Good as gold. Gated security

Photos by Yap Chee Hong
Source: The Star Newspaper / www.thestar.com.my / www.StarProperty.my / Article Link
Published: Friday August 26, 2013 – Featured / Investment

Located off Jalan Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Sierramas is considered one of the first gated community developments in Malaysia. This 230 acre-freehold development was awarded the prestigious Fiabci Award of Distinction for Residential Development in 2002.

Sierramas is considered one of the first gated community developments in Malaysia.

According to Tech Realtors’ senior real estate negotiator Janice Ng, the total density of Sierramas is approximately 500 units with an array of homes such as two-and-a-half-storey link houses, two-storey semi-detached homes and bungalows. There are also vacant plots of land available for those who wish to build their own dream homes.

The residents of Sierramas have the privilege to use the clubhouse which comes with a basketball court, tennis court, gymnasium, Olympic-size swimming pool, a multi-purpose hall and two cafeterias. “The food here is quite good,” said Ng with a grin.

Sierramas is easily accessible from different areas of Klang Valley via major highways such as New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) and the Middle Ring Road II (MRRII).

The entire development is surrounded by greenery–giving it a resort-like atmosphere.

The property

Upon entering Sierramas, I was greeted by lush greenery along the roads leading to the houses which gave me a good vibe. Another thing I realised was that the houses had no fencing or gates that separate themselves from one another.

Ng brought me to view a 10,000 sq ft bungalow priced at RM4.98mil. This 2.5-storey bungalow comes with two spacious living rooms – one at the ground floor and another at the lower ground. The bungalow has 5+1 bedrooms and six bathrooms which provides ample space for two generations to live together.

The 10,000 sq ft bungalow.

As I walk into the house, the living area felt very airy and breezy, even without fans on. According to Ng, the back of the bungalow faces the gully; therefore it’s very cooling.

“Houses that face the gully are well-liked because they offer the owners more privacy and have an open view on to the surrounding greenery. Prices for these units are higher compared to those with their backs facing the back of another house,” explained Ng adding that every fortnight there will be fogging around the development to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

As you walk pass the living area, you will come to a spacious open deck which faces the gully. This is where the owner and his friends have their gatherings and parties. There’s also a fish pond at the left corner of the deck.

The spacious living room where the owner spends quality time with his family.

“The lower ground living room is also used as the entertainment room. There’s a bar counter and an open terrace outside that can be used to hang the laundry,” said Ng.

There are four rooms on the top floor. The master bedroom is spacious and comes with its own walk-in wardrobe, study room, lounge area and bathroom. The study room is connected to the other bedroom.

Clockwise from top left: The open deck which comes with a fish pond; The bar counter at the lower ground living area; The master bedroom.

Market trend

“When it was launched 18 years ago, the minimum price of the bungalow was approximately RM700,000. Now, this house is selling for RM4.98mil,” said Ng.

“Many of the houses here are owned by professionals, businessmen, and even listed company bosses,” shared Ng.

She added that most of the houses here are owner-occupied. Ng also said that quite a number of owners even purchased neighbouring units for their children.

“There are not many units for rent. However, the rental can start from RM8,000 onwards for semi-furnished bungalows. For those with swimming pool, the rental starts from RM10,000 to RM15,000,” pointed out Ng.

Ng added that Sierramas is managed by the homeowners and residents.

The guardhouse at the main entrance of the Sierramas.

“The whole development is well taken care of. The security is very tight, with round-the-clock patrols – you will feel very safe here. For those who long for a gated and guarded neighbourhood surrounded by lush greenery, this would be a good option,” said Ng.

Ng also mentioned Park Manor, a freehold development by Tan & Tan Developments Berhad which is located just beside Sierramas.

“Targeted to complete by 2014, Park Manor comprises 41 bungalows which are priced from RM4mil onwards. Once completed, it will give an uplift to the whole area and may bring about price increase to the properties in Sierramas,” said Ng.

Ng added: The property prices will also have a great potential for further appreciation due to the coming completion of the IGB International school.

Address: 106, Jalan Dedap Batik Sierramas, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia

Tenure: Freehold, individual title

Built-up area: 10,000 sq ft

Land area: 8,200 sq ft

Furnishing: Partly furnished

Selling price: RM4.98mil

Selling price per sq ft: About RM498 per sq ft

Deposit required: RM498,000

Monthly loan instalments (90% loan, 4.5% interest, 30 years): RM22,710

Potential rental: From RM8,000. If the house comes with a swimming pool, rental starts from RM10,000 to RM15,000, according to agent

Bedrooms: 5+1

Bathrooms: 6

Developer: Joint venture between Tan & Tan Developments Berhad and KL-Kepong Property Holdings Sdn Bhd

Maintenance fee: RM700 per month

The clubhouse comes with an Olympic-size swimming pool (right), wading pool, badminton court and many more.

Convenience

Employers: Edu World Services Sdn Bhd, T.S. Furniture Design Sdn Bhd and Safari Office System Sdn Bhd which are located at Sungai Buloh New Village (approximately 3km away), Office furniture and equipment supplier companies located at Taman Perindustrian KIP (4.5km drive away)

Schools/colleges: ELC International School, IGB International School (currently under construction and to complete by 2014), Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu, SMK Damansara Damai 1

Hospitals/medical centres: Damansara Damai Medical Centre, Hospital Sungai Buloh

Banks: Hong Leong Bank and RHB Bank in Sungai Buloh New Village (approximately 3km away)

Shopping: Jaya Grocer, AEON MaxValu Damansara Damai

F&B options: Fast food outlet such as McDonald’s and Malay restaurants at Damansara Damai (2.5km away) and Bandar Sri Damansara (5km away)

Recreation: Jogging track around the lake which is in Sierramas itself, Sierramas clubhouse, Valencia Golf Club, Kampung Desa Aman Park

The lake in Sierramas.

Accessibility

Distance by car to Parlimen House: Approximately 18km or 17 minutes via North South Expressway without traffic jam. Toll at the Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (RM1.60)

Public transport: Sungai Buloh KTM station (7km drive away), Sungai Buloh MRT station currently under construction (0.75km away).

Entertainment: Pubs at Mutiara Damansara (approximately 9km drive), pubs and cafes at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (approximately 11km away)

Security: Gated and guarded with perimeter fencing, single entry and exit points, guardhouse at entrance/exit, CCTVs around the development.

For more real estate news and articles and a comprehensive listing of various properties, go to www.StarProperty.my. Contact the writer at melisang@starmedia.my.