Semalaysia (Berjasa)

Shelter 101 Project – Sri Mahligai.

This was the ideal location. It was like the one. I remember, the first unit that we saw, I don’t know how to describe the design layout, but it was crooked. The arrangement of the living room, the rooms, the kitchen just doesn’t provide comfort to the eyes. Then, I felt that we got lucky that the opportunity arises where we can view another unit. This time around, the floor plan was so much better, the price was meeting the budget, the place only requires minimal renovation and we are ready the move in. But it also comes with one minor problem. There was a leak in the bathroom. Then, more problems arise. Something was very fishy with the real estate agent.

Once I have been told by the agent that the bathroom leak was repaired, I have requested to view the unit one more time, the real estate agent replied that the owner do not want us to disturb the tenant. Nonsense isn’t it. The tenant also needs to know, sooner or later on the change of the ownership of the house. As a matter of fact, I also do not mind letting the lawyer to rent the unit because Baby Sis haven’t bought her car yet and won’t be moving back with us soon. I wan even thinking of using the rental income to pay for the monthly house installment. Then, the dilly-dally arises…so till today, there is no news from the agent.

Yup, I was disappointed – but I also know that this journey will not be an easy one either. I know where I want to live; where is the ideal location to be. So, this is where the problem lies. The location of my choice has more demand than supply. Thus, the prices will not go down drastically. Housing prices will not go down this year or go up this year as well. It will just be hanging in there, in between due to the impeding general elections next week. Probably, once the new government has been formed, the prices will slowly and surely go up again next year. Malaysia is still the cheapest country to invest in properties in Asia. It’s cheaper than Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Thailand & Indonesia. Many of the expatriates are also not returning back to their homw once their working contract have been expired. Due to the worsening of the economic crissis in Europe, America, many have stay put and bought propoerties here as well. Of course, the government is building more affordable housing but look at the area they are building in – Kuala Selangor, Batu Arang – its forcing people moving deeper away from the city. Nonetheless, there is still some brilliant gems in the secondary market, thus I just have to look harder. There is also many ‘Lelong’ signs that is being posted in the Shah Alam area, but look at the location – it’s near the factory, university campuses, SMEs - these properties will be good for rental yield but not for living. It will be dirty and many units will be rented out to foreigners and bachelors.

I hope and pray that GOD will gives me *much* more of HIS wisdom, patience, strength and perseverance. This is certainly not easy :)