Property Hunter Magazine Property Hunter Magazine Issue 52 - March 2014 | Page 40

/// Hot Topic /// HOT TOPIC Positive Growth Recorded in Property Sector for Sabah’s Capital Central Kota Kinabalu City. Photo by All 4 One Productions. Southern Corridor of Kota Kinabalu City. Photo by All 4 One Productions. Although property prices continued their upward climb in Kota Kinabalu (KK) in 3Q2013, the growth rate has been decelerating a trend that has been observed since the start of 2013. Sentiment varied between cautious and buoyant in the period between the 2013 general election and the announcement of Budget 2014, says Sulaiman Saheh, director of Rahim & Co Research, in presenting. average y-o-y growth of 7.36%. However, q-o-q, the pace dropped by 0.4% from the 3.93% recorded in 2Q2013. occupy the homes and investors who aim for capital appreciation. Areas to watch out for include Putatan, Lok Kawi, Kinarut, Menggatal, Inanam and Tuaran In Putatan, 2-storey terraced houses in Taman Desa Ketiau, priced at RM427,000, recorded strong sales. The second phase has yet to be launched. Slower growth was observed on a y-o-y basis. Condominiums recorded an average y-o-y growth of 7.79% in 3Q2013 compared with 10.01% in 3Q2012, indicating a slower pace of 2.22%. NEW LAUNCHES DEMAND FOR HOMES TO REMAIN STRONG Demand for houses in the suburbs of KK remains strong despite the higher prices, says Max Sylver Sintia, branch manager of Rahim & Co Sabah. “Though the starting price was rumoured to be around RM440,000, we anticipate further success in sales performance despite prices being slightly higher than [similar] existing houses within the area,” says Sintia. The upgrading of the Petagas-Lok Kali highway into a three-lane carriageway will spur further growth, he adds. According to Sulaiman, 2-storey terraced houses recorded an Demand, he says, is driven both by genuine buyers who intend to Meanwhile, Desa Height Residences, comprising two blocks of 15-storey While most of the properties sampled continued to record positive growth year on year, growth was slower quarter on quarter.. 40 www.PropertyHunter.com.my condominiums, is set to be launched in early 2014 in the Ketiau precinct, also in the Putatan district. According to Sintia, this development will offer 528 units at prices starting from RM320,000 for a 980 sq ft unit (RM326 per sq ft) and RM340,000 for a 1,040 sq ft unit (RM363 per sq ft), effectively setting a new benchmark in the Putatan area. Another condominium development in KK, Bay 21 TOO, will also be launched soon. Offering 286 units ranging from 395 to 1,800 sq ft, indicative selling prices range from RM680 to RM700 per sq ft. All units will be pre-installed with built-in cabinets, light fittings, air conditioners, fully-fitted bathroom and a pantry with a sink, built-in