Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Investment in Swiftlet Farm - Opss !

Since few years ago, swiftlet investment is SUPER HOT in Malaysia. If go to any suburban area, you easily spot there are many 3-4 storey houses built with many small holes, like the one below.

In fact, many people purposely buy existing/newly build 3 storey shop and convert it into swiftlet house. At one stage, there are even company that offer swiftlet investment scheme which you can own some share of swiftlet farm (http://www.swiftletecopark.com/english/default.asp). Based on "insider news", those "success" swiftlet houses able to earn 5 figure salary every month, btw, tax free. 1kg of bird nest can sell for RM4-5k, and they are able to harvest few kg per of bird nest per month. This attractive figure make every uncle and auntie also rush into swiftlet investment.

Based on report, Malaysia exported rm1 billion of bird nest in year 2011, mainly to China.  http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/22AGRO/Article

But, this business recently hits hard by new ruling from China government. The immediate impact due to this cause bird nest price drop 22% to rm3k per kg. If there is no workaround for this issues, this will cause great impact to those auntie and uncle, and the rm 1 billion business.... http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/237277

Free Stay at Brisbane for 1 Year

Want stay at luxury condominium at Brisbane free for 1 year? You just need to submit a 1min video telling why you want to live in Brisbane and Pay $20 AUD via PayPal.

http://www.keystobrisbane.com/




Saturday, July 23, 2011

Didn't Know They Allow To Do So ....

Ten property owners in Shah Alam had their items seized from their premises after failing to pay their assessments bills.

In a recent operation by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), enforcement officers visited houses in Section U5 and U19.

Fifteen enforcement officers seized items such as computers, dining sets, furniture and other office equipment.

.......

MBSA seizes various items from errant property owners - StarProperty.my

Friday, July 22, 2011

288 Residences @ Akisama Kuchai Lama

Another project from Akisama, but this time they target different segment, luxury.

This project will have 2 blocks, each block have 8 units, total 288 units. Good, finally Akisama launch low density projects, something different than what they used to do like Parklane OUG, Kuchai Avenue, Connaught Avenue.

Basically all 4 units facing East (Semi-D) are 1400sf++, while remaining 4 units facing West (G-Residence) are 1200sf++.

For 1200sf++ unit, are selling at RM450k++
For 1400sf++ unit, are selling at RM600k+-

This price including quite a number of freebies, like Kitchen Cabinet, Warddrobe, Air Conds, Heaters and etc. Quite similar like Parklane OUG project.

I guess Akisama dare to price at this range due to See Hoy Chan Seringin Residence project. These two projects indirectly make G-Residence look cheap ....

New Property Teory: Initially Project A is selling at high price, then subsequently Project B is selling at even higher price, this suddenly make project A look cheap :D

As for now, 1200sf++ unit is all sold out, those interested in 1400sf++ unit better act fast, if you think this worth buying.

Please note that Akisama is quite reputable developer, well known in building low-medium cost condo with quality finishing. re-wording: Question now is, are they capable to upgrade their previous skill and experience in property development to deliver luxury condo?? I leave this for your own thought, the answer will "come" 3 years later :)



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

V Residence @ Sunway Velocity

I Have to salute to Sunway ! Respect their confident to their own project :)

- 900sf++ Condo, selling at RM900psf, come with one car park, translated to around RM800k++
- 1500sf++ Condo, selling at RM800psf, come with also one car park, translated to around RM1.2m++

Location...aiii..how to say. Yes, is near KLCC, but the surrounding.....dunno how to say, "complicated". It really need mega project to transform this area to make it have the RM800psf feel..... I think even some Mont Kiara property also haven't reach RM800sf... :)

One more thing, the condo design, by looking at the scale down model I already few pack, and surrounded by building...so i guess all your view is close building view :D

I Can't Accept Lor...

Every week there are new properties launch, especially this year. Ah Tom, Ah Dick and Ah Harry also rush to launch new project......

Lot of these new launching are selling at price that I never imagine before. I don't know why the developer set the price at this level and what made them so confident of their property, but this is the reality now:

- Mah Sing Icon City (Sg Way) 700sf++ SOVO selling for RM600k
- See Hoy Chan Seringin Residences (OUG) 1500sf++ condo selling at RM650k onwards
- Akisama 288 Residences (Kuchai Lama) 1400sf++ condo selling at RM600k
- Sunway Velocity V Residence (Jln Peel) 900sf++ condo selling at RM880k

Personally, I still cannot accept the fact I need to pay such price to buy such property at such location. But don't be surprise there are quite a number of people stand opposite me, and willing to pay such price buying such property at such location.

There are only two choices:

Choice 1: Accept the fact, this is the market price now and we are at era that RM 1 mil can only buy you a landed double storey. So better start stock up before the price go higher...

Choice 2: Keep saying the price is crazy, wait for the market to cool down and hope the price will reduce to the level you think acceptable then only shoot your bullet...

What say you?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

No danger in Bukit OUG...

THE developer of a housing project in Bukit OUG, which has come under fire from nearby residents has denied withholding information or disregarding safety measures.

Trinity Group managing director Datuk Neoh Soo Keat said the claims by residents of Bukit OUG Condominium were unfounded.

“There is no danger to the environment or to the surrounding area due to our development of Z Residence project,” he said.


Neoh also announced that Trinity Group would build a 800m road from PPR Kampung Muhibbah to Bukit Jalil Highway.

“It will cost us about RM3mil to provide the missing link. This is about a kilometre away from our project. But we are doing this so that residents in the area can also benefit,” he said.

Monday, July 18, 2011

India's Tata group to sell $700 flat-pack house


This company really "geng", first cheapest car, now cheapest house with 20 years life span...

The Indian company that launched the world's cheapest car has unveiled its latest product for the fast-growing nation: a flat-pack house that costs just $700 and can be built in a week.

The Tata group, maker of the $2,500 Nano car, said that the 20-square-metre (215-square-foot) home comes from a pre-fabricated kit that includes doors, windows and a roof.

"The basic model of a so-called "Nano" house will cost 32,000 rupees ($720) and will use coconut fibre or jute for wall cladding and interiors.

It has a life expectancy of 20 years.


India's Tata group to sell $700 flat-pack house - StarProperty.my

So Many Launching ...

Recently there are so many launching, I have jot it down in my note as to visit list, really have to squeeze my schedule to visit them one by one....

1. X2 Residences @ Puchong (http://www.x2residences.com/)
2. Millenia @ Puchong (http://millenniacity.com/)
3. The Green @ Taman Tun (http://www.bellworth.com.my/)
4. Akisama Kuchai Lama Project (http://www.akisama.com.my/)
5. 360 Designer Suite @ Serdang (http://ivonlai.blogspot.com/2011/07/univ-360-place-designer-suites-sri.html)

For those who have visited the projects, please do share your view here ....

How Does It Sound Like Living Next to Construction Site?

I capture this video at 6:45pm. This is the sound the residence face everyday until 8pm, except Sunday for around 2-3 years period.

Remember to turn on your computer volume...

Saturday, July 16, 2011

New Project at Kuchai Lama

Received SMS below today:

Akisama have apartment units at Kuchai Lama wanted to sale in November. Location next to Desa Gembira Condo. Now booking RM20k, Free SPA & Loan Legal Fee, have 2 Car Parks, 3 units Air Cond, 3 Built In Warddrobe, 3 Water Heaters, Shower Screen for Bathroom, Built In Kitchen Cabinet, Free Maintenance Fee for 2 Years. 1438sf, have 288 units, price RM400psf.

http://www.akisama.com.my/index.php

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Interesting Article: Underwater Home

After we purchased our new home in 2005, we spent the first year stunned by the $68,000 increase in the house's value. Little did we know that in just six short years the value would turn the other direction. Our house value has since slid an almost identical, but negative, $70,000.

Even though we owe more money on our mortgage than our house is now worth, we have discovered a positive side to plummeting house values that include a huge reduction in our property tax bill.

(I am thinking, if I am the home owner, should I sell the house or hold it? If I sell it, I have no more house but still owe bank money. Maybe I shall keep it and close two eye to pay the installment every month.)

According to Zillow.com, half of homeowners who purchased their home in 2006 owe more than their home is currently worth. For people like us who purchased in 2005, the percentage underwater of people who are underwater in their homes is 42 percent.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Person-Why-We-Pumped-ac-1929272088.html?x=0

SOVO @ Icon City

Dear Valued Registrants,

It is our pleasure to extend you this invitation to the Special Preview of i-SOVO duplex suites (exclusively for registrants only) on:-

Date : 16th July 2011


Time : 2pm – 6pm


Venue : Icon City Sales Gallery, SS8, Petaling Jaya (The site of former Matsushita factory, opposite to


Western Digital)

Please bring along your cheque to book your choice unit(s).

You’re also invited to our grand opening of Icon City Sales Gallery and i-SOVO’s sales launch on 17th July 2011. Please find below the more details of the event programme:-

Programme :

9.45am Arrival of Guest and Registration

10.28am Official Opening of Icon City Sales Gallery

- Launch gimmick with ribbon cutting

- Lion dance performance

10.50am Exclusive Performance by World Famous Malaysian Violinist Ms Joanne Yeoh

12.00pm Buffet Lunch

1.00pm Strings Quartet Performance

1.35pm Performance by Ben & Ice “All That Jazz”

2.30pm Magic Show Performance

3.10pm Belly Dancing Performance

3.45pm Children’s Bumper Boat Rides, Face Paintings, Clown Give Away Balloon Sculptures and

many more

6.00pm The end


We look forward to your presence with us.

http://wickinv.blogspot.com/2011/04/icon-city.html

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Papillon @ Taman Desa


I was "attracted" by this condo whenever I pass by Old Klang Road, told myself this is a must visit condo. The building outlook very clean, and "standing out" compare to the other condo at this area. In fact, it can be consider as most luxury condo at Taman Desa, on par with 1 Desa Residence.

This project was launch about three years ago, I was there during the launching. I did not buy it that time as I feel the developer over price it. This condo completed and VP recently and you can see quite a number of units were put on sale in the market. I manage to the property recently. Quite impression with the building exterior, however all the positive impression gone after I view the actual unit...


The property is currently selling at between rm500-600psf, which translated to about RM700k++ for 1300sf++, and RM1 mil for 1700sf++ unit. However I don't feel this property worth this much after seeing the actual unit. Overall the living area and kitchen area quite ok, but quite dissapointed after seeing the bedroom. All the bedrooms including the master room is pathetically small. The bath tub provided only can fit in "dwaft". No attached bathroom for the bedrooms for this million dollar condo except the masterroom. While ceiling height is very standard, not the 10ft height as I thought it will be. Overall you could have better choice with this type of price, I feel....

Thames River in Malaysia?

Can the government turn the Klang Valley River to something like Thames River in London?




Details refer here, especially the impacted area :)

http://www.riveroflife.com.my/

http://www.dbkl.gov.my/portalv7/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&Itemid=6&id=1169&lang=en

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

This Look Nice - Permai Garden




http://www.permaigardens.com/

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/2011/06/permai-gardens/

http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/PropertyScene/13098/0/0

This is Good News for First-time house purchasers

First-time house purchasers to get up to 105% financing - StarProperty.my

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PR1MA) for first-time buyers to own homes of up to 1,400sq ft.

The Prime Minister said depending on the location, the houses would be priced at between RM150,000 and RM300,000 while the minimum size would be 800sq ft.

He said that buyers, making up those who earn not more than RM6,000 a month, would enjoy financing of up to 105% from selected financial institutions.

“The additional 5% is for insurance and Sales and Purchase legal fees.

“Also, the stamp duty is exempted as part of the Government’s initiative to lighten the people’s financial burden,” he said at the launch of the programme’s first phase at Precinct 11 here.

Najib said a total of 42,000 houses would be built in 20 strategic locations in the Klang Valley, Rawang and Seremban with eight projects expected to commence this year.

A 7.6-acre site in Precinct 11, Putrajaya has been chosen for the first PR1MA development which will be undertaken by Putrajaya Holdings Bhd (PjH). Other developers involved in PR1MA developments are Cyberview Sdn Bhd, Sime Darby Property, 1MDB, Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd, S P Setia Bhd and Tradewinds Corp Bhd. S P Setia and Tradewinds Corp will jointly develop 10 acres of land in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.


"The applicants must be first time buyers for the PR1MA scheme and need to occupy the house and they can obtain loan up to 105 per cent from selected financial institutions with a payback period up to 30 years," he said.

Najib who is Finance Minister said that to prevent speculative activities among buyers whose intention was to sell for immediate profits, PR1MA house buyers were not allowed to sell the house within 10 years.

EPF Investment

Last week I decided to sell my EPF based unit trust investment. After investing for 2 years, finally got some return and is time to harvest it...

2009 - Withdrawed from EPF and invested in Equity Based Fund (Stock Market based)
2010 - Sell half of the fund, profit 14% within 1 year
2011 - Sell remaining half of the fund, profit 28% within 2 years, average 14% per year

Not bad the return, in fact much better than 5-6% of EPF dividend per year.

I guess now is time to hunt for currency related fund, especially USD, Euro and GBP. Not really familiar with this....need to spend some time in research before make next investment decision....

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Bukit OUG condominium owners object to development project

Residents of Bukit OUG condominium in Kuala Lumpur voiced their objection against a project in the area at a meeting with City Hall (DBKL) officers yesterday.

The residents are objecting against the increase in density from 50 people to 500 per acre if the said the project, Lot 3001, is carried out.

Ho and his fellow neighbours are worried that traffic congestion will worsen with the development.

He said there were three projects, Lot 3001, Kiara Residence and Z Residence, planned on three plots of land.

Kiara Residence is a four-block 19-storey condominium project, while Lot 3001 consists of four blocks of condominiums.

“Even now without the new developments, the traffic congestion is bad. We can imagine how it will be after this,” added Ho.


Another cause for worry is the access road that will need cutting of a steep hillslope near their condominium.

http://wickinv.blogspot.com/search/label/OUG

Bukit OUG condominium owners object to development project - StarProperty.my

I am in the Wrong Job, But someone else is in the Right Job.

A SAP or software team leader with 8-12 years experience could command a minimum basic salary of RM18,000 a month rising up to a maximum of RM30,000 per month, according to the latest employment outlook and salary guide 2011/2012 released by Kelly Services (M) Sdn Bhd today.

(I heard of storey whreby a SAP person get 30% increment this year without any request to the boss....)

The salaries do not include bonuses, allowances and Employees Provident Fund contribution by employers.


http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/26258-senior-it-professionals-can-garner-monthly-basic-salaries-of-up-to-rm30000.html

Do You Get Your Increment As Per Industry Guideline ?

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Workforce solutions provider, Kelly Services (M) Sdn Bhd, projects a 15-20 per cent salary increase in the Malaysian job market this year and 2012 for skilled workforce in the growth sectors.

In the Kelly Employment Outlook and Salary Guide 2011/2012, the growth sectors with continued demand for skilled workforce are banking and finance, information technology, engineering, services, digital and communication and biotechnology and life sciences.

Managing director of Kelly Singapore and Malaysia, Melissa Norman, said the positive economic growth of 4.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2011 improved employment prospects with stronger labour demand in various sectors.

"Talent mobility is taking place within Malaysia with talent increasingly willing to switch jobs and employers willing to pay salaries for those who can deliver results with minimal training," she said at the launch of the Employment Outlook and Salary Guide 2011/2012 here today.

The Kelly salary guide indicated that as Malaysia has become a key banking and financial hub of Asia, the need for specialised talent in this sector has intensified, particularly in Islamic Finance, she said.

Norman said other jobs with strong growth were in the information and communications (ICT) industry.

"Job positions in the ICT industry are growing at double the rate of job positions in other industries, demonstratiing rapid growth," she said.

She said the hot jobs were also in the call centres such as senior customer service officer, call centre team leader and outbound agent.

Norman said another up-and-coming sub-sector was services with companies seeking sales and marketing talent with relevant technical skills and knowledge to manage the brand to become a market leader and not just a market challenger.

She said organisations were on the lookout for candidates who were critical thinkers and problem solvers with good communication skills. -- BERNAMA

http://my.news.yahoo.com/kelly-services-projects-salary-increase-skilled-workforce-growth-075019327.html

Are You Underpaid ? Or Overpaid?

Interesting report, you need to fill-in your details in order to download it.

http://www.kellyservices.com.my/web/my/services/en/pages/salaryguide.html

Friday, July 1, 2011

MAPEX


Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Millennium Land!

We wish to invite you to attend our exhibition booth at MAPEX 2011, Malaysia Property Expo @ Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) starting from this Friday till Sunday.

The full details are as below :

Date : 1st to 3rd July 2011 (Friday to Sunday)

Time : 10am to 9pm

Venue : Booth 4058 & 4069, Hall 4, PWTC

We look forward to your visit at our booth. See you there!

Warmest Regards,

Millennium Land