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Where skyscrapers dominate and the heart of the Garden City of Lights beats
With the abolishment of the Real Property Gain Tax (RPGT) and easing of foreign ownership, the prices of high-end residential properties - especially in prime areas - have seen a surge in capital appreciation spurred on by robust demand.
In fact, real estate in the Klang Valley – and by that, we mean Kuala Lumpur and the suburbs of Selangor - are still the most sought after by buyers and investors; both local and foreign. With sophisticated infrastructure and amenities in place, the Klang Valley is a hive of property development activities with premium properties topping the list of property hunters.
According to Regroup Associates Sdn Bhd executive chairman, Christopher Boyd: “The entire housing market in the Klang Valley (is made up of) about 1.4 million dwelling units (catering to) a population of 6 million; out of which half are high-rise.”
Boyd went on to add that “…only a tiny portion of these high-rises fall under the luxury category and most of the luxury units are located in the Golden Triangle, particularly the KLCC area, Mont Kiara, Bangsar, Ampang, Bukit Pantai and Bukit Damansara.”
KLCC, AKA the Golden Triangle
The Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), as its name implies, refers to the prime plots of land and properties right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur city. One can easily get to the KLCC via Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ipoh. In addition, public transportation such as the Putra LRT (Light-Rail Transit), Star LRT and KL Monorail make commuting to and from the KLCC convenient and fast.
The KLCC and Golden Triangle areas are immensely popular, due to their large selection of serviced apartments, luxury condominiums, residential houses and bungalows. Some of the most highly sought after luxury condominiums in the KLCC area include Stonor Park, Dua Residency, Marc Serviced Residence, Park Seven, Cendana, The Avare, Idaman Residence, Troika, One KL, The Binjai, Four Season Residence, 163 Residence, K Residence, The Capsquare Residences, Binjai Residency, 2 Hampshire, The Meritz, Hampshire Place and Crest, Sultan Ismail.
Furthermore, these properties’ proximity to a diverse array of amenities, including shopping centres and classy restaurants only serve to contribute to their popularity. The nightlife beats until the wee hours of the morning, with party-goers spoilt for choice of venues to `let their hair down’ – including clubs such as Zouk Club, Cynna Bar, Heritage Mansion, and Heritage Row.
Quality education is not a problem either, as International Schools within the vicinity include the Fairview International School and Alice Smith International School.
Ampang
The Ampang area is the next hotbed of activities in Kuala Lumpur, especially amongst buyers and investors who prefer to be located just within the outskirts of the capital. Ampang is a high class residential area, mainly populated by expatriates and affluent locals.
Just minutes’ drive away are shopping malls, golf course, leading international schools, restaurants and markets. The National Zoo, the National Art Gallery and the cultural centre for theatre Istana Budaya are also in close proximity.
Situated towards the east of the KLCC, Jalan Ampang – Ampang’s main road - is easily accessible from Jalan Tun Razak or Jalan Ulu Kelang if you are heading from Hulu Kelang or Setapak. The Ampang area is surrounded by the townships of Wangsa Maju, Setapak, KL and Salak Selatan.
Divided into the various subsections of Ampang Indah, Ampang Mewah, Ampang Permai and Ampang Jaya, this neighbourhood comprises housing estates such as Taman Dagang, Taman Cahaya, Taman Cempaka, Pandan Jaya and Pandan Indah.
Exclusive condominiums with lavish settings and landscaping that encircle this area include Tiara Condo, East Side One Ampang Avenue, Condo Villa Aman and Villa Ampang. The rest of the area is predominantly occupied by quaint, fashionable bungalows with expansive compounds.
Ampang is also home to some of the country’s best healthcare facilities including the Ampang Puteri Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre, Pantai Indah Hospital and Hospital Ampang.
Perhaps, one of this area’s most conspicuous features is the stretch of embassies and high commissions that line both sides of the main road. Indeed, the roads lead from the KLCC right into the Ampang area itself, with many diplomats choosing to live here close to their embassies. Unsurprisingly, Jalan Ampang is also popularly known as `Embassy Row’.
International Schools in the vicinity include the International School of Kuala Lumpur, Fairview International School, Sayfol International School, KL International School and Mutiara International School.
It is therefore unsurprisingly that the Golden Triangle and Ampang are still the most coveted areas of Kuala Lumpur; commanding premium prices, spearheaded by ever-popular demand from both domestic and foreign investors.
Excerpt:
“Most of the high-end, luxury properties are located within the Golden Triangle - particularly the KLCC area and the Golden Triangle.” |