Living in JB

[euphony]

in any case i believe once indah walk 1,2 and 3 + 3 condos all built up and roaring, caueway link will have to re-look at the way they operate from that small space. it is logically not sustainable with so many cars parked there every day. i think they will have to eventually build an interchange or something similar at one of the empty plots with a muti-storey carpark for m'sians to park their cars and take the bus into SG. lets hope they realise its the only right way to do.

cheers.

could be a potential catch 21 with setia looking at Jcorp looking at setia...

[euphony]

i don't think we'll see much progress from the old ways until the old guards are rid off. even then the policies have been effected and are very difficult to retract. take for example the old man who set up punitive measures for families producing > 1 babies. Wonder why not enough citizens today...? That's 20 years for the effect to be felt. :mad:


Some PAP MPs are getting more than one pay packet e.g. retirement pay, active pay, bonuses,....all that money & they pay zero taxes. For years I've seen the PAP drive up the costs in Spore & waiting for Sporeans to push back against the PAP. They are finally reacting, but I'm getting too old & want to enjoy life before it's too late.

Would have acted sooner except for the financial crises that must have affected many plans:(

[euphony]

there is a recent implementation that allow limited driving of MY car into SG although with lots of T&C and need to sought approval from LTA. This is the one where I wonder how many have been let pass the 'golden bridge'.


The rules is still the same, no changes.

The LTA website sated: Singapore citizens, permanent residents (regardless of their place of residence), student pass holders, long term social visit pass holder and residents of Singapore are NOT allowed to use or keep any foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore.

[lastresort]

could be a potential catch 21 with setia looking at Jcorp looking at setia...

actually causeway link has already secured places to build new additional terminal/ bus park/ car park for passengers to help expand business. At least one plot is completed and ready.

[euphony]

i am quietly happy to have bought my car just 2 years ago where the expenses seem to have piled up for new car buyers now with the hyperinflated COE. I just wish the 10 years don't run out too soon. Am reading the news about the taxi cab fare increase. Looks very unreasonable to me. flag down fare has increased, peak hours lengthened to 6am in the morning and 12am at night! this on top of any ERP charges plus it runs even in the weekend. The passenger must be very busy tallying all the different numbers at the end of the trip. That or pack like sardines into the public transport. So again I am quietly happy to own my ride. I mean if the government want to penalize drivers can't they figure out whats driving people away from public transport in the first place?

[jasonjst]

actually causeway link has already secured places to build new additional terminal/ bus park/ car park for passengers to help expand business. At least one plot is completed and ready.

Bro , do you know exact location ?

[palden]

Drivers should not be penalize. It is the inability of govt to build enough infrastructure to support the growth despite being paid in millions. As your children grow or you have more children, do you penalize them for eating more food?


i am quietly happy to have bought my car just 2 years ago where the expenses seem to have piled up for new car buyers now with the hyperinflated COE. I just wish the 10 years don't run out too soon. Am reading the news about the taxi cab fare increase. Looks very unreasonable to me. flag down fare has increased, peak hours lengthened to 6am in the morning and 12am at night! this on top of any ERP charges plus it runs even in the weekend. The passenger must be very busy tallying all the different numbers at the end of the trip. That or pack like sardines into the public transport. So again I am quietly happy to own my ride. I mean if the government want to penalize drivers can't they figure out whats driving people away from public transport in the first place?

[lastresort]

Bro , do you know exact location ?

Bro, they did not provide exact location, but I think one of the sites is the plot of land in Bukit Indah 2 next to the shop houses leading to HH.

[arsenal]

Singapore ruling party is a funny group of self declared elites.. while they violently oppose min wages with all sort of reasons forcing down the people throat, they do have min wage for themselves.. hard to respect civil servants that work solely for money.. Some people said they are actually tearing the people aparts and i agree..

[mallow]

SINGAPOREANS: SIGN UP FOR YOUR GROWTH DIVIDENDS BY 31 DEC 2011
Letters will be sent out from December 7 to remind Singaporeans aged 21 and above to sign up for the Growth Dividend this year. This can be done online at the "Grow & Share" website www.growandshare.gov.sg. OR complete the "Grow & Share" form available at any community centre, Community Development Council or CPF Service Centre.
All forms must reach the CPF Board before 31 December 2011.
Just check that you are already in line to receive this. WASTE to miss out.

[johnny333]

SINGAPOREANS: SIGN UP FOR YOUR GROWTH DIVIDENDS BY 31 DEC 2011
Letters will be sent out from December 7 to remind Singaporeans aged 21 and above to sign up for the Growth Dividend this year. This can be done online at the "Grow & Share" website www.growandshare.gov.sg. OR complete the "Grow & Share" form available at any community centre, Community Development Council or CPF Service Centre.
All forms must reach the CPF Board before 31 December 2011.
Just check that you are already in line to receive this. WASTE to miss out.

For those living in JB, did you get your "Growth Dividen" :confused:

[Bluereeff]

My thai friends has suggested that I buy property in Bangkok, but as an investment i.e to rent out
For self stay you don't have have to limit it to only one place:) Can have a place in Chiangmai AND Bangkok

During the hot season can spend time in cool Chiangmai to recharge your batteries & then go to Bangkok when the weather is nicer.

It's of course nice to have your own property but it ties you & your money down. I'm not sure I can adjust to life in LOS, especially the language. That's why my plan is to get an education visa to attend language classes. After which I can decide on my next step.:)

Home loan rate in thailand is 7%? Msia 4.2%. Spore cheapest averagely 1%.

[ginfreely]

10 years ago a business associate brought me along yo buy land in a place 1.5hrs away from Bangkok.. it is a beautiful hill.. temperature there was about 24-25c.. with people growing grapes for wine. 20000ft of land cited around 30k.. i realised then there are a lot if nice place near Singapore..

10 years ago SG was still a pleasant and okay place then, no such messy foreigner situation...no need and never considered migrating or retiring overseas, always thought SG as my one and only home...never think that one day i'll be retiring in Msia!

[ginfreely]

4) stop being afraid of bills in your letter box.


Hehe I also have this experience, especially property tax bills, keep on adjusting and higher & higher!

[ginfreely]

Some PAP MPs are getting more than one pay packet e.g. retirement pay, active pay, bonuses,....all that money & they pay zero taxes. For years I've seen the PAP drive up the costs in Spore & waiting for Sporeans to push back against the PAP. They are finally reacting, but I'm getting too old & want to enjoy life before it's too late.

Would have acted sooner except for the financial crises that must have affected many plans:(

Yeah the world got so many financial crisis, already experienced a few counting from 1997 and each time it seems to get harder as one gets older..

[ginfreely]

My thai friends has suggested that I buy property in Bangkok, but as an investment i.e to rent out
For self stay you don't have have to limit it to only one place:) Can have a place in Chiangmai AND Bangkok

During the hot season can spend time in cool Chiangmai to recharge your batteries & then go to Bangkok when the weather is nicer.

It's of course nice to have your own property but it ties you & your money down. I'm not sure I can adjust to life in LOS, especially the language. That's why my plan is to get an education visa to attend language classes. After which I can decide on my next step.:)

True indeed, can have a place in both Chiangmai and Bangkok. Oh one thing I recalled about Chiangmai is it was pretty hot when I was there, not particularly cooling...

Language wise, it does look daunting, can't even read a word on the Thai signboards..may be take as past time to learn a new language, I also learned quite a few Malay words by reading the signboards and checking the translator, haha remind me of last time in school when learning English vocab and checking dictionary..

[Puteri harbour]

Things for thoughts

Country A
Property price 250k
Oil price a$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

Country B
Property price 100k
Oil price b$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

After 15years
Country A
Property price $3,000,000
Oil price a$2.2
exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

Country B
Property price $400,000
Oil price b$3
Exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

after 15 years
Country b people is happy but worse off in term of wealth compare to country a. Country a people can also be happy but usually not contended. Main reason why they are unhappy.
Country b people cannot travel as much as country a people due to weak exchange rate. Also cannot Afford to buy F16 or F5. Buy no money to maintain.
Country B govt say global oil price and food price increasing so cannot subsidize so much any more. if not, b govt become poor.
Country a people can still pay for oil without subsidies because strong exchange rate. if a pump petrol in b, b govt is subsidizing a people.

If the above is offensive, please read with open mind. As this is the fact of life. If one does not think using common sense, they will be taken advantage of. You need a forward looking govt who are able to implement unfavorable policies that are strategic for longterm rather policies that wish votes every 5 years.

NB: no govt are perfect but we have to remind them that they need to remember the heartlander. But not to the extent that they start forgoing long term goals for electoral votes......

I always believe in making things happy and does not like to wait for things to happy. Everyone can be happy as long as they are contended. I know of many single income families(household income 3000) that feed 4-6 mouths, camp some weekends at east coast park and yet very happy.

Also know many families, household income more than $10,000 but not happy. The reasons why they not happy? I am sure we all know....

Cheers,
PH
Which country you wish to be in?

[Puteri harbour]

I wish to be in country A so that I have the options to decide where I want to retire at a later stage in life......options to me is better than no options. Many citizens in many of our neighboring countries do not like their govt and thing that Singapore is good but yet they cannot afford the lifestyle here. The irony is that many of my countryman are complaining about life. I use to stay in a 5 rooms flats and my wife use to stay in a 3 room flats. We are able to be where we are because the education system and the job opportunities in Singapore give us a chance.

Many college and university graduate from work as domestic Helpers. I know of a guy that work for the car grooming company that I go to, was a lawyer from myamar.

I count myself lucky to me born in a country where I know I will succeed if I work hard and I does not need to worry about my life (try being born in african continent, south America, India (caste system) and etc.

My advice is make the best out of the worst. Or make the best even better if you are lucky.

Cheers,
PH


Things for thoughts

Country A
Property price 250k
Oil price a$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

Country B
Property price 100k
Oil price b$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

After 15years
Country A
Property price $3,000,000
Oil price a$2.2
exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

Country B
Property price $400,000
Oil price b$3
Exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

after 15 years
Country b people is happy but worse off in term of wealth compare to country a. Country a people can also be happy but usually not contended. Main reason why they are unhappy.
Country b people cannot travel as much as country a people due to weak exchange rate. Also cannot Afford to buy F16 or F5. Buy no money to maintain.
Country B govt say global oil price and food price increasing so cannot subsidize so much any more. if not, b govt become poor.
Country a people can still pay for oil without subsidies because strong exchange rate. if a pump petrol in b, b govt is subsidizing a people.

If the above is offensive, please read with open mind. As this is the fact of life. If one does not think using common sense, they will be taken advantage of. You need a forward looking govt who are able to implement unfavorable policies that are strategic for longterm rather policies that wish votes every 5 years.

NB: no govt are perfect but we have to remind them that they need to remember the heartlander. But not to the extent that they start forgoing long term goals for electoral votes......

I always believe in making things happy and does not like to wait for things to happy. Everyone can be happy as long as they are contended. I know of many single income families(household income 3000) that feed 4-6 mouths, camp some weekends at east coast park and yet very happy.

Also know many families, household income more than $10,000 but not happy. The reasons why they not happy? I am sure we all know....

Cheers,
PH
Which country you wish to be in?

[curiouscat]

It seems to me there are very few (if any) countries where people are mainly happy and satisfied. We generally find reasons to complain about whatever we have. As countries get richer often people complain more. Why this is, must be psychological. When the country is one where just meeting your basic needs is a worry you are either busy doing that or are happy you have done so (or tired from having done so).

As meeting basic needs becomes taken for granted people often start focusing on how much better things could be - and then are disappointed that they are not quite that good.

It is good that we strive for things to be better, I haven't seen anywhere where many things couldn't be improved. It would be nice if we could appreciate what we have while striving to make things better. Singapore might actually face a more difficult challenge now than it did in 1970. The tremendous economic success for such a small country results in high cost of living. This then means people need to do jobs that add a great deal of value in order to pay them enough just to live. Also, in such economies there will be a significant number of much richer people. People get jealous, that others have so much more than they do, and this is frustrating (even if they have 4 times as much as their great grandparents did - they focus more on how much better someone else has it today than how much better they have it than those before).

Johor offers Singapore an opportunity to help manage the process going forward. Without Johor Singapore's challenge would be significantly greater. And Singapore offers Johor great advantages for creating jobs and providing investment funds and expertise. Together I think the future is bright. It won't be perfect and people on both sides will complain I am sure. But I think very active ties will greatly benefit all sides.

[tansi]

definitely a nono to drive any foreign car in dear motherland, red plate opc is the only legal and less expensive instrument if one has to come back driving.
Hi guys,

not sure if this info is outdated. In the 90s, when i was still in the SPF , my incharge have to go to court as during a routine roadblock, he had caught a singaporean driving a malaysia car. that driver was charged with a heavy fine. You can also refer to http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/motoring_guide_overview.htm. Just my two cents worth.. "Bor Hua"

[yonglip]

Things for thoughts

Which country you wish to be in?

I think many of us would like to be in both countries!..thats why we are in this forum bro.

I think most of us would like to see both countries succeed..thats why we are so open minded about living/retiring in M'sia. For others who only see a win-lose situation, visiting JB would be the last thing on thier mind; not to talk about staying here.

Cheers.

[yonglip]

Bro, they did not provide exact location, but I think one of the sites is the plot of land in Bukit Indah 2 next to the shop houses leading to HH.

bro..i think if any transport hub is to happen there..it will most likely be at the circular park. There are only 2 plots of land left around the circular that is not planned for anything...one is where the existing showvillage sits and the other is directly opposite this plot. I think Setia, Handal and authorities would have to sit down to see how the BUS can complement the train route. Both plots are good candidates for a interchange that can be connected to a LRT/MRT station.

My 2 cents worth.

Cheers.

[greddy88]

Its more of a mom and dad issue, i cannot leave them behind no matter what. If they are not willing to go, then i have to reconsider the place and find a compromise. I am so glad your relatives like it in Thailand though.

Same here.
Actually I have applied Australian PR a couple of years ago.
In the meantime, I have been trying but so far unsuccessfully 'educate' both my wife and my parents that many Asians are there too.. HK, TW, SG, MY and of course PRC..
As we can't simply leave them behind.. so.. Plan B.. looking for somewhere nearer..JB. This somewhat fits for our long-term plans.. the only issue is CPF still getting locked.

Anyway, the PR is still not approved yet.. and we have some time to finally decide, find ways to let them see Australian living for themselves (and they like/ok with it, or forego that PR and get a house in JB..

[jasonjst]

bro..i think if any transport hub is to happen there..it will most likely be at the circular park. There are only 2 plots of land left around the circular that is not planned for anything...one is where the existing showvillage sits and the other is directly opposite this plot. I think Setia, Handal and authorities would have to sit down to see how the BUS can complement the train route. Both plots are good candidates for a interchange that can be connected to a LRT/MRT station.

My 2 cents worth.

Cheers.

bro , that Indah Circle / setia show village is most idea location , but I think is too small for transport hub . You actually need a very big place for such infracture . I hope they built there , it very convient for all of us .

[investjb]

For a limited period only, LEGOLAND Malaysia is offering pre-opening annual pass at RM195 for adults (normal price RM275) and RM150 for children (normal price RM210).

Gate prices are at RM140 for adults and RM110 for children while Mykad holders get a RM30 rebate at the gate. LEGOLAND Malaysia is the first such theme park to open in Asia-Pacific and the sixth in the world.

[blacksun]

For a limited period only, LEGOLAND Malaysia is offering pre-opening annual pass at RM195 for adults (normal price RM275) and RM150 for children (normal price RM210).

Gate prices are at RM140 for adults and RM110 for children while Mykad holders get a RM30 rebate at the gate. LEGOLAND Malaysia is the first such theme park to open in Asia-Pacific and the sixth in the world.
where to get this ticket?

[LeMans2011]

Wah... one year before opening oredi collecting money to finance project...

[blacksun]

how to get the ticket?

[toyohon]

New project at Danga Bay ..


3104

[yonglip]

For a limited period only, LEGOLAND Malaysia is offering pre-opening annual pass at RM195 for adults (normal price RM275) and RM150 for children (normal price RM210).

Gate prices are at RM140 for adults and RM110 for children while Mykad holders get a RM30 rebate at the gate. LEGOLAND Malaysia is the first such theme park to open in Asia-Pacific and the sixth in the world.

I think i will go for the annual pass...cant believe the price.

[yonglip]

bros can check out the Legoland parkmap..

http://www.legoland.com.my/Explore-LEGOLAND/Parkmap/

i know my 3 kids will love me to death every week starting from 2013..haha.

to think that this is just ONE of the THREE themeparks planned for Nusajaya area...sometimes i wonder whether the IDRA people have bitten more than they can chew.

cheers.

[araguy]

Re: Living in JB
List of forummers who have purchased or intend to purchase property in Johor. Hope those guests who are following this thread actively will also create their own account and join 'The List'. (Copy the whole list including this heading. Click 'Reply to Thread'. Paste it in your reply and add your nick and nationality to the list.)
# IMPORTANT - For new members, please try to make your first 10 post anywhere else before adding your nick to this list.

1. Wuqi256 (Singaporean) - The Gateway, The Golf, Nusa Duta -
Wuqi256 sisters (Singaporean), sister bf (SPR, East Malaysian [Kuching, Sarawak]). Wuqi256's relatives(Singaporean), friends (Singaporean, Malaysian (Malacca, KL, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan [Tenant]), German, Australian, Korean)and colleagues (Singaporean, Malaysians, soon to be Italian and UK)
-Total 29 (updated) bought so far in Nusajaya
2. Investor (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
3. Analytical Professor (Singaporean) - Kempas
4. Sanur - Leisure farm/polo view
5. Sanur's mum - Leisure Farm/bayou water village
6. Sanur's SIL - Leisure Farm/polo view
7. Jasonjst - Sutera Utama
8. Tansi - Leisure Farm
9. relaxmannn (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
10. nusajayaphile (Singaporean) - The Hills Precinct, Horizon Hills
11. Mahesh - Leisure Farm/pinggiran bayou
12. East539 (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
13. East539's Sis & Bro in law (Singaporean) - EL/LF
14. JazJoz - Horizon Hills
15. Lynn - east Ledang
16. TheGolf - HH
17. Grago. - Horizon Hills
18. Arsenal (British, North London, home of the gunner) - Horizon Hills
19. Vincentck & Wife (Both Msian, Vincent from Ipoh, Perak; wife from Selangor) - NI
20. mathstub- Horizon Hills
21. ShawnLow (Malaysian, JB Skudai) - Bestari Heights - Astoria
22. Skippy - Horizon Hill The Golf
23. LastResort Family (Singaporean) - Horizon Hills, The Gateway, The Hills & Fairway Suites
24. Kaeel - Nusa Idaman , Hill side Semi D
25. Lord Aragorn - The Straits View Residences, Permas Jaya
26. cathylmg (Singaporean) - Kempas
27. captw - Bukit Indah, Amelia 1
28. mallow - Nusajaya
29. IskandarRocks (Indian, Sg PR) - East Ledang, Imperia@Puteri Harbour
30. euphony - LF & mt. austin
31. narmi - NI
32. maxpark - Fairway Suites, Indahwalk3
33. Avalon74- Setia Eco Garden
34. Yonglip - Bestari Heights
35. AbuGumGum - Sungai Chat, Johor Bahru
36. 2bFree - HH
37. Aisanbo (Singaporean) - Sky Gardens Residences @ Setia Tropika, Setia Eco Cascadia
38. 29ers - LF
39. Weetabix - HH
40. SeriAustinian - Seri Austin, HH South Golf
41. iamapseudoneem - Nusa Idaman
42. Puteri Harbour (Singaporean) - Imperia@Puteri Harbour
43. Odyssey - HH-Golf
44. darrkie.y - taman molek
45. Leisure - KIV leisure farm pinggiran bayou, east ledang or 1 medini
46. avelc - Nusajaya
47. linked (Singaporean) - East Ledang
48. investjb (Malaysian, Sarawak) - Impiana, Ujana, Casa Almyra, Golden sands, horizon residence
49. limmcd (Malaysian, Johor, Sg PR) - HH, BI, Ujana, Fortune Point, Nusa villa, Horizon Residence
50. spidey (Malaysian, KL, Sg PR) - Bandar Dato Onn
51. Icyraine (Malaysia, Born in Penang, Grow up in KL, Work in JB) - HH (going to seal the deal on coming monday!), Sri Samudera, Golden Sands
52. Blue_S (Malaysian, Sarawak, SPR) - Ujana, Horizon Residence
53. fairies (Singaporean) - Ledang Heights
54. Fairwaysuites (Malaysian, Penang, SPR) - HH Golf and Fairway Suites
55. Ray2104 (Singaporean) -D'Esplanade Residence @ KSL City
56. Araguy(KL)-the golf ,HH & nusa duta

[IskandarRocks]

Hi all, I have a question for anyone currently living in East Ledang or know about the current rents.

My lease in Singapore expires early next year and I was considering renting a place in East Ledang for a year, before my own unit gets completed, perhaps early 2013. It might just be easier to get the interiors completed. And of course, the recent positive feedback on 'living in JB' makes it very tempting.

I looked online and could not believe that the asking rent for only one Semi D available was RM 10K and only one Terrace RM 7K. Is it really that bad? Or there is a big difference between the asking and going price. Of course, I will talk with agents but it may be too early. However, any feedback will be appreciated because if this is really the case, I will not even consider.

Thanks,

IR

[jedi23]

Hi, Everyone.
Newbie here.First and foremost,thks to wuqi256 for starting this thread,providing tons of information and to all those who have actively contributed .Btw wuqi256 congrats on the additional member to your family.
Currently searching high and low for a good and reliable contractor and i must say that is a real headache.Will be Visiting a few more this weekend and hopefully will get one after the rectifications works has been completed.At the moment gathering information from here and wondering when i'm able to complete the 710 pages...Any recommendations deeply appreciated.Thank you all and looking forward to contribute.Cheers and have a nice day ahead.

[euphony]

Hi IR you might like to see of you can contact her (http://expatjohor.blogspot.com/). In her blog she mentioned she rented EL place before whilst waiting for her own place to complete also in EL.


Hi all, I have a question for anyone currently living in East Ledang or know about the current rents.

My lease in Singapore expires early next year and I was considering renting a place in East Ledang for a year, before my own unit gets completed, perhaps early 2013. It might just be easier to get the interiors completed. And of course, the recent positive feedback on 'living in JB' makes it very tempting.

I looked online and could not believe that the asking rent for only one Semi D available was RM 10K and only one Terrace RM 7K. Is it really that bad? Or there is a big difference between the asking and going price. Of course, I will talk with agents but it may be too early. However, any feedback will be appreciated because if this is really the case, I will not even consider.

Thanks,

IR

[KittyMeow]

Yeah. Horrible cheap skate layout.


New project at Danga Bay ..


3104

[IskandarRocks]

Hi IR you might like to see of you can contact her (http://expatjohor.blogspot.com/). In her blog she mentioned she rented EL place before whilst waiting for her own place to complete also in EL.

Thanks euphony! Great site .....

[crystal_tiong]

http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/3-held-for-hair-salon-robberies-1.15986

3 held for hair salon robberies
0 comments
JOHOR BARU: A gang of robbers targeting hair saloons was busted in less than 24 hours after they robbed two outlets in Taman Bukit Indah and Taman Tan Sri Yaacob here back-to-back on Sunday afternoon.
The first hair salon was hit at 5.10 pm and the gang, consisting of three men and a woman, struck the next outlet at 5.30pm.

The trio struck the two outlets on the pretext of having their hair cut.

They threatened customers and proprietors with an electric stun gun before fleeing with their cash and valuables.

Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff said following the robberies, police from the Nusajaya district police immediately set up a special task force to nab the suspects.

"An all-points bulletin was issued and police managed to arrest two men and a woman, aged between 20 and 38, in the Bukit Indah area at about 4am on Monday.

"In addition, police also seized a Proton Gen-2 car used in the robberies, as well as an electric stun gun as well as five mobile phones."

Investigations revealed that the gang was not contented with the loot from the first robbery in Taman Bukit Indah and decided to use the same modus operandi on the second outlet at Taman Tan Sri Yaacob.



Mokhtar said all the suspects did not have any prior criminal records and police are investigating the case under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code for armed robbery.

In an unrelated case, police arrested two men for stealing metal blocks from a factory at Pasir Gudang on Monday morning.

Mokhtar said they were stopped by a crime prevention team after they behaving suspiciously.

"A check revealed that the duo were carrying a total of 19 compressed metal blocks worth about RM30,000 from a nearby factory.

"The suspects had been remanded until until tomorrow for theft."



Meanwhile, a syndicate that specialises in distributing heroin, syabu and Eramin 5 pills was recently crippled following the arrest of a man and woman, with the seizure of RM266,000 worth of drugs.

Police also seized a total of RM13,648 in cash and a Nissan Sentra car worth RM50,000 when the duo were stopped during a routine check by a police patrol unit along the Air Keroh-Pagoh stretch of the North-South Expressway at 3.45pm on Nov 29.

Mokhtar said the policemen from the patrol unit immediately arrested the 45-year-old man and the 36-year-old woman after finding what was believed to be illicit drugs in the car.

"The suspects also tested positive for methamphetemine which is the main component for syabu and both have various records for drug-related offences," he said at the Johor police contingent yesterday.

The duo had 7,500g of heroin, 4.4g of syabu and eight Eramin 5 pills in the car at the time.

Initial investigations reveled that they were believed to be travelling from the Klang Valley to transport the drugs to Johor and Singapore.

Mokhtar said the amount of drugs was considered substantial as it can supply about 2,500 drug addicts in the state alone.

"We are also working with other state counterparts to track down the remainding members of the syndicate and also determine the extent of their operations in the state."



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Read more: 3 held for hair salon robberies - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/3-held-for-hair-salon-robberies-1.15986#ixzz1fpoi9Xpw

[Icyraine]

to think that this is just ONE of the THREE themeparks planned for Nusajaya area...sometimes i wonder whether the IDRA people have bitten more than they can chew.

cheers.

Bro, three theme parks, one is legoland, one is PH indoor theme park and the last one is?

[jedi23]

Bro, three theme parks, one is legoland, one is PH indoor theme park and the last one is?

Hi Icyraine.
The 3 Theme Parks are Legoland Malaysia, Hello Kitty Theme Park and Theme Attractions Resorts.

[lastresort]

New Causeway toll likely fodder for Pakatan in Johor

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/new-causeway-toll-likely-fodder-for-pakatan-in-johor/

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — A new toll for the Causeway next year making it six times as expensive for roundtrips between Johor Baru and Singapore is set to be a major election issue in the Umno bastion and birthplace of Johor.

The Malaysian Insider understands project owner Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) has proposed a RM9.10 toll in each direction for passenger vehicles using its RM1 billion Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) highway from the Causeway to the immigration post.

However, the Umno-linked company is using an open toll system that charges the full fare at the new Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint regardless of where motorists exit or enter the highway — the latest facility for the ambitious Iskandar zone that celebrates its five-year anniversary this weekend.

The rest of the 8.1km stretch leading to the Pandan interchange of the North-South Highway will be free to local motorists.

With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak set to call a general election soon, sources said Putrajaya may be forced to delay or subsidise the toll that could be up to six times the current charge for roundtrips across the one kilometre bridge spanning both countries.

MRCB officials briefed the media and local stakeholders yesterday ahead of plans to launch the highway and tollbooths built at the CIQ complex in the first quarter of 2012.

The Malaysian Insider also learnt that local business leaders were concerned that, with the new CIQ already taking Singaporean tourists away from downturn Johor Baru, the EDL will see them skip the more inland Tebrau area as well.

Taxi drivers also called for an exemption as it would otherwise be unfeasible to ferry passengers across the Causeway.

When contacted by The Malaysian Insider, an MRCB spokesman said “we cannot comment on the toll because that is up to the government.”

However, the spokesman confirmed that toll will be levied on vehicles heading in both directions across the Causeway but local motorists within Johor be able to use the EDL free of charge.

“MRCB insists it won’t be major election issue but they refuse to make any statement on pricing. It will be suicide for the government to introduce the toll before elections,” a source close to the project told The Malaysian Insider.

Over 50,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, mostly Malaysians living in and around the state capital who commute to the island republic to work.

Johor Baru’s economy is also heavily reliant on Singaporeans who cross the Straits of Johor to enjoy cheaper prices there. Putrajaya set up the Iskandar zone five years ago to turn Johor Baru and its surrounding region into an economic growth area catering to the spillover from Singapore.

Cars and lorries exiting Singapore and heading into Johor now pay RM2.90 and RM5.50 respectively to use the bridge while motorcycles, which make up more than half of traffic across the Causeway, are exempt from the toll.

Singapore’s Straits Times reported in 2008 that the toll charges for the EDL will range from RM6.20 for passenger vehicles to RM12.40 for lorries entering Malaysia.

But with commuters being charged the combined fare in both directions, roundtrips on the 88-year-old bridge will cost five times more.

The English-language daily reported that rates will be raised every three years of the 30-year concession and will peak at RM14.60 for passenger vehicles and RM29.20 for lorries.

It also said the Causeway served 69 million person trips annually, nearly four times the annual traffic at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and that 75 per cent of the passenger cars crossing the bridge were Singapore-registered vehicles.

“It is a foregone conclusion that businesses in JB will be hit hard,” Johor Baru Small-Medium Enterprises Association president Teh Kee Sin told The Malaysian Insider.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Seri Shahrir Samad also said that “Malaysians working in Singapore will be upset” and called for the current RM2.90 fee to be abolished once the EDL is operational “as there is no logic to pay two different fees to use the same road.”

PKR held its national congress in Johor a fortnight ago, calling it a signal that it is ready to take over the state despite not winning a single seat in the Umno fortress at the last general election.

Although Election 2008 saw Pakatan Rakyat (PR) deny Barisan Nasional (BN) its customary two-thirds majority of Parliament and five state governments, Johor saw the ruling coalition sweep all but six state and one federal seat out of the 56 and 26 at stake respectively.

Umno MPs Shahrir and Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed from the neighbouring Pulai constituency retained their seats with comfortable 25,349 and 20,449-vote majorities respectively.

[ginfreely]

Things for thoughts

Country A
Property price 250k
Oil price a$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

Country B
Property price 100k
Oil price b$1
Exchange rate a$1/b$1

After 15years
Country A
Property price $3,000,000
Oil price a$2.2
exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

Country B
Property price $400,000
Oil price b$3
Exchange rate a$1/b$2.4

after 15 years
Country b people is happy but worse off in term of wealth compare to country a. Country a people can also be happy but usually not contended. Main reason why they are unhappy.
Country b people cannot travel as much as country a people due to weak exchange rate. Also cannot Afford to buy F16 or F5. Buy no money to maintain.
Country B govt say global oil price and food price increasing so cannot subsidize so much any more. if not, b govt become poor.
Country a people can still pay for oil without subsidies because strong exchange rate. if a pump petrol in b, b govt is subsidizing a people.

If the above is offensive, please read with open mind. As this is the fact of life. If one does not think using common sense, they will be taken advantage of. You need a forward looking govt who are able to implement unfavorable policies that are strategic for longterm rather policies that wish votes every 5 years.

NB: no govt are perfect but we have to remind them that they need to remember the heartlander. But not to the extent that they start forgoing long term goals for electoral votes......

I always believe in making things happy and does not like to wait for things to happy. Everyone can be happy as long as they are contended. I know of many single income families(household income 3000) that feed 4-6 mouths, camp some weekends at east coast park and yet very happy.

Also know many families, household income more than $10,000 but not happy. The reasons why they not happy? I am sure we all know....

Cheers,
PH
Which country you wish to be in?

The comparison has an important flaw as it missed out the vital income/salary growth factor over the same period. Asset growth without income growth at the same pace is one reason why people are not happy.

[yonglip]

Bro, three theme parks, one is legoland, one is PH indoor theme park and the last one is?


the whole chunk of land on the other side of the coastal highway opposite HH has been earmarked for international theme parks.

Now come to think about it, there is also the Genting theme park at JPO side.....too much land.

[Investor]

Hi all, I have a question for anyone currently living in East Ledang or know about the current rents.

My lease in Singapore expires early next year and I was considering renting a place in East Ledang for a year, before my own unit gets completed, perhaps early 2013. It might just be easier to get the interiors completed. And of course, the recent positive feedback on 'living in JB' makes it very tempting.

I looked online and could not believe that the asking rent for only one Semi D available was RM 10K and only one Terrace RM 7K. Is it really that bad? Or there is a big difference between the asking and going price. Of course, I will talk with agents but it may be too early. However, any feedback will be appreciated because if this is really the case, I will not even consider.

Thanks,

IR

Hi IskandarRocks,

Current rental rates for a terrace in East Ledang is RM3,xxx.
My friend rented out one of his terrace at RM3,600. I don't know the exact amount he got for his other unit.
There are various different sizes of terraces. Some are big corner units with land, so price varies.
Semi-d should be between RM6,000 - RM8,000.

[euphony]

there is one here (http://super325.com/2011/11/23/austin-heights-water-theme-park-coming-soon-20-photos/) though not in the immediate nusajaya vicinity and a as yet unnamed International Destination Resort east of kota iskandar???


the last one is?

[ginfreely]

I wish to be in country A so that I have the options to decide where I want to retire at a later stage in life......options to me is better than no options. Many citizens in many of our neighboring countries do not like their govt and thing that Singapore is good but yet they cannot afford the lifestyle here. The irony is that many of my countryman are complaining about life. I use to stay in a 5 rooms flats and my wife use to stay in a 3 room flats. We are able to be where we are because the education system and the job opportunities in Singapore give us a chance.

Many college and university graduate from work as domestic Helpers. I know of a guy that work for the car grooming company that I go to, was a lawyer from myamar.

I count myself lucky to me born in a country where I know I will succeed if I work hard and I does not need to worry about my life (try being born in african continent, south America, India (caste system) and etc.

My advice is make the best out of the worst. Or make the best even better if you are lucky.

Cheers,
PH

Hehe remind me of the time when I was a teenager, so supportive of PAP, think that their policies are for the good of the people and really thankful to be born in SG! Now I wonder why we always need to compare to the worse off countries and not the better ones.

Even these countries may not be really worse off, the people can come to SG and slog a few years, but when they return, they become big landlord with acres of land in their homeland, while SG born and bred will have to slog for the rest of life until 70 or 80? And I mean really slog as cleaners etc and not enjoying life flying here and there giving talks!

[euphony]

yeh think we're referring to same thing. it's pretty much no news though. Would be interesting to see the development spread there. I remember something about some sg developer coming in to co-develop was it a health zone or something to that tune? whatever happened to that? Where is it, anyone knows?


the whole chunk of land on the other side of the coastal highway opposite HH has been earmarked for international theme parks.

Now come to think about it, there is also the Genting theme park at JPO side.....too much land.

[ginfreely]

It seems to me there are very few (if any) countries where people are mainly happy and satisfied. We generally find reasons to complain about whatever we have. As countries get richer often people complain more. Why this is, must be psychological. When the country is one where just meeting your basic needs is a worry you are either busy doing that or are happy you have done so (or tired from having done so).

As meeting basic needs becomes taken for granted people often start focusing on how much better things could be - and then are disappointed that they are not quite that good.

It is good that we strive for things to be better, I haven't seen anywhere where many things couldn't be improved. It would be nice if we could appreciate what we have while striving to make things better. Singapore might actually face a more difficult challenge now than it did in 1970. The tremendous economic success for such a small country results in high cost of living. This then means people need to do jobs that add a great deal of value in order to pay them enough just to live. Also, in such economies there will be a significant number of much richer people. People get jealous, that others have so much more than they do, and this is frustrating (even if they have 4 times as much as their great grandparents did - they focus more on how much better someone else has it today than how much better they have it than those before).

Johor offers Singapore an opportunity to help manage the process going forward. Without Johor Singapore's challenge would be significantly greater. And Singapore offers Johor great advantages for creating jobs and providing investment funds and expertise. Together I think the future is bright. It won't be perfect and people on both sides will complain I am sure. But I think very active ties will greatly benefit all sides.

It is easy to dismiss any discontent of people as jealousy. SG has always got rich, middle and poor people but never had so much discontent before!

[euphony]

:eek: the proposed is even more expensive than tuas! so if MY side raise SG will follow? hope its just talk only...


New Causeway toll likely fodder for Pakatan in Johor

[Puteri harbour]

Of we look at trend from 1960s to now (including many other countries) the asset price always increase faster than income. That is why investing in real asset like commodities and properties is the only investment but timing is important.

Cheers,
PH


The comparison has an important flaw as it missed out the vital income/salary growth factor over the same period. Asset growth without income growth at the same pace is one reason why people are not happy.

[Puteri harbour]

Between, our income has be growing faster than many of our neighbouring countries over the years(including low income group). For our neighbouring friends not only do they have slower growth, they have depreciating assets and worse still slow growth assets. I would still prefer asset growth. Income/asset ratio can be good when both is low. But then, I will be a very poor person in my country as well as globally.

Worse still, one day the govt will go bankrupt subsidizing it's people and cannot afford global goods and technology.

Hope it helps.
PH


The comparison has an important flaw as it missed out the vital income/salary growth factor over the same period. Asset growth without income growth at the same pace is one reason why people are not happy.

[wuqi256]

Originally Posted by Puteri harbour
I wish to be in country A so that I have the options to decide where I want to retire at a later stage in life......options to me is better than no options. Many citizens in many of our neighboring countries do not like their govt and thing that Singapore is good but yet they cannot afford the lifestyle here. The irony is that many of my countryman are complaining about life. I use to stay in a 5 rooms flats and my wife use to stay in a 3 room flats. We are able to be where we are because the education system and the job opportunities in Singapore give us a chance.

Many college and university graduate from work as domestic Helpers. I know of a guy that work for the car grooming company that I go to, was a lawyer from myamar.

I count myself lucky to me born in a country where I know I will succeed if I work hard and I does not need to worry about my life (try being born in african continent, south America, India (caste system) and etc.

My advice is make the best out of the worst. Or make the best even better if you are lucky.

Cheers,
PH


Hi PH, Contentment does not depend on what one have but rather what one is comfortable with. Despite having blinkers and blind faith, i can feel the water temperature rising. I got my education overseas and i found my job while overseas and i pay my taxes when its due. I am not as lucky as you and your wife as i stayed in a studio rental flat in my youth and grew up there. My dad and mum slaved long and hard in order to upgrade to a 3 room flat. Not because they were given the flat. We were also told that my younger sister will not be given education unless my mother went for an op to stop having kids. My dad was fined heavily. My uncle was a Chinese educated guy and when they switched to the English medium, he and a friend of mine (my Secondary school teacher eventually) were out of options and hard pressed to find good jobs.

Both country B and A has options, else you wouldn't see folks from country B making money and sending kids for education. Despite the discrepancy in the currency, folks from country B can still send kids to school in A though they are foreigners. Yes we should be contented but i agree that should not stop one from having options. Contentment and self preservation are 2 different things. There are primarily 2 groups of people coming out from SG to Johore, the ones who need another home and the ones who are here to escape the costs in country A.

Working hard doesn't always guarantee success in both countries A & B, i have seen lots of cases in country A where in the end, the flat they worked so hard to pay off was SERS and in the end, way past their prime and in their golden years, they have to service a new loan for a new flat. Lets look at reality, how many banks will loan to you at age 60 and above? Its not just about contentment that some guys from country A are now, for some, its survival. Complaining and doing something about it will give one a better chance than just complaining and not doing anything. Yet some do not complain but make plans for the long term. In the first place, if everyone in this world from country B-Z is contented, they wouldn't be in country A in the first place would they? Its not about contentment that is the push factor as there are many others.

Yes country A may have a better education but it doesn't guarantee anything especially nowadays people from Country B to Z can come by without needing to go through the education standards that country A has. There is no guarantee in country A these days that just because you work hard, you will have jobs. There are lots of people who are educated or highly educated but without jobs. Some for years. Where are their jobs? Some are even willing to lower their expectations and have the relevant skillsets and education yet that does not guarantee them anything much alone success. The country A both you and i grew up in is no longer the country A anymore.

To blame migration or seeking an alternative place all on contentment issues would be slightly myopic in my humble opinion.

There are those that will succeed because of their government, there are also those that will succeed despite of their government.
Both countries A & B has their fair share of people like that.

[Puteri harbour]

Every citizens can have the same options and give up citizenship when they think that their govt is not good enough and I am sure many other countries are more happy to welcome them. The problem with Singaporeans is that they are not contented. No country can hide in a cave forever. Globalization will open all markets. It is a matter of time. It is better to compete and learn early than to panic later. We do not have the luxury of resources like middle easy and Australia.....

Cheers,
PH


Hehe remind me of the time when I was a teenager, so supportive of PAP, think that their policies are for the good of the people and really thankful to be born in SG! Now I wonder why we always need to compare to the worse off countries and not the better ones.

Even these countries may not be really worse off, the people can come to SG and slog a few years, but when they return, they become big landlord with acres of land in their homeland, while SG born and bred will have to slog for the rest of life until 70 or 80? And I mean really slog as cleaners etc and not enjoying life flying here and there giving talks!

[Aisanbo]

:eek: the proposed is even more expensive than tuas! so if MY side raise SG will follow? hope its just talk only...
In a way, it's good.....if the toll fee is not increased for those not using EDL.
At least there's a choice for people to escape the jam at CIQ if they willing to pay.
That's additional s$8 per day or s$160/mth which I think is worth it if there's no jam and makes it feasible for daily smooth commuting.

[wuqi256]

Hehe remind me of the time when I was a teenager, so supportive of PAP, think that their policies are for the good of the people and really thankful to be born in SG! Now I wonder why we always need to compare to the worse off countries and not the better ones.

Even these countries may not be really worse off, the people can come to SG and slog a few years, but when they return, they become big landlord with acres of land in their homeland, while SG born and bred will have to slog for the rest of life until 70 or 80? And I mean really slog as cleaners etc and not enjoying life flying here and there giving talks!

I was one of those believers back then. People will always compare to the worse off to make themselves feel better, that way, they can continue to cheat themselves and continue to stay in the pot even as the water temperature rises.

Yes thats the thing, there are people in this forum who makes enough to qualify in the top 20% and yes they are able to feed themselves and some can even feed 9 others on one persons salary. Lets call this person, a financial "strongman".

This is only a temporary situation as no one will be up there forever. Yet while he is there, one can easily see people suffering around him and tries to help but that the solution for them isn't in Singapore unless they can dramatically and drastically improve their lot and catch up with the spiraling costs.

The cost of living is now starting to be so high that many are barely catching a breath. Yes country B may have more problems than country A but people in country B, at least some of them can still survive with one persons salary. How many in country A can do that? Its not about cutting piano/violin/ballet lessons but just on a survival basis.

What happens when one day that "strongman" falls through recession, financial turmoil and loses his job? Country A people always have to be on tenterhooks, no matter how highly qualified they are as education, academic success and working hard is by no means the only criteria where one is judged/hired by. People can afford to fail in country B, as an employer myself, i have seen that but not in country A where failure is still seen as not an option.

There has to be a back up plan if the "strongman" fails, even with substantial savings or investments, the ever rising costs and inflation will surely eat away through the years and what about the dependants on this "strongman".

[wuqi256]

Every citizens can have the same options and give up citizenship when they think that their govt is not good enough and I am sure many other countries are more happy to welcome them. The problem with Singaporeans is that they are not contented. No country can hide in a cave forever. Globalization will open all markets. It is a matter of time. It is better to compete and learn early than to panic later. We do not have the luxury of resources like middle easy and Australia.....

Cheers,
PH

PH, agree with some of your points but the issue is not just about contentment, for some its a bread and butter issue. This brings me to the question Mr V gave to others when asked to raised the handout given to the poor. Its not about restaurants or foodcourt but for some, they can't even afford coffeeshop let alone hawker centre. There are those who are drawn by the pull factor yet lots of others leave because of push factors. As what you say, globalisation is here and its here to stay, which is why whatever rules that use to hold true for country A is no longer as true. There are way more factors dictacting ones success than just hardwork and education. The easiest way to illustrate this is cost.

People from country A may need a minimum of $3k for a household for example. People from country C can subsist on $1k as their families and needs such as education, food are not in Singapore. What is going to happen when both compete for the same $3k job. Assuming all things being equal, country C can afford to go down 2/3 but can the country A guy match even half of that and still provide for the family?

[Whathefish]

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers/people/pp-s17.pdf

Look at page 7, and you'll see which tier has benefited from the past decade.

I am ok, i've got pretty good basket of investments, properties, savings. However, how about the poorer 20 percentile of our citizens? How about our next generation?

[wuqi256]

Between, our income has be growing faster than many of our neighbouring countries over the years(including low income group). For our neighbouring friends not only do they have slower growth, they have depreciating assets and worse still slow growth assets. I would still prefer asset growth. Income/asset ratio can be good when both is low. But then, I will be a very poor person in my country as well as globally.

Worse still, one day the govt will go bankrupt subsidizing it's people and cannot afford global goods and technology.

Hope it helps.
PH

Having appreciating assets help only when one has more than a house or able to sell it and move to another. The market forces today dictates one to look at reality when looking at how these assets can be used. Many of country A people has to continually adapt and change in order just to survive and can ill afford to sell their "appreciating" asset only to buy another "appreciating" asset at the same or higher price. How would that person benefit from said growth unless he "downgrades" or seeks other alternatives. The folks up there has to look at the next step, yes we have this asset which is now worth this much, what can we do with it? For many people, there are not much they can do, it does look good on paper but what else can they do with it? Speaking of depreciating assets, COE is one (gone in 10 years) and our CPF is actually another one unless one actively plans and look at it.

Else the growth in the interest will not even cover inflation. Like a learned bro of mine just recently found out, he was happy with a 3.5% pay raise until another learned colleague burst his bubble when he told him that will not even cover inflation.

[ginfreely]

Of we look at trend from 1960s to now (including many other countries) the asset price always increase faster than income. That is why investing in real asset like commodities and properties is the only investment but timing is important.

Cheers,
PH

My point was in your comparison, you showed asset growth to be much higher in country A than country B but did not show the income growth. Without income growth, country A looks better, but once include income growth, country B may be better after all...why? Becos even if the income growth is slower in country B than country A, the asset growth is also slower making life easier for the people in country B to afford these assets. Whereas country A people have a worse life with slow income growth and high asset growth! After all not everybody wants to sell off assets, pack up and leave one's country, the majority of people want to settle down and grow old in one's own country.

[wuqi256]

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers/people/pp-s17.pdf

Look at page 7, and you'll see which tier has benefited from the past decade.

I am ok, i've got pretty good basket of investments, properties, savings. However, how about the poorer 20 percentile of our citizens? How about our next generation?

Yes, we need to look far and seriously at ourselves. Its really not just about contentment, you can only be contented when you have a stomach that is not constantly growling. There are already those who don't even have a roof over their heads and i am not talking about people who didn't make an effort for themselves. Only when their basic needs for food (not talking about restaurants or foodcourt), medical, housing are met and they are not happy can we even say they are discontented.

To illustrate, I have a relative who was forced out of the flat that she fully paid for and had to sell it as she was the only one living there and also as they got SERS. She then have to squeeze in with her sons/daughters and in the end the son-in-law has to help take care of her. This was one very enterprising and smart lady who made money selling noodles when she was young. She made the mistake of paying up the place and then when she got SERs, that was when the downhill ride started.

Another one, similar case, no money to go for the new flats even though it was discounted, it was still way more than what his old place costs (and could fetch), at his old age, which bank can loan him money? In the end, have to rent and stay with a complete stranger.

[wuqi256]

My point was in your comparison, you showed asset growth to be much higher in country A than country B but did not show the income growth. Without income growth, country A looks better, but once include income growth, country B may be better after all...why? Becos even if the income growth is slower in country B than country A, the asset growth is also slower making life easier for the people in country B to afford these assets. Whereas country A people have a worse life with slow income growth and high asset growth! After all not everybody wants to sell off assets, pack up and leave one's country, the majority of people want to settle down and grow old in one's own country.


Agree. Especially for assets in country A, how easy is it to liquidate the assets if one still wants to live in country A? You sell your flat and downgrade but hey there are rules to stop you downgrading. Even if you do, then what, to to find a very rural new HDB that somehow did not appreciate with market forces and buy? Then go through the same circle and hope for the best? Asset growth may have grown in Country A but seriously income growth has not changed much and certainly not enough to account for inflation.

If one can grow old undisturbed by mounting medical and daily bills, who would want to leave ones own land and leave the things that they were familiar with? Its really not just the pull but the guys in charge should take a long hard look at the push factors. When one or two staff is unhappy, you can blame it on them being choosy or discontented, but when many are unhappy, one should quickly get a mirror and start looking at oneself.

[ginfreely]

Every citizens can have the same options and give up citizenship when they think that their govt is not good enough and I am sure many other countries are more happy to welcome them. The problem with Singaporeans is that they are not contented. No country can hide in a cave forever. Globalization will open all markets. It is a matter of time. It is better to compete and learn early than to panic later. We do not have the luxury of resources like middle easy and Australia.....

Cheers,
PH

Why should we give up citizenship when we think the govt is not good enough? We should give up the govt instead! Remember PAP is not Singapore!!

[wuqi256]

Rather than sneering at Singaporeans because they are "discontented", one should realise that there isn't smoke without fire.
Things didn't get bad overnight.

The guys up there in country A should look at what they are doing and be pragmatic in realising that some policies is as
unsustainable as some policies in country B. You can't continually sacrifice and put your own people in 2nd place and expect
them to be happy.

I still believe in country A and hope more can be done, instead of blaming the people, they can choose to help the people, for once.
(I mean the real type of help, not the type of help that HDB uncles/aunties groan about every time they see more "help")

[wuqi256]

Why should we give up citizenship when we think the govt is not good enough? We should give up the govt instead! Remember PAP is not Singapore!!

Unfortunately, many of us were not around (including myself) when SG existed without them. Lets not forget even certain ruling parties now used to be the opposition parties too.

Definitely, the party just represent certain groups of people, i always differentiate between the party and the country.

[avelc]

Meanwhile, possible boost for Johor properties...

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1170002/1/.html

SINGAPORE: The government has imposed an Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) for private property of between 3 per cent and 10 per cent for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and foreigners to moderate investment demand for private residential property and promote a more stable and sustainable market.

The changes take effect on December 8.

Foreigners will pay 10 per cent Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) for any residential property.

Permanent Residents owning one and buying second and subsequent properties will pay 3 per cent ABSD.

Singaporeans owning two and buying a third and subsequent residential properties will pay 3 per cent Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty.

The ABSD will be imposed over and above the current Buyer's Stamp Duty, which are 1 per cent on the first $180,000 of purchase consideration or market value of the property (whichever is higher), 2 per cent on the next $180,000 and 3 per cent for the remainder.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Finance and National Development ministries say the government's objective is to promote a sustainable residential property market where prices move in line with economic fundamentals.

They said prices of private residential properties have continued to rise, albeit more slowly in the last two quarters.

Prices are now 13 per cent above the peak in the second quarter of 1996, and 16 per cent above the more recent peak in the second quarter of 2008.

They said that even with the current economic uncertainties, the demand for private residential property remains firm.

[wuqi256]

Thanks for sharing about the crime Crystal, just heard from one of the shop keepers as i went to buy some double sided tape. They still don't know/don't believe the trio already got caught though. I joked with him that Satu Malaysia and racial integration must be working so well now that robbers are even carrying out the deed in a mixed racial manner.

[wuqi256]

On a lighter note, just got a small MPV for the wife and let her take my son around our place with sunroof opened. Promised her a car with a sun roof when i was still in my teens, though she has changed a couple of cars but never managed to find one that made her so happy. My son had a field time sticking himself up and enjoying the breeze (proper supervision was done and several layers of SAF strength black tape was firmly taped and an adult with him to ensure his safety.)

[Puteri harbour]

True but country a guys have a choice to go down two third and spend in country c. If country c is unhappy they will not have a choice.... In country a, nobody die in the street cause there is always bursary, social assistance for the poor while in many countries, the leaders are corrupted and cheat on the poor and the poor die in the street.

Disclaimer: I am not a supporter of any political party but a proponent of good economic policies(sometime unpopular)

Cheers,
PH



PH, agree with some of your points but the issue is not just about contentment, for some its a bread and butter issue. This brings me to the question Mr V gave to others when asked to raised the handout given to the poor. Its not about restaurants or foodcourt but for some, they can't even afford coffeeshop let alone hawker centre. There are those who are drawn by the pull factor yet lots of others leave because of push factors. As what you say, globalisation is here and its here to stay, which is why whatever rules that use to hold true for country A is no longer as true. There are way more factors dictacting ones success than just hardwork and education. The easiest way to illustrate this is cost.

People from country A may need a minimum of $3k for a household for example. People from country C can subsist on $1k as their families and needs such as education, food are not in Singapore. What is going to happen when both compete for the same $3k job. Assuming all things being equal, country C can afford to go down 2/3 but can the country A guy match even half of that and still provide for the family?

[IskandarRocks]

Hi IskandarRocks,

Current rental rates for a terrace in East Ledang is RM3,xxx.
My friend rented out one of his terrace at RM3,600. I don't know the exact amount he got for his other unit.
There are various different sizes of terraces. Some are big corner units with land, so price varies.
Semi-d should be between RM6,000 - RM8,000.

Thanks Investor! This is much better.

[ginfreely]

Unfortunately, many of us were not around (including myself) when SG existed without them. Lets not forget even certain ruling parties now used to be the opposition parties too.

Definitely, the party just represent certain groups of people, i always differentiate between the party and the country.

Yeah don't know why people are so afraid of changing the party running a government? The party running can become opposition and opposition can become govt. People seem to forget how much and how quickly the present govt has lost money through those investments.

[Bluereeff]

Agree. Especially for assets in country A, how easy is it to liquidate the assets if one still wants to live in country A? You sell your flat and downgrade but hey there are rules to stop you downgrading. Even if you do, then what, to to find a very rural new HDB that somehow did not appreciate with market forces and buy? Then go through the same circle and hope for the best? Asset growth may have grown in Country A but seriously income growth has not changed much and certainly not enough to account for inflation.

If one can grow old undisturbed by mounting medical and daily bills, who would want to leave ones own land and leave the things that they were familiar with? Its really not just the pull but the guys in charge should take a long hard look at the push factors. When one or two staff is unhappy, you can blame it on them being choosy or discontented, but when many are unhappy, one should quickly get a mirror and start looking at oneself.


Dont be too happy. One day country B will become like country A. Never say never!

[Whathefish]

True but country a guys have a choice to go down two third and spend in country c. If country c is unhappy they will not have a choice.... In country a, nobody die in the street cause there is always bursary, social assistance for the poor while in many countries, the leaders are corrupted and cheat on the poor and the poor die in the street.

Disclaimer: I am not a supporter of any political party but a proponent of good economic policies(sometime unpopular)

Cheers,
PH

Bro, not everyone in country A can choose to go down and spend in less expensive country. (of coz i agree country C cannot go to A). Assets appreciation only benefits certain groups of the society, and depends on Timing(years). You guys benefited more (i.e. able to buy more properties), i've got only 3. But, have we spared a thought for those who are not, and cannot benefit from any assets appreciation? Worst still, what if assets depreciates like other countries? (leasehold depreciation curve, value = zero at end of lease)

I'm a investor, if the yield is good, i'll continue to invest in shares, properties as such. If buying more properties prevents another home stayer from owning a house, or have to buy at higher rates because i contributed to the appreciation (demand), will i be morally upright and say, i think i should stop??

Humans are greedy in nature. Individuals are greedy. It takes a morally upright govt to do the right thing, and not the popular thing.

And i'm glad Khaw B W made his point now.

[Puteri harbour]

The wealth to do need to redistribute and be a kind person. Let hope Singaporean will become more generous and gracious especially those that benefit a lot from the economic growth.


http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers/people/pp-s17.pdf

Look at page 7, and you'll see which tier has benefited from the past decade.

I am ok, i've got pretty good basket of investments, properties, savings. However, how about the poorer 20 percentile of our citizens? How about our next generation?

[Whathefish]

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/pubn/papers/people/pp-s17.pdf

Look at page 7, and you'll see which tier has benefited from the past decade.

I am ok, i've got pretty good basket of investments, properties, savings. However, how about the poorer 20 percentile of our citizens? How about our next generation? Sry, wrong page, Page 5, table 5, clearer on the disparity of income.

[wuqi256]

True but country a guys have a choice to go down two third and spend in country c. If country c is unhappy they will not have a choice.... In country a, nobody die in the street cause there is always bursary, social assistance for the poor while in many countries, the leaders are corrupted and cheat on the poor and the poor die in the street.Disclaimer: I am not a supporter of any political party but a proponent of good economic policies(sometime unpopular)

Cheers,
PH

There are also people in Country A who can't even afford to go to Country C. If we keep comparing Country A to only countries that are "3rd" world, its not being fair to Country A as country A is a 1st world country.

Neither am i a supporter of any party but while you may not see many dying in the streets, there are definitely homeless, people who go hungry constantly or sick who don't go to seek medical help in Country A. There are still people who go hungry and people in power refused them help.

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2007/04/parliamentary-exchange-between-lily-neo-and-mcys-minister/

As for medical, whenever one mention medical to many elders, they are always saying "One can afford to die but not get sick in Country A", this is reality. If they were just discontented, they would have said, "One can only afford Class C ward in Country A"

Just because they are in Country A does not mean that they are not living in 3rd world conditions. If one truly believes that there is no corruption in Country A, please do a search online for SLA corruption.

We can only claim country A is cleaner but just like a toilet, we need to take a real pragmatic look at reality. No matter how clean, there will always be some germs. No place is 100% clean.

Its not about taking a populist stance, its to face up to the hard reality that is facing much of the local people in Country A today. Despite being (perceived) in a better country, much of them may not have as much in reality especially when they grow old and like what other forummers mentioned, for the next generation.

I was told that folks at operational level needs to look past the day to day, at senior level, they have to get past the tactical and look to strategic, 5 years and beyond. Country A has done lots of things seriously well, just some of the policies need to be tweaked.

Just like you may win a battle but you lose a war. Certain policies can be easily tweaked and more efficiencies gather to serve the people better.

A straightforward one, such as merging those different departments for different races. Instead of a specific race development fund, it could be a Country A development fund. There are people of diverse races already working in these departments (as it should be as this is Country A after all and racial harmony should always be maintained), so its no longer a question of, "Oh this person is of the same race, so he will give me more assistance" We should be way past that now given that Country A is "first world"

Better efficiency,lesser manpower and costs could be realised if these departments were to be merged. They can still keep all their means testing but this will ensure that more resources can be properly allocated.

[wuqi256]

Dont be too happy. One day country B will become like country A. Never say never!

Yes never say never.

Still for those on top now, there will never be one who will be on top forever, change is the only permanence in life. There were the Ottoman empire and countless other superpowers through the ages. Where are they now? Unlike a lot of these, Country A has no resources and easy fallback plan. Ok correction, now they have in some ways. ;)

Still, a small country is always at the mercy of bigger countries. That will never change though there are steps one can circumvent that but at what cost?
If there is global famine and price of rice goes up to $500 USD a kilogram, even if its subsidized, many would have to switch to alternative staples (assuming its even available) since Country A (as we all know) has nothing much in the way of natural resources.

Its going to just take a regional war to wipe out certain economies as they are fragile, Countries like country B or C will likely still survive. Someone once asked me this years ago, an interesting question to ponder: "When people were starving to death in Country A during the Japanese occupation, how did people in Country B fare even though they were also occupied?

Were the common folks (not talking about POWs) starving just like those in Country A?"

[wuqi256]

The wealth to do need to redistribute and be a kind person. Let hope Singaporean will become more generous and gracious especially those that benefit a lot from the economic growth.

Some definitely will but most won't unfortunately as they think most people from Country A is just "complaining" and being discontented. Instead of trying to help those in genuine need, they rather spend more time and effort disparaging them for being choosy/discontented. GDP does not necessarily translate to overall economic benefits for the man in the street.

My time spent in a fast food chain (factory worker on weekends and security guard at night, yes really thanks to them, i have great jobs like that) when i was young trying to feed the family and study at the same time was quite useful.

They taught me that "Customers who complain are the best customers, it shows that they have still residual faith and goodwill in the organisation hence we should sift out those frivolous complains from those genuine ones that need our urgent attention" These are people who we can and should do a lot for as a complaining customer still has a very high chance of becoming a "returning" customer.

The customers that we fear for the most are those that either have voiced out or not heard or those who have given up and moved on to another organisation. Those we can no longer do much for as they no longer give us a chance. Discontentment is one thing but find the root cause, remove the straw from the cauldron and the water will stop boiling.

Why does one need to go overseas to attract your own people back when you can make easier decisions for them while they are still here? Isn't prevention better than cure?

[wuqi256]

Yeah don't know why people are so afraid of changing the party running a government? The party running can become opposition and opposition can become govt. People seem to forget how much and how quickly the present govt has lost money through those investments.

I believe that they have grown to used to the system that they cannot be living without it so they don't even want to think about it.
Ignorance is bliss. I still believe that things haven't gone so bad that they cannot fix it.

http://youtu.be/Z7BuQFUhsRM

[Whathefish]

Some definitely will but most won't unfortunately as they think most people from Country A is just "complaining" and being discontented. Instead of trying to help those in genuine need, they rather spend more time and effort disparaging them for being choosy/discontented. GDP does not necessarily translate to overall economic benefits for the man in the street.

My time spent in a fast food chain (factory worker on weekends and security guard at night, yes really thanks to them, i have great jobs like that) when i was young trying to feed the family and study at the same time was quite useful.

They taught me that "Customers who complain are the best customers, it shows that they have still residual faith and goodwill in the organisation hence we should sift out those frivolous complains from those genuine ones that need our urgent attention" These are people who we can and should do a lot for as a complaining customer still has a very high chance of becoming a "returning" customer.

The customers that we fear for the most are those that either have voiced out or not heard or those who have given up and moved on to another organisation. Those we can no longer do much for as they no longer give us a chance. Discontentment is one thing but find the root cause, remove the straw from the cauldron and the water will stop boiling.

Why does one need to go overseas to attract your own people back when you can make easier decisions for them while they are still here? Isn't prevention better than cure?

Totally agree. Complains are just voices from the people, some valid, some nonsensical. It takes wise leaders to discern which is which. It takes lazy leaders to ignore all. It takes morally corrupted leaders to sleeve out those which serves their own purposes. It takes stupid leaders to work on all complains.

[wuqi256]

Sry, wrong page, Page 5, table 5, clearer on the disparity of income.

Nothing to be sorry about as this thread has grown pretty long, sometimes i forget what is where sometimes.
Thanks for sharing this back then. :)

[euphony]

Totally agree. Complains are just voices from the people, some valid, some nonsensical. It takes wise leaders to discern which is which. It takes lazy leaders to ignore all. It takes morally corrupted leaders to sleeve out those which serves their own purposes. It takes stupid leaders to work on all complains.

wow very short, sweet and amply astute observation!

[wuqi256]

One observation i have is that, most of country A people are smart enough, at least book smart and some to a lesser degree, streetsmart.
Unfortunately, just like my family members (dads generation), most of them are crabs in a bucket. The infighting and non cooperation in the family doomed most of them to obscurity and a very mundance existance. Its as if they are still fighting one another in their mothers (my grandma's) womb. Things have changed slightly now, probably because unlike the crabs, i was born a lobster (hehehe). Hence instead of fighting, i believe in sharing. Now my sisters and some of my aunts (the nice ones and non crabs) have houses here too, things have changed 180 degrees at least with some members of my family. There is way more trust and sharing than in the past.

No one would ever have thought we would progress to this new level. Johore has been a boost to the flagging family relations that have plagued the generation before me. Having tried more than 2 years of bringing my grandmother out every weekend (and failing) to still boost family relations made me finally stop and realise it was not going anywhere. Sometimes all some people need is a listening ear, they may not even need a helping hand. If even we don't help each other, who will?
We need to succeed together, not get each other into trouble. For animal lovers who care enough to stick a sticker on their car to say "Be kind to animals", please realise that sometimes there are helpless people too and humans are also animals. Please be kind to them too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_mentality
Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs. Individually, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the hill" competition (or sabotage) which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise. The analogy in human behavior is that of a group that will attempt to "pull down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy, conspiracy or competitive feelings.

This term is broadly associated with short-sighted, non-constructive thinking rather than a unified, long-term, constructive mentality. It is also often used colloquially in reference to individuals or communities attempting to "escape" a so-called "underprivileged life," but kept from doing so by others attempting to ride upon their coat-tails or those who simply resent their success.[1]

[johnny333]

As for medical, whenever one mention medical to many elders, they are always saying "One can afford to die but not get sick in Country A", this is reality. If they were just discontented, they would have said, "One can only afford Class C ward in Country A"

.

I live in Country A & a few years ago I had a heart attack & even though I had more than enough $$$ in my medisave account, I still had to pay thousands because the gov't limits the amount I can use. In fact I ended paying more out of pocket than I could claim from medisave :rolleyes:

One of the medical options recommended by my doctor was open heart surgery. I have enough $$$ in my medisave account to pay for the procedure, but the problem is that the PAP won't let me touch my own money to cover the costs:mad:

If I had decided to go through with the open heart surgery, I could have done it cheaper in Bangkok at one of the private hospitals:eek:

[horizonhills]

Those living or invested in Horizon Hills must rejoice with me in this piece of great news yet again.

Yesterday, my friend managed to sell off his Horizon Hills Superlink TERRACE ( TERRACE, not Cluster or semis ) Totally BARE unit.

The price is RM 1.3 million + resale.

A few other Superlinks ( big terraces ) have been sold recently for RM 1.1million already.

Those semis facing the Golf course at the Gateway, I heard from the HH salesmen that one was recently sold for RM 1.6 million +.

At this rate, below RM 1 million houses cannot be found in HH soon.

Yesterday the Spore government announced yet another major round of coolig measures to deter the prices from shooting up.

For sure the investors will start looking to snap up more houses in HH and nearby as there are no restriction on any ownerships or property investments here yet.

[LGLab]

Those living or invested in Horizon Hills must rejoice with me in this piece of great news yet again.

Yesterday, my friend managed to sell off his Horizon Hills Superlink TERRACE ( TERRACE, not Cluster or semis ) Totally BARE unit.

The price is RM 1.3 million + resale.

A few other Superlinks ( big terraces ) have been sold recently for RM 1.1million already.

Those semis facing the Golf course at the Gateway, I heard from the HH salesmen that one was recently sold for RM 1.6 million +.

At this rate, below RM 1 million houses cannot be found in HH soon.

Yesterday the Spore government announced yet another major round of coolig measures to deter the prices from shooting up.

For sure the investors will start looking to snap up more houses in HH and nearby as there are no restriction on any ownerships or property investments here yet.

wait for me!!!

d0nt shoot sooo fast till i cant buy !
lol

[teck21]

Yesterday, my friend managed to sell off his Horizon Hills Superlink TERRACE ( TERRACE, not Cluster or semis ) Totally BARE unit.

The price is RM 1.3 million + resale.

A few other Superlinks ( big terraces ) have been sold recently for RM 1.1million already.

Those semis facing the Golf course at the Gateway, I heard from the HH salesmen that one was recently sold for RM 1.6 million +.


Ummm, seriously? I barely just bought my unit, but I will cash out instantly if so lol. That kind of price is absolutely absurd.

[LGLab]

Ummm, seriously? I barely just bought my unit, but I will cash out instantly if so lol. That kind of price is absolutely absurd.

Boss, urs also superlink?

[horizonhills]

Yes. Check the caveat around Feb or March and the prices should be reflected. I really cannot believe it but he has showed me the contracts early this morning. Suddenly I feel that RM 3 million upsized bungalows in HH left unsold now look cheaper. When they were RM 1.7m to RM 1.9M, I avoid cos I feel it is grossly overpriced. Now the resale are hitting RM 3million. No wonder I see more and more maseratis, lambos and Bentley during my weekend golf session recently


Ummm, seriously? I barely just bought my unit, but I will cash out instantly if so lol. That kind of price is absolutely absurd.

[horizonhills]

Come to think of it, RM 1.3million is S$500,000. If you think this is a crazy price, wait till u hear about S$1 million ( RM 2.3 million ) pigeon HDBs in Singapore now. Anyway HDB flats on average is hitting S$400K or RM 1 million now. Sporeans are getting smarter by paying the same amount and staying in landed.

[spidey]

In a way, it's good.....if the toll fee is not increased for those not using EDL.
At least there's a choice for people to escape the jam at CIQ if they willing to pay.
That's additional s$8 per day or s$160/mth which I think is worth it if there's no jam and makes it feasible for daily smooth commuting.

OMG - If I understand correctly what they have written about this - there is no choice for the ppl using the causeway! the toll booth will be located near/in the CIQ. So, irregardless if you wish to use the EDL or the Tebrau way - you gotta pay, the moment you pass thru the CIQ!
Those that do not need to pay are ppl using the EDL without hitting the causeway! The changes from 2.90RM currently to 9 bucks..if I am not mistaken....much more expensive than Tuas! knn!!

Normally i use the causeway rather than Tuas, if this is true better have to think twice already....

[yonglip]

Ummm, seriously? I barely just bought my unit, but I will cash out instantly if so lol. That kind of price is absolutely absurd.

reminds me of the newbie PRs that comes in to buy HDB flats in the last few years. They do not know what is the actual market price and just pay whatever the owner is asking cos when they compare SG with other major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, still cheap. They forgot to compare SG to SG. In the process, these PRs spoil the market and drive up the price resulting in many Singaporeans turning to BTO.

I think at this rate, it will be no time before M'sian govt intro more cooling measures like raising the min to RM750K for foreigners...

[teck21]

reminds me of the newbie PRs that comes in to buy HDB flats in the last few years. They do not know what is the actual market price and just pay whatever the owner is asking cos when they compare SG with other major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, still cheap. They forgot to compare SG to SG.

Hush yonglip bro, I'm in the process of putting my own unit up for sale, don't want you giving them strange ideas as to how much they should or shouldn't pay for it lol.


When they were RM 1.7m to RM 1.9M, I avoid cos I feel it is grossly overpriced. Now the resale are hitting RM 3million.

I see your point. Fact of the matter is, as far as property goes, or any other asset class for that matter, any objective analysis will reveal upside or downside possibilities, regardless of prevailing market conditions.

Best one can do is take the data in and come to a decision.

I am very bullish about the long-term prospects for southern Johor, but very sceptical about property prices everywhere in East Asia and Australia for the short term.

At the transacted prices you mention, it simply appears to me that prices have run up too fast, and too quickly. Unsustainably so for the short term.

Lol, but then again, I've been reading this thread in full and I noticed scepticism about rising prices here in Nusajaya from 2 years ago. *shrug* Who really knows till well after it happens?

ANyway I'm buying for immediate occupation, so I guess it doesn't really matter to me right now which way they go. :)

[johnny333]

reminds me of the newbie PRs that comes in to buy HDB flats in the last few years. They do not know what is the actual market price and just pay whatever the owner is asking cos when they compare SG with other major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, still cheap. They forgot to compare SG to SG. In the process, these PRs spoil the market and drive up the price resulting in many Singaporeans turning to BTO.

I think at this rate, it will be no time before M'sian govt intro more cooling measures like raising the min to RM750K for foreigners...


I think some Sporeans are crazy :eek: They forgot why Sporeans are moving to JB in the 1st place.

No wonder the Malaysians are complaining of high prices in JB.

[ODYSSEY]

Ummm, seriously? I barely just bought my unit, but I will cash out instantly if so lol. That kind of price is absolutely absurd.

Hey, tis is good news for u Teck! But I know u wouldnt, at least for now....lol. Tis is good news to all who had already vested in HH. Avelc, mia tu liao!

[avelc]

Yes. Check the caveat around Feb or March and the prices should be reflected. I really cannot believe it but he has showed me the contracts early this morning. Suddenly I feel that RM 3 million upsized bungalows in HH left unsold now look cheaper. When they were RM 1.7m to RM 1.9M, I avoid cos I feel it is grossly overpriced. Now the resale are hitting RM 3million. No wonder I see more and more maseratis, lambos and Bentley during my weekend golf session recently

Hey HH, where do you check caveats lodged for Johor properties?


reminds me of the newbie PRs that comes in to buy HDB flats in the last few years. They do not know what is the actual market price and just pay whatever the owner is asking cos when they compare SG with other major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, still cheap. They forgot to compare SG to SG. In the process, these PRs spoil the market and drive up the price resulting in many Singaporeans turning to BTO.

I think at this rate, it will be no time before M'sian govt intro more cooling measures like raising the min to RM750K for foreigners...

I also think it's only a matter of time before Msia govt introduces cooling measures like raising the bar to 750k.


Hey, tis is good news for u Teck! But I know u wouldnt, at least for now....lol. Tis is good news to all who had already vested in HH. Avelc, mia tu liao!

Hey odyssey, have to shop around leh, I'm just a humble buyer, buy property have to work out sums & choose area, not masak masak like buying toys... Going to Puteri Harbour & maybe Bukit Indah this weekend.

[Icyraine]

The new super-link in the Hill is selling at 820k, if a super-link is sold at 1.1m, then i think it's either
1)The unit is the special super-link terrace (only 8 unit at the golf) with good golf view, i saw one such corner terrace asking for 1.4m
2)All of the terrace priced at 820k is sold out ( which is possible bcoz there are only a few units left 2 weeks ago but i know they will open up more)

Either way, this is a great news!

[horizonhills]

Have to check with the bankers or hh agents.


Hey HH, where do you check caveats lodged for Johor properties?



I also think it's only a matter of time before Msia govt introduces cooling measures like raising the bar to 750k.



Hey odyssey, have to shop around leh, I'm just a humble buyer, buy property have to work out sums & choose area, not masak masak like buying toys... Going to Puteri Harbour & maybe Bukit Indah this weekend.

[Aisanbo]

OMG - If I understand correctly what they have written about this - there is no choice for the ppl using the causeway! the toll booth will be located near/in the CIQ. So, irregardless if you wish to use the EDL or the Tebrau way - you gotta pay, the moment you pass thru the CIQ!
Those that do not need to pay are ppl using the EDL without hitting the causeway! The changes from 2.90RM currently to 9 bucks..if I am not mistaken....much more expensive than Tuas! knn!!

Normally i use the causeway rather than Tuas, if this is true better have to think twice already....

Based on the report today, you are bloody right....
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20111208-315095.html

[yonglip]

Based on the report today, you are bloody right....
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20111208-315095.html

i am really and truly puzzled...why coastal highway can be free while they have to charge on EDL????...

if the toll really takes effect, i think we can expect to see a more balanced traffic load on both links..which may not necessarily be a bad thing...

cheers.

[tutucake]

Based on the report today, you are bloody right....
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20111208-315095.html

if thats the case, what has the increase in toll got anything to do with the EDL?
it appears that they are just finding a reason to increase the toll... crap man....

[euphony]

its more likely a move to liven up kota iskandar. put a toll on that route and nobody will find a reason to go and become a white elephant situation?


i am really and truly puzzled...why coastal highway can be free while they have to charge on EDL????...

[euphony]

I'm thinking will the SG side follow the pricing change? If so it'll be a significant amount for daily commuters plus weekend day trippers looking for some savings across to JB. That'll kill a lot of cash cows in 1 stone and a political suicide for the incumbent. I suspect they'll judge the backlash and then shy away from the drastic decision. History shows similar flamboyant moves almost never takes...


Based on the report today, you are bloody right....
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20111208-315095.html


if thats the case, what has the increase in toll got anything to do with the EDL?
it appears that they are just finding a reason to increase the toll... crap man....

[Icyraine]

I suspect they'll judge the backlash and then shy away from the drastic decision. History shows similar flamboyant moves almost never takes...

Agreed. Especially with the general election soon.

[Aisanbo]

if thats the case, what has the increase in toll got anything to do with the EDL?
it appears that they are just finding a reason to increase the toll... crap man....

Yes lah, it is not EDL toll fee but CIQ toll fee.
They are smart also to prevent the EDL becoming white elephant. Since need to pay might as well use.
I think toll fee would be increased to RM6.20 from rm2.90 now.
A return trip would cost about s$6.50 inclusive sg toll.
One month 20 working days would be s$130.
If it can effectively reduce jam and redistribute traffic between tuas and woodlands, actually not too bad considering the many other savings from housing, food, petrol, etc.
But I worry their CIQ counters never expand and so back to square 1.

[wuqi256]

Hey guys, sorry i'm back. Need to rush my work so i will be brief on my cents.
All about pricing:
I don't think the pricing for the entry fees for Lego land is feasible.
For the first link pricing, even implemented, i don't think this will remain for long once they realise its not feasible.

For HH, i am really surprised, i had thought it would be slow and steady growth and not as fast as its doing, it should
remain reachable at least for a time.

As for people who always tell me that there is no corruption, people don't die in the streets in Singapore, please refer to this:
http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?105846-KNN-even-scholars-got-knifed-and-killed-by-gangster-on-the-street!

[wuqi256]

Congrats Teck21!! :)

Agree that it should be something sustainable rather than rocket up like its doing now.
For me its no different, bros who have approached me before knows i am not selling any.

[wuqi256]

I'm thinking will the SG side follow the pricing change? If so it'll be a significant amount for daily commuters plus weekend day trippers looking for some savings across to JB. That'll kill a lot of cash cows in 1 stone and a political suicide for the incumbent. I suspect they'll judge the backlash and then shy away from the drastic decision. History shows similar flamboyant moves almost never takes...

Actually this seems to be their long term plan, to starve the JB side of things it seems and divert the hustle and bustle to the 2nd link area.

[wuqi256]

Just about to log off and concentrate on my reports, suddenly a friend from IRDA called me and asked for a quick Q&A about my thoughts on properties, ease of financing and if any restrictions on SG government. Also asked about ease of buying as well as renting out.

Just helped with the questions as best as i could and provided feedback on JPO. PM is confirmed to come this Sunday with his wife for JPO opening.

Seems like more reports coming out this week as IRDA is gearing up, so just helping as much as i can on my limited perception as a Singaporean.

[spidey]

if thats the case, what has the increase in toll got anything to do with the EDL?
it appears that they are just finding a reason to increase the toll... crap man....

Agree - Heck, it got nothing to do with EDL at all! they just wan to suck in those that uses the causeway! To me, they should charge the toll on the usage of EDL and for those who are willing to pay to avoid the jam, then by all means.
Otherwise, use the old road and get stuck in the jam. So it's totally up to the ppl to decide!

what if the perosn gets charge at CIQ but need to use the old road to get to his/her destination and get stuck in the jam! so how? pay and dun get to drive on the EDL...

So is this the Gov way of promoting the causeway usage and increase investment oportunities?? - or trying to suck as much as possible from the ppl....or they know that a lot of Chinese Malaysian plying the causeway to woodlands for their daily business and impact on the malay majority is not that great, hence won't have any bearings on the election results! just my hunch...

but really dissapointing to hear such news....dun make any logic at all and....dun use but still have to pay!! knn!!

[Aisanbo]

About EDL Toll.
They are forcing those who will not pay to use EDL to use it.
So that tebrau will be relieved of traffic.
If not, EDL will be underutilized while tebrau may still be jammed though improved a bit.
So in a way, the building of EDL would benefit tebrau traffic so they make you pay even if not using EDL.

[ginfreely]

I believe that they have grown to used to the system that they cannot be living without it so they don't even want to think about it.
Ignorance is bliss. I still believe that things haven't gone so bad that they cannot fix it.

http://youtu.be/Z7BuQFUhsRM

I have my doubts on whether they want to and they can fix the things broken. I see nothing in substance has changed after the election, even their salary review also no news. The new property measure is the only thing targeting foreigners that they have come up so far.

[ginfreely]

I live in Country A & a few years ago I had a heart attack & even though I had more than enough $$$ in my medisave account, I still had to pay thousands because the gov't limits the amount I can use. In fact I ended paying more out of pocket than I could claim from medisave :rolleyes:

One of the medical options recommended by my doctor was open heart surgery. I have enough $$$ in my medisave account to pay for the procedure, but the problem is that the PAP won't let me touch my own money to cover the costs:mad:

If I had decided to go through with the open heart surgery, I could have done it cheaper in Bangkok at one of the private hospitals:eek:

How come open heart surgery cannot use medisave to pay? Thought only those aesthetic surgeries then cannot.

[Nusajaya]

Re: Living in JB
List of forummers who have purchased or intend to purchase property in Johor. Hope those guests who are following this thread actively will also create their own account and join 'The List'. (Copy the whole list including this heading. Click 'Reply to Thread'. Paste it in your reply and add your nick and nationality to the list.)
# IMPORTANT - For new members, please try to make your first 10 post anywhere else before adding your nick to this list.

1. Wuqi256 (Singaporean) - The Gateway, The Golf, Nusa Duta -
Wuqi256 sisters (Singaporean), sister bf (SPR, East Malaysian [Kuching, Sarawak]). Wuqi256's relatives(Singaporean), friends (Singaporean, Malaysian (Malacca, KL, Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan [Tenant]), German, Australian, Korean)and colleagues (Singaporean, Malaysians, soon to be Italian and UK)
-Total 29 (updated) bought so far in Nusajaya
2. Investor (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
3. Analytical Professor (Singaporean) - Kempas
4. Sanur - Leisure farm/polo view
5. Sanur's mum - Leisure Farm/bayou water village
6. Sanur's SIL - Leisure Farm/polo view
7. Jasonjst - Sutera Utama
8. Tansi - Leisure Farm
9. relaxmannn (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
10. nusajayaphile (Singaporean) - The Hills Precinct, Horizon Hills
11. Mahesh - Leisure Farm/pinggiran bayou
12. East539 (Singaporean) - Nusajaya
13. East539's Sis & Bro in law (Singaporean) - EL/LF
14. JazJoz - Horizon Hills
15. Lynn - east Ledang
16. TheGolf - HH
17. Grago. - Horizon Hills
18. Arsenal (British, North London, home of the gunner) - Horizon Hills
19. Vincentck & Wife (Both Msian, Vincent from Ipoh, Perak; wife from Selangor) - NI
20. mathstub- Horizon Hills
21. ShawnLow (Malaysian, JB Skudai) - Bestari Heights - Astoria
22. Skippy - Horizon Hill The Golf
23. LastResort Family (Singaporean) - Horizon Hills, The Gateway, The Hills & Fairway Suites
24. Kaeel - Nusa Idaman , Hill side Semi D
25. Lord Aragorn - The Straits View Residences, Permas Jaya
26. cathylmg (Singaporean) - Kempas
27. captw - Bukit Indah, Amelia 1
28. mallow - Nusajaya
29. IskandarRocks (Indian, Sg PR) - East Ledang, Imperia@Puteri Harbour
30. euphony - LF & mt. austin
31. narmi - NI
32. maxpark - Fairway Suites, Indahwalk3
33. Avalon74- Setia Eco Garden
34. Yonglip - Bestari Heights
35. AbuGumGum - Sungai Chat, Johor Bahru
36. 2bFree - HH
37. Aisanbo (Singaporean) - Sky Gardens Residences @ Setia Tropika, Setia Eco Cascadia
38. 29ers - LF
39. Weetabix - HH
40. SeriAustinian - Seri Austin, HH South Golf
41. iamapseudoneem - Nusa Idaman
42. Puteri Harbour (Singaporean) - Imperia@Puteri Harbour
43. Odyssey - HH-Golf
44. darrkie.y - taman molek
45. Leisure - KIV leisure farm pinggiran bayou, east ledang or 1 medini
46. avelc - Nusajaya
47. linked (Singaporean) - East Ledang
48. investjb (Malaysian, Sarawak) - Impiana, Ujana, Casa Almyra, Golden sands, horizon residence
49. limmcd (Malaysian, Johor, Sg PR) - HH, BI, Ujana, Fortune Point, Nusa villa, Horizon Residence
50. spidey (Malaysian, KL, Sg PR) - Bandar Dato Onn
51. Icyraine (Malaysia, Born in Penang, Grow up in KL, Work in JB) - HH (going to seal the deal on coming monday!), Sri Samudera, Golden Sands
52. Blue_S (Malaysian, Sarawak, SPR) - Ujana, Horizon Residence
53. fairies (Singaporean) - Ledang Heights
54. Fairwaysuites (Malaysian, Penang, SPR) - HH Golf and Fairway Suites
55. Ray2104 (Singaporean) -D'Esplanade Residence @ KSL City
56. Araguy(KL)-the golf ,HH & nusa duta
57. Nusajaya - The Golf, Impiana & Ledang Heights

[lastresort]

Those living or invested in Horizon Hills must rejoice with me in this piece of great news yet again.

Yesterday, my friend managed to sell off his Horizon Hills Superlink TERRACE ( TERRACE, not Cluster or semis ) Totally BARE unit.

The price is RM 1.3 million + resale.

A few other Superlinks ( big terraces ) have been sold recently for RM 1.1million already.

Those semis facing the Golf course at the Gateway, I heard from the HH salesmen that one was recently sold for RM 1.6 million +.

At this rate, below RM 1 million houses cannot be found in HH soon.

Yesterday the Spore government announced yet another major round of coolig measures to deter the prices from shooting up.

For sure the investors will start looking to snap up more houses in HH and nearby as there are no restriction on any ownerships or property investments here yet.

Brother, I believe this Superlinkk is in the Golf?

[Whathefish]

Brother, I believe this Superlinkk is in the Golf?

Seriously, superlink for 1.3m w/o renovation??

is there any sites like URA where we can check caveats?

[avelc]

Interesting article -- effect of inflation on bank loans

http://www.iproperty.com.my/news/1638/Effect-of-Inflation-on-Bank-Loans

[johnny333]

How come open heart surgery cannot use medisave to pay? Thought only those aesthetic surgeries then cannot.

I'm sure you can use some of the medisave for the procedure. The problem is that the gov't rations the amount you can use, using some kind of formula. One is not free to use all of your own savings to pay for your own hospital bill. That's why I had to pay out of pocket for my hospital stay:(

Those $8 heart procedures are only for the privileged & definitly not for the "lesser mortals"

Even if you want to go to LOS where medical care is cheaper(and probably better:)) I doubt they would allow it. Just look at the procedures that can be done cheaper in Malaysia. The Spore gov't will only allow it if there are ties with a Spore hospital e.g. the doctor doing the referral to the Malaysian hospital, is also practising in Spore.

[horizonhills]

Brother, I believe this Superlinkk is in the Golf?

yes, big land area with excellent golf views

[yonglip]

Interesting article -- effect of inflation on bank loans

http://www.iproperty.com.my/news/1638/Effect-of-Inflation-on-Bank-Loans

I subscribe to a simpler philosophy...How much one has or own in this life is fixed.

A robber that successfully robs a bank is only taking the money he is supposed to have this life.
while another robber who gets caught while robbing a bank is trying to take money which he is not supposed to have.

Cheers.

[yonglip]

Understand from IJM Land folks D'Rich at Nusa Duta will be launching sometime end of this month...

Price Range from RM170K to RM600K...

Cheers.

[thegolf]

So, you wanna buy a house in HH?

With the recent economic turmoil stemming from Europe with no good contagion plan yet and latest spate of cooling measures by the SG govt, making a decision to buy a home in HH seems difficult.

Here’s what I think… HH is a great place to live in. It’s in a central location, sits on a golf course, has exclusive clubhouse facilities and has good security. It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine that HH is located in some corner of Singapore…it’d fit right in. Even your neighbours are probably Singaporean, lol.

But, if you are buying the house as an investment, I’m not too confidant you will see the returns you’d like any time soon.

Why? Well firstly, its priced out of the range for the average Malaysian…for sure. JB is not KL….let me repeat, JB is not KL. The good folks in JB just unfortunately don’t earn as much as the KLites…and while a RM3million house in upmarket KL is normal, this is definitely not the case for JB.

What this means is that there will a very limited number of Johorians (and by this, I mean the local locals who actually work in JB) who can afford to buy a HH. In other words, the demand for HH is mainly dependent on, and driven by, Singaporeans and white collar Malaysians working in Singapore.

If you buy a unit in HH to rent out, it needs to cover your mortgage installments, security fee, golf club membership fee and maybe a few percentage extra to make it worth your while. That can come up to quite a bit given the price of the houses at the moment. The question is…..can you think of any of your Singaporean friends who’d be interested to rent your house? Given that the rent is probably more than what a local earns in a month, it’ll be hard to find local takers. Most of my friends already don’t want to come into JB because they are scared, much less want to rent a place to live here…so honestly, how many renters are really out there?

Furthermore, if the supply of houses for rent is high, how high a rent can a homeowner command? Sure, the agents tell you that you can get RM5000 per month easy…but how many units are rented out at this price? And honestly, would you pay RM5000 a month for rent and still have to endure the daily commute to Singapore for work? If it were me, I’d choose to just rent a HDB flat near my workplace in Singapore for the same price.

It’s true…a number of HH homeowners have managed to successfully rent out their unit. But, I think it’s worth finding out exactly how much did these homeowners paid for their house, no? If they bought their terrace house at only ~Rm300k (back when HH was first launched), how much do you think their monthly mortgage costs them and how much rent do you think these owners need to ask for?

And as for capital appreciation…well, that’s really a very long play. Plus, we’ve already missed the boat. I doubt HH prices can continue to rise much more. The houses cannot be priced out of the range of the middle-class Singaporean (and by that, I mean families earning a combined income of maybe $10 – 15k a month). The main benefit of buying a home in JB is that it’s cheap. Period. If it’s not that cheap anymore, coupled with the inconveniece of having to commute plus other associated security risks, then what’s the point of buying a place here?

But as you know, I’m all for living in HH. I’m not trying to discourage you from buying a house here…not at all! It’s just that I see some of the comments on FB and it seems like so many people have lofty ideas of making a quick buck by investing in HH.

And honestly, I like having neighbours. The thought of having an empty houses on my left and right and across the street kinda sucks!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Audrey
http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-hh/

[Puteri harbour]

Die mean poor an die because no food. Gangsterism everywhere ie Ang mo kio , yishun and every where all over Singapore... No Corruption mean very low and zero... Try doing business in Indonesia and Myanmar. I will stop here cause no end to this if we are talking about extreme...

Cheers,
PH


Hey guys, sorry i'm back. Need to rush my work so i will be brief on my cents.
All about pricing:
I don't think the pricing for the entry fees for Lego land is feasible.
For the first link pricing, even implemented, i don't think this will remain for long once they realise its not feasible.

For HH, i am really surprised, i had thought it would be slow and steady growth and not as fast as its doing, it should
remain reachable at least for a time.

As for people who always tell me that there is no corruption, people don't die in the streets in Singapore, please refer to this:
http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?105846-KNN-even-scholars-got-knifed-and-killed-by-gangster-on-the-street!

[cathylmg]

Wow! Can't believed I have finally finished reading the more then 10 pages of postings! These days I spend my time doing catchup reading. Leaving me no time to posting.

I must say that I agrees with wuqi's points about the contentment part. Very well narrated articles.

And also Audrey's post by 'the golf'. Well I also believe that jb property growth is mostly spurred by Singaporean's need for a bigger space and lower cost of living. Just like the FT who paid the asking price without asking... The abang-adik situations does goes hand in hand. One can't survive long on its own. I also hope that, beside introducing good measures for the benefits of our people, we should, and we must work together for a the sake of our future generations to come.

[spidey]

About EDL Toll.
They are forcing those who will not pay to use EDL to use it.
So that tebrau will be relieved of traffic.
If not, EDL will be underutilized while tebrau may still be jammed though improved a bit.
So in a way, the building of EDL would benefit tebrau traffic so they make you pay even if not using EDL.

Benefit in what way?? Less traffic, less business.. So don't see any benefit at all to businesses and users..only benefit is to those collecting the $$!!

[lastresort]

Tropez Residences@Tropicana Danga Bay will be launched tomorrow, if anyone going, please update here!

[lastresort]

yes, big land area with excellent golf views

haha it is expected as i think the owner bought at at least RM 1 mil for that unit =)

[lastresort]

Good points there, I'm not sure about missing the boat, but a healthy dose of scepticism is always good as long as it does not impair one's ability to act.

Personally, I'm there for a change of lifestyle, hopefully for the better lol. And I'm in it for a slow buck, I'm prepared for a very a very slow one.

agree with brother here, a healthy dose of scepiticim is good. I'm still rather optimistic with the long term outlook in this region.

[Bluereeff]

[QUOTE=thegolf;901311]So, you wanna buy a house in HH?

With the recent economic turmoil stemming from Europe with no good contagion plan yet and latest spate of cooling measures by the SG govt, making a decision to buy a home in HH seems difficult.

Here’s what I think… HH is a great place to live in. It’s in a central location, sits on a golf course, has exclusive clubhouse facilities and has good security. It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine that HH is located in some corner of Singapore…it’d fit right in. Even your neighbours are probably Singaporean, lol.

But, if you are buying the house as an investment, I’m not too confidant you will see the returns you’d like any time soon.

Why? Well firstly, its priced out of the range for the average Malaysian…for sure. JB is not KL….let me repeat, JB is not KL. The good folks in JB just unfortunately don’t earn as much as the KLites…and while a RM3million house in upmarket KL is normal, this is definitely not the case for JB.

What this means is that there will a very limited number of Johorians (and by this, I mean the local locals who actually work in JB) who can afford to buy a HH. In other words, the demand for HH is mainly dependent on, and driven by, Singaporeans and white collar Malaysians working in Singapore.

If you buy a unit in HH to rent out, it needs to cover your mortgage installments, security fee, golf club membership fee and maybe a few percentage extra to make it worth your while. That can come up to quite a bit given the price of the houses at the moment. The question is…..can you think of any of your Singaporean friends who’d be interested to rent your house? Given that the rent is probably more than what a local earns in a month, it’ll be hard to find local takers. Most of my friends already don’t want to come into JB because they are scared, much less want to rent a place to live here…so honestly, how many renters are really out there?

Furthermore, if the supply of houses for rent is high, how high a rent can a homeowner command? Sure, the agents tell you that you can get RM5000 per month easy…but how many units are rented out at this price? And honestly, would you pay RM5000 a month for rent and still have to endure the daily commute to Singapore for work? If it were me, I’d choose to just rent a HDB flat near my workplace in Singapore for the same price.

It’s true…a number of HH homeowners have managed to successfully rent out their unit. But, I think it’s worth finding out exactly how much did these homeowners paid for their house, no? If they bought their terrace house at only ~Rm300k (back when HH was first launched), how much do you think their monthly mortgage costs them and how much rent do you think these owners need to ask for?

And as for capital appreciation…well, that’s really a very long play. Plus, we’ve already missed the boat. I doubt HH prices can continue to rise much more. The houses cannot be priced out of the range of the middle-class Singaporean (and by that, I mean families earning a combined income of maybe $10 – 15k a month). The main benefit of buying a home in JB is that it’s cheap. Period. If it’s not that cheap anymore, coupled with the inconveniece of having to commute plus other associated security risks, then what’s the point of buying a place here?

But as you know, I’m all for living in HH. I’m not trying to discourage you from buying a house here…not at all! It’s just that I see some of the comments on FB and it seems like so many people have lofty ideas of making a quick buck by investing in HH.

And honestly, I like having neighbours. The thought of having an empty houses on my left and right and across the street kinda sucks!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Audrey
[URL="http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-hh/"]http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-

I agree with the author.

[ginfreely]

Interesting article -- effect of inflation on bank loans

http://www.iproperty.com.my/news/1638/Effect-of-Inflation-on-Bank-Loans

"Inflation cancels out bank interest cost
If your personal inflation rate is above the bank interest rate, you actually end up paying less back. For example, if the bank interest rate is 4% (which is the current rate of BLR – 1.8% for residential properties) and your inflation is 5%, you actually end up paying back RM902,181 for a loan of RM1 million. Unbelievable, but it’s true."

Wow so SG interest rate 1%, inflation rate 6% means can save alot more..

[Nusajaya]

So, you wanna buy a house in HH?



But, if you are buying the house as an investment, I’m not too confidant you will see the returns you’d like any time soon.

But as you know, I’m all for living in HH. I’m not trying to discourage you from buying a house here…not at all! It’s just that I see some of the comments on FB and it seems like so many people have lofty ideas of making a quick buck by investing in HH.

And honestly, I like having neighbours. The thought of having an empty houses on my left and right and across the street kinda sucks!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Audrey
http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-hh/

Dear the golf,

Pls take no offense on my following comments. This is my personal opinion and I am just going to state it very candidly.

I am not going to argue every point you put forward and undoubtedly, some of your points make absolute sense. If that was the case, why do we still invest?? The many questions you posed can best be answered by the following very familiar quote post by aangsc

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty" - Winston Churchill

It definitely takes alot more than mere optimism to be a good investor. Suffice to say, a good investor will see beyond the obvious. When all the questions are answered, its normally too late and time to enjoy the sunset...... The question should be, are you able to enjoy the sunset or are you still asking whyssss,,,,

[chong2011]

Tropez Residences@Tropicana Danga Bay will be launched tomorrow, if anyone going, please update here!

Last week was invited for Privileged Review and booking. 20th floor facing S'pore 2-bedrooms of 958sf for RM600K (623psf) with 8% rebate (~573psf) . No installment till 3yrs upon completion. Before that all bank interest borned by developer. No legal fees for both S&P and loan agreement excluded stamp duty. Early bird also free airconds, master bedroom wardrobe, kitchen cabinet. Quite tempting to make a booking.... at last also gave up!! With current economic full of uncertainies :confused: , rather keep $$$ wait and see!

[Bluereeff]

Dear the golf,

Pls take no offense on my following comments. This is my personal opinion and I am just going to state it very candidly.

I am not going to argue every point you put forward and undoubtedly, some of your points make absolute sense. If that was the case, why do we still invest?? The many questions you posed can best be answered by the following very familiar quote post by aangsc

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty" - Winston Churchill

It definitely takes alot more than mere optimism to be a good investor. Suffice to say, a good investor will see beyond the obvious. When all the questions are answered, its normally too late and time to enjoy the sunset...... The question should be, are you able to enjoy the sunset or are you still asking whyssss,,,,

I think it is written by someone by the name of Audrey as per the link?

[wuqi256]

Die mean poor an die because no food. Gangsterism everywhere ie Ang mo kio , yishun and every where all over Singapore... No Corruption mean very low and zero... Try doing business in Indonesia and Myanmar. I will stop here cause no end to this if we are talking about extreme...

Cheers,
PH

PH, sadly, 3 years ago, i shared your exact views. Getting to know more people who needed help however have changed what i thought.

Very low and zero corruption? Probably but we are now number 5.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_740406.html

Even just recently an MP was found to be corrupted Well yes, if you need to really compare corruption in 3rd world countries.

I am glad at least that you are not saying that there are no homeless in Singapore:
http://asiancorrespondent.com/28316/are-the-homeless-in-singapore-being-raped/
http://asiancorrespondent.com/57462/the-homeless-in-singapore-and-berkeley/

Lets look at some countries:

In Japan, there are people who died because they starved.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/world/asia/12japan.html?pagewanted=all

Even in comparable countries like Taiwan.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_661762.html

I won't go on further about comparison but fact is, even in well developed countries, there are people still starve to death. No country is immune.
I saw a case when i was a young boy in 1988, they claimed she died from her fall but everyone knew better.

Not even talking about gangsterism, lets just talk about about robberies and murders which happens all over the world
http://www.spf.gov.sg/infomap/infomap_index.htm
http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BNew%2BPaper/Story/A1Story20110110-257445/2.html
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110704-287343.html

Fact is, no country is immune to anything. I am glad that there are still good charities keeping people fed in Country A.

[wuqi256]

[QUOTE=thegolf;901311]So, you wanna buy a house in HH?

With the recent economic turmoil stemming from Europe with no good contagion plan yet and latest spate of cooling measures by the SG govt, making a decision to buy a home in HH seems difficult.

Here’s what I think… HH is a great place to live in. It’s in a central location, sits on a golf course, has exclusive clubhouse facilities and has good security. It wouldn’t be too hard to imagine that HH is located in some corner of Singapore…it’d fit right in. Even your neighbours are probably Singaporean, lol.

But, if you are buying the house as an investment, I’m not too confidant you will see the returns you’d like any time soon.

Why? Well firstly, its priced out of the range for the average Malaysian…for sure. JB is not KL….let me repeat, JB is not KL. The good folks in JB just unfortunately don’t earn as much as the KLites…and while a RM3million house in upmarket KL is normal, this is definitely not the case for JB.

What this means is that there will a very limited number of Johorians (and by this, I mean the local locals who actually work in JB) who can afford to buy a HH. In other words, the demand for HH is mainly dependent on, and driven by, Singaporeans and white collar Malaysians working in Singapore.

If you buy a unit in HH to rent out, it needs to cover your mortgage installments, security fee, golf club membership fee and maybe a few percentage extra to make it worth your while. That can come up to quite a bit given the price of the houses at the moment. The question is…..can you think of any of your Singaporean friends who’d be interested to rent your house? Given that the rent is probably more than what a local earns in a month, it’ll be hard to find local takers. Most of my friends already don’t want to come into JB because they are scared, much less want to rent a place to live here…so honestly, how many renters are really out there?

Furthermore, if the supply of houses for rent is high, how high a rent can a homeowner command? Sure, the agents tell you that you can get RM5000 per month easy…but how many units are rented out at this price? And honestly, would you pay RM5000 a month for rent and still have to endure the daily commute to Singapore for work? If it were me, I’d choose to just rent a HDB flat near my workplace in Singapore for the same price.

It’s true…a number of HH homeowners have managed to successfully rent out their unit. But, I think it’s worth finding out exactly how much did these homeowners paid for their house, no? If they bought their terrace house at only ~Rm300k (back when HH was first launched), how much do you think their monthly mortgage costs them and how much rent do you think these owners need to ask for?

And as for capital appreciation…well, that’s really a very long play. Plus, we’ve already missed the boat. I doubt HH prices can continue to rise much more. The houses cannot be priced out of the range of the middle-class Singaporean (and by that, I mean families earning a combined income of maybe $10 – 15k a month). The main benefit of buying a home in JB is that it’s cheap. Period. If it’s not that cheap anymore, coupled with the inconveniece of having to commute plus other associated security risks, then what’s the point of buying a place here?

But as you know, I’m all for living in HH. I’m not trying to discourage you from buying a house here…not at all! It’s just that I see some of the comments on FB and it seems like so many people have lofty ideas of making a quick buck by investing in HH.

And honestly, I like having neighbours. The thought of having an empty houses on my left and right and across the street kinda sucks!

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Audrey
[URL="http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-hh/"]http://horizonhills.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/so-you-wanna-buy-a-house-in-

I agree with the author.


All good points, in fact when i first came out here 3 years ago, i still remember Mr A, Mrs B and another couple who told me repeatedly i had missed the boat.
Back then, i was already too late, luckily i didn't listen to them. If you are buying for own stay, its never too late. If you are investing though, i cannot comment much as this was always meant to help people living here.

One thing i would beg to differ is that its no longer about the cheap or reasonable price of living for some who made the move. There are definitely lots who are here because of the push factors but some as well here for the pull factors. I think prices have risen quite a bit. Renting out for certain developments is not an issue, its just how much you can cover and how much you can make potentially.

As for rental, though most of the bros here are doing pretty well rental wise, my recommendation would always be to buy for own stay. A point to note though, those coming out here are not only just Singaporeans these days, but also expats coming here for the education/medical as well as their support staff. There are also more business opportunities now hence even folks from Penang, Kedah, Kelantan has become my neighbours and some tenants. They are either working in Singapore or have new businesses here in Johore. Back to Singaporeans, there are also people who rented out their homes in Singapore to live out in Johore, the rental they receive in SG is enough to cover for the same or better housing here.

These are just my humble observations.

[Puteri harbour]

Paisei... Talking about helping poor and not about security...

Agree with all above.

Cheers,
PH


PH, sadly, 3 years ago, i shared your exact views. Getting to know more people who needed help however have changed what i thought.

Very low and zero corruption? Probably but we are now number 5.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_740406.html

Even just recently an MP was found to be corrupted Well yes, if you need to really compare corruption in 3rd world countries.

I am glad at least that you are not saying that there are no homeless in Singapore:
http://asiancorrespondent.com/28316/are-the-homeless-in-singapore-being-raped/
http://asiancorrespondent.com/57462/the-homeless-in-singapore-and-berkeley/

Lets look at some countries:

In Japan, there are people who died because they starved.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/world/asia/12japan.html?pagewanted=all

Even in comparable countries like Taiwan.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_661762.html

I won't go on further about comparison but fact is, even in well developed countries, there are people still starve to death. No country is immune.
I saw a case when i was a young boy in 1988, they claimed she died from her fall but everyone knew better.

Not even talking about gangsterism, lets just talk about about robberies and murders which happens all over the world
http://www.spf.gov.sg/infomap/infomap_index.htm
http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BNew%2BPaper/Story/A1Story20110110-257445/2.html
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110704-287343.html

Fact is, no country is immune to anything. I am glad that there are still good charities keeping people fed in Country A.

[cap830]

Hi Wuqi256,

I pm-ed you a problem I'm facing hope you can advice.

[wuqi256]

agree with brother here, a healthy dose of scepiticim is good. I'm still rather optimistic with the long term outlook in this region.

Yes, good to look at it from the other perspective. Never put all your eggs in one basket though is my own philosophy.

For me, i am remain optimistic not just for any developments but as a whole for the Iskandar region. With the incoming changes and external influence from neighbouring countries as well as not so neighbouring ones. The dynamics that governed many countries in SEA now may well change. For the better or the worse.

If that really happens, we are in for a rocky ride according to my very learned friends who have long since secured houses in different hinterlands all over. Countries though that may now seemed to be "bankrupt" or have "no future" may suddenly be deemed to be the next big thing. Only change is inevitable.

A really learned friend once shared with me. "If there was no serious reason, there would have been no investment"

[wuqi256]

PH, i really enjoyed the discussion with you, no offence meant.
I just wished more people in Country A can be helped.


To those reading this.

Some people in Country A is really very pitiful, people drive around with stickers to be kind to animals but they forgot
people in Country A needs help too. People are animals too! (Be kind to animals & PEOPLE)

Charity begins at home, you don't need to go to a far flung country to help others or build houses.

There are already people suffering in one room rental flats. I know, i used to live in one for years but lacked the power
to help back then. More should be done instead of flying overseas to help others, we can use the money we spend for
hotels/flights to help straightaway.

As it is, there are homeless in Singapore, why worry about shelters for people in other countries when you already have
homeless near you? They deserve more help as they are in 3rd world countries?

Many years, back then i was very keen to be a missionary but someone told me this:
Hunger is as keenly felt by those in first world countries as much as those in 3rd world countries. There is no difference, basic
needs for food, heat and shelter are universal.

We should not discriminate based on the country they are from especially if they are from our own.

[wuqi256]

Good points there, I'm not sure about missing the boat, but a healthy dose of scepticism is always good as long as it does not impair one's ability to act.

Personally, I'm there for a change of lifestyle, hopefully for the better lol. And I'm in it for a slow buck, I'm prepared for a very a very slow one.

I don't think we missed a lot, there are still boats here.

I am here because of my family not really just for $$$. There are easier and faster ways to make money as property investments are long term and long haul. If i was really in it to make money, i would have set up different businesses rather than something for kids.


I may be gone from the world tomorrow but i need to make sure their world is still there when i am gone.
I might not be there forever but my love for them will still manifest itself hopefully long after i am gone.
I ask not for a tear, frown or bow but a smile knowing that my heart is still with them, somehow.
Wuqi256, 2011

[Puteri harbour]

No worries. If I find comment out of point, I would not have waste time reply...

Totally agree with the above. I have always help people closest to me first including friends and family members. As for others, I would help if I pay a visit to the country.

Other ways to help including teaching people how to "fish" and make a living instead of giving them "fish" instead of giving them "fish". In fact, I have help many to "fish" successfully instead of working for someone.indirectly, I am also feeding their family members and themselves.

Nice talking to you too.

Cheers,
PH


PH, i really enjoyed the discussion with you, no offence meant.
I just wished more people in Country A can be helped.


To those reading this.

Some people in Country A is really very pitiful, people drive around with stickers to be kind to animals but they forgot
people in Country A needs help too. People are animals too! (Be kind to animals & PEOPLE)

Charity begins at home, you don't need to go to a far flung country to help others or build houses.

There are already people suffering in one room rental flats. I know, i used to live in one for years but lacked the power
to help back then. More should be done instead of flying overseas to help others, we can use the money we spend for
hotels/flights to help straightaway.

As it is, there are homeless in Singapore, why worry about shelters for people in other countries when you already have
homeless near you? They deserve more help as they are in 3rd world countries?

Back then i was very keen to be a missionary but someone told me this:
Hunger is as keenly felt by those in first world countries as much as those in 3rd world countries. There is no difference, basic
needs for food, heat and shelter are universal.

We should not discriminate based on the country they are from especially if they are from our own.

[wuqi256]

Thanks PH, helping others fish was exactly the spirit that this thread was started with.
Kudos to you for helping others. May your path in life be as bright as those that you helped light.

[wuqi256]

Welcome back Cathlmg, there must be many pages i missed too, its growing a bit too fast for me.
Getting a bit tired these days. Yes they will likely continue to work together, they may need each
other more than most may realise.

[wuqi256]

"Inflation cancels out bank interest cost
If your personal inflation rate is above the bank interest rate, you actually end up paying less back. For example, if the bank interest rate is 4% (which is the current rate of BLR – 1.8% for residential properties) and your inflation is 5%, you actually end up paying back RM902,181 for a loan of RM1 million. Unbelievable, but it’s true."

Wow so SG interest rate 1%, inflation rate 6% means can save alot more..

I would still advise against over leveraging, for own stay, buy the biggest you can reasonably afford. For investment, buy a "ship of the line" (depending on the maximum size and type of house you are comfortable with) house for own stay and then, only then, you think of buying others smaller houses.

[ericmambo]

I don't think we missed a lot, there are still boats here.

I am here because of my family not really just for $$$. There are easier and faster ways to make money as property investments are long term and long haul. If i was really in it to make money, i would have set up different businesses rather than something for kids.


I may be gone from the world tomorrow but i need to make sure their world is still there when i am gone.
I might not be there forever but my love for them will still manifest itself hopefully long after i am gone.
I ask not for a tear, frown or bow but a smile knowing that my heart is still with them, somehow.
Wuqi256, 2011

WELL SAID, Bro Wuqi........

[wuqi256]

Bros who are buying subsale, please do be reminded that you should get your own lawyer and different from the one representing the seller. Even if it costs more.
That way, the lawyer will act in your best interest. Also, there are people who wants the 10% before state consent. State consent is normally granted after a few months but could take a while, 2-4 months typically and some sellers could be needing money before that hence there are some who asks for 10% prior to the state consent.

This is not that rare a request but best to get everything documented in black and white before you commit.

1. If a seller persists in delaying signing the S&P, its a bad sign.
2. If an agent offers to return you your cheque the very next day.
3. Always appoint your own lawyer even if it costs you more. Do not listen to agents asking you to use theirs or
only theirs can handle it.
4. Soft negotiations can be done sometimes, instead of disbursing 10%, ask for 5% or the right to move in early
to the house.
5. Where a deal goes south or even after a deal concludes well, you have the right to ask for a discount from the
lawyers if you find that the service was tardy or slow.
6. Don't be afraid to seek legal advice, there are reputable ones such as Syed Alwi, Ng & Co*.
7. Where possible, buy direct from developer or from direct owners if you really cannot get it direct.
8. Agents* should normally only be getting the comms direct from the seller unless somehow that agent saved you
a ton of money.

*Wuqi256 is not in any way related to agents or any law firms.

[Icyraine]

Bros who are buying subsale, please do be reminded that you should get your own lawyer and different from the one representing the seller. Even if it costs more.
That way, the lawyer will act in your best interest. Also, there are people who wants the 10% before state consent. State consent is normally granted after a few months but could take a while, 2-4 months typically and some sellers could be needing money before that hence there are some who asks for 10% prior to the state consent.

This is not that rare a request but best to get everything documented in black and white before you commit.

1. If a seller persists in delaying signing the S&P, its a bad sign.
2. If an agent offers to return you your cheque the very next day.
3. Always appoint your own lawyer even if it costs you more. Do not listen to agents asking you to use theirs or
only theirs can handle it.
4. Soft negotiations can be done sometimes, instead of disbursing 10%, ask for 5% or the right to move in early
to the house.
5. Where a deal goes south or even after a deal concludes well, you have the right to ask for a discount from the
lawyers if you find that the service was tardy or slow.
6. Don't be afraid to seek legal advice, there are reputable ones such as Syed Alwi, Ng & Co*.
7. Where possible, buy direct from developer or from direct owners if you really cannot get it direct.
8. Agents* should normally only be getting the comms direct from the seller unless somehow that agent saved you
a ton of money.

*Wuqi256 is not in any way related to agents or any law firms.

Thank you for your constant help and contribution to the community, bro, you are the man!

[ODYSSEY]

Bros who are buying subsale, please do be reminded that you should get your own lawyer and different from the one representing the seller. Even if it costs more.
That way, the lawyer will act in your best interest. Also, there are people who wants the 10% before state consent. State consent is normally granted after a few months but could take a while, 2-4 months typically and some sellers could be needing money before that hence there are some who asks for 10% prior to the state consent.

This is not that rare a request but best to get everything documented in black and white before you commit.

1. If a seller persists in delaying signing the S&P, its a bad sign.
2. If an agent offers to return you your cheque the very next day.
3. Always appoint your own lawyer even if it costs you more. Do not listen to agents asking you to use theirs or
only theirs can handle it.
4. Soft negotiations can be done sometimes, instead of disbursing 10%, ask for 5% or the right to move in early
to the house.
5. Where a deal goes south or even after a deal concludes well, you have the right to ask for a discount from the
lawyers if you find that the service was tardy or slow.
6. Don't be afraid to seek legal advice, there are reputable ones such as Syed Alwi, Ng & Co*.
7. Where possible, buy direct from developer or from direct owners if you really cannot get it direct.
8. Agents* should normally only be getting the comms direct from the seller unless somehow that agent saved you
a ton of money.

*Wuqi256 is not in any way related to agents or any law firms.

I want to reiterate that every point shared by Wuqi above is absolutely true! My friends and I bought our house from sub-sale and we have experienced some of the above events in one way or another. Buying from sub-sale is not as easy as from developers so please heed the advice given, or shared by all the good bros here. As reminded by Wuqi, it is imperative to get ur own lawyer - a good one for that matter; someone who can and will protect ur interest (instead of the seller, or even worst the agent's). Don't believe everything the housing agent tells u. Go into a deal with both eyes wide open and u will be fine. Note point 6, if still in doubt, check with ur lawyer before taking the next step. That's what u r paying them for. Thanks Wuqi once again, for these timely reminders! One can never be too careful when buying from sub-sale. One truly bad incident can really dampen and spoil ur plan in living in JB.

[Batok Seri]

Having been to Johor Premium Outlets today, here's my route guide for people looking for value factory outlet shopping..
Going north on NS highway, take exit 304.
Straight to Senai Airport.
Then take a flight to Bandung.

[Sobrielo]

Bros who are buying subsale, please do be reminded that you should get your own lawyer and different from the one representing the seller. Even if it costs more.
That way, the lawyer will act in your best interest. Also, there are people who wants the 10% before state consent. State consent is normally granted after a few months but could take a while, 2-4 months typically and some sellers could be needing money before that hence there are some who asks for 10% prior to the state consent.

This is not that rare a request but best to get everything documented in black and white before you commit.

1. If a seller persists in delaying signing the S&P, its a bad sign.
2. If an agent offers to return you your cheque the very next day.
3. Always appoint your own lawyer even if it costs you more. Do not listen to agents asking you to use theirs or
only theirs can handle it.
4. Soft negotiations can be done sometimes, instead of disbursing 10%, ask for 5% or the right to move in early
to the house.
5. Where a deal goes south or even after a deal concludes well, you have the right to ask for a discount from the
lawyers if you find that the service was tardy or slow.
6. Don't be afraid to seek legal advice, there are reputable ones such as Syed Alwi, Ng & Co*.
7. Where possible, buy direct from developer or from direct owners if you really cannot get it direct.
8. Agents* should normally only be getting the comms direct from the seller unless somehow that agent saved you
a ton of money.

*Wuqi256 is not in any way related to agents or any law firms.

Thanks for the advice Wuqi. I felt a rat when this Malaysian Sri Lankan wanted ten per cent of my son's deposit before the state approval. He is either desperate for money or just one of the unscrupolous seller to his property at ## Jalan Penggiran 4/2 Horizon Hills. All brothers and sisters take heed of the advice and be careful when you are asked for the ten per cent before the state approval. It will put you in significant risk. I am just glad we managed to get back all the deposit minus the legal fees. Thanks for the advice from 1 to 8 Wuqi. It was a blessing that the sale of the property was aborted as I had advised my son against such unethical and unauthodox practise demanded by the seller. Just to highlight this unfortunate incident so that brothers and sisters out there won't be conned.

[mathstub]

Dear Bros and Sis, when you buy a condo/apartment/flat in a building (say with 9 storeys or above), do you usually consider which direction your balcony faces (if your condo/apartment/flat has one balcony)? For those buying condos or apartments, do you prefer your balcony faces the pool with another building opposite you at a distance as far as more than the width of the pool or you prefer your condo/apartment balcony faces a large open space?

Bros and Sis who have got a condo/apartment in JB, I would love to hear your views on the above. Also those bros and sis who are into fung shui are very welcome to share their views as well.

[mathstub]

Dear Bros, if one buys from one of the top developers, those lawyers from the developer are trustworthy enough or not?


I want to reiterate that every point shared by Wuqi above is absolutely true! My friends and I bought our house from sub-sale and we have experienced some of the above events in one way or another. Buying from sub-sale is not as easy as from developers so please heed the advice given, or shared by all the good bros here. As reminded by Wuqi, it is imperative to get ur own lawyer - a good one for that matter; someone who can and will protect ur interest (instead of the seller, or even worst the agent's). Don't believe everything the housing agent tells u. Go into a deal with both eyes wide open and u will be fine. Note point 6, if still in doubt, check with ur lawyer before taking the next step. That's what u r paying them for. Thanks Wuqi once again, for these timely reminders! One can never be too careful when buying from sub-sale. One truly bad incident can really dampen and spoil ur plan in living in JB.

[tansi]

Other than a nice view, I think wind coupled with rain is a practical point to consider. Northeast monsoon makes the balcony frequently wet at year end. With the strong wind beating glass sliding door, the glass panels will be noisy. Even if the balcony is not exactly facing northeast, strong wind could blow round the corner of a building and hit the balcony, making it wet. A few tall buildings nearby may create a wind tunnel and strength the strong wind. Hence my preference is facing an open space towards the south.


Dear Bros and Sis, when you buy a condo/apartment/flat in a building (say with 9 storeys or above), do you usually consider which direction your balcony faces (if your condo/apartment/flat has one balcony)? For those buying condos or apartments, do you prefer your balcony faces the pool with another building opposite you at a distance as far as more than the width of the pool or you prefer your condo/apartment balcony faces a large open space?

Bros and Sis who have got a condo/apartment in JB, I would love to hear your views on the above. Also those bros and sis who are into fung shui are very welcome to share their views as well.

[mathstub]

Thank you very much, Bro Tansi for sharing your view!


Other than a nice view, I think wind coupled with rain is a practical point to consider. Northeast monsoon makes the balcony frequently wet at year end. With the strong wind beating glass sliding door, the glass panels will be noisy. Even if the balcony is not exactly facing northeast, strong wind could blow round the corner of a building and hit the balcony, making it wet. A few tall buildings nearby may create a wind tunnel and strength the strong wind. Hence my preference is facing an open space towards the south.

[tansi]

makes all the standard paperwork flow smoothly. Try to stay in the new unit often during the warranty period to iron out any defect before the lawyer releases holdback payment to the developer. Take photos and send written notices on any complaint to the lawyer to keep the record straight. i am puzzled as why some buyers leave their units empty for almost the whole warranty period. Defects drop the value of any unit although it is never occupied, and no lawyer can help the buyer on his/her negligence.
Dear Bros, if one buys from one of the top developers, those lawyers from the developer are trustworthy enough or not?

[wuqi256]

Dear Bros, if one buys from one of the top developers, those lawyers from the developer are trustworthy enough or not?

Normally they are quite reliable and (touch wood), never really had any issues with lawyers.
You may still want to consider your own lawyer, especially when dealing with subsale.

[wuqi256]

WELL SAID, Bro Wuqi........

Thanks, just words from my heart. :)

[wuqi256]

I want to reiterate that every point shared by Wuqi above is absolutely true! My friends and I bought our house from sub-sale and we have experienced some of the above events in one way or another. Buying from sub-sale is not as easy as from developers so please heed the advice given, or shared by all the good bros here. As reminded by Wuqi, it is imperative to get ur own lawyer - a good one for that matter; someone who can and will protect ur interest (instead of the seller, or even worst the agent's). Don't believe everything the housing agent tells u. Go into a deal with both eyes wide open and u will be fine. Note point 6, if still in doubt, check with ur lawyer before taking the next step. That's what u r paying them for. Thanks Wuqi once again, for these timely reminders! One can never be too careful when buying from sub-sale. One truly bad incident can really dampen and spoil ur plan in living in JB.

Thanks Odyssey, being foreigners in a foreign land, we need to be cautious and remain vigilant but probably temper it with some trust especially if its handled by lawyers you appointed yourself. I am glad you didn't give up.

There will always be crooked lawyers in this world, SG is not immune from them and we had folks running road with their clients money. That should not deter one from carrying out ones dreams. If i had given up at the first sign of failure(shoot past Senai on a first visit through 2nd link), i would never have reached HH in the first place.

[wuqi256]

Thank you for your constant help and contribution to the community, bro, you are the man!

Thanks Icyraine, a lot of bros have contributed much useful information as well, so not just me.
:)

[mathstub]

Bro Tansi, totally agree on the following. This is not just for buying a property (of course, more so for buying a property). Like buying any other products, shouldn't the buyer use the product to check whether it looks ok during the warranty period? This is just a common sense.


makes all the standard paperwork flow smoothly. Try to stay in the new unit often during the warranty period to iron out any defect before the lawyer releases holdback payment to the developer. Take photos and send written notices on any complaint to the lawyer to keep the record straight. i am puzzled as why some buyers leave their units empty for almost the whole warranty period. Defects drop the value of any unit although it is never occupied, and no lawyer can help the buyer on his/her negligence.

[mathstub]

Bro Wuqi, what you say is absolutely right! One should consider a lawyer who can represent one's best interest. The lawyer by default knows much better regarding the law than us.


Normally they are quite reliable and (touch wood), never really had any issues with lawyers.
You may still want to consider your own lawyer, especially when dealing with subsale.

[wuqi256]

Was at Nusa Duta just now, buying some food. Just fixed up accessories for the (J plate) MPV i bought for my wife so also taking a chance to drive it around. Imagine my surprise when i saw a new road through Nusa Duta continuing from the end so i went down that path. Did a 3 point turn after that when i reached a dead end pretty long into the road.

Suddenly something happened just as i was adjacent (on the main road) to my relatives unit (near the guardhouse) and 3 policeman on motorbikes stopped me. Asked for my license after 2 of the police bikes screeched to a halt, one in front and behind my car.

I greeted the policeman cheerfully and passed him my license. He asked me why i was there in the middle of the night and doing by that road, i told him i have units at Nusa Duta and heard about my relative talking about a corner terrace that was done in a very "exaggerated" manner near her house so decided to take a look when i saw the new road, so just went to see where it led.

He didn't believe me at first and proceeded to shine his torch and checked on my car. After taking a closer look at my SG license though, he started to speak in a friendlier way and asked me to avoid driving by myself at night. I told him i was so glad that they checked me and that there is even a police post at Allianz bank now. He was pretty pleased when i told him i am amazed with the progress for Iskandar.

Wished me a good night, handed me my license back and told me i could go. Waved to the concerned looking security guard at the guard post (Nusa Duta) and the other guards who were also nearby and slowly drove off. Saw that they stopped another person further ahead, this one on a bicycle. :)

Saw that there are more police presence these days so hopefully they will keep it that way. Like a very surprised business owner i spoke to (when they heard the 3 robbers in the hair salon case was caught so quickly), someone is really doing their job this time.

[mathstub]

I remembered the sales mentioned to me I as the buyer needed to pay 3% property stamp duty for buying the property from the developer in the state of Johor. I have checked from some websites that the stamp duty should be calculated in a progressive manner not at one flat rate of 3% as follows: 1% stamp duty for the first RM100,000 of the purchase price, 2% for the next RM400,000 and 3% for the next remainder. I think the latter one should be correct. I think most bros and sis who own the property in Johor can confirm the answer. After signing sales and purchase agreement, when should we start the stamp duty? Is the buyer going to receive any notification from the government/lawyer regarding the payment for the stamp duty?

How should we this stamp duty? Stamp duty for the transfer of title (from the developer to the owner)?

[wuqi256]

Bro Tansi, totally agree on the following. This is not just for buying a property (of course, more so for buying a property). Like buying any other products, shouldn't the buyer use the product to check whether it looks ok during the warranty period? This is just a common sense.

Agree, unless one has too many units, best is to check first, wait, get defects rectified (unless one is in a great hurry) renovate and then move in. If one has too many units, then the next best thing if its rented out (to proper folks), that way, they will inform you of leakages, etc.

[wuqi256]

Dear Bros and Sis, when you buy a condo/apartment/flat in a building (say with 9 storeys or above), do you usually consider which direction your balcony faces (if your condo/apartment/flat has one balcony)? For those buying condos or apartments, do you prefer your balcony faces the pool with another building opposite you at a distance as far as more than the width of the pool or you prefer your condo/apartment balcony faces a large open space?

Bros and Sis who have got a condo/apartment in JB, I would love to hear your views on the above. Also those bros and sis who are into fung shui are very welcome to share their views as well.

Not an expert on fengshui and not in an apartment so cannot comment much although i always avoid the West direction (for the sun) and especially North West direction. Most people like north facing but for folks born in my year, they recommend i face south actually so sometimes quite interesting. Half of my houses are facing north, the other half faces south. I made a compromise by continuing to stay in the North facing one that benefits most of my family members and at times i will stay in the room facing South. :)

[wuqi256]

I remembered the sales mentioned to me I as the buyer needed to pay 3% property stamp duty for buying the property from the developer in the state of Johor. I have checked from some websites that the stamp duty should be calculated in a progressive manner not at one flat rate of 3% as follows: 1% stamp duty for the first RM100,000 of the purchase price, 2% for the next RM400,000 and 3% for the next remainder. I think the latter one should be correct. I think most bros and sis who own the property in Johor can confirm the answer. After signing sales and purchase agreement, when should we start the stamp duty? Is the buyer going to receive any notification from the government/lawyer regarding the payment for the stamp duty?

How should we this stamp duty? Stamp duty for the transfer of title (from the developer to the owner)?

The main stamp duty is to the big guys, so just pay the progressive calculated manner. Your lawyer will be the best to advise you(learned friend recommends make your moneys worth by asking them more questions IF they are unable to give you discounts)

Normally its deposit to owner(kept with lawyer), , S&P or SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) with the agreed amount (about 10%) followed by state consent, stamp duty/levy (as we are foreigners) You may then need to pay the balance 10% at a later date assuming if you are borrowing 80%. The agent(if you are buying subsale) may then ask you for his comms if not already. Typically last payment should then be for the lawyers (ask for discount, its discouraged publicly by their governing bodies but privately still practised)

When in doubt, ask your lawyer. :)

[mathstub]

Bro Wuqi, as always, Thank you very much for your help, great info and advice. The lawyer representing me now is the one suggested by the developer and I signed a few months ago agreeing the suggested lawyer to represent me. So far I have paid the State Authority Consent, fee for Disbursement for S&P and fee for Disbursement for loan (including stamp duty for the loan agreement). There should not be any more legal fees, right? I will ask my lawyer, hopefully he will say "no more legal fees except for the payment of stamp duty to the big guys."


The main stamp duty is to the big guys, so just pay the progressive calculated manner. Your lawyer will be the best to advise you(learned friend recommends make your moneys worth by asking them more questions IF they are unable to give you discounts)

Normally its deposit to owner(kept with lawyer), , S&P or SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) with the agreed amount (about 10%) followed by state consent, stamp duty/levy (as we are foreigners) You may then need to pay the balance 10% at a later date assuming if you are borrowing 80%. The agent(if you are buying subsale) may then ask you for his comms if not already. Typically last payment should then be for the lawyers (ask for discount, its discouraged publicly by their governing bodies but privately still practised)

When in doubt, ask your lawyer. :)

[mathstub]

Bro Wuqi, I have also heard which face to face depends on which year someone was born. Different family members were born in different years which may require the property to face a certain way. So here we have got another reason to buy more than one property (if affordable) to accommodate all family members to make sure no one is left behind and each family member has the chance to stay in the property facing in a way to favor him/her.


Not an expert on fengshui and not in an apartment so cannot comment much although i always avoid the West direction (for the sun) and especially North West direction. Most people like north facing but for folks born in my year, they recommend i face south actually so sometimes quite interesting. Half of my houses are facing north, the other half faces south. I made a compromise by continuing to stay in the North facing one that benefits most of my family members and at times i will stay in the room facing South. :)

[winners]

I remembered the sales mentioned to me I as the buyer needed to pay 3% property stamp duty for buying the property from the developer in the state of Johor. I have checked from some websites that the stamp duty should be calculated in a progressive manner not at one flat rate of 3% as follows: 1% stamp duty for the first RM100,000 of the purchase price, 2% for the next RM400,000 and 3% for the next remainder. I think the latter one should be correct. I think most bros and sis who own the property in Johor can confirm the answer. After signing sales and purchase agreement, when should we start the stamp duty? Is the buyer going to receive any notification from the government/lawyer regarding the payment for the stamp duty?

How should we this stamp duty? Stamp duty for the transfer of title (from the developer to the owner)?

This website may offer some help: http://www.elawyer.com.my/legal_calculator_info.php

[Diaspora]

Dear All Esteemed Bros n Sis here,

Thank you for the wonderful sharing and pointers. This must be one of the most hapenning and active forum about 'Living in JB', kudos to esp Bro Wuqi and gang for making this happen!

Just a brief intro about myself.
I am a SPR from KL and recently bought an 2BR unit at Impiana...more for investment...Still scouting around for one to be called my home in JB...Dont like staying in pigeon holes...Went to Setia Tropika last Fri, liked their houses (the cluster show houses are amazing) but alas a bit far from the CBD and Sg...Furthermore, read that the EDL's toll rate will even surpassed 2nd link...So, now back to Nusajaya...:-)

Great forum!!

[Narmi]

Bros and Sis

Just fyi...i received latest info fr my yger sibling who is xxx officer that very soon Woodlands checkpt also will impose toll upon entry into sg for sg plated vehicles. Wah pay n pay sumore.

[Diaspora]

Hmm...looks like more investments for IM...

PM launches Johor Premium Outlets
JOHOR BAHARU: Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today, is estimated to attract 3 million visitors in its first year of operation. Najib said he was confident the upscale outlet would not only see an influx of local consumers but also of international visitors from across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
"I am sure many of our European tourists will also take advantage of the favourable exchange rate and discover that it is more economical for them to buy their goods here," he said at the grand opening of JPO at Kulaijaya near here today.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, said Genting Simon Sdn Bhd, the JPO operator, will invest an additional RM100 million to build another 60 shops, bringing the total number of JPO shops to 130. JPO, the first Premium Outlet megastore in Southeast Asia and the 70th in the world, is a collection of 80 designer and name-brand outlet stores featuring savings of 25 to 65 per cent every day.
Genting Simon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Simon Genting Ltd, which in turn is a 50:50 joint venture between Genting Plantation's Azzon Ltd and Premium Outlets, the outlet division of Simon Property Group.

The Prime Minister said JPO's future plans include the construction of a water park, convention centre and a 2,000-room hotel, all within the vicinty.

"I am fully excited with the investment," he said at the ceremony which was also attended by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, Genting Group chairman Tan Sri K.T. Lim and Premium Outlets president John Klein.
When annoucing the Budget 2012 earlier this year, Najib said the government wanted to promote Malaysia as a shopping haven in Asia by providing branded goods at competitive prices, adding JPO could do much to help fulfill this vision. According to the Prime Minister, JPO, located in Iskandar Malaysia, is one of Malaysia's leading tourism projects under the National Key Economic Areas of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
He said under the ETP, Malaysia expects to attract some RM1.4 trillion in investments, create 3.3 million new jobs and achieve a gross national income of RM1.7 trillion by 2020. Out of the 131 Entry Point Projects (EPP), he said, 72 have taken off within the last 12 months.

With government investment in infrastructure of more than RM6 billion and encompassing over 2,200 sq km, Iskandar Malaysia is the largest single development project to be undertaken in this region, he added. As of September this year, Najib said, Iskandar Malaysia had recorded a total cumulative committed investment of RM77.82 billion, with 60 per cent from domestic investors and the remaining 40 per cent from overseas.

"I am pleased to say that we are expecting further investments from China, South Korea, Japan, India, the Middle East and North America in the near future," he said. -- BERNAMA

Read more: PM launches Johor Premium Outlets - Top News - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/pm-launches-johor-premium-outlets-1.17830#ixzz1gE3ii9pF

[LGLab]

Bros and Sis

Just fyi...i received latest info fr my yger sibling who is xxx officer that very soon Woodlands checkpt also will impose toll upon entry into sg for sg plated vehicles. Wah pay n pay sumore.

is this real ?..

pay and pay is really sickening..

[LGLab]

Bros who are buying subsale, please do be reminded that you should get your own lawyer and different from the one representing the seller. Even if it costs more.
That way, the lawyer will act in your best interest. Also, there are people who wants the 10% before state consent. State consent is normally granted after a few months but could take a while, 2-4 months typically and some sellers could be needing money before that hence there are some who asks for 10% prior to the state consent.

This is not that rare a request but best to get everything documented in black and white before you commit.

1. If a seller persists in delaying signing the S&P, its a bad sign.
2. If an agent offers to return you your cheque the very next day.
3. Always appoint your own lawyer even if it costs you more. Do not listen to agents asking you to use theirs or
only theirs can handle it.
4. Soft negotiations can be done sometimes, instead of disbursing 10%, ask for 5% or the right to move in early
to the house.
5. Where a deal goes south or even after a deal concludes well, you have the right to ask for a discount from the
lawyers if you find that the service was tardy or slow.
6. Don't be afraid to seek legal advice, there are reputable ones such as Syed Alwi, Ng & Co*.
7. Where possible, buy direct from developer or from direct owners if you really cannot get it direct.
8. Agents* should normally only be getting the comms direct from the seller unless somehow that agent saved you
a ton of money.

*Wuqi256 is not in any way related to agents or any law firms.

Hi Teck, I will be using the same lawyer as what you will be using with kelvin.

is that gonna be trust worthy? ..

with pointer 3. wuqi is asking us to find our own laywer firm.

with pointer 8, kelvin is also asking us for 1% commission..

hmm..

[LGLab]

[QUOTE=Bluereeff;901506]


All good points, in fact when i first came out here 3 years ago, i still remember Mr A, Mrs B and another couple who told me repeatedly i had missed the boat.
Back then, i was already too late, luckily i didn't listen to them. If you are buying for own stay, its never too late. If you are investing though, i cannot comment much as this was always meant to help people living here.

One thing i would beg to differ is that its no longer about the cheap or reasonable price of living for some who made the move. There are definitely lots who are here because of the push factors but some as well here for the pull factors. I think prices have risen quite a bit. Renting out for certain developments is not an issue, its just how much you can cover and how much you can make potentially.

As for rental, though most of the bros here are doing pretty well rental wise, my recommendation would always be to buy for own stay. A point to note though, those coming out here are not only just Singaporeans these days, but also expats coming here for the education/medical as well as their support staff. There are also more business opportunities now hence even folks from Penang, Kedah, Kelantan has become my neighbours and some tenants. They are either working in Singapore or have new businesses here in Johore. Back to Singaporeans, there are also people who rented out their homes in Singapore to live out in Johore, the rental they receive in SG is enough to cover for the same or better housing here.

These are just my humble observations.

Hi wuqi,

today i had paid 2% to the agent, the agent will be helping me to submit loan through the bank to purchase the place of 620k ..

teck, vincent and myself are all using the same agent.

the agent is asking for 1% commission and using the same lawyer as vincent and teck.

am i on the right or wrong path ?

[spidey]

Bros and Sis

Just fyi...i received latest info fr my yger sibling who is xxx officer that very soon Woodlands checkpt also will impose toll upon entry into sg for sg plated vehicles. Wah pay n pay sumore.

If this is true, then really painful for users! Pay both side... Not that it's jam free!!!!

[palden]

Both side pay will result in smooth traffic, hurt biz in JB. Wonder why they want to do it. Will not be positive for Iskandar. Both govt throw lots of money there. Visit JB in a weekday and you will get what I mean. No more petrol and groceries in JB liao

[yonglip]

there is even a police post at Allianz bank now. .

Was in the vicinity just now..saw the post..i think they call such shoe-box post "beat post" or something...with so many banks in the area and more shops setting up in the vicinity, not surprising the post is there.

[Narmi]

Dear All Esteemed Bros n Sis here,

Thank you for the wonderful sharing and pointers. This must be one of the most hapenning and active forum about 'Living in JB', kudos to esp Bro Wuqi and gang for making this happen!

Just a brief intro about myself.

I am a SPR from KL and recently bought an 2BR unit at Impiana...more for investment...Still scouting around for one to
be called my home in JB...Dont like staying in pigeon holes...Went to Setia Tropika last Fri, liked their houses (the
cluster show houses are amazing) but alas a bit far from the CBD and Sg...Furthermore, read that the EDL's toll rate will
even surpassed 2nd link...So, now back to Nusajaya...:-)

Great forum!!

Hi Diaspora

Welcome on behalf of the forum bros n sistas! :)

[Narmi]

is this real ?..

pay and pay is really sickening..

Hope it is untrue too!
But not so optimistic cos i read the circular myself :(. If enter for holiday or weekly still acceptable but if daily? Damnit!! I just cannot reveal when but hint (it is sooner than later). Hope in the meantime there is a change of heart but i doubt it.

[east539]

Bros and Sis

Just fyi...i received latest info fr my yger sibling who is xxx officer that very soon Woodlands checkpt also will impose toll upon entry into sg for sg plated vehicles. Wah pay n pay sumore.

yah, for what i know it will be like 2nd link go in pay, come back also pay.

[lastresort]

[QUOTE=wuqi256;901588]

Hi wuqi,

today i had paid 2% to the agent, the agent will be helping me to submit loan through the bank to purchase the place of 620k ..

teck, vincent and myself are all using the same agent.

the agent is asking for 1% commission and using the same lawyer as vincent and teck.

am i on the right or wrong path ?

Hi LGLab bro,

congrats on having found your ideal home.. Is it in HH, may I know what kinda unit is now priced at 620k. Are you also putting your parent's name as the owner of the unit.

[lastresort]

we went to cascadia on saturday, but was not able to enter the show room after 3pm as they were preparing for the night concert where Fish Leong performed. Was quite impressed by their marketing campaign, the eco concept is interesting but I have doubt such a concept would work in such an area, and honestly, we think the place is a little too far from causeway and the heavy traffic one has to endure sometimes. But the marketing campaign must have been successful in attracting such a great turn out, so kudos to Setia for being able to market such a project so well. Everything in the ad looks so nice, especially the nice looking cascading lakes.

[lastresort]

we also stumbled upon this township called JP Perdana, which we initially thought is a development by Mah Sing as it has similar Perdana theme name, then we ventured along the road to another development called Austin LA gardens but later quickly made a u turn as the place looks deserted and undeveloped, located very near to plantations in a hilly area.

[LGLab]

[QUOTE=LGLab;902818]

Hi LGLab bro,

congrats on having found your ideal home.. Is it in HH, may I know what kinda unit is now priced at 620k. Are you also putting your parent's name as the owner of the unit.

Hi, dont congrats me yet, till the completion.

hehe..

it is a end lot unit at gateway precinct .. around 2280 sq ft..

oh yes, my mum gonna be the owner and im gonna finance it.

inside pretty well maintain..

[LGLab]

something im pretty wary but i dont know if it is a common practise.

im taking loan with malaysia bank.

the agent told me that if my loan fails, the 2% downpayment will be confiscated by the seller.

is this true?

can any expert help ?

Thanks.

[mathstub]

For those Bros and Sis who are into condo, say one type of condo with its balcony faces the pool surrounded by condo buildings and another type with its balcony faces the outside world seeing a large piece of land on which there is a township with a whole bunch of low-rise houses, do you think the condo facing the pool or the one facing the outside world have a better capital appreciation? Would love to hear your views here.

[mathstub]

Bros and Sis,

When I paid the booking fee to reserve a unit, I sent my money through the money changer to the bank account of the developer provided by the sales.

But I often hear the sales I can also place a cheque. Is this cheque the one from our checking account in SG or should be one from an account in Malaysia (meaning I need to open a checking account)? How do you guys usually do to reserve a unit? Putting down a cheque sounds so convenient.

Do you usually pay the booking fee and then apply for the loan and wait for the loan to approve or do you wait for the loan to approve first and then pay the booking fee (of course, it is possible that you will lose the unit of your choice if you wait until your loan is approved)?

[mathstub]

If I don't remember it wrong, based on very limited experience with one developer, I think one can get the booking fee (after substracting the admin fee if any) if the loan is turned down. If the loan is approved but with loan margin lower than what the buyer needs, then he cannot get the booking fee. But for this case, I have encountered another nice developer who still returns the booking fee after substracting some admin fee off but I suppose most other developers will not do this.

I am sure some Bros here should know much better than me regarding the above.


something im pretty wary but i dont know if it is a common practise.

im taking loan with malaysia bank.

the agent told me that if my loan fails, the 2% downpayment will be confiscated by the seller.

is this true?

can any expert help ?

Thanks.

[mathstub]

Thanks Bro for the link which confirms what I saw from the internet.


This website may offer some help: http://www.elawyer.com.my/legal_calculator_info.php

[tansi]

Both will collect to recover cost of building hiways and prepare for future tunnellink. never a toll free hiway.
yah, for what i know it will be like 2nd link go in pay, come back also pay.

[ShawnLow]

we went to cascadia on saturday, but was not able to enter the show room after 3pm as they were preparing for the night concert where Fish Leong performed. Was quite impressed by their marketing campaign, the eco concept is interesting but I have doubt such a concept would work in such an area, and honestly, we think the place is a little too far from causeway and the heavy traffic one has to endure sometimes. But the marketing campaign must have been successful in attracting such a great turn out, so kudos to Setia for being able to market such a project so well. Everything in the ad looks so nice, especially the nice looking cascading lakes.

I was there for the concert too. 1st impression they let me feel it is 2nd HH,environment wise very nice,due to the good weather it isnt hot at tat nite and can feel the good cold wind blowing~house very pretty,i have to thumb up to my friend who work in setia marketing,very good campaign indeed.

It is just the house is toooo far from 2nd link and pasir gudang highway is always jam...too bad..if they implement such great project in iskantar area, that place will be hot sales cake!

[ODYSSEY]

Not sure I quite understand you. Isn't it acceptable practice to pay 10% of purchase price, minus initial option fee when signing the S&P agreement at the lawyer's office before the lawyer can go ahead and seek state consent? In my case I paid a 2& option fee when making an offer, and upon acceptance, paid 8% at the lawyer's office during the signing of the S&P by both parties.

Hi Teck, as far as I know, the S&P must be signed first before the State Consent (applicable for foreigners only) application can be made. In ur case, I believe the lawyer would hv put in place a Conditions Precedent clause stating something to the effect that the S&P agreement is conditional upon the seller getting the Sate Consent. So, u are protected in this sense. This was one of the questions on my mind back then : )

[winners]

Hi Teck, as far as I know, the S&P must be signed first before the State Consent (applicable for foreigners only) application can be made. In ur case, I believe the lawyer would hv put in place a Conditions Precedent clause stating something to the effect that the S&P agreement is conditional upon the seller getting the Sate Consent. So, u are protected in this sense. This was one of the questions on my mind back then : )

This is very true. My lawyer also practiced the same clause for me although mine is a resale unit.

[curiouscat]

Other ways to help including teaching people how to "fish" and make a living instead of giving them "fish" instead of giving them "fish". In fact, I have help many to "fish" successfully instead of working for someone.indirectly, I am also feeding their family members and themselves.
PH

I believe in helping people help themselves. People that are successful had quite a bit of help (even though some seem to forget all the lucky breaks they got): from parents, relatives, school, businesses, government policies (enforcing laws, protecting you and your business, building infrastructure...), customers, mentors, authors... I know I have been lucky. I want to help give people a chance, who may not have been as lucky, to make their own lives better.

Four organizations I like that let me do this are: http://trickleup.org/ http://www.kiva.org/ http://www.globalgiving.org/ http://www.langkawicharity.com/

[ODYSSEY]

My seller does not seem to have appointed a legal firm to represent him, and she told me this is quite normal. Now that is very unusual to me, so maybe someone with more experience can confirm that this is in fact normal practice for sellers.

I believe it is normal practice. All the seller wants is to get his money, no money no house - simple! He doesnt need to spend the additional cost of hiring a lawyer to achieve this. The buyer, on the other hand, needs to engage a good lawyer cos he is the one coming out with the big money to purchase the house. He has to ensure things like, is the seller the rightful owner, and is the property free of any encumberance - u wouldnt want to buy one that's caught in a bankrupt suit, or an intestate struggle. Is the land that the house is sitting on gazetted for a future road, MRT, and many more. Buying a house is generally more complex than selling. For most people who take a loan from a bank, u would be bound to onerous terms and hiring a lawyer to get thru these is certainly advantageous. Having a good lawyer to protect the buyer's interest is a must, even more so if one is buying from sub-sale : ) Hope this answers ur question.

[Investor]

In today's 'Today' newspaper
Malaysian PM Najib Razak said yesterday that he will make an announcement about a collaboration with Singapore on the Iskandar Malaysia development project during a bilateral meeting next month.

Just 2 weeks ago
Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang has urged Malaysia and Singapore to capitalise on each other's comparative advantages to brave the global economic volatilities ahead.

“In the uncertain global economic climate, Malaysia and Singapore should reinforce each other's growth by finding collaborative niches in the manufacturing and services value chains. This will help us ride out the economic volatility that lies ahead,” he said at the Malaysia-Singapore Business Forum 2011 last week.

Lim also encouraged businesses in Singapore to leverage their expertise with Malaysian companies by integrating business or manufacturing processes across the borders.

“The close proximity between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore means that managing such integrated processes can be faster and easier. This is a valuable proposition that should be exploited.

“Looking ahead into the future, with the right match of industries and connectivity for goods and people further enhanced, Iskandar and Singapore could well have the potential to develop into a seamless economic space some day,” he said.

Both above news have shown that PAP view Iskandar as a partner instead of competitor and that PAP is willing to fully collaborate with Malaysia on the development of Iskandar in a way that will benefit both countries.

[lastresort]

In today's 'Today' newspaper
Malaysian PM Najib Razak said yesterday that he will make an announcement about a collaboration with Singapore on the Iskandar Malaysia development project during a bilateral meeting next month.

Just 2 weeks ago
Singapore's Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang has urged Malaysia and Singapore to capitalise on each other's comparative advantages to brave the global economic volatilities ahead.

“In the uncertain global economic climate, Malaysia and Singapore should reinforce each other's growth by finding collaborative niches in the manufacturing and services value chains. This will help us ride out the economic volatility that lies ahead,” he said at the Malaysia-Singapore Business Forum 2011 last week.

Lim also encouraged businesses in Singapore to leverage their expertise with Malaysian companies by integrating business or manufacturing processes across the borders.

“The close proximity between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore means that managing such integrated processes can be faster and easier. This is a valuable proposition that should be exploited.

“Looking ahead into the future, with the right match of industries and connectivity for goods and people further enhanced, Iskandar and Singapore could well have the potential to develop into a seamless economic space some day,” he said.

Both above news have shown that PAP view Iskandar as a partner instead of competitor and that PAP is willing to fully collaborate with Malaysia on the development of Iskandar in a way that will benefit both countries.

Im definitely keen to know what new announcement they are going to make. =)

[lastresort]

[QUOTE=lastresort;902952]

Hi, dont congrats me yet, till the completion.

hehe..

it is a end lot unit at gateway precinct .. around 2280 sq ft..

oh yes, my mum gonna be the owner and im gonna finance it.

inside pretty well maintain..

Brother, it is a reasonable good price, hope you get the unit successfully. =)

[Lizzert]

For those Bros and Sis who are into condo, say one type of condo with its balcony faces the pool surrounded by condo buildings and another type with its balcony faces the outside world seeing a large piece of land on which there is a township with a whole bunch of low-rise houses, do you think the condo facing the pool or the one facing the outside world have a better capital appreciation? Would love to hear your views here.

Pool view usually more popular unless the alternative has a commanding view of greenery, landscape or impressive skyline..if its township/low rise houses..I would go with pool.
Some may have concerns about noise from children/swimmers, but I think those with pool views will be easier to rent out and provide better use of balcony. Obviously height from and proximity to pool will have impact on noise levels..but Ive seen angmohs spend hours sitting ouside pool facing balcony drinking/reading on weekends. Personally I prefer pool views and like the tranquility and water noises/reflections and views at night when pool is closed to swimmers.

[lastresort]

I was there for the concert too. 1st impression they let me feel it is 2nd HH,environment wise very nice,due to the good weather it isnt hot at tat nite and can feel the good cold wind blowing~house very pretty,i have to thumb up to my friend who work in setia marketing,very good campaign indeed.

It is just the house is toooo far from 2nd link and pasir gudang highway is always jam...too bad..if they implement such great project in iskantar area, that place will be hot sales cake!

haha we didn't attend the concert in the end as it was quite late. Registered for the tickets, but decided not to go in the end. Yes I agree it is just too far from both customs and the road outside can be very jammed. Would be good for Malaysians working in JB instead of for those commuting to Singapore daily, but then again, not many of these people can afford these properties. I think the place also has no commercial area, so need to drive out to Setia Indah for the nearest coffeeshop/supermarket and to Tebrau for the nearest mall, all together, not so well connected to major places in JB. They are very smart to brand all the out of town areas as eco towns which we see as just marketing gimmicks to help them sell well. Also, Setia has it's way of giving easy buying package to help it sell it's projects fast and well to first home buyers as well as investors/speculators who wish to leaverage fully. I will still look at ST and BI instead, but the prime properties in BI are almost all sold out already.

[lastresort]

Pool view usually more popular unless the alternative has a commanding view of greenery, landscape or impressive skyline..if its township/low rise houses..I would go with pool.
Some may have concerns about noise from children/swimmers, but I think those with pool views will be easier to rent out and provide better use of balcony. Obviously height from and proximity to pool will have impact on noise levels..but Ive seen angmohs spend hours sitting ouside pool facing balcony drinking/reading on weekends. Personally I prefer pool views and like the tranquility and water noises/reflections and views at night when pool is closed to swimmers.

I agree, I read from a prop guru book that says condos facing a pool of water (swimming pool/lake/sea/river) have a very calming feeling (hard to explain), also chinese like to have water in front as we think it gives good fengsui. Green scenery views like park/garden/golf course are good too.

[lastresort]

Last week was invited for Privileged Review and booking. 20th floor facing S'pore 2-bedrooms of 958sf for RM600K (623psf) with 8% rebate (~573psf) . No installment till 3yrs upon completion. Before that all bank interest borned by developer. No legal fees for both S&P and loan agreement excluded stamp duty. Early bird also free airconds, master bedroom wardrobe, kitchen cabinet. Quite tempting to make a booking.... at last also gave up!! With current economic full of uncertainies :confused: , rather keep $$$ wait and see!

thanks brother, missed out on this post. I was expecting a higher psf price as I remember when it was branded Iskandar Residence, the sales person told me the starting price would be at least 600-700 psf and that was more than a year ago. Hopefully can get more info on this. =)

[Sobrielo]

something im pretty wary but i dont know if it is a common practise.

im taking loan with malaysia bank.

the agent told me that if my loan fails, the 2% downpayment will be confiscated by the seller.

is this true?

can any expert help ?

Thanks.I am not an expert and hope this is of help. Heed the good advice 1 to 8 by Wuqi. I was placed with adverse risk. Despite having paid the 2% within two weeks and having the loan approved and depositing another 10% after signing the SPA, with a clear understanding that the seller will received all the deposit only upon state approval. I was placed at a disadvantage when the seller demanded that 10% be paid before even the SPA was submitted for state approval. My advice is... get a good lawyer as advised by Wuqi. I don't really know whose interest mine was representing. Just glad to have all my money back minus legal fees and loss in foreign exchange...

The agreement is :

2% deposit, 14 days period to obtain loan. on 14th day to sign SPA & top up balance of 1st 10%. If loan not approved by 14 days deposit to be forfeited.

[Sobrielo]

Not sure I quite understand you. Isn't it acceptable practice to pay 10% of purchase price, minus initial option fee when signing the S&P agreement at the lawyer's office before the lawyer can go ahead and seek state consent? In my case I paid a 2& option fee when making an offer, and upon acceptance, paid 8% at the lawyer's office during the signing of the S&P by both parties.

Our case was different. Paid the 2% initial option fee with the agent who recommended the subsale property which would be placed as confirmed sale. And another 10% of the agreed price after having to sign all the documents pertaining to the sale on another day with a lawyer whom we did not appoint. The verbal understanding communicated to us was that upon agreement by seller after signing the SPA on a later day, all relevant documentation pertaining to the sale would be submitted to state for approval. We will only have to release the money held in trust inclusive of another 10% to the seller only upon state approval. That is the reason I refused to give in to the 10% as demanded by the seller when he purportedly was there to sign the SPA. It was a significant risk. I was even told in the presence of my family members that should the buyer backed out after signing the initial OTP, we can claimed compensation of RM12,000/-. On hindsight, I should have engaged a good legal representative and should have read and scrutinised all details in the clauses on the huge heap of documents pertaining to the sales and not accept it as face value. My fear was what would happen if for some reasons the state did not approve...that's why I am just happy to lose a small sum of legal fee charges amounting to RM3,000/- and loss in foreign exchange rate. Just sharing with all brothers and sisters out there to heed the advice given by Wuqi. Anyway, I never met the seller except the OTP that acknowledged him as the owner, and all relevant documents pertaining to the sales at the agent's premises at HH. I am glad my son is wise.

[Joyeo201]

haha we didn't attend the concert in the end as it was quite late. Registered for the tickets, but decided not to go in the end. Yes I agree it is just too far from both customs and the road outside can be very jammed. Would be good for Malaysians working in JB instead of for those commuting to Singapore daily, but then again, not many of these people can afford these properties. I think the place also has no commercial area, so need to drive out to Setia Indah for the nearest coffeeshop/supermarket and to Tebrau for the nearest mall, all together, not so well connected to major places in JB. They are very smart to brand all the out of town areas as eco towns which we see as just marketing gimmicks to help them sell well. Also, Setia has it's way of giving easy buying package to help it sell it's projects fast and well to first home buyers as well as investors/speculators who wish to leaverage fully. I will still look at ST and BI instead, but the prime properties in BI are almost all sold out already.

Sir, Which properties in Bukit Indah do you considered them as PRIME ?

[spidey]

I was there for the concert too. 1st impression they let me feel it is 2nd HH,environment wise very nice,due to the good weather it isnt hot at tat nite and can feel the good cold wind blowing~house very pretty,i have to thumb up to my friend who work in setia marketing,very good campaign indeed.

It is just the house is toooo far from 2nd link and pasir gudang highway is always jam...too bad..if they implement such great project in iskantar area, that place will be hot sales cake!

I think the area is ok, if you measure the distance to CBD and not to Tuas 2nd link! There is a way to by pass the Pasir Gudang highway....take the slip road out to NSHW, where you will by pass Adda Heights or Bandar Dato Onn...and once you hit the NSHW, it's a breeze to drive to the CBD...that is until you reach the flyover that is under contruction (EDL Highway) and leading into the City ctr...

If you are comparing HH/BI to CBD...I think this is closer...unless the costal hw is up...until now, have not use that hw yet...

[spidey]

I agree, I read from a prop guru book that says condos facing a pool of water (swimming pool/lake/sea/river) have a very calming feeling (hard to explain), also chinese like to have water in front as we think it gives good fengsui. Green scenery views like park/garden/golf course are good too.

To me - make sure it is not facing afternoon/evening sun....the rest is ok!!! in my younger days, bought one house facing afternoon/evening sun....stay in the house also can get sun-tan.....quickly sold it off! and promised myself will never get another place that faces the afternoon/evening sun!!

[cobragold]

If this is true, then really painful for users! Pay both side... Not that it's jam free!!!!

Hi,
Sg govt has said this before. They will match the toll set by my on both the causeway and second link. This is to ensure that both sides know that they cannot increase the toll without the other side doing the same. However sg govt also added if my toll is free they will also follow. So toll is actually controlled by my side. Why are they wanting to fix such a high rate of toll is because the highway contract was awarded to umno company and the cost of construction had to include pocket money.

[relaxmannn]

To me - make sure it is not facing afternoon/evening sun....the rest is ok!!! in my younger days, bought one house facing afternoon/evening sun....stay in the house also can get sun-tan.....quickly sold it off! and promised myself will never get another place that faces the afternoon/evening sun!!

Yes, its true not to have afternoon sun front & back.
I have my HDB main door facing west, the room temperature is around 33deg at 4pm.
Swear not to have a house facing west!

[yonglip]

Yes, its true not to have afternoon sun front & back.
I have my HDB main door facing west, the room temperature is around 33deg at 4pm.
Swear not to have a house facing west!

For me i prefer a bit of either the morning sun or afternoon sun into the house...not too much tho...this wil help sanitize the furniture etc...a house that has very little sunlight coming in is a good breeding ground for pests - things that can be seen...as well as things that cannot be seen...too ying.

Balance is always the key.

[pasture8]

Good day everyone, been reading this thread for a couple of months, really informative, helpful and encouraging... have committed on a freehold at NI8b :-)

[euphony]

I think Najib effectively dropped the 'bomb' today about Iskandar. Lots to look forward to not so much landmark/entertainment but more other stuff hopefully to drive up demand of workforce and bring in the crowds. Below is an article in short from NST (http://www.nst.com.my/latest/iskandar-gets-rm1-73b-new-investments-1.17939).



The new investments are between Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Frost and Sullivan, as well as Multimedia Development Corporation (MDEC) for the establishment of the RM100 million Frost and Sullivan Global Innovation Centre in Medini.

IIB and DHL have also agreed to establish the Iskandar Malaysia DHL Supply Chain Centre of Excellence, valued at RM0.5 million in committed investment.

University of Reading of Malaysia will establish the University of Reading Malaysia in Educity, Iskandar Malaysia with committed investment of RM135 million.

Other investments include by local developer Ra Ta land Sdn Bhd for a 25-storey twin towers office project in Medini North, Iskandar Malaysia worth RM250 million.

The Multimedia University and University of Southern California also inked an agreement to establish a Cinematic Arts programme at Educity.

[Diaspora]

Hi Diaspora

Welcome on behalf of the forum bros n sistas! :)

Dear Narmi,

Thank you !! :)

[arsenal]

Im definitely keen to know what new announcement they are going to make. =)

hope their announcement is not sth like cooperation on immigration custom to charge us more in the tolls..

[Diaspora]

Pool view usually more popular unless the alternative has a commanding view of greenery, landscape or impressive skyline..if its township/low rise houses..I would go with pool.
Some may have concerns about noise from children/swimmers, but I think those with pool views will be easier to rent out and provide better use of balcony. Obviously height from and proximity to pool will have impact on noise levels..but Ive seen angmohs spend hours sitting ouside pool facing balcony drinking/reading on weekends. Personally I prefer pool views and like the tranquility and water noises/reflections and views at night when pool is closed to swimmers.

I do agree...when contemplating on which unit to purchase for Impiana, I was told by the SA that normally the pool view units will command a better rental and pricing when compares to units facing landscape or low lying housing...A simple research on some of those properties site also revealed similar conclusion.

[wuqi256]

I think Najib effectively dropped the 'bomb' today about Iskandar. Lots to look forward to not so much landmark/entertainment but more other stuff hopefully to drive up demand of workforce and bring in the crowds. Below is an article in short from NST (http://www.nst.com.my/latest/iskandar-gets-rm1-73b-new-investments-1.17939).



The new investments are between Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) and Frost and Sullivan, as well as Multimedia Development Corporation (MDEC) for the establishment of the RM100 million Frost and Sullivan Global Innovation Centre in Medini.

IIB and DHL have also agreed to establish the Iskandar Malaysia DHL Supply Chain Centre of Excellence, valued at RM0.5 million in committed investment.

University of Reading of Malaysia will establish the University of Reading Malaysia in Educity, Iskandar Malaysia with committed investment of RM135 million.

Other investments include by local developer Ra Ta land Sdn Bhd for a 25-storey twin towers office project in Medini North, Iskandar Malaysia worth RM250 million.

The Multimedia University and University of Southern California also inked an agreement to establish a Cinematic Arts programme at Educity.



Ok, finally its out but more to come?
;)

[wuqi256]

something im pretty wary but i dont know if it is a common practise.

im taking loan with malaysia bank.

the agent told me that if my loan fails, the 2% downpayment will be confiscated by the seller.

is this true?

can any expert help ?

Thanks.

Actually for car loans and property loans, normally its negotiable if the bank loan is really not approved. Then again, they will normally try multiple banks and types of loan and tenure before finally giving up. It will be quite hard for one not to be approved by all banks.

[wuqi256]

Hi Teck, as far as I know, the S&P must be signed first before the State Consent (applicable for foreigners only) application can be made. In ur case, I believe the lawyer would hv put in place a Conditions Precedent clause stating something to the effect that the S&P agreement is conditional upon the seller getting the Sate Consent. So, u are protected in this sense. This was one of the questions on my mind back then : )

Yes, agreed thats what a lawyer worth his salt would do for the client he/she represents.

[wuqi256]

I agree, I read from a prop guru book that says condos facing a pool of water (swimming pool/lake/sea/river) have a very calming feeling (hard to explain), also chinese like to have water in front as we think it gives good fengsui. Green scenery views like park/garden/golf course are good too.

The benevolent likes to be near the hills, the intelligent likes to be near water.
Zuo qing long, you bai hu, nan zhu que, bei xuan wu. :)

Tortoise (Black Warrior) = North, Winter, Black, Water
White Tiger (Kirin) = West, Fall, White, Metal
Red Bird (Phoenix) = South, Summer, Red, Fire
Dragon = East, Spring, Blue/Green, Wood


By the way, was on the highway the other day near Perling side, saw a huge spout of water, turned out to be the water fountain in one of the parks of HH.

[lastresort]

Ok, finally its out but more to come?
;)

yes definitely more to come in January!!

[wuqi256]

All the best bro lastresort, i really hope you get what you want. :)

[lastresort]

The benevolent likes to be near the hills, the intelligent likes to be near water.
Zuo qing long, you bai hu, nan zhu que, bei xuan wu. :)

Tortoise (Black Warrior) = North, Winter, Black, Water
White Tiger (Kirin) = West, Fall, White, Metal
Red Bird (Phoenix) = South, Summer, Red, Fire
Dragon = East, Spring, Blue/Green, Wood


By the way, was on the highway the other day near Perling side, saw a huge spout of water, turned out to be the water fountain in one of the parks of HH.

yes! they have the water fountain shooting water into the sky in the new lake.

[lastresort]

All the best bro lastresort, i really hope you get what you want. :)

no lah, im not looking at buying anything now. I just want to start looking and studying market trend so that when I am ready to commit more in a few years time, I know I have seen enough and will be ready to spot a good opportunity. Rather than start looking only when I am ready, I start now. It is fun to check out new places and developments every week.

[wuqi256]

yes definitely more to come in January!!

Yes, sounds like you already know whats in store too. :)

Someone just recently shocked me when he said to a very learned bro of mine. You guys must know something i don't, no one will vest so much if there wasn't sufficiently good reason. My bro smiled. :)

To those bros who already got vested here way before me - Hats off to you and again i wished i wasn't so stubborn back then.
To those bros who came out here when this post first started - Thank you for taking the step in trying something different and new.

[wuqi256]

Understand, yes it is, making informed choices and going forward with it with eyes open.
Wishing you all the very best. :)

[lastresort]

I think the area is ok, if you measure the distance to CBD and not to Tuas 2nd link! There is a way to by pass the Pasir Gudang highway....take the slip road out to NSHW, where you will by pass Adda Heights or Bandar Dato Onn...and once you hit the NSHW, it's a breeze to drive to the CBD...that is until you reach the flyover that is under contruction (EDL Highway) and leading into the City ctr...

If you are comparing HH/BI to CBD...I think this is closer...unless the costal hw is up...until now, have not use that hw yet...

I think for the past few years, housing standards have definitely improved. We are seeing more new and interesting living concepts. This improvement is in tandem with improving living standards, higher income, higher expectations, more job opportunities and investments in the region. I believe no town is an island and as long as one town does well, it will definitely have spillover effect on the whole of Iskandar. For some of us who bought a unit for own stay, we are seeing JB develop more completely, becoming more livable and well connected. The infrastructures, malls, schools and security have definitely improved, not just for Nusajaya, but the entire Iskandar, be it Kulai, Skudai, Kempas, Austin/Tebrau, Permas Jaya. As investors, we are always excited to visit new townships every week and talk to the sales people to find out more about the future developments in the new area. We want to know prices in different parts of JB are appreciating and not just for a small town because I feel that prices will never be stable if only a small region in Iskandar is doing well. When we thought HH is overpriced, we visited the other side of JB, the Masai region and found out the new launches coming up will be priced around HH price, can we then say HH is overpriced. I think not, because I think Iskandar as a region has seen prices move up north and this is sustainable because when we talked to an uncle from Batu Bahat, he told us the prices in his town has shoot thru the roof in the last few years. I am happy to know this because this means the entire region is doing well and stable. As investors, we are constantly updating ourselves on the latest market trend. We are also excited to know other towns are doing well and we see opportunities every where no matter how out of town the place may be, if the price is right, the opportunity is there and might have been overlooked by others. :)

[euphony]

good to know. i'd like to see what hat tricks Jb can continue to pull closing in on 2020. By then this living in JB thread might even become a single hosted site who knows!


Ok, finally its out but more to come?
;)


yes definitely more to come in January!!

[geritan]

something im pretty wary but i dont know if it is a common practise.

im taking loan with malaysia bank.

the agent told me that if my loan fails, the 2% downpayment will be confiscated by the seller.

is this true?

can any expert help ?

Thanks.

Submit application to as many bank as you can. Then choose one that offer you the best. Ask your agent to give you a bit more time to source for bank loan.

[ODYSSEY]

Najib hints at major announcement at next meeting with PM Lee
Published on ST Times, Dec 12, 2011 By Teo Cheng Wee, Regional Correspondent

....He (PM Najib) also announced a 942-strong auxilliary police battalion to be based in Iskandar Malaysia to boost safety and security - an issue that has been a concern for some investors here.

He handed out appointments letters to the first batch of 13 officers yesterday.

I like reading this kind of news! Over the weekend when I was driving down from Cameron at Simpang Pulai, there was a road block. The police were stopping and checking on the drivers (of Malaysian cars) in front. As I approached, I noticed the policeman glancing at my car number plate. Imagine my surprise when the policeman, after seeing my SG plate, smiled at me and waved me on. I felt so privileged then. Is this a sign of better things to come for us, SG car drivers? Anyone else experienced this recently?

[Investor]

Thanks for sharing, Odyssey.

[mathstub]

Bro LGLab, sorry that I was mistaken because I was quite sleepy and it was rather late at night when I glanced through the posts here.

Bro teck21, thank you very much for clarifying and answering LGLab.


Absolutely. The importance of having a good lawyer protecting your interests cannot be understated. This clause and a whole host of other clauses designed to protect you, the buyer.

Clauses we wouldn't ordinarily think about because we don't buy properties very often (at least I don't lol).

Imagine not having a lawyer, or one who also represents the seller. They could just leave out all these clauses (another example would be how the premise must not be substantially different from the one you put the offer in, a wall has not collapsed or something) in the S&P and we would be done for if anything goes wrong.

Thanks Vincent for the answer to the seller not having a lawyer query as well.

Mathstub: LGLab is buying resale not from the developer.

Lab: I don't know about Malaysia, but in SG, yes the option fee you pay to the seller is generally not refundable according to the terms of the option. Buyers generally only put down the money if they are sure they want, and can complete the transaction.

[mathstub]

Bros, for pool view, which floor do you prefer your apartment to be on? Lower to mid floors (4-8th floor) should have better pool views while higher floors will not see the pool very clearly.


I agree, I read from a prop guru book that says condos facing a pool of water (swimming pool/lake/sea/river) have a very calming feeling (hard to explain), also chinese like to have water in front as we think it gives good fengsui. Green scenery views like park/garden/golf course are good too.


I do agree...when contemplating on which unit to purchase for Impiana, I was told by the SA that normally the pool view units will command a better rental and pricing when compares to units facing landscape or low lying housing...A simple research on some of those properties site also revealed similar conclusion.


Pool view usually more popular unless the alternative has a commanding view of greenery, landscape or impressive skyline..if its township/low rise houses..I would go with pool.
Some may have concerns about noise from children/swimmers, but I think those with pool views will be easier to rent out and provide better use of balcony. Obviously height from and proximity to pool will have impact on noise levels..but Ive seen angmohs spend hours sitting ouside pool facing balcony drinking/reading on weekends. Personally I prefer pool views and like the tranquility and water noises/reflections and views at night when pool is closed to swimmers.

[mathstub]

Bro Wuqi, I agree. Like what you said, one often gets loan approval from some bank. But then the loan margin can at time lower than what one needs, one has to give up buying. So in this case, it will still be treated as a case having loan approval (I think some sellers regard the buyer being not able to buy because of insufficient approved loan margin as the buyer's own concern and will not treat it in the same way as the case when the buyer gets zero loan approval). But then I agree with what you said it is negotiable depending on the seller.


Actually for car loans and property loans, normally its negotiable if the bank loan is really not approved. Then again, they will normally try multiple banks and types of loan and tenure before finally giving up. It will be quite hard for one not to be approved by all banks.

[Whathefish]

Bros, for pool view, which floor do you prefer your apartment to be on? Lower to mid floors (4-8th floor) should have better pool views while higher floors will not see the pool very clearly, right?

Personally think 7 to 8 floor is just nice for pool view. Not too near for comfort, yet can good view of whole area. Too high, then no point.

If facing greens and rows of landed prop which you mentioned, it has to be much higher (10++) so i can have views of more greens than rooftops.

[Narmi]

Najib hints at major announcement at next meeting with PM Lee
Published on ST Times, Dec 12, 2011 By Teo Cheng Wee, Regional Correspondent

....He (PM Najib) also announced a 942-strong auxilliary police battalion to be based in Iskandar Malaysia to boost safety and security - an issue that has been a concern for some investors here.

He handed out appointments letters to the first batch of 13 officers yesterday.

I like reading this kind of news! Over the weekend when I was driving down from Cameron at Simpang Pulai, there was a road block. The police were stopping and checking on the drivers (of Malaysian cars) in front. As I approached, I noticed the policeman glancing at my car number plate. Imagine my surprise when the policeman, after seeing my SG plate, smiled at me and waved me on. I felt so privileged then. Is this a sign of better things to come for us, SG car drivers? Anyone else experienced this recently?

Yup bro odyssey :)
just recently was on my way up fr the hiway towards Genting. There was a roadblk and ALL msian vehicles were stopped n checked but sg plates were waved on with a smile. N yday while we got lost in unfamiliar Kulai area on our way to JPO (some gd bargains btw) we were at d same time not worried cos there were many mini police posts and even got rd direction to JPO by a smiling police officer manng d mini police post :)

[tutucake]

Actually Im not holding my breathe about having good responsible jb polis overnite... i find all these smiling and politeless very superficial... one day they take pocket money from u...next day they become the smiling and helpful polis officer that gives you a helping hand? Come on....really??
It could be a case of the higher commissioner gives specific instructions to them to be nice to singaporeans (for now) as jb needs these singaporean investors for the growth of iskandar malaysia........ OR.... it could be juz me being too skeptical...

[horizonhills]

It used to be just 5-10 years ago when SG cars were singled out as "piggybanks" and the jb polis will never hesitate to stop SG cars to ask for some pocket money. Afterall, Sg car owners give a fatter ang-bao every year. However, with the open economy and proliferation of the internet, now errant polis have been taken to task and the Chief of JB police has personally directed his boys to treat SG crime reports more seriously. Its obviously due to the pressure given by Putrajaya and the Sporean's participation in Iskandar which has boomed the JB economy. When u look at places like HH or East Ledang and Nusajaya, I can tell you that up to 80% of the money and investment comes from people who work and earn Sing dollars.


Actually Im not holding my breathe about having good responsible jb polis overnite... i find all these smiling and politeless very superficial... one day they take pocket money from u...next day they become the smiling and helpful polis officer that gives you a helping hand? Come on....really??
It could be a case of the higher commissioner gives specific instructions to them to be nice to singaporeans (for now) as jb needs these singaporean investors for the growth of iskandar malaysia........ OR.... it could be juz me being too skeptical...

[vincentck]

For me i prefer a bit of either the morning sun or afternoon sun into the house...not too much tho...this wil help sanitize the furniture etc...a house that has very little sunlight coming in is a good breeding ground for pests - things that can be seen...as well as things that cannot be seen...too ying.

Balance is always the key.Agree with you, bro. My previous HDB flat near Little Guilin in Bt Gombak was prone to having mold/fungus on the wooden furniture and luggage bags. And the bedroom will have a musty smell if we don't open the windows once in a while.

[vincentck]

Good day everyone, been reading this thread for a couple of months, really informative, helpful and encouraging... have committed on a freehold at NI8b :-)Hi Pasture8, welcome to the forum and welcome to NI8. There are a few of us here with units in P8B. What's your unit type and how much was your unit? Did you get a good loan package?


no lah, im not looking at buying anything now. I just want to start looking and studying market trend so that when I am ready to commit more in a few years time, I know I have seen enough and will be ready to spot a good opportunity. Rather than start looking only when I am ready, I start now. It is fun to check out new places and developments every week.Bro, I keep telling my wife we should still look and know the market even though we're not buying. When we're ready, then we'll know the history and trend of the place. Good for you!

[pasture8]

[QUOTE=vincentck;904032]Hi Pasture8, welcome to the forum and welcome to NI8. There are a few of us here with units in P8B. What's your unit type and how much was your unit? Did you get a good loan package?

Thanks Vincent. End-lot. RM5xx,888 ;)
Any latest updates from NI8b? Sales? construction progress?
cheers.
:-)

[ODYSSEY]

Our case was different. Paid the 2% initial option fee with the agent who recommended the subsale property which would be placed as confirmed sale. And another 10% of the agreed price after having to sign all the documents pertaining to the sale on another day with a lawyer whom we did not appoint. The verbal understanding communicated to us was that upon agreement by seller after signing the SPA on a later day, all relevant documentation pertaining to the sale would be submitted to state for approval. We will only have to release the money held in trust inclusive of another 10% to the seller only upon state approval. That is the reason I refused to give in to the 10% as demanded by the seller when he purportedly was there to sign the SPA. It was a significant risk. I was even told in the presence of my family members that should the buyer backed out after signing the initial OTP, we can claimed compensation of RM12,000/-. On hindsight, I should have engaged a good legal representative and should have read and scrutinised all details in the clauses on the huge heap of documents pertaining to the sales and not accept it as face value. My fear was what would happen if for some reasons the state did not approve...that's why I am just happy to lose a small sum of legal fee charges amounting to RM3,000/- and loss in foreign exchange rate. Just sharing with all brothers and sisters out there to heed the advice given by Wuqi. Anyway, I never met the seller except the OTP that acknowledged him as the owner, and all relevant documents pertaining to the sales at the agent's premises at HH. I am glad my son is wise.

Hi Sobrielo, sorry to read about ur son's bad experience. It may be time to change the housing agent. From what I read, the agent and the lawyer seemed to side with the owner. Since you r the one who's going to pay the lawyer, u should appoint ur own lawyer to ensure that ur interest takes precedent and is protected. In this case, ur son did the right thing! Remember not to use this lawyer again.

For anyone buying from sub-sale, the earnest deposit is currently 1% and u shouldnt be paying more than this. If the agent were to ask for 2% or more, they r usually trying their luck and acting on the instruction of the seller. The norm is 1% - and they know! So, try not to give in. But I know this is hard to do; especially when u've found ur dream home. lol

When I bought my house, I made my earnest deposit in an SG cheque made payable to my lawyer - NEVER to the housing agent! The amount to write is the equivalent after conversion to Sing Dollars. I then passed this cheque to the agent to pass to the lawyer. An agent worth his salt would know how to get in touch with the lawyer. Ensure the agent issued u a receipt for this.

Sign the option form provided by the agent. Usually, u will not get to meet the seller so, please dont expect to. After u hv signed, the agent would then bring the same form to the seller for his signature. Depending on the time of day u signed the form, and how hardworking or busy the agent is, the option form can be signed and completed by the seller within the same day, or if not, by the next day. Request a copy of the option form, after all the signatures had been gathered, from the agent, via email. After this, the agent would hand the completed option form with ur earnest deposit to the lawyer.

The lawyer would then call/email u to let u know that they have received the payment and the option form. If u do not hear from ur lawyers, u can call/email them to check. : ) Give them something like 10 days (plus minus a day or two) to get the Sales & Purchase Agreement drafted. Some can get this done very fast (copy from template only wat!). Once the S&P is ready for ur signature, the lawyer's office would usually get in touch with u. Ask for a copy of the S&P to be emailed to u to read first before going down to their office to sign.

Spend some time to read the draft, pen down any questions u have, or concerns u may want to raise with ur lawyer. At this point, u can get ready to remit the balance 9% (10% less the 1% earnest deposit u paid earlier) of the purchase price to ur lawyer. I did mine thru my SG bank's Telegraphic Transfer facilities, the method used is up to u. Make an appointment with ur lawyer to sign the S&P, usually at the lawyer's office.

Before u sign, the lawyer should go thru each point on the S&P with u and this is where u ask those questions that u have prepared earlier. If the lawyer didnt go thru every point with u clearly, u would know instancely if u hv got the right lawyer haha. Whatever......, get the lawyer to go thru and explain every point with u. Sign the S&P.

If u r taking a loan from the bank, the lawyer would also have prepared a Loan Agreement for u to sign during that same visit, thus saving u an additional trip to his office.

After the signatures are all done, the lawyer would then pass u the statements for their Professional Charges (bill lah). Usually the "bill" would have two parts: Legal Fees and Disbursement. There is nothing much u can do about the Disbursement part, but u can certainly ask for a discount on the Legal Fees. If u dont ask they wouldnt give, hurhur. As a guide, be prepared to pay 4.5 to 5% of ur house purchase price to cover the Legal Fees and Disbursement for the S&P (this cost include the State Authority Consent Levy and relating fee for foreigners); and about 1% for the Bank's Loan Agreement. U r not expected to pay this yet till u pick up the keys to ur newly purchased house at the lawyer's office - which can be 3 to 4 months down the road. For foreigners, this may be longer cos of the State Authority Consent.

What next?

After all parties (buyer and seller) had signed on the S&P, if u r a foreigner buying, the lawyer would proceed to submit ur application for the State Authority Consent. This is estimated to take about 1 to 2.5 months.

What next?

Wait for ur keys lor, which may take about another 3 months. In the meantime can start planning what u want to do to ur house.

Disclaimer:

This is just a guide and is based on my recent experience buying a house in JB thru sub-sale. Yours may vary and can be better than mine. Wuqi, r my above points correct? All good bros, pse feel free to add or correct. Thanks and all the best to all in the process of Living in JB!

[horizonhills]

I was playing golf over the weekend when 4 helicopters flew across horizon hills slowly. Very noisy. I looked up and was rather surprised to see helicopters hovering around. Thought they were from the SAF but they were damn noisy and kept circling around. After some time they flew across to Legoland side. Subsquently a few helicopters kept hovering around Horizon hills.

Today I finally knew that its the PM Najib who was on board the choppers. I read from the papers that he was having a tour of Iskandar. Lets hope something big will be announced next month

[TayJC]

Hi Brothers and Sisters,

I am looking at getting a landed property in JB. Preferably, the amenities include parks so that my kids can run around. I visited East Ledang last week but was disappointed that all properties are sold out.

Do you have any recommendations?

Best regards.

[Aisanbo]

I was there for the concert too. 1st impression they let me feel it is 2nd HH,environment wise very nice,due to the good weather it isnt hot at tat nite and can feel the good cold wind blowing~house very pretty,i have to thumb up to my friend who work in setia marketing,very good campaign indeed.

It is just the house is toooo far from 2nd link and pasir gudang highway is always jam...too bad..if they implement such great project in iskantar area, that place will be hot sales cake!

I was there too. Great cooling night and saw e moon eclipse too.
With EDL, hopefully the traffic would be smoother into Singapore and perhaps cater to people working in north, north-east, changi business park area.
I also think if MRT come true in 2018, then traffic jam is not really an issue anymore.

[Puteri harbour]

Anyone know the legal fees for a MYR 1.8m loan?

Cheers,
PH

[lastresort]

I was there too. Great cooling night and saw e moon eclipse too.
With EDL, hopefully the traffic would be smoother into Singapore and perhaps cater to people working in north, north-east, changi business park area.
I also think if MRT come true in 2018, then traffic jam is not really an issue anymore.

brother, how about mount austin area compared to indah area. in terms of traffic, distance to causeway and amenities.

[Grago]

Anyone know the legal fees for a MYR 1.8m loan? Cheers,PHIt gives you an idea of how much legal fees would be. This would be in addition to disbursement payments. Legal fees can be negotiated contrary to what is the 'official' line is. I would advise paying close attention to the claims details ......... http://elawyer.com.my/legal_calculator_info.php

[IskandarRocks]

Anyone know the legal fees for a MYR 1.8m loan?

Cheers,
PH

Hi PH - The total of Loan Stamping and related Legal Fee should be roughly 1% of your loan amount. This is after a discount of about 35% to 40% on the legal fee.

[avelc]

Is stamp duty (1% of first 100k, 2% of next 400k, 3% of remainder) payable upon signing of S&P (sales & purchase agreement), or upon completion? This is for new projects.

[pasture8]

Learning and gathering information as i go along, so brothers and sisters please bear with me...

1) Does anyone know how to hit Tuas 2nd link from Nusa idaman without having to do the "U-Turn" from BI Jusco side? Was looking at some pictorial map it showed the Coastal Road connecting to Tuas 2nd link highway coming down from NI precinct 7 that side. Need confirmation and will try out the route.

2) How is the weekday school term traffic like at Tuas 2nd link at around 6.45am?

3) i have notice JB houses are not very keen on split unit air-con. i thought i have read this topic in this forum somewhere that ease of maintenance, installation and cost savings are the reasons. Would appreciate some more input on this.

Still have a whole lot more questions to ask :p but i think the above three will do for now. The wifey asked me why i like to think and worry all these nitty-gritty thingee? i told her thinking no need money one, dreaming also no need $$ one so why limit our brains. :D