UEM Sunrise Bhd is reaffirming its position as the pioneer developer of Mont Kiara as it steps up launches, widens its product offerings and continues its creative placemaking initiatives.
Managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib said the initiatives are illustrated in the company’s multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces to promote healthy living as well as to enhance livability and well-being of communities.
“The Malaysian property market has had its fair share of ups and downs. Yet Mont Kiara remains remarkably resilient. Most of our properties in Mont Kiara have seen substantial increase in prices, generating capital appreciation as illustrated in the Secondary Market Transaction Data collated as of April.
“People have been buying UEM Sunrise projects because of the confidence they have in us, the strategic locations of the developments as well as the products’ unique selling propositions,” Anwar told NST Property.
Amenities available in Mont Kiara and nearby Dutamas include the soon-to-be opened Arcoris Plaza and Hyatt House hotel, Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, Solaris Mont Kiara, 1 Mont Kiara Mall, Plaza Mont'Kiara and Plaza Damas.
Residents can also enjoy other facilities offered by Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre and National Science Centre, as well as excellent connectivity to the New Klang Valley Expressway, Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway, SPRINT Highway and Penchala Link.
Among UEM Sunrise’s ongoing projects are Residensi22 Mont'Kiara and Residensi Sefina Mont'Kiara.
Residensi22 has innovative and distinctive features formed by two majestic twin towers which can accommodate 534 freehold units. The units range from 1,878 sq ft to 3,163 sq ft.
Anwar said 75 per cent are corner units with wide balconies targeting young families with school-going children, retired couples who enjoy the convenience of urban lifestyle and security, professionals and senior executives, as well as investors.
Residensi Sefina offers buyers a refreshing cruise ship concept that promises unparalleled lifestyle and leisure facilities.
The 245 residential units, with built-up areas of between 1,333 sq ft and 1,771 sq ft spread across a 35-storey tower, come with a man-made sandy island beach for volleyball activities.
Mont Kiara moving north?
There is a high likelihood of Mont Kiara moving north (Segambut Dalam) at it becomes more developed in the next 10 years.
There are a number of residential buildings under construction in Mont Kiara by several developers.
China’s property developer, Agile Property Holdings Ltd, and PJ Development Holdings Bhd are developing Agile Mont Kiara, which has 813 condominium units spread across 11 low- to high-rise towers on a 4.1ha freehold land.
Upon completion next year, the towers will be connected by a 2.4ha garden at the centre of the development.
The RM1.4 billion development, which marks Agile Property Holdings’ first foray outside China, is located near landmark buildings such as Publika Mall and Solaris Mont Kiara.
Anwar believes there is high chance of Mont Kiara moving north since the hot-spot areas have all been developed.
“Besides, Mont Kiara is a strong brand name. Many would want to capitalise on that. This will make Mont Kiara larger and more vibrant.”
Despite the perceived glut in Mont Kiara, Anwar said there are good investment opportunities for first-time house buyers, upgraders and investors.
“First-time house buyers and young investors tend to look for properties below RM1 million. There are still ample choices for properties below RM1 million in Mont Kiara, with some older ones priced around RM600 per square foot (psf), which appeals to first-time house buyers.
“For upgraders, they would be looking at newer projects with better facilities and these condominiums are priced from RM750 psf,” said Anwar.
Residensi22 and Residensi Sefina were launched at an average price of RM800 psf and the take-up rate has been positive, he said.
Anwar feels that the Mont Kiara market will also attract investors looking for rental yields.
He added that due to its popularity with expatriates, Mont Kiara properties have enjoyed good rental demand and yields.
“Large units, such as 10 Mont’Kiara, 11 Mont’Kiara and 28 Mont’Kiara, are in demand due to their exclusivity and spaciousness,” he said.
Mont Kiara is the epitome of comfort, convenience and luxury in contemporary condo living and UEM Sunrise is closely associated with its success.
Mont Kiara is an enclave where thousands of Malaysians and expatriates from across the globe call home. It is a “city within the city” that integrates the residential population with amenities, recreation, shops and businesses, all within close proximity.
A favourite place for locals
and expatriates
Mont Kiara is favoured by locals and expatriates, said Mah Sing Group Bhd CEO Datuk Ho Hon Sang.
“Having a diverse population makes Mont Kiara a cosmopolitan township. Mont Kiara’s strategic location is an important factor as to why it is such a sought-after address. It is well connected to a network of highways and is a stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur,” he told NST Property.
Ho said Mont Kiara does not lack any amenity as there are international and local schools, universities and recreational facilities, such as the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club and Royal Selangor Club.
Mont Kiara also has office and commercial outlets, such as Solaris Mont Kiara, and nearby malls, such as the Curve, 1 Utama Shopping Centrel and Mid Valley Megamall.
“Having improved public transport, including railway connectivity, will definitely boost a township’s appeal,” he said.
MRT and LRT good for Mont Kiara
Adding facilities such as the mass rapid transit (MRT) or light rail transit (LRT) improves the value of a development. While the location is also important, a proper rail transport system will boost demand for the area.
Zerin Properties founder and CEO Previndran Singhe said having MRT or LRT stations to serve Mont Kiara would attract more people to live there.
Currently, the nearest rail stations to Mont Kiara are Segambut KTM Komuter station and Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT station, which is complemented by RapidKL bus services.
Mont Kiara will also benefit from better traffic planning to ease congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Road widening and pedestrian-friendly roads will make living in Mont Kiara a much better experience, Previndran told NST Property.
He said there is a growing expatriate population and increasing housing demand in Mont Kiara.
He expects the housing supply in Mont Kiara to be rather balanced to cater for the demand.
However, developers must ensure that their products meet buyers’ needs and are in line with the latest market trends, he added.
Previndran said with the impending large supply of condominiums, there is a good opportunity for future lifestyle malls with niche tenants to serve the growing population of Mont Kiara.
“At present, the existing malls and retail shops are sufficient to cater for the community as Mont Kiara is near to many shopping malls and retail outlets in neighbouring areas,” he added.