Living in JB 2 (Johore)

[teck21]

I am doubtful it can work as a alternative mode of transport beween Singapore - JB . Likely for leisure use , such as rich man yatch and tours, which is their intention leh . Boats and sampans was invented much more earlier than cars !

Maybe send them to Poyan reservoir area? Enjoy the greenery and sound GPMGs roaring.

You see jam only occurs on long weekends / holidays , hence boats operators may only be getting critical mass on these occasions . How about normal days ? Also chances are Singapore side is not too keen to make things so easy , cheaper and smooth lah , just that they wont /cant tell you, its all political .

Yah, I don't like to ascribe to political shenanigans what is probably easier explained by sheer incompetence or its equivalent, but it's very hard to excape the feeling that Singapore simply does not want to make it easy for Singaporeans to travel in and out of Johor.

I have had the bad luck of needing to use the causeway several times lately, and everytime during strict non-peak hours (leaving SG weekdays around 9am, returning around 12pm), and entering Singapore is ridiculous.

There are so many immigration lanes open, that get shepherded into 4 lanes after the usual customs inspection, left and right, and these 8 lanes are so close together get shepherded into 2 narrow lanes, which within 10metres, get narrowed into a single lane that does absolutely nothing. Unless the 6 policeman/women standing around there looking so happy can better spot criminals in vehicles travelling at 1km/hr.

Quite ridiculous, takes 10-15minutes to clear immigration and customs, and inch forward slower than a snail for 30minutes just to travel about 30 meters to get to BKE.

Reminds me of how we treat of southern neighbour, when discussing treaties etc, insist on inserting conditions they know will never be met by, and then coming out with statements like 'they're puzzled' at the response they are getting even though they have been acting in ... good faith.

 

[teck21]

The 3.5% p.a. interest is on normal savings account?

If say I am going to take a loan of about 4.3%, does it make sense to have cash deposits earning 3.5% to counter the interest rate on the loan rather than keep it in SGD savings earning less than 1%?

Assuming the 4.3% does not go up, and the 3.5% does not go down, and that the deposit is being compounded (ie rolled over to accumulate more interest rather than taken out), yes even the 3.5% will earn you more interest than you will pay on 4.3% (especially since the interest portion of your monthly payment goes down as time passes) over the same period of time.

eg on a $300,000 mortgage loan over 10 years @ 4.3%, you will end up paying $70,000 in interest.
$300,000 in a 3.5% FD rolled over every for 10 years will be worth about $420,000 in 10 years, which is interest earned of about $120,000.

BTW, I believe the 3.5% is for FD accounts, not normal deposit accounts.

Or you can go for the interest matching scheme that some others like Yonglip are on, which is any amount you have with the bank that loaned you the money will earn the same interest as what you are paying for your mortgage.

Of course this amount is capped. He can better tell you what the cap is and exactly how it works there.

Assuming the cap is whatever principal amount is outstanding, then as long as that account has at least the same amount of money as the principal outstanding, then you will effectively pay zero interest.

 

[maxpark]

Teck21,
Nice blog on your renovation plans, will visit time to time to get some useful info, thanks for sharing.
Would it be appropriate to also indicate approximate costs per renovations, eg how much budgeted for flooring, for the bathrooms, etc... for example, I noted you mentioned its around 35-36k for the kitchen? That could be useful to have a rough idea on what price ranges out there. Thanks in advance.
Mine will be ready in about one year's time, so just look-see look-see at the moment.

 

[maxpark]

You see jam only occurs on long weekends / holidays , hence boats operators may only be getting critical mass on these occasions . How about normal days ? Also chances are Singapore side is not too keen to make things so easy , cheaper and smooth lah , just that they wont /cant tell you, its all political .[/QUOTE


To operate a scheduled ferry or boat services are not going to be cheap.
Except for the occasional peak periods, wouldn't it be much more convenient and faster to just drive across the bridges, even if one plans to drive to Puteri Harbor or nearby?
This is not exactly Desaru where the distance is quite far to drive or even Batam/Bintan which there are no choices; this is what, 15-20mins tops ferry journey time?
Where will the critical mass be for these?

Maybe will try 1-2 times for the novelty, after that, what next?
If I were looking at this from a business case perspective, I would be seriously thinking 50-50 whether this will turn into a big White Elephant!

 

[yonglip]

The 3.5% p.a. interest is on normal savings account?

If say I am going to take a loan of about 4.3%, does it make sense to have cash deposits earning 3.5% to counter the interest rate on the loan rather than keep it in SGD savings earning less than 1%?

By the way, I noticed that there are houses with sloping roofs and houses with flat roofs. Other than design, are there any other major differences between the two?

hi bro. most banks in malaysia are giving more than 3+% for FD. Singaporeans can place FDs in Msia banks. NO PROBLEM. It is useful for bros who want to use the principal or interest later for purchases in Msia. not so much to convert back into SGD cos the buy/sell exhange rate will negate most of the interest earned. So for RM1 million, can easily nego for a better rate.

Yes it make a lot of sense to do it and as bro Teck21 highlighted earlier, i am on interest offset scheme. So far i have not been paying any interest cos i have tried to match the amount drawn down as my prop is still under construction. Do note that one is required to pay the interest on the loan during construction when the draw down happened in stages. Once completed or fully drawn down, only then the full monthly repayment amount kicks in.

Unlike in SG, there is no cap on the on the amount matched. In SG, most banks with interest offset cap it at 2/3 of the loan amount. so one cannot enjoy full interest offset. no such thing in Msia. Interest offset effectively cuts the loan duration by half cos no interest is paid and the monthly pament goes to FULLY reduce the outstanding loan.

Houses with flat roof is not really flat. My place the roof looks flat from the exterior but actually there is a regular slope roof with a very gentle gradient hidden. more for asthetics rather than anything else.

cheers.

 

[Diaspora]

I am doubtful it can work as a alternative mode of transport beween Singapore - JB . Likely for leisure use , such as rich man yatch and tours, which is their intention leh . Boats and sampans was invented much more earlier than cars !

You see jam only occurs on long weekends / holidays , hence boats operators may only be getting critical mass on these occasions . How about normal days ? Also chances are Singapore side is not too keen to make things so easy , cheaper and smooth lah , just that they wont /cant tell you, its all political .[/QUOTE


To operate a scheduled ferry or boat services are not going to be cheap.
Except for the occasional peak periods, wouldn't it be much more convenient and faster to just drive across the bridges, even if one plans to drive to Puteri Harbor or nearby?
This is not exactly Desaru where the distance is quite far to drive or even Batam/Bintan which there are no choices; this is what, 15-20mins tops ferry journey time?
Where will the critical mass be for these?

Maybe will try 1-2 times for the novelty, after that, what next?
If I were looking at this from a business case perspective, I would be seriously thinking 50-50 whether this will turn into a big White Elephant!

How about from Puteri Harbour to HarbourFront. Then one can park his/her Malaysia car in PH, hopped on the ferry / speedboat, 30mins later arrived at HF and then take MRT to work. This should cater to not only those travelling daily to work/business but also tourists from both countries....

 

[Qube3]

Wow quite a good model for buyer and Somerset. Shared risks. One key assumption I guess is Nusajaya really takes off and expats and visitors will want to stay in upmarket service residences. This the key risk. But location location location is super good with ferry CIQ....cuts out traffic jams, tolls & need for Singapore-plated cars. Got to think more as price certainly quite steep. Thanks bro.

No probs bro Contra, and like bro Yonglip mentioned earlier, the prices indeed appear steep relative to other developments. 1Medini is very reasonably priced, but they are 99, and I much prefer freehold. However this Somerset PH development is in arguably located at the primest plot of land right in front of Puteri Harbour, freehold, and low-rise. Today is the end of the 2nd weekend of launch and the latest update from the sales agency are that all units that they intend to sell have been sold - some 106 of 168 units (with the rest being heldback).

There is indeed risks here, and I am mindful - really there must be a real leisure/business/educational/entertainment pull and having toured round Nusajaya in as many weeks I have no doubt that this is a specuvesting (part speculation, part investment) buy for me.

There is an ad today (ST) with Encorp Residences being sold starting from SGD380psf (or MYR900 thereabouts) so I guess Somerset PH is right smack on the pricing (even slightly cheaper) but with all the frills (furnitures & fittings). It does not look as if the developer of Somerset PH had factored the guaranteed returns into the pricing.

The evaluation to buy also considered in a large extent the fuss-free compulsory leaseback to Somerset and in all honesty that was a winner for me. There is also a difference - the development will be in every aspect based on Ascott's designs whereas the other serviced residences will be constructed first, and then the developer finds a suitable service management company. Makes a lot of difference as I have experienced the latter before and the outcome was construction of serviced units of a poorer standard.

I am anticipating a lot of interest in this area going forward especially when more and more announcements relating to direct Singapore private & government participation in this area and it hopefully will only snowball from here. One of my earlier posts on another thread specifically mention the pull of the area by way of billateral infrastructure with Singapore (underground tunnel road, MRT/LRT, radiowave connectivity, CIQ 3 with co-immigration/customs facility, Senai/Changi airroute agreements etc).

There could be more opportunities abound, as if Nusajaya really takes off, there will not be enough hotel rooms and hopefully others may come about such as Frasers and the likes.

 

[yonglip]

Maybe send them to Poyan reservoir area? Enjoy the greenery and sound GPMGs roaring.



Yah, I don't like to ascribe to political shenanigans what is probably easier explained by sheer incompetence or its equivalent, but it's very hard to excape the feeling that Singapore simply does not want to make it easy for Singaporeans to travel in and out of Johor.

I have had the bad luck of needing to use the causeway several times lately, and everytime during strict non-peak hours (leaving SG weekdays around 9am, returning around 12pm), and entering Singapore is ridiculous.

There are so many immigration lanes open, that get shepherded into 4 lanes after the usual customs inspection, left and right, and these 8 lanes are so close together get shepherded into 2 narrow lanes, which within 10metres, get narrowed into a single lane that does absolutely nothing. Unless the 6 policeman/women standing around there looking so happy can better spot criminals in vehicles travelling at 1km/hr.

Quite ridiculous, takes 10-15minutes to clear immigration and customs, and inch forward slower than a snail for 30minutes just to travel about 30 meters to get to BKE.

Reminds me of how we treat of southern neighbour, when discussing treaties etc, insist on inserting conditions they know will never be met by, and then coming out with statements like 'they're puzzled' at the response they are getting even though they have been acting in ... good faith.

"bro. maybe you want to use some of your powderful english and write to the customs people and ask them why the "funnelling needed?.also why have the basic presumption that every singaporean is a criminal unless proven otherwise (by opening their car boot)? i suspect the customs chief himself never used the causeway before or on ocassions when he used it, special lane was opened for him??..else i don think he will ever approve stressing people out through this type of funnelling. kinda reminds me of the SMRT chief who claim this and that about the train when she herself never even ride it before.

cheers.

 

[maxpark]

How about from Puteri Harbour to HarbourFront. Then one can park his/her Malaysia car in PH, hopped on the ferry / speedboat, 30mins later arrived at HF and then take MRT to work. This should cater to not only those travelling daily to work/business but also tourists from both countries....

Good thinking, that might work better... also easier access for Johoreans, etc to hop into a direct ferry into Genting casino!!

 

[contra]

Hi aperfectcircle0,

I am sorry to hear about your case. Some HH sales people are known to be making side income but your case has shown it has gotten into unacceptable proportions.

First request that you out the name of lady P..... as a favour for all potential buyers who read the forum.

RM600k for golf terrace? If is intermediate, it is expensive. The terms of seller is extreme and unfair. It sounds like many of the parties are in cohorts.

In my opinion, please cut the loss and take the $5k as tuition fees. Get out of this mess before you incur more costs in Stamp duties, legal fees, etc (sure it is not bumi lot?).

Just rent in HH in the meantime and put downpayment for Greens that is cheaper than the RM600k. Say you buy the RM560k unit, plus the cost of the $5k (RM12k) tuition fees, you are still ahead with a new place of your own selection and cheaper too.

You seem to have been taken advantage of, given your urgency. Stay calm, think longer term. Many houses to choose from in JB. Rent first will give you the chance to enjoy more of it ...

Hi aperfectcircle0 bro, I have to post this quick to balance what I wrote earlier. It seems greens 22 x 75 have shot up to RM650k+ developer price this weekend. I do not understand hh prices anymore. Like is trying to catch medini prices......
Even the lady p becomes agent for subsale and resale on the side to get into the action. All I can say is be careful but I do not know better in this environment.

 

[tutucake]

hi bro. most banks in malaysia are giving more than 3+% for FD. Singaporeans can place FDs in Msia banks. NO PROBLEM. It is useful for bros who want to use the principal or interest later for purchases in Msia. not so much to convert back into SGD cos the buy/sell exhange rate will negate most of the interest earned. So for RM1 million, can easily nego for a better rate.

Yes it make a lot of sense to do it and as bro Teck21 highlighted earlier, i am on interest offset scheme. So far i have not been paying any interest cos i have tried to match the amount drawn down as my prop is still under construction. Do note that one is required to pay the interest on the loan during construction when the draw down happened in stages. Once completed or fully drawn down, only then the full monthly repayment amount kicks in.

Unlike in SG, there is no cap on the on the amount matched. In SG, most banks with interest offset cap it at 2/3 of the loan amount. so one cannot enjoy full interest offset. no such thing in Msia. Interest offset effectively cuts the loan duration by half cos no interest is paid and the monthly pament goes to FULLY reduce the outstanding loan.

Houses with flat roof is not really flat. My place the roof looks flat from the exterior but actually there is a regular slope roof with a very gentle gradient hidden. more for asthetics rather than anything else.

cheers.

Hi Bro Yonglip,

i tot those 'flat' roof are concrete slabs while the 'sloped' roofs are tiled roofs?

my malaysian wife told me that the advantage for flat roofs over tiled roofs are that

1) harder/unlikely for robbers to come in thru the roofs
2) birds will not built nests of flat roofs unlike tiled roofs

just sharing what i tot is true.... pls correct me if i got it all wrong...

 

[maxpark]

Hi aperfectcircle0 bro, I have to post this quick to balance what I wrote earlier. It seems greens 22 x 75 have shot up to RM650k+ developer price this weekend. I do not understand hh prices anymore. Like is trying to catch medini prices......
Even the lady p becomes agent for subsale and resale on the side to get into the action. All I can say is be careful but I do not know better in this environment.

I have had prices quoted ranging from $620k to $670k for Green Terraces intermediates depending on type A or type B, facing north or facing south, more or less 'land' in front of gate, facing another unit or facing greenery, etc, etc, etc.

This is not inclusive of stamp duty, which I reckon you will need to pay another $30-40k later in a few years ... so actual cost closer to $700k.

A lot of games and sales pressure tactics - be careful.

 

[typh00n]

3 hours ago...
Najib Announces RM200 Million Facilitation Fund For Danga Waterfront Project.

 

[typh00n]

Hi Equinox,

It's normal.
The developer will send you a letter for State Approval and S&P signing.
Even this letter is back dated and late too.

Hi TrulyAsia and JBhome,

Me have been actively reading this thread since ages but only writing my first post now...
Anyway, I too had bought a unit in Horizon Residence and mine is at Tower B. I signed on 30/12/2011. I am still waiting for State Approval and the S&P agreement. Is this normal? Kinda worried that it is taking too long. Called the salesperson (developer) and she told me that she would check with the law firm. Till date there's no update on this.. Have both of you got yours...?

TrulyAsia, with regards to your question .. I was at the site office on the 3rd day of CNY and was told that they only have 1 unit at tower A and about <4 units at tower B available. I was told that these units are available due to buyers having loan problems...

 

[teck21]

Would it be appropriate to also indicate approximate costs per renovations, eg how much budgeted for flooring, for the bathrooms, etc... for example, I noted you mentioned its around 35-36k for the kitchen? That could be useful to have a rough idea on what price ranges out there. Thanks in advance.
Mine will be ready in about one year's time, so just look-see look-see at the moment.

Yah, I know cost is the thing foremost on everyone's mind, I will update once I get quotations from contractor/s. Currently still no quotes yet.

"bro. maybe you want to use some of your powderful english and write to the customs people and ask them why the "funnelling needed?.also why have the basic presumption that every singaporean is a criminal unless proven otherwise (by opening their car boot)? i suspect the customs chief himself never used the causeway before or on ocassions when he used it, special lane was opened for him??..else i don think he will ever approve stressing people out through this type of funnelling. kinda reminds me of the SMRT chief who claim this and that about the train when she herself never even ride it before.

Powderful english? Civil service full of people English much more powderful. You are right, probably nothing evil intended by whoever implemented the system, probably another case of 'perfect in theory, implemented by the top, the bottom can't be bothered to feedback to the top that system is shit', or like you said SMRT chief, not happy don't board the train lah (in this case not happy don't use Causeway). I don't mind writing in to give some constructive criticism, but can't be bothered to find out who to write to lol.

 

[Exclusifmedia]

hi teck21

I am a newbie here, and one of likemindedness to most sgpreans in this forum I will be eyeing to get a unit in HH preferably next year.

Saw that you are helping others here on renovations matters. Let me chip in my 2-cent worth of idea. I have a personal friend who is doing interiors and major suppliers of some building materials here in Sg and KL. I would definitely find find out from him about renovations in JB too. If he is able to do it effectively, efficiently and economically; I am sure he is a welcome source for the mentioned to many of us here. I shall post it up here if i get good news from him after he is back from his KL exhibition next week.

Cheerz n looking forward to semi retiring with all of you in the neighbouring country :P

 

[yonglip]

Hi Bro Yonglip,

i tot those 'flat' roof are concrete slabs while the 'sloped' roofs are tiled roofs?

my malaysian wife told me that the advantage for flat roofs over tiled roofs are that

1) harder/unlikely for robbers to come in thru the roofs
2) birds will not built nests of flat roofs unlike tiled roofs

just sharing what i tot is true.... pls correct me if i got it all wrong...

hi bro, i am no architect and i dont pretend to be one..haha.

what i know about my place is on top its not concrete. its actually metal sheet roof supported by metal truss..samma metal. the side concrete wall is done higher so that it give the impression is a flat roof. the metal roof has a very low gradient compared to traditional tiled roof and therefore is hidden from view. reflective material is placed in between the metal truss and the whole ceiling is sealed with false ceiling board. no wood & no tiles.

cheers.

 

[arsenal]

Is this lady called pamela? Hh sales agents are total disgrace to the hh development anyway. This was discussed here last year. Most of them are parasites. But i enjoy working with parasites as they are cunning and scheming and most often or not can help me offload my resales at much higher price.

P is doing u a favour? Haha u shd ask her how big her angbao is!

Premila is the most friendly among all.. most of the other are not very professional..
Being good sales, of course they must know how to make one comitted to a deal. All in all the professionalism in jb is still in infant stage, including bankers and lawyers.

 

[nickyu]

Premila is the most friendly among all.. most of the other are not very professional..
Being good sales, of course they must know how to make one comitted to a deal. All in all the professionalism in jb is still in infant stage, including bankers and lawyers.

Frankly speaking, i feel the same too. Premila is the only sales person who is eager enough to sell when i first visited HH. And she is very friendly i must say. Even until now i don't really have much complain for her. The rest of the sales person have this can't be bothered attitude.

That's why i make it a point to buy from her when i finally decided to get a unit there.

 

[Batok Seri]

How about from Puteri Harbour to HarbourFront. Then one can park his/her Malaysia car in PH, hopped on the ferry / speedboat, 30mins later arrived at HF ..

I think it's a bit longer than 30 mins nowadays. First time I drove a boat out of Raffles Marina, I didn't realize Spore's south west coastline have changed so much it took me close to 2 hours just to get south of Sentosa. From then on I never rent boats from that marina anymore.