ONE of the hottest spots for township development in Klang Valley’s southwest development corridor is the RM11 billion Bandar Rimbayu in Telok Panglima Garang.
Since the unveiling of the township in 2013, developer IJM Land Bhd has launched 10 phases thus far, including Perennia, Periwinkle, Scarlet, Wisteria, Penduline, Blossom Square and Livia.
Bandar Rimbayu has more than 2,500 property units, with two phases of shops totalling 136 units.
Bandar Rimbayu senior general manager Chai Kian Soon said once the township is fully completed, the population is anticipated to swell to 50,000 people.
“Accessibility is, and always will be, an important factor when choosing a house. It is one of the main things that we look at prior to the approval of developments.
“It is connected to the Elite highway and South Klang Valley Expressway, making commuting easier for those who live here. It is 25km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, and 17km from Putrajaya,” said Chai.
Telok Panglima Garang has attracted leading developers in the country, such as Eco World Development Group Bhd (Eco Sanctuary township development) and Tropicana Corp Bhd (Tropicana Aman).
They are building mainly landed residential properties.
Meanwhile, the 11th phase of Bandar Rimbayu called “Swans”, will be launched soon.
The leasehold development, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM170 million, will offer 195 units of double-storey link-houses with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, priced from RM850,000 each.
Chai said the houses will have built-up areas of 2,300 sq ft.
“People are responding very well to the beautiful homes. We believe the take-up for Swans will be equally encouraging.
“Swans will come with an Internet of Things infrastructure that will satisfy the needs of younger homeowners,” he said at a briefing last month.
Residential property market to remain strong
IJM Land managing director Edward Chong expects demand for landed residential properties to remain strong despite the challenging market.
He said landed properties below RM1 million are doing well while high-rise apartments in good locations priced from RM700,000 to RM800,000 are also in demand.
“The general consumer sentiment is positive and confidence has improved. We expect to see stronger take-up rates in coming months. It won’t be a steep growth, but the momentum will continue.”
IJM Land has landbank totalling 1,619ha nationwide with an estimated GDV of RM30 billion.
The company’s current projects and landbank are in Penang, Klang Valley, Johor, Seremban, Sabah and Sarawak.
It is planning to launch several projects in the next few months worth about RM1.5 billion in its townships in Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
Chong said almost 85 per cent of the new launches will feature residential units.
“We are mainly involved in township development which involves all segments of residential units. We have the flexibility of not going ahead with high-rise apartments.”
Meanwhile, Chai said Bandar Rimbayu is targeting families from mid and high incomes who are looking to live balanced lifestyles.
“They are looking for homes close to nature as well as a safe and supportive community. Everyone here would agree that Bandar Rimbayu is a beautiful place, considering how the it is well planned with an array of facilities.”
Chai said prices of previous launches have gone up.
A Perennia unit can be sold from RM1.67 million, Periwinkle from RM1.06 million, Scarlet from RM1.09 million, Wisteria from RM936,800, Penduline from RM769,800, Blossom Square from RM1.59 million, and Livia, from RM626,800.
“Since affordability is an issue, we have homes for families with a monthly income of below RM3,000 and for those earning between RM3,000 and RM10,000. People are finding it harder to own a property nowadays.
“All of us at Bandar Rimbayu are aware of the affordability aspect. Hence, we support the government’s efforts to make houses more affordable for Malaysians, especially the younger generation.
“This initiative is reflected through the development of Halaman 11, where two types of homes are built. The ‘Rumah Selangorku’ project has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and will cater for those with a household income of below RM3,000 (priced at RM42,000, 721 sq ft) and between RM3,000 and RM10,000 (priced at RM100,000, 764 sq ft),” said Chai.
He said the two options are a solution for the lower-income group.
“We have gone through the first batch of unit selection for approved Rumah Selangorku applicants. A total of 47 names have been given to us and 43 units were sold on the first day itself.”
Bandar Rimbayu scaling up
Rimbayu Clubhouse in the 760ha township will be officially opened by January next year.
According to Chai, a drive-through Wendy’s and Starbucks will also open by the second half of next year.
“It is not common to have a residential clubhouse and Bandar Rimbayu has one. Clubhouses in general have many features for families to enjoy. There will be a number of amenities and activities at this clubhouse.”
Some of the facilities are an infinity Olympic-sized swimming pool, an infinity wading pool with water play equipment, a jacuzzi, a sauna, four badminton courts, two squash courts, a karaoke room/audiovisual room, a gaming room, a gym, a linear park and a cafeteria.
“We are very excited to bring this aboard and are doing our best to ensure that the clubhouse will be tentatively opened by January next year. Residents in Bandar Rimbayu and surrounding areas will have a place to chill out with their family members,” added Chai.
The township’s commercial phase, Blossom Drive, has started welcoming new tenants.
Blossom Drive comprises 48-units of two- and three-storey shoplots with built-up areas ranging from 3,000 sq ft to 6,855 sq ft.
“Blossom Drive is a vast commercial unit built to cater to families in the area. We wanted to be sure that people in Bandar Rimbayu can find anything within reach. Hence, the development of the Blossom Drive.
“Some of the tenants are 99 Speedmart, a clinic and ‘mamak’ restaurants.”
Chai said Blossom Square, next to Blossom Drive, will be completed in the middle of next year, and will see an additional 88 units of two- and three-storey shoplots.
“Blossom Square will give more opportunities to businesses to thrive in Bandar Rimbayu.”
The Oasis International School, the newest American-based school in Bandar Rimbayu, accepted its first intake on August 1.
Chai said the school offers extensive extracurricular activities involving sports, scholastic team competition and visual and performing arts.
The school has an innovative academic model and a variety of curricular and co-curricular programmes taught by American educators.