I&T Penang Properties Blogs

In property investments, there are two main determinants ie capital growth and rental income. Capital growth is the increase in the value of a property over time whilst rental income refers to the amount of monthly rents that can be collected from the tenancy of a property. A good property investment has two key elements ie. a) one that have the potential of high capital growth, which appreciates in value over time and b) secure rental, which generates cash flow or steady incomes to the property owner.

When making investment decisions, property investors need to know what is the expected rental yields from a property investment and how its yield would fare in comparison with similar class of properties as well as other alternative investments available in the market such as REIT, stocks, unit trusts etc.

A rental yield provides indication about the performance of a investment and its relative attractiveness against other types of investment. For example, if a residential property can produce a rental yield of 5% pa, it is considered a better investment than the fixed deposits offered by the local banks at prevailing rates of 2.0- 2.5% pa. On the contrary, the 5% yield is considered less attractive if compared to other higher yields but riskier investment options like stocks, equity-based unit trusts etc.

Besides, the yield can be used as a yardstick to measure and evaluate similar class of competing investments for decision making. For example, condominium investors would be keen to know which class of condominium in Penang can offer higher rental yields ?

a) beach / holiday resort condominium within the tourist belt of Batu Ferringgi or
b) city condominium in the inner city of Georgetown or
c) Suburb condominium at new growth areas along the reclaimed coastal area of Jelutong- Gelugor- Bayan Baru

Ways to determine property investment yields

The rental yield for a property investment can be determined by using the following calculation, commonly known as investment method:-

Estimated Rental per annum
______________________ X 100 = Gross Yield (%)
Property Acquisition Cost

Property Acquisition costs = Purchase Price + incidental costs ie legal fees, stamp duties, agent fees etc

Example :

Monthly rental RM1,000.00. Estimated annual rental income = RM12,000.00
Property acquisition cost= RM185,000.00

RM12,000.00
——————- X 100 = 6.5% gross yield
RM185,000.00

For computation of net yield, which is more reflective of the actual return, the following expenses ought to be deducted :- maintenance charges, sinking fund, management fees, insurance, quit rent, assessment, and other expenses.

Indicative gross yields of several property class in Penang

Landed houses- terraced, semi-detached and bungalow: 2 – 3%
Townhouse/Apartment/Condominium : 4-7%
Commercial shops/light industrial : 6- 9%

Generally, landed homes in land-scarce Penang offer lower rental yields as compared to high rise stratified and commercial units. Lower yield signifies that it is a safer or lower risk investment and hence  investor is willing to accept longer payback period for his investment. Property investors would expect higher yields for commercial/industrial property investments due to higher holding costs and risks.

Property investor need to set out his/ her investment objectives whether to invest for rental returns or long term capital growth or combination of both as each investor has his own investment requirements and rental yield expectations and hence difference strategies and choices of properties as their investments.

• Landed houses vs condominiums/apartments
• High price single property vs low price multiple properties
• Off-the-plan housing unit vs secondary market unit

A retiree might seek higher rental as passive income from his property investment whilst a young working professional would be more interested in wealth creation and achieve long term capital growth.For more related information on investment strategies, go to 6 strategies to succeed in Penang Property Investment.

In addition to the above investment method, other sophisticated approaches that can be used to aid property investors in decision making are:-

The Discounted Cash flow (DCF) model can be applied to determine the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) or Net Present Value(NPV) of an investment property. The DCF method is one of the valuation methods being used by property valuers particularly in evaluating income-producing properties and potential   development lands.

The Monte Carlo Analysis is another decision-making tool using multivariate modelling technique that allows investors to forecast various investment outcomes. The risk/return profile of any investment can be calculated and compared to investor’s risk tolerances.

View of the coastal area along Tanjung Bungah- Batu Feringghi

Despite the onslaught of the global financial downturn, the Penang property sector in general has been resilient and relatively stable with no drastic movement in housing prices. The local housing developers have been better prepared this round to ride through the downturn with the exception of handful housing developers which are forced to slow down their construction activities or delay their project launchings during the height of the crisis. Though there are signs of market softening in 2H 2008 and 1H 2009, market sentiment for Penang property sector in the 2H 2009 has improved remarkably with more buyers/investors flocking back into the market whilst housing developers are beginning to make a come back and roll out more new planned projects in anticipation of improving economy outlook. Transaction activities in both primary as well secondary market are poised to pick up again buoyed by the continued support and lending by Malaysia’s banks with attractive financing packages at low interest rates of 3-4%.

Unlike the previous 1997/98 Asian Financial crisis, the Penang property sector at that time was badly hit due to the credit crunch of the Malaysia banking system and the sudden surge in lending rates to as high as 13%.  As a result, many housing projects were stalled and abandoned, with many developers were either facing cash flow and debt servicing problems and eventually collapsed and wiped off from the marketplace such as Adorna, Penas and Cayman etc. The aftermath of the crisis has crippled the Malaysia housing and construction sector with major property sectors suffered sharp price declines as much as 30-40% from their peak levels whilst the banking system saddled with huge bad loans and high NPLs.

Some notable projects in Penang/Kedah region which have been badly affected since the times of 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis are mostly retail/commercial and several mega projects, some of which are still in abandoned stage and awaiting revival or resuscitation:-

Penang Island

Bayan Central – An uncompleted commercial complex located at Bayan Bayu which commenced construction in 1997 and subsequently stalled.

Bayan Bay Marina and Leisure Resort by Eternal Resources (joint venture between Anson Perdana and PDC) which was originally scheduled for completed by year 2000 but stalled for several years. This multi-million Bayan Mall (now Queensbay Mall) was successfully revived by CP Group and commenced business in 2005.

Mainland Penang (Seberang Perai)

Plaza utama- A commercial complex comprising 6 storey shopping mall, 213 room-hotel and one office block at Bukit Mertajam town. Plaza Utama development commenced in Nov 1995 and completed in 1997. The commercial complex was opened for business after completion but ceased business after a short stint.

View of Plaza Utama in Bukit Mertajam

City Parade at Jalan Megat Harun, Bukit Mertajam – Another completed commercial building which is similarly affected like Plaza Utama and ceased operation after opened for business for a short period.

Both buildings have long been put up for sale by former Danaharta now Prokhas and still looking for potential “white knight” to revive it.

Fasda Heights (Taman Bidara)- a mixed housing project in Macang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam with about 1,000 units which was not fully completed and handover to the purchasers.

Taman Perindustrian Macang Indah- an abandoned SMI industrial park at Sungai Lembu, Bukit Mertajam.

Leisure Tower- A 11-storey integrated commercial complex at Jalan Kampung Gajah, Butterworth by HCC Group originally schedule for completion end of 1999 but only partially completed and abandoned.

Kristal Golf Resort (Suasa Kristal) - a golf resort located at Sungai Bakap, Southern Seberang Perai, ceased operation several years ago and taken over by Danaharta. The site was reportly sold to a private housing developer.

Others approved commercial complexes which have been launched but failed to take off and subsequently shelved are “Plaza Everise” – a planned 2.3 acre commercial complex at Sungai Rambai Commercial Centre and  “Aseania Mall” at Bandar Perda. Both are located within bukit mertajam area. “Plaza Cayman”, another planned commercial project located adjacent to old MPSP building at the heart of Butterworth town.

Kedah

Padang Meha Parklands by MBF Country Homes and Resort (Alamanda) near Kulim– a proposed RM3 billion housing/resort development near Kulim covering 5,200 hectares launched prior to 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis which has since abandoned. Latest report disclosed that the developer has been liquidated in year 2005. More related info here: Developer liquidated, 300 land buyers in the lurch. Others include the 160 hectare  residential resort scheme (Diamond Santuary) in Mukim Padang Meha near Kulim Hi Tech Park and the proposed RM1 billion Diamond Creeks Retreats with 800 hectares of land in Ulu Behrang, Perak near the proposed Proton City.

In a nutshell, the magnitude and severity brought about by the impact of the 2008/09 Global Financial Crisis on the Penang property sector is comparatively shorter and much lesser compared to 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis. A healthier and resilient Malaysian banking system, on-going implementation of Malaysia economic stimulus package, Malaysia’s central bank prudent interest rate policy, relaxation of EPF housing withdrawals and other economic liberalization measures, have helped to cushion the impact of the recent economic downturn on the property sector. Malaysia economy is on track for a full recovery next year.

Many house owners have the tendency to renovate their new homes exceeding their original budget. It is common to see that house purchasers of newly completed schemes in Penang are “competing” each others in home renovations. Some common renovations visible in Penang’s new residential areas are demolition of front car porch and replaced with a bigger car porch to accommodate two or more cars, hacking down the entire front terrace and facade (without balcony) and replaced with a much bigger car porch incorporating a balcony, extending the rear portion of the house to accommodate a larger kitchen etc.

We have seen house owners carried out major renovations to their houses to the extent that the renovation costs exceeding the purchase price of the house.

Renovations do not always translate to an increase in the value of your home. However, if you’re planning to sell sometime in the future and want to ensure you get the most ROI (Rate of Return), it is important to assess the value renovation. Below are several ways to optimise the cost-value ratio and achieve maximum ROI for your renovations;

a) Avoid renovations with too much customization of personal liking and taste.

If the major renovations and home improvements are customized design to suit to personal liking and lifestyle which is not commonly acceptable in the marketplace sometime in the future, you may not get much of a return when you sell as potential buyers may find these renovations are not value-added renovations but rather owner’s own personal indulgence and lifestyle. Potential buyers may also view it as a liability because he may have to spend more money to change or renovate again.

When choosing tiles, countertops, paint, cabinet doors, kitchen appliances and awnings, go with colors that will stand the test of time even as fashions come and go. Conventional or classic home designs are still the ideal for home renovations because such designs never go out of style and will always attract buyers when you are ready to sell your home.

b) Retain the essence of the original design ambience

Avoid excessive renovations such as changing the structure of house from the original two storey house to become a three storey house or demolition of a front porch and facade and replaced with a totally new design super large car porch with a balcony. Such major renovations could have materially changed the external facade of the house and may render the house no longer blend in with the design ambience of the neighbourhood and this may affect the saleability of the house.

c) Summit proper building plan for new extensions

Check with the building department of the local council MPPP or MPSP and obtain a copy of building  approval guidelines. Engage a licensed draftsman or architect to ensure that the extensions are in compliance with the building guidelines by the local authorities.

A property valuer, when assessing the market value of a house, will give due consideration and only accord full value computation for properly constructed extensions with valid approvals.

d) Value-neutral or value-added renovations

Ascertain whether the renovations to be carried are value-neutral or value-added renovations. Upgrading cement floor with homogenous floor tiles, modernizing a kitchen or upgrading the kitchen into wet and dry cooking area, improving home security system are regarded as value-added renovations whilst demolition of front terrace and house facade and rebuilt it with a large balcony, adding a swimming pool or building a sauna or long bath,  reducing the number of bedrooms to less than three are considered value-neutral renovations.

List down your options before embarking on home renovations. For house buyer who prefers house design with large car porch and balcony, it is wise to compare and weight the option which is more worthwhile and cost effective ? to buy a landed house without a balcony and later renovate it or to look for house design that comes with large car porch and balcony ?.

House Design : 2-storey terraced houses without balcony

Another House Design : 2-storey terraced houses with large car porch and balcony

For more tips on home renovations, go to Renovation quotation.

Very often when house owner decides to sell off his house, they tend to overprice their properties as they calculate their asking price by factor in all the costs incurred during and after acquisition of the house ie. purchase price plus all incidental costs such as payment of legal fees and stamping charges plus  renovations costs, bank interest charges incurred plus exit fees or penalty charges for termination of loan agreement within the lock-in period (if any).

The true fact is that total cost spent on the particular house is NOT necessarily equate to the market price of the house. In an active and uptrend market, house prices tend to go up higher than the total acquisition costs. Conversely, in a weak or depressed market, house prices may go down and fall below the total acquisition costs of the house. The market price of the house is very much influenced by the prevailing economy conditions and market sentiments and more specifically relates to the demand and supply of similar houses in the local area.

For advisory on property investments in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

The current downturn in Malaysia property market provides good buying opportunities for property investors. Here are several strategies for property investors who are keen to invest in Penang Properties.

1) Determine your strategy

Before you venture into property investment, you should determine your purchasing strategy and evaluate whether it meets your income and growth expectations. For example, if you want a steady passive rental return, consider apartments and condominiums in areas close to major industrial parks, commercial centers, university, hospitals, where there is sure to be a constant supply of renters.

Conversely, if your investment strategy is to buy and hold a property so you can build equity for a capital gain, landed homes at Penang Island may offer steady capital growth and sustainability in the long term due to limited supply of land bank or escalating land cost for landed homes.

2) Avoid investment pitfalls

Like any other investments, property investment is often associated with risks and pitfalls that prudent investor would want to avoid. Learn more on 10 Most common mistakes made by first time investors.

3) Select the right location

According to the old real estate saying, “The only three things that matter in real estate are “location, location and location”. The property needs to be in a good location close to schools, shops, transportation centre and recreational facilities. The fact that a posh bungalow that is sitting next to a garbage dump has very low desirability factor and fetch poor value. Conversely, a sea-front condominium unit within the heart of the city or along the Gurney Drive promenade will have high desirability factor and therefore constantly attracting potential tenants and investors.

4) Buy property with positive equity

Buy property from motivated sellers, buy auction property at public auctions or buy bargain property that can bring you positive equity. Due to the imperfection of the property market, there are times when sellers are motivated or must sell at all costs urgently at below market price. In a slowdown market, property sellers are more realistic in their asking prices and receptive to offers by interested buyers.

5) Look for a catalyst

One sign that an area is up-and-coming and has potential to be a new vibrant growth center in the future is the development of new critical infrastructure projects such as construction of Second Penang Bridge and the expansion of Penang International Airport and other NCER projects which when completed, would spur more investments and developments to the Batu Maung/Bayan Baharu areas of Southern Penang Island as well as Batu Kawan of Southern mainland Penang. The completion of Jelutong Coastal Highway and Buterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) have indeed transformed its corridor areas into new property hotspots with many new housing schemes mushrooming along these highways.

When you see new highways, roads, schools, hotels and major shopping centers being built, it’s a sign that the community is set for a vibrant growth.

6) Capitalise on tax relief / incentives provided by SSP

Residential purchasers can take advantage of the tax relief on interest paid on housing loans up to RM10,000 a year for 3 years between March 10, 2009, and Dec 31, 2010 under the recently announced Second Stimulus Package (SPP) Mini Budget 2009.

Whilst for business owners, it is a good time to renovate and refurbish your commercial premises as expenditure incurred on renovation and refurbishment between 10 March 2009 and 31 December 2010 will be given Accelerated Capital Allowance, which can be claimed within 2 years. The Allowance is capped at RM100,000.

There is also no capital gains tax when you dispose off your investment property as the Malaysian Government has abolished Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) since 1/4/2007.

For more related articles on strategies in property investments, I like the following FREE web blogs of Milan Doshi and Bill Zheng, learn more :- Do properties Make the “Prefect” Investment? ; Part I and Part II By Milan Doshi and A straightforward guide to property investment strategies By Bill Zheng.

View of high rise buildings near Gurney Drive as seen from the playground of CRC.

For advisory on property investments in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

As competition is heating up amongst the commercial banks for banking on home loans, more new home loan promotions and competitive refinancing packages are available in the market to entice homeowners to refinance their existing loans. Following the latest cut of interest rates by Malaysia’s central bank, most commercial banks have already revised their base lending rates (BLR) from 6.75% to 5.75-6.0%. Update : The Malaysia’s central bank has cut interest rate again on 24th Feb 2009, BLRs of commercial banks have further revised lower to 5.55% - 5.60%. With interest rates trending lower, it is a good time to review, restructure and refinance your existing loans. There are several good reasons that home owners would benefit from switching their loans to a new loan with lower interest rates;

1. Lower your monthly installment payment
2. Debt Consolidation
3. Using the Existing Equity in the Home
4. Shorten the term of your home loan
5. Combine a first and second mortgage
6. Reduce the interest you pay over the life of the loan
7. Switch from conventional housing loan with variable rate to a fixed rate loan or Islamic loan (or vice versa)
8. Eliminate MRTA mortgage insurance

Before opting to refinance, it is important for home owners and property investors to consider the savings or benefits of refinancing vis-a –vis the costs of refinancing. Do your own break-even analysis between long term savings and refinancing costs to determine whether the savings really outweigh the costs of  refinancing or otherwise. More at Making sense of mortgage refinancing and Should I refinance now ?.

However, there are circumstances whereby refinancing might not give you the maximum savings such as when you have short remaining years to retire your loan etc Refer why say no to refinancing.

For Malaysia home owner as well as property investors who are uncertain of holding the property for long term or you have plans to sell off the property in the near term, not all refinancing packages will provide you the best refinancing benefits. Refinancing packages with features of “Zero-Entry Cost” or “Zero-Moving Cost” may not necessarily the best option, depending on your financial needs. Under such packages, although you are not required to pay any processing fee, legal fees, stamp duty, valuation fees upfront, the loans are subject to higher interest rates and imposition of exit fees or early redemption penalty up to 5% of the loan amount (vary from bank to bank) in the event that you choose to redeem your loan within the lock-in period of 5 years. Example if a house owner has to redeem his loan of RM200,000.00 within the lock-in period, he has to pay 5% of exit fees ie RM10,000.00!!!

We have come across property sellers who were stuck with loans with lock-in period and only realised that if they decide to take up a good deal offered by interested buyer, they have to pay the exit fees for redeeming the loan prematurely. On the other hand, if they choose to wait until the expiry of lock-in years ie after 5 years to avoid payment of exit fees, they might lose the opportunity of capitalising gains or losing the sale due to changing market conditions. For investment properties, the better alternative is to look for refinancing packages with no exit fees or shorter lock-in period which give you more flexibility in terms of selling / renting,  though initially you may have to pay slightly higher interest rates and documentation costs, it is still better than paying exit fees which could end up diluting your capital gains.

Below is a simple checklist to guide you on home loan refinancing :-

1 Get information on the current mortgage

For the current mortgage, you should be able to get the following information from the bank:

- the outstanding balance or ringgit amount left on the mortgage;

- the remaining number of years on the mortgage; and

- the interest rate on the loan.

2 Get information on the new loan

For the new loan, you should get information on the following:

- the terms or the number of years of the new loan; and

- the interest rate on the new loan.( the latest interest rate can be as low as BLR - 2.4% )

3 Get the costs of refinancing

The costs you are likely to encounter when refinancing include:

- processing fee or application fee;

- credit check fee;

- legal fees;

- stamp duty;

- disbursements fee;

- valuation fees; and

- redemption fees (if applicable)

4. Shop for best refinancing loan packages that suit you.

- Find out the latest home loan promotions by various lenders in Malaysia :-

-Malaysia Home Loans - What’s New (January 2009)

-Conventional home loan packages

-Islamic Home Financing Packages

-other home loan packages offered by non-bank lenders; AIA, ING

For advisory on property investments in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

New housing scheme by SP Setia in Penang Island

New housing area in Prai

1.Fewer new project launchings - Unlike first quarter last year whereby a slew of new housing projects were launched feverishly, this quarter will likely see a subdue market with fewer housing project launchings judging from the promotional activities and advertisements in the local dailies during the period of year-end holiday seasons and new year festivities. Recent housing advertisements and promotional activities are mostly geared towards “stock clearance sales”, indicating that developers/contractors are attempting to reduce their overhang units or clear their inventory.

2.Softening property prices - Whilst some of the housing developers are still holding on to their selling prices, few have started reverting to their old selling prices after price increment ranging from RM10,000 to RM50,000 per unit 5-6 months ago due to escalating costs of fuel and building materials.

Previously, it is common to see developers offering “free legal fees for SPA” only. Now, developers are more “generous” in dishing out perks which include free legal fees for all documentations and absorb all stamping duties on transfer and loan and progressive interest payments during construction period and freebies like LCD TV, air-conditioners, home alarm system, no maintenance charges for first two years etc. Under such packages, If one is to purchase a house costing RM500,000.00 with 95% loan (RM475,000.00), the estimated “savings” can total up to RM35,000.00 - RM45,000.00 per unit or approximately 3-4% of the sales price. The primary market of  Penang Property Sector is likely to see more such offerings and new pro-consumer financial packages such as 5/95 Home Loan Package.

3.Higher overhang units were reported in 3Q08 in the latest NAPIC’s report of which 86% of the overhang units is from Seberang Perai (mainland Penang), which still has abundant of usable lands and is facing stiffer competitions as compared to Penang Island.

In a softening demand environment, developers are shifting strategies to shore up sales and focus more on cash flow management to sustain their projects rather than holding on to their overhang units whilst some may review their project plans to either cater for niche product segment or more affordable products range.  A clearer picture on the take-up rates of the ongoing housing projects which indicating the demand trend will emerge over the next few months when NAPIC releases its 4Q08 and 1Q09 reports.

4. Slower construction activities-Construction activities of some ongoing housing projects have also noticeably slowing down or scaled down in recent months. Several property developers in Penang have already announced plans to defer their projects in the state;here and here.

5. Lower housing supply -Given the global economic downturn and weak domestic market outlook,  the number of new housing supply coming on stream this year may be lower compared to previous good years. It is a challenging times for housing developers to launch new planned projects.

According to Malaysia’s NAPIC Report - Residential Property Stock Report 3Q08(Page 31-33), the Penang State housing stock totals 322,426 units including 1,687 newly completed units in 3Q08. The incoming supply (under construction and works started) is estimated at 51,612 units whilst another 34,648 units planned supply units from housing projects which have been approved as well as those submitted but pending approvals.

On the national front, Malaysia’s housing ministry has projected a lower number of supply of newly completed houses at 80,000 units for year 2009 as compared to annual average of 100,000 units. More at Ministry hopes for 80,000 homes in 2009.

As the property market in Malaysia is taking a breather, the current property downturn has opened up good opportunities for property investors with a long term prospective as Malaysia properties are still comparatively attractive as compared to other regions. For advisory on property investments in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

New housing schemes in Bayan Lepas near Penang International Airport

View of  the newly completed housing scheme in Butterworth town.

The recent opening of the Jusco Seberang Perai City in Bandar Perda, Seberang Perai adds the latest foray of a new shopping mall to the highly competitive retail sector in Penang. The RM450 million Jusco Seberang Perai City, boasts a total floor area of 2.28 million square feet built on a 19 acre site with more than 3,000 car parks, is the 2nd Penang outlet by AEON after the successful opening of its first Penang outlet at Queensbay Mall in December 2006.

Jusco Seberang Perai City at Bandar Perda

A growing hotspot in central Seberang Perai

The development gravity is gradually shifting from Butterworth-Perai area towards Jalan Baru-Bukit Tengah-Bukit Mertajam as more lands are make available and earmarked for new housing developments including the partially developed mixed development project of 456-acre Bandar Perda township. Several government bodies such as Local government headoffice of MPSP, District Police headoffice, Bomba and Inland Revenue Department have already relocated to Bandar Perda. Central Seberang Perai is poised to be the upcoming conurbation of mainland Penang.

According to the Property Market Report 2007, Central Seberang Perai (Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah) has the most numbers of newly launched housing units totalling 605 compared to 544 units of North Seberang Perai(Daerah Seberang Perai Utara), indicating that more housing developments are taking place in central Seberang Perai.

Property Market Report 2007 on Butterworth properties

Notable upcoming residential schemes being launched within the Jalan Baru-Bukit Tengah- Bukit Mertajam growth corridor area include Uda Land’s Taman Pauh Jaya along Jalan Baru, Taman Aman By PPH Group and AMDB Berhad’s Bayu Mutiara in Bukit Tengah area, Parklane Residence and Aston Villa, a RM88 million mixed development project by Ivory Properties Group.

In recent years, selling prices of newly launched housing units in this growing hotspot area of Central Seberang Perai have noticeably fast catching up and match the pricing levels of those similar houses in more established locations of Butterworth- Mak Mandin-Raja Uda area.

Market Prices for conventional double-storey terraced houses in the secondary market for established housing schemes in the vicinity of Bukit Mertajam – Bukit Tengah area namely Taman Gemilang Ria, Taman Jambu Madu, Bayu Mutiara, Desa Palma, Taman Jernih, Saujana Permai, Bandar Perda have crossed to a new price benchmark level of RM250,000.00 to RM300,000.00. However, if you are looking for similar double-storey terraced houses costing below RM200,000.00 per unit, you still have the choice whereby these houses are located in the secondary locations of Bukit Mertajam namely Alma, Juru, Macang Bubuk and Permatang Tinggi area.

Market rental ranges from RM700 to RM1,000 permonth (unfurnished) for a standard 2-storey terraced house in choice locations in central Seberang Perai and those located in secondary locations, the rental rates are in the range of RM500 to RM650 permonth.

The latest trend in the market is that more higher end luxury terraced houses are being launched, these new 2.5 storey to 3 storey terraced houses comes with bigger built up area and better design and services are being priced at new ceiling prices of RM300,000.00 to RM420,000 per unit. Similarly, more higher end with luxury design 2-3 storey semi-detached houses and bungalow are being released to the market with new record pricing ranges from RM600,000.00 to RM1.2 million per unit.

For advisory on individual property investments, purchases and rentals of Penang Properties, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd. or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

butterworth properties -BORR Jln Baru aerial view

butterworth properties BORR-jln baru map

The new MPSP office building at Bandar Perda

The new private hospital at Bandar Perda

newly completed double storey houses in Taman Jambu Madu

Newly completed 2-storey houses at Bayu Mutiara, Bukit Tengah

Newly completed 2.5 storey semi-detached house at Taman Kristal, Bukit Tengah

The 2009 Budget Speech was presented by the Prime Minister of Malaysia in Parliament House on 29th August 2008 and the highlights of the RM207.9 billion Budget are here(English), here(Malay) and here(Mandarin).

Highlights of Budget 2009 on property and housing :

a) First time house purchasers are eligible for 50% stamp duty waiver on sales and purchase agreement signed during the period of 30th August 2008 to 31st December 2010. Unlike budget 2008, The 50% stamp duty exemption to be extended to loan agreements as well to further reduce the cost of buying medium-cost houses of up to RM250,000. More related information on 50% stamp duty waiver at here, here and here.

The move is expected to help purchasers for homes costing under RM250,000 to save up to RM2,625.00 on stamp duty waiver on transfer instrument and loan document.

Example :

Stamp Duties

i) Loan Agreement
0.5% of the loan amount
ii) Transfer of Title (for completed properties)
1% for the first RM100,000
2% for the next RM400,000
3% on the excess above RM500,000

Purchase Price;RM250,000.00, Housing loan @90% of purchase price; RM225,000.00

Stamp Duty payable on transfer instrument; RM4,000.00
Stamp duty payable on loan document ; RM1,125.00
Total stamp duties payable ; RM5,125.00
Apply for 50% waiver on stamp duties ;RM2,562.50
Amount payable ;RM2,562.50
Savings for house purchaser ;RM2,562.50

b) Reducing withholding tax on dividends of Malaysia REITs to 10%

c) RM330m allocation for Jabatan Perumahan Negara to complete 4,400 units of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Disewa, 1,500 units of PPR Bersepadu and 600 units of PPR Dimiliki. In addition, Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad will build 33,000 low cost houses.

d) Increase the size of the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) to RM100m from RM20m to assist those without fixed income to own affordable houses.

e) RM50 Million conservation funding for heritage buildings following the recent inscription of Malacca and George Town as historical cities of the Straits of Malacca under Unesco’s as World Heritage Sites(WHS). The Unesco listing of these two historical cities is expected to boost tourism and a boon to the property sector of these two cities.

For advisory on individual property investments, purchases and rentals of Penang Properties, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd. or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

With the completion of the final stretch of Jelutong Coastal Highway(JE) or JE Drive connecting to Weld Quay as well as inner city of Georgetown from Gelugor/Penang Bridge area, travelling time to the inner city of Georgetown from Gelugor / Penang Bridge area via JE has indeed shortened to mere less than 10 minutes drive. This coastal areas along JE has since become one of the Penang’s new property hotspots as the Penang property sector witnessed the completion of several housing parcels within the reclaimed housing project of Bandar Sri Pinang since mid 2004 as well as feverish launchings of several new housing schemes and the much publicized mega project –The LIGHT waterfront project by IJM Group over the last one year. The development of The Light Waterfront is poised to transform this eastern coastal area into a high end integrated housing precinct.

In 1990’s, the former Penang state government has granted approval to IJM Group to develop 338 acres of land in exchange for the construction of the 4.7km Jelutong Expressway. The first 3.1km stretch of the expressway was opened to the public in 2003 while stage two was opened in February 2008.

The whole development will be undertaken over four precincts – Bandar Sri Pinang (82 acres), Metro East (30 acres) and The Light (152 acres) while the balance 100 acres comprising education, medical, art/cultural, commercial and residential components will be for future development. More related info at IJM land to focus on mid to high-end projects and Penang Mega Projects: PGCC and The Light.

Notable completed housing schemes within Bandar Sri Pinang are Fortune Park, completed in 2005, an integrated industrial park comprises terraced light factories catering to small & medium scale industries whilst Lot 28 comprises 2 and 3 storey shopoffices. Ocean View, completed in 2004, comprises 11 storey Medium Cost Apartment and some 2,242 low and medium cost housing units of Desa Pinang and Pinang Court etc. Other mid range completed housing schemes located along the JE are Mutiara Heights and Mutiara Idaman. Generally, the rental for medium range three bedroom apartments in Jelutong area ranges from RM650 permonth onwards whilst selling prices for mid range apartments are in the range of RM120,000 to RM200,000 per unit.

Whilst the newly completed housing schemes include Nautilus Bay - 78 units of 3-storey terraced courtyard terraced houses prices ranging from RM780K to RM1.2mil 21’x70’ built up area 2,600 sq ft and The Spring, high rise condominium blocks with floor areas ranges from 925 to 1,281 sq ft. Other upcoming housing projects include Summer Place and Platino luxury condos.

The Jelutong coastal area is turning into an Urban Park by the sea with the recent completion of a A 3.6 km long RM7mil promenade along the Jelutong Coastal Front. In addition, the Penang state government is currently evaluating plans to built a multimillion ringgit Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) centre in Jelutong, Penang.

Update : There is also a proposal to transform the existing 20 hectare landfill site into an urban park along the coastline near the JE.

For advisory on individual property purchases and rentals of Penang apartments and condominiums, email to us at Izrin & Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd. or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

Jelutong Map

General View of the Jelutong coastal front

The new commercial centre of Bandar Sri Pinang. To the rear is the newly completed The Springs Condominium

Newly completed Nautilus Bay.

Ocean View / Desa Pinang medium cost apartments.

Mutiara Idaman/Mutiara Heights Apartments along JE

Penang’s tourism belt [area indicated colored red], an international famous holiday resort area stretching along the 9 km northern coastal area from Tanjung Tokong to Tanjung Bungah to Batu Feringghi area, is poised for rapid transformation with at least more than half a dozen of ongoing resort condominium/sea front villa developments in various stages of construction. Several more planned housing developments are also in the pipeline and scheduled for launching next year. In recent months, this area has increasingly become Penang’s property hotspot amongst the local Malaysians as well as foreign investors who choose Penang as their second homes under MM2H programme.

Penang Beach Hotels
This stretch of popular tourism belt is also the main concentration of Penang’s beach hotels namely Naza Hotel, Tanjung Bungah Hotel, Copthorne Orchid Hotel, Paradise Sandy Beach Resort, Crown Jewel Hotel, Hydro Majestic Hotel (formerly Ferringhi Beach Hotel), Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Golden Sand Resort, Lone Pine Hotel, Holiday Inn Resort, Grand Plaza Parkroyal, Casuarina Beach Hotel and Bayview Beach Hotel. Majority of these beach hotels are located in Batu Ferringhi area. See picture below for location guide of these hotels;

Penang’s existing hotel room supply stands at about 12,000 rooms with bulk of these hotel rooms located within this tourism belt. An estimated new supply of between 3,500 and 4,000 hotel rooms will be coming on stream within the next five years to accommodate more tourists and those responding to the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H). More at related link - Three more hotels to meet growing demand in Penang.

Existing sea facing condominiums along Penang tourism belt
Notable existing sea facing resort condominiums, with selling price ranges from RM160,000 to RM2 million perunit and located along this stretch of tourism belt are :-

Eden Seaview Apartments, located in Batu Feringghi and sited next to Uplands international school. A standard 3-bedroom unit with a floor area of 850 sq ft is priced from RM160,000.

Mar Vista, comprises 6 high rise blocks of 2,3,4 bedrooms, is located in Batu Ferringhi. A standard 2 bedroom unit with floor area of 838 sq ft is for sale at RM180,000.

Diamond Villa, completed in 1994 to 1998, comprises 3 blocks of 18 to 26 storey in height with seaview and floor areas of 1,480 sq ft onwards. Rental from RM3,500 per month. A penthouse unit with a floor area of 6,000 sq ft is for sale at RM1.5 Million.

Miami Green, another sea facing condominium with standard size of 1,100 sq ft to 1,270 sq ft. Selling price ranges from RM350,000 per unit.

Twin Towers, a standard unit with a floor area of 1,325 sq ft currently for sale at RM340,000.

Coastal towers- Rental rates from RM1,200 per month for unfurnished units. A renovated and fully furnished unit on high level with seaview and has a floor area of 1,210 sq ft is for sale at RM380,000.

Straits Regency – A standard unit of 1,530 sq ft is for sale from RM380,000 onwards while rental rate is RM2,500 per month for furnished unit.

Tanjung Bungah Beach condominiums- Rental rate for fully furnished unit with floor area of 2,200 sq ft ranges from RM6,000 per month whilst a deluxe penthouse unit with floor area of 4,478 sq ft is for sale at RM1.7 Million.

Sri Golden Bay Condominiums. Each standard unit has a floor area of 2,875 sq ft with selling price ranges from RM1.4mil onwards.

The Cove or [Video] - A newly completed super condominium comprises four blocks of 40-storey freehold luxury condominiums– Each unit has a floor area of 5,850 sq ft with five bedroom and large balcony facing the sea ! Sales Price from RM1.4 mil to RM2 mil.

New condominium schemes along Penang tourism belt
Notable new resort condominium schemes currently under construction are The waterfront condominiums, Shamrock Beach development comprises 3-storey landed seafront link houses and villas, Alila, a high end condominiums and villa project comprises 418-unit by Hunza Group and IGB’s project comprises 37 units of 3-storey bungalows located adjacent to Mar Vista.

Springtide Residences, a 39-storey condominium project with only 74 units of high end sea front condominiums and three beach villas located in Tanjung Bungah. The units, measuring 3,989 sq ft and 5,078 sq ft, are priced at RM430 per sq ft.

Infinity sea front super condominiums located along Tanjung Bungah comprises 2 36-storey blocks , typical floor area range from 3,669 to 4,873 sq ft and priced from RM1.5mil each.

Moonlight Bay villas, an on-going luxurious lifestyle project by Penang-based developer, Ivory Properties Group, comprising 70 four-storey detached villas priced between RM1.8 mil to RM3 mil offering sea and hill views. All units come with lifts and condominium facilities. Land area range from 2,600 to 6,000 sq ft whilst built-up areas range of 3,800 to 5,500 sq ft. More info at related link- Ivory’s four storey villas with lifts.

Skyhome – another ongoing high end condominium project by Giant Resorts comprises one block of 32-storey beach front super condominiums 47 units. Each standard unit has a floor area of 6,300 sq ft priced from RM2.2mil onwards.

The Residences @ Feringghi Park - An ongoing housing scheme at Batu Feringghi resort area comprises mainly 3-storey semi-detached and bungalow homes. More info about Blossom Time’s Batu Feringghi project at Naluri unit’s maiden project set to blossom.

Other planned resort condominium schemes likely to be launched next year include Plenitude’s 10.6 acre sea front resort development located opposite Rasa Sayang Hotel and Spa, a 42-acre mixed-development joint development project at Mount Pleasure Resort by AP Land and IJM Properties and Bolton’s first project in Penang in Tanjung Bungah – a high rise condominium project comprises two blocks of 28-storeys with total 396 condominium units.

Besides its historical and truly Asia multi-cultures and heritages, Penang has good health care services which is fast catching up with those in developed European countries and good supporting international schools namely St. Christopher International Primary School, The International school of Penang and Dalat international school. Penang Island is certainly a choice liveable city in this region and ideal destination for your holiday and retirement homes. More at related link -Making Penang, Malaysia your second homes.

With only USD72,000 (RM250,000) and above, foreign investors are eligible to purchase and own a resort condominium or holiday home in Penang. There is no restriction for foreign investors to acquire more than one properties. Subsequent disposal of the properties will no longer be subject to any real property gains tax following the recent relaxation of property rulings by the Malaysian Government.

For advisory on property investments in Penang tourism belt, email to us at Izrin &Tan Properties Sdn. Bhd. or call us at +604 6588333 (Penang Office) or +603 92839782 (Kuala Lumpur Office) and we would be pleased to assist.

If you have not visited Penang before or lost touch with Penang for many years, watch this video show by David Chan’s Penang Scenic Slide Show and Lone Pine Hotel’s Penang Scene.

View of the Tanjong Bungah Coastal Area

Coastal Tower along Tanjong Bungah-Batu Feringghi coastal area

View of Eden Seaview in Batu Feringghi

Sri Sayang Service Apartments

Ferringhi Villa, Landed bungalow homes in Batu Feringghi

View of the Batu Ferringhi Beach .