Property Hunter Magazine Property Hunter Magazine Issue 52 - March 2014 | Page 89

Developers Must Play a Role in Curbing House Price Speculation Tropicana’s Transformation as a Premier Developer Meanwhile, the group’s PWC project and its Tropicana 218 Macalister development in Penang are expected to stir interest in the northern region. The group is also making inroads into Sabah where it plans to develop a luxurious golf fronted condominium project called Tropicana Landmark. Tropicana Penang World City artist impression Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) president, Datuk Seri Michael Yam The government wants housing developers to play a role in curbing price speculation as there have been cases of one person buying many houses without any intention of staying there, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said today. He said some of the transactions were made before the official launch of the properties. He asked that housing developers to focus on genuine buyers so that those who really want affordable homes can have access to them. “We (the government) want to make sure we curb excessive speculation (in the market) and build enough supply. “This is to ensure that those who really want it, will have access to affordable homes,” Wahid said after launching Cagamas Holdings Bhd’s book entitled Housing the Nation: Policies, Issues and Prospects today. Wahid said the government did not want to over-regulate. “We want developers to come up with their own steps (to curb speculation)..” Meanwhile, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Michael Yam Kong Choy said: “I think a responsible housing developer wouldn’t want to sell too many units to one party. The reason is because people who purchase multiple units want a discount. “Also, some parents would like to purchase multiple units for their children,” he said. 54 www.PropertyHunter.com.my Tropicana Corporation Bhd, formerly Dijaya Corporation Bhd, is all set for strong growth ahead as it enters 2014, judging from its past year’s performance, well-received new launches and transformation initiatives. The group is also on track to achieve its vision as a premier developer in the country, given its strong presence in the key growth areas in the central, southern and northern regions. A large part of the credit goes to its impressive sales performance for its ongoing key projects such as Tropicana Grande and Tropicana avenue in Greater Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Tropicana Danga Bay project in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor where its first phase of Tropez Residences, has been fully sold and is expected to be completed by end of 2014. Meanwhile, its second phase, Bora Residences, with sizes ranging from 694sq ft for a 1+1 bedroom to 3,443sq ft for a 4+1 bedroom penthouse with a private pool, has opened for sales. This phase will be infused with generous landscapes and water features. The group’s recent new launches – Bayberry Serviced residence at Tropicana Gardens,Pandora Serviced residence at Tropicana Metropark in Subang and Tropicana Bay Residences in Penang Worldcity (PWC), Bayan Mutiara, Penang – which enjoyed strong take-up averaging over 80%, is testimony to the group’s brand appeal, design and development concepts. Taking into consideration that the group’s DNA emphasises on location, accessibility, innovative designs, security, efficient use of space and developing sustainable townships, this augurs well for its developments that are on the drawing board for 2014. New Project Highlights In the Klang Valley, the group’s new project line-up include Tropicana Gardens in Kota Damansara and Tropicana Metropark in Subang. In addition to these projects are W Kuala Lumpur Hotel and The Residences in KL as well as Tropicana Heights in Kajang, Selangor, where phase one of its parkview homes is expected to be launched soon. Besides its RM8.3 billion Tropicana Danga Bay project which spans 37 acres of freehold land, the group will roll out two other projects in the southern region, namely Tropicana City Centre and Tropicana Danga Cove. Sited within Zone A of the Johor Bahru City Centre in Iskandar Malaysia, Tropicana City Centre is a RM5 billion mixed development that includes lifestyle properties such as SoHo (Small office Home office), an office tower, hotel and retail or food and beverage outlets. Targeted for launch in October 2014, its first phase, the 7.95acre Veridian Residences, will comprise four towers of luxurious serviced residences. Tower A1’s unit size will range from709sq ft for a 1+1 bedroom to 1,946sq ft for a four-bedroom penthouse. Jointly developed with Iskandar Waterfront Sdn Bhd, the 227-acre Tropicana Danga Cove in Bandar Baru Kota Puteri will