The high prices could also be due to more of the newer and more expensive condos being transacted in 2014 compared with previous years, he adds.<\/p>\n
Data analysed by theedgeproperty.com confirms that transactions of low-density luxury condominiums such as in Bangsar Peak and Ken Bangsar have driven up the average price in the area.<\/p>\n
Newer launches also set new price benchmarks in Bangsar, says Fernstate Sdn Bhd director Shawn Fernandez.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, the psf price for the recent launch of The Serai at RM600 psf to RM800 psf would have done wonders for the secondary market. We are aware of individuals who went for the launch of The Serai and were subsequently moved to purchase at One Menerung instead because they felt its location was superior and at a lower psf price,\u201d he tells The Edge Property.<\/em><\/p>\n Capital gains vs rental play?<\/strong><\/p>\n What is the profile of residential property owners in Bangsar?<\/p>\n Most Bangsar condominiums are owner-occupied. While there are no statistics, the consensus of agents and consultants is that about 70% of the market comprises owner-occupiers while the rest are investors.<\/p>\n So, how should investors approach Bangsar condominiums, and should they hold on to their assets for capital appreciation or yields?<\/p>\n \u201cAt present, values have peaked with low yields ranging from 3% to 5%, so investors would most likely look for capital gains. Bangsar has experienced good capital growth over the last few years. However, rentals have not increased much,\u201d says Space Realty Sdn Bhd principal Eugene Liew.<\/p>\n He adds that investors must factor in refurbishment and furnishing costs, especially for older units.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is definitely costlier now due to the additional 6% Goods and Services Tax.<\/p>\n \u201cTenants are now spoilt for choice! It is definitely a tenant\u2019s market and they will always choose a new condo with better facilities over older ones, unless the rent is attractive enough,\u201d says Liew.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery market has its cycle. Prices will most likely stay sideways unless a miracle happens in our economy.\u201d<\/p>\n Liew is quite pessimistic on the growth of values over the next two to three years due to the pervasive negative market sentiment and plateauing prices.<\/p>\n However, Fernstate\u2019s Fernandez expects the rental market in Bangsar to remain healthy.<\/p>\n \u201cTypical yields can range between 6% and 8%. The convenience of the neighbourhood is very good, both in terms of accessibility and facilities. The three malls (BSC, Bangsar Village I and Bangsar Village II) add a great deal of value for tenants. Throw in the Bangsar LRT station, and it is almost complete as an ideal location for a tenant,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, it must be pointed out that there is a resistance point to all rentals,\u201d adds Fernandez. \u201cA 1,300 sq ft apartment bought for RM800 psf (RM1.04 million) would require a 6 % yield to qualify as a good investment. That would mean a net rental per month of RM5,200. This is a top-end rental allocation for a mid-level expat (with spouse). If he is single, that rental allocation drops to between RM2,500 and RM3,500, depending on his country of origin and which multinational he works for.\u201d<\/p>\n He notes that some units, while affordable, will suffer downward pressure due to poor maintenance. \u201cIndividual units may be modern and well kept, but if the common grounds or structure are not well kept, then capital values will suffer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe neighbourhood will still offer pockets of investment-grade opportunities; though harder to sniff out. On a micro level, I expect the price range of RM500 psf to RM800 psf to see the most transactions, as this is perceived as the new \u2018affordable\u2019 level for purchasers in this neighbourhood,\u201d says Fernandez.<\/p>\n According to theedgeproperty.com research, the most transacted properties during the 12 months to 3Q2014 were those in the RM601 psf to RM800 psf range (41%), followed by those in the RM801 psf to RM1,000 psf range (29%).<\/p>\n For reference, Bangsar\u2019s most expensive units on a psf basis are One Menerung (RM1,155 psf), Gaya Bangsar (RM847 psf), Cascadium (RM831 psf), Desa Bangsar Ria (RM821 psf) and Jamnah View (RM816 psf). Notably, all except Gaya Bangsar were built in the 1990s, showing that good upkeep buoys demand.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the least expensive units in Bangsar are at Bayu Angkasa (RM527 psf), Bangsar Puteri (RM626 psf), Sri Kasturina (RM637 psf), Sri Wangsaria (RM720 psf) and Tivoli Villas (RM730 psf).<\/p>\n The outlook for Bangsar\u2019s condominium market is positive, says Henry Butcher\u2019s Tang. \u201cThe MRT circle line will pass through Bangsar and, when completed, will improve public transportation in the area. This could help push up property prices. However, it will be some time before this [happens].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother catalyst could be the development of the former Unilever land along Jalan Bangsar and possibly the redevelopment of the New Straits Times land [on Jalan Riong]. These will provide a big boost to the development landscape in Bangsar,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n According to previous reports, the 20-acre Unilever factory site on Jalan Bangsar was earmarked for a mixed-use high-end development by its owner Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd. However, plans to redevelop the site have yet to take off.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to miss the bungalows along the thoroughfare of Jalan Maarof in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Originally designed as residential premises, they are now car showrooms, art galleries, furniture shops, professional offices and more.<\/p>\n Many of their original owners found it difficult to live at the location because the bungalows fronted the main road. For this reason, many are now permitted for limited commercial use after permission is obtained from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).<\/p>\n According to managing director of Carey Real Estate Sdn Bhd\u00a0 Nixon Paul, these commercial-use bungalows command an average monthly rental of between RM18,000 and RM25,000, and some were recently transacted for between RM1,100 and RM1,500 psf.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir current fair market price would be anything between RM9 million and RM10 million,\u201d he says. He reveals that a bungalow with land area of about 6,000 sq ft was transacted last November for about RM9.8 million.<\/p>\n Some of these commercial-use bungalows are currently up for sale at 30% above fair market value, which Paul says is gross overpricing.<\/p>\n \u201cThese sellers are half-heartedly willing to sell and are only letting go at silly prices in excess of RM10 million to RM15 million (depending on size and location),\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, the market for these commercial bungalows is actually pretty hot\u201d, says Paul. Demand from buyers and tenants is extremely strong because there are very few sellers and a queue of waiting buyers.<\/p>\n He adds that \u201cthe value of these bungalows will continue to appreciate in the long term due to the limited supply\u201d.<\/p>\n Paul also notes that the current trend is for most purchasers to buy these bungalows for their own commercial use, rather than renting them out. The units currently up for rent were purchased at least five to seven years ago and their value has since appreciated by 50% to 70%.<\/p>\n \u201cAnybody looking to buy a bungalow in that location is basically eyeing capital appreciation. In today\u2019s market, the return on investment from buying to rent is not good,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n For these bungalows to be used for commercial purposes, a premise licence that allows for limited commercial use has to be obtained from DBKL, says director of Fernstate Sdn Bhd Shawn Fernandez. This licence is renewable each year.<\/p>\n \u201cThe approval process for the premise licence boils down to whether the proposed commercial activity will inconvenience neighbours, such as by the production of commercial waste and noise, or if it will disrupt traffic,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n For example, commercial usage of the bungalows has so far been limited to showrooms, galleries and offices, but not restaurants.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you prove to be a nuisance to the [immediate surrounding neighbours], DBKL has the authority to revoke the licence or not renew it the following year. The licensing process is basically to ensure there is no abuse of a residential property and that the proposed business activity does not create problems for your neighbours,\u201d says Paul.<\/p>\n Both Fernandez and Paul believe that while most of these bungalows have residential titles and are only allowed limited commercial use, there are still no clear guidelines on whether any or all of them can be converted to commercial titles.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are coming to a stage very quickly where guidelines on local policies are needed [for the conversion of residential to commercial properties]. If several bungalows are allowed [by DBKL to be so converted], what is there to prevent all bungalows from being converted? Without clear policy guidelines, DBKL will keep getting applications for conversion,\u201d Fernandez says. \u2013 By Chai Yee Hoong<\/em><\/p>\n This article first appeared in The Edge Property,\u00a0<\/em>the property pullout of The Edge Financial Daily, <\/em>on May 29, 2015. Get the full pullout here <\/a>and view video here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bangsar is a magnet for property buyers, thanks to its numerous amenities and strategic location between other mature neighbourhoods such as Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. The vibrant commercial hub in the Telawi area caters to the needs of more discerning expatriates and yuppies, and remains a big draw for coffee-swilling hipsters too. …<\/p>\n![\"chart](\"https:\/\/www.propertyempire.com.my\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/chart-and-table-bangsar-No-2.-29May15_0.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHighly coveted commercial bungalows<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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