and a man-made cove. Truly a dream waterfront home, one can wake up to a shimmering sunlight bouncing off the lake waters, ride on a water taxi to catch the Komuter service to the city center, and then after work, have a leisurely swim in the infinity pool or jog around the lake before dining alfresco style by the moonlit waves. This dream to live this very sought-after lifestyle is now within your reach.
Available in contemporary yet practical layouts, the residences range in size from 480 sq ft for a studio to 1,514 sq. ft. for a 3-bedroom unit. Each residence also comes fully furnished in East Asian influences, which means that all you need to bring when you move in is your luggage!
Much welcomed added features include the Smart Home Automation System and Wireless Broadband technology, which lets you enjoy enhanced convenience and mobility. The Smart Home Automation System is also part of a 3-tier security network, together with security card access, CCTVs and 24-hour guard patrols, securing your home, lift lobbies, staircases and main reception areas. All this amidst an environment of culture and heritage for a dream lifestyle that's due to commence after its completion at the end of 2006.
Nestled between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya/Cyberjaya, The Heritage Serviced Residence is only a 20-minute drive to the city center, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya, with a further 10 minutes to the KL International Airport. Directly fronting the Besraya Highway, the development is easily accessible via major expressways such as the North-South Highway, the Puchong-Sg Besi Highway, the Silk Highway and the Kesas Highway...
For those seeking a dream property to invest in, The Heritage holds much promise and potential, with a guaranteed rental of 6% nett per annum for two years and thereafter, on a profit-sharing basis, with the annual return expected to exceed 8%. Capital appreciation is expected to climb steeply with its waterfront setting, good management in the hands of the 5-star The Palace of The Golden Horses hotel, high quality similar to that of London properties (with its ISO certification by Lloyds, UK), strategic location and reputable developer.
The Serviced Residence is also surrounded by a theme park, shopping mall, the most exclusive golf club, exceptional bungalows, various educational facilities, including the Australian International School.
Visit the Lakeside Gallery to see for yourself how Mines Resort Bhd promises to transform your dreams of your future home into reality. You can enjoy free water taxi rides or, if you are lucky, a free night's stay at The Palace of Golden Horses hotel!
The Heritage is priced from RM210,000 (studio), RM380,000 (2 bedroom), and RM550,000 (3 bedroom) up to RM1.5million (penthouse). Invest only RM3,000, under a special easy-purchase scheme, to own your dream home or get fantastic return on your investment capital!
Stonor Park: Jalan Stonor, Kuala lumpur.
Earlier this year, Property Times ran this story concerning the Stonor Park development in Kuala Lumpur: "This baby of Beneton Properties Sdn Bhd offers 71 condominiums housed in a pair of 20-storey blocks on a one-acre plot along Jalan Stonor.
"Touted as the first in the country to be launched with a floor layout of two units per level, served by a pair of lifts, the development will feature standard units with built-up areas ranging from 2,200sq ft to 4,000sq ft, while the penthouse sizes will be between 6,000sq ft and 8,000sq ft.
"Pegged from RM500psf to RM750psf, a buyer is looking at paying anything from RM1.1 million to RM5.6 million to live in Stonor Park, where the design features will include 10ft-high ceilings, 8ft-high doors and glass balconies.
"Recreational facilities will include a swimming pool, gym and meeting and function rooms. Owners will be charged 35 sen per square foot for the first two years for maintenance.
"Launched in April 2003, Stonor Park is among the pioneer luxury residential projects within the KLCC area..."
Titiwanga Sentral: Showroom, 1 Jalan Orkid, MINES Resort City,
43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Phone: 603/8941 3888.
Fax: 603-/8942 3232. E-mail: sales-enquiry@minesbhd.com.
This is the new project at the back of Vistana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. It's opened for booking. The price is acceptable From RM 240 000 to 270000. It comes with alot of extra. The bedrooms laminated floor. Living room 2x1 tiles. There are alots of people. The show room is there for viewing.
m a l a y s i a n + p o r t a l s
iProperty: website here.
One of Malaysia's leading real estate portals. Condominiums for under 1200 Ringgits per month can be found here.
Malaysia Real Estate Portal: Web: http://property.malaysiadirectory.com/.
This is an extensive website which allows registered users to look for and sell real estate online. So what, you might think --but here is the clinch: the classifieds on this portal are Auction Enabled, which means that you can choose to allow visitors to bid for your property when you post your ad. Furthermore, all ads are totally free to post.
Attached to the website is a forum where you can discuss anything to do with real estate. There are also links discussing things like the dos and don'ts and ins and outs of constructing Japanese style koi ponds on your place.
The last time I checked at Malaysia Real Estate Portal, they were promoting the Fortune Villa, a spaciously designed three-storey home (or rather collection of homes, all stuck together!), only 10 minutes from KLCC. According to the Malaysia Real Estate Portal: "Encompassing a 3-Storey super link design with a large build up area of 3,150+ sq ft. The Fortune Villa offers you easy accessibility to nearby business and financial districts, social and public amenities, as well as easy transportation services. That's rights. All the convenience of the city within your reach with the comforts of suburban lifestyle. Be one of the select few to own it.
"Property Features:
"++++ 3-Storey Super link house with large build up area of 3,150+ sg ft. Parking for 4 cars. Very spacious 5+1 room/5 bath.
"++++ In the neighborhood of Taman Titiwangsa (near parkland with lake).
"++++ 10 minutes to KLCC (toll-free) & short distance to downtown KL.
"If you want more information about this, call 03/4021 8811.
Pangkor Island: Pangkor Island
Perak, Kuala Lumpur, W.PERSEKUTUAN.
A property for sale here on the Straits of Malacca costing between US$4-5 million. A parcel of commercial development land with approval. Pangkor Island is a tropical island, located in the Straits of Malacca,just few kilometres from the west coast of mainland Malaysia. Access by road to lumut town and ferried to the island. Also accessible by air. Five flights a week from Kuala Lumpur.
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BUYING A PROPERTY IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS ALWAYS COMPLICATED, SO HERE AT UNCLONED WORLD I WANT TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS FOR YOU A LITTLE, AND HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE RELEVANT RULES AND REGULATIONS WHICH MIGHT AFFECT YOU. In a nutshell, this is basically how it works:
MALAYSIA IS AMONG MANY THINGS A MAGNET FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS, AFRICAN GUEST WORKERS AND TOURISTS LOOKING FOR CHEAP HOTELS. Often all three of them end up staying at the same lodgings, in the same parts of the country. Bistari Condo is a place like this... or so they. (For Arabic flavoured photos and commentary, click here.) According to a poster on Malaysia Real Estate (writing in 2005): "Dont know about the existing sales but I used to live at Bistari. Maintenance and security was pretty good (this was abt 3 yrs ago).
"There was quite a number of Middle Eastern visitors who took short term tenancy there. They were probably on holiday. Rental for a basic unit with some furnishing was about RM1500 p month..." Another poster, HappyDays, added: "I recommend Bistari. It has good security, a great pool and it's in an amazing location. How many other condo's have a shopping mall and a train station within 3 minutes walk (genuinely 3 minutes)? If you know of any, please tell me as I am looking for an apartment now!
"Bistari was built in 1998 I think. Many of the apartments could do with some renovation. I've seen some really nice ones and some pretty poor ones. It all depends on the landlord. If you are going to buy an apartment, leave enough budget for home improvements. You don't need to go crazy but there is a good chance that the bathrooms and kitchen need replacing.
"I've not heard of any crime in the area. The streets are well lit. I've not seen any loitering or anyone taking drugs near there. I've lived there for 2 years on and off, so anyone telling stories like that are just gossiping. There are plenty of people who talk about stuff they've never done themselves or just spread news down the grapevine. The people I know in Bistari are professionals couples and families. There is a mix of nationalities - a lot of Malaysians, quite a few middle-Easterners, some westerners.
"Overall, Bistari is a great value for money investment and also a nice place to live..."
THIS WEBPAGE IS DESIGNED AND HANDSCULPTED TO APPEAL TO A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT USERS -- MALAYSIANS LIVING IN MALAYSIA WHO ARE LOOKING FOR NEW REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES IN THEIR OWN LANDS, FOREIGNERS LIVING IN MALAYSIA WHO NEED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE WHILE WORKING IN THE COUNTRY, AND FINALLY FOREIGNERS FROM OUTSIDE OF MALAYSIA WHO WANT TO BUY A HOLIDAY HOUSE OR RETIREMENT HOME THERE. It is a wide audience I am trying to appeal to, but the type of properties offered here are generally the same -- the focus is on the luxury side of the market (if only to satisfy my fantasy of living in this kind of place!) The magical thing about Malaysia is that while there are plenty of luxurious properties available, the prices are very reasonable and cheap compared to global norms. For foreigners thinking of investing in Malaysia, here are some other benefits -- the infrastructure is generally excellent, there are worldclass medical facilities abounding, as are the telecommunications -- and did I mention the food? You only have to check out the 
Andaman: Bandar Nusa Rhu, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Berjaya Times Square: 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Damansara Perdana: Petaling Jaya. Phone: 03/7729 1133 (ATC), 03/7722 1000 (MSQ). Web: www.damansaraperdana.com.my.
Malaysia Real Estate Portal: Web: 
Pangkor Island: Pangkor Island
Perak, Kuala Lumpur, W.PERSEKUTUAN.