Setia Sky construction begins as they prepare the site.
I took these photos over 3 months ago but it looks pretty much the same today. They have seemed busy the whole time with people working and trucks going in and out. My guess is they are digging out to work on the foundation and that really doesn’t give you much to look at as a casual observer.
Setia Sky site (on the left behind the walls) with New York Hotel in background.
Twin Galaxy will be on the right of this photo (closer to the road with the New York Hotel than Setia Sky 88 is).
I was in City Square mall and they have quite a good real estate fair going on (Friday, today, through Sunday). City Square mall is still under renovation but quite a bit of the renovated space is now open with new places, many more quick dining choices than I remember.
The real estate fair is by far the best I have seen. Quite a large number of Johor developments represented – I would guess over 25. It is amazing how many housing units will be delivered from 2014 – 2016. That is mainly high rise condo (as the lead time for the bungalows and link-houses is usually not that long. I still am worried about 3 things: traffic in JB (given all new housing units – as well as attractions for Singapore visitors), backups between JB and Singapore and the surplus of housing unit to office space being constructed. We will have to see how those issues play out.
I am also a bit concerned at so many units being delivered with, I believe, very large leverage currently (people not having to put hardly anything down on these units under development. That is a risky recipe historically. But there are many good indications about Johor economically looking forward so maybe it will work out.
But for those interested in real estate in Johor state this is quite a good fair to visit. I picked up some news in my visit: Continue reading →
Twin Galaxy started construction in late 2012. As with all new condos in Johor Bahru recently the developers are aiming for the high end of the market. Twin Galaxy’s 2 towers will be 35 stories. The development includes integrated shops and restaurants along with recreation areas for residents (pools, game rooms, library, kid’s play room).
The location is nice, next to Hotel Selesa and across the street from, the also under construction, Setia Sky 88 condos and near the New York Hotel.
Plaza Penagi is just 4 blocks away. KSL Mall is 1 km away.
Condo options include: studio (560 square feet) – this has to be aimed at the Singapore market, 2-bedroom (936 square feet), 3-bedroom (1163 sf), 4-bedrrom (1701 sf) and Penthouse with private garden. They offer to attach a “studio” to the 2 or 3 bedroom which adds 560 square feet (they make that into the master bedroom).
The CIQ and causeway are 5-10 minutes (2 km) away assuming any sensible driving and traffic load. It is a bit worrisome what will happen to the traffic flows with all the high rises being build in a close area, but this is a worry for the whole area.
I can’t find any details on the delivery time frame on their website. I don’t understand how such basic information is left off.
The D’esplanade Residence condos at KSL mall in downtown Johor Bahru should be ready soon (I would guess in late 2012 or early 2013). The official site has little no sales information but does have some floor plans.
I believe the closest tower is the hotel, the tower on the left has offices and the back tower is the condos. I took the photo last month.
The condos sit atop the KSL Mall and next to the KSL hotel.
Price per square foot on units is close to RM 600.
The hotel is already open. They seem to like calling it an “integrated resort” – as far as I can tell that just means it has a spa attached to it. I have seen rates from RM 200-300. The closet tower is the hotel, I think.
Setia Sky 88 is a new condo just getting set for construction to start. I haven’t seen when delivery of units is anticipated for, but one article says completed in 4 years. I find it hard to understand how they are going to take so long, but since the website fails to have any information at all I guess the best current guess is for delivery in 2016. I still find that so slow that I can’t believe they will really take that long but until I get updated information that is the only date with some evidence backing it up. As with all new condos planned for the CBD of Johor Bahru recently the developers are aiming for high priced units.
The location is nice, across the street from the New York Hotel. There is another highrise condo being built right next to the Setia Sky 88 (across the street – between the Sky 88 and Hotel Selesa), which is also just in the beginning stages of construction.
I would imagine the car washes that line part of the street now will be replaced with more upscale retail shops, but we will see.
Plaza Penagi is just 4 blocks away and the wonderful Chez Papa (French cuisine) is just 6 blocks away. KSL Mall is within 2 km. The KSL condos are getting close to being completed (also very high prices on these).
I am not really sure why they have to exaggerate (saying the CIQ is 2 minutes away), the causeway is 5-10 minutes away assuming any sensible driving and traffic load, in my opinion.
I think the nearest existing condo would be the Wadihana Condo which is likely between 1 and 2 km away.
Wadihana condos are large condos in Johor Bahru CBD with only 6 units on each floor.
The Johor Bahru market continues to favor renters. If you are looking to rent feel free to take your time and compare what options you have. And feel free to bargain for what is most important to you (if you want some improvements made to the unit or furnishings, or a reduced price…).
Most all condos expats are looking at come fully furnished. A few are partially furnished. You should always check, but normally the listing will make it very clear if it isn’t at least, largely furnished.
2, of the 6, penthouse condos are currently for sale, both for RM 1,100,000. They are 2 story condos with over 3,300 square feet. Regular units are about RM 450,000.
