Berkeley Homes launches 250 City Road, London, EC1

The first phase of a new community at the heart of a landmark regeneration area

CGI of 250 City Road

BERKELEY Homes North East London is set to launch the first phase of 250 City Road. This is set to be the most talked-about London residential destination of 2015.

Designed by Foster + Partners, one of the most innovative and acclaimed architectural practices of the decade, 250 City Road delivers the optimum place to live and work.

Situated in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant areas and very close to the city and the capital’s tech and creative quarters, this landmark scheme lays the foundation for an enduring new community. Upon completion, the scheme will comprise 930 homes, expertly built by Berkeley Homes, a 190-bedroom 4-star hotel, office and retail space – all set amid breath-taking architecture conceived to complement the existing surroundings.

Overlooking the city skyline, the development incorporates almost two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and courtyards, all of which are fully Wi-Fi enabled. The intelligently devised studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses are arranged across eight buildings, including two landmark towers reaching up to 42 floors that blend effortlessly with the streetscape.

The first phase of 263 apartments features the tallest building on the development, a 42-storey tower and the delivery of the 190-bedroom, 4-star hotel. A second, 36-storey tower will follow at a later phase. Rising above its surroundings in an iconic cluster, the podium towers are each located at an angle to optimise far reaching panoramas across the city and further out facing London’s periphery, with views becoming more dramatic the further up you go.

Whether north-west towards Angel or south-east to Old Street, the development’s inherent interrelation with the city continues at street level. New pedestrian avenues lead onto a wide central plaza and public gardens which will provide a new urban oasis for residents and the local community to enjoy.

Fulfilling the needs and exceeding the expectations of contemporary luxury living, all apartments are fully fitted with the finest materials including Siemens integrated appliances, underfloor heating, comfort cooling and luxurious bathrooms. An exclusive collection of Platinum residences offers the ultimate in artful elegance:
 Finishing touches include fitted surround sound systems and natural stone worktops. Each apartment feature balconies, terraces and/or winter gardens.

Berkeley Homes are working with a panel of expert interior designers – Darling Associates, Scott Brownrigg and Goddard Littlefair to create spacious and elegant apartments with a selection of design palettes. As well as facilitating unparalleled views, the angled apartments have also been developed strategically to fill the interior living accommodation with natural light throughout the day.

CGI of 250 City Road

Residents will have access to a rooftop gym and terrace, linked with the residents’ lounge that will offer panoramic views of the city. A 20m (65.6 ft) indoor pool and spa as well as 24-hour concierge services, complete the offering. The development benefits from secure underground parking and round-the-clock security.
Externally, outside space assumes a new dimension at 250 City Road. Extending to almost two acres (0.8 ha) of peaceful and enclosed green spaces complemented by mature trees, water features and wildflower beds, the public realm provides respite from the confines and pressures of city life. In addition, buyers will enjoy a private, residents-only courtyard which emulates a shady woodland copse.

An expansive retail offering, new cafes, restaurants, shops, Grade A office and studio space allocated for start-up companies surrounding a new central plaza will help cement 250 City Road’s arrival as a principal new quarter in this rejuvenated part of town.

Piers Clanford, managing director at Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd, comments: “250 City Road will form the centrepiece of this vibrant area, virtually unrivalled in terms of proximity to the capital’s most dynamic employment hubs and creative districts.

“It also comes with the bonus of being located in one of the capital’s most established residential postcodes located within a short distance from popular neighbourhoods including Hoxton and Shoreditch. Providing all the conveniences of luxury living combined with impressive public realm and world-class amenities, Berkeley

Homes’ investment in the infrastructure will not only add to the area’s current offering but will help further establish City Road’s position as a residential destination.”
Located in Zone 1, 250 City Road will be located a short walk from some of London’s most buoyant employment markets including Silicon Roundabout and the Square Mile as well as the fashionable neighbourhoods of Islington and Shoreditch. Those travelling by tube can reach King’s Cross St Pancras in four minutes, London Bridge in five minutes, Canary Wharf in 17 minutes and Bond Street in 29minutes.

From 2018,Crossrail trains from neighbouring Farringdon will transport residents non-stop to Heathrow Airport in 32 minutes.


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KL office market vacancy rate drops due to higher domestic demand

KUALA LUMPUR: The average office market vacancy rate in Kuala Lumpur was at 12.8% in the fourth quarter of 2014 (4Q14), a decrease from 15.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) due to higher domestic demand, according to Jones Lang Lasalle Property Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s (JLL Malaysia) property market monitor for January 2015. “[As for the office] rental market, the average rental rate is stable as most of the supply comes after 2Q15, vacancy is expected to marginally increase due to more office lettable area supply,” JLL Malaysia country head YY Lau told The Edge Financial Daily. In 4Q14, the average gross asking rents for prime office buildings within Kuala Lumpur increased to RM6.20 per sq ft, a 3.5% rise y-o-y from RM5.99. According to JLL Malaysia, a total of two million sq ft of Grade A office space is expected to be completed by 2015 within Kuala Lumpur. Some of the developments include Naza Tower @ Platinum Park by Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd offering 506,000 sq ft of net lettable area (NLA), which is targeted to be ready by April this year; Ilham Baru Tower by IB Tower Sdn Bhd offering 394,000 sq ft of NLA; and Summer Suites and Versatile Office Suites by UEM  Sunrise Bhd offering 540,000 sq ft of NLA. All the developments are located within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre vicinity. This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on February 27, 2015. For more information on Building and Construction event, please visit www.asiapacificevents.com

Singaporean investors turn towards London

SINGAPORE: Singaporean investors are now looking at property investments in London as they seek opportunities away from the cooling local residential market, said London-based independent property buying agency Black Brick Property Solutions LLP. Singapore’s Budget 2015, tabled on Monday, acknowledged that the property market in the city-state is cooling and while this is good news for first-time domestic buyers, seasoned buyers are looking at options overseas, said the agency in a statement on Wednesday. “Although Singapore’s property market is cooling, its economy is not. Singaporeans are already among Black Brick’s biggest spenders [from East Asia with an average deal size of S$8.5 million (RM22.6 million)] and with the budget forecasting a growth rate of 2% to 4% in 2015, Singaporeans will be wealthier and likely to invest more,” said Black Brick managing partner Camilla Dell. “Our clients are seeing consistently high and growing returns. Buy-to-let landlords can expect to achieve up to a 4% yield in some areas of London and with forecasts predicting between 20% and 25% capital appreciation over the next five years for many of our international clients, London remains an attractive asset class,” she added. The attraction of London comes as no surprise with Singapore’s Temasek Holdings reportedly a major investor in Pinnacle, which will be London’s tallest skyscraper once it is completed, said the agency. This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on February 27, 2015. For more information on Building and Construction event, please visit www.asiapacificevents.com

UCTS gets highest rating in Green Building Index

Highest award: The outside view of University college of Technology Sarawak.

SIBU: University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) has become the first university in the world to be platinum-rated for the Green Building Index (GBI) award. 

Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Hakim Juri said the university which started operations on April 1, 2013, had scored 87 points, one more than the minimum 86 which is required for the award.

“UCTS is the first university in the world to receive the highest rating for a green building,” he said, adding that it would be presented with the award next month.

The GBI rating system is regulated by the GBI Accreditation Panel which is an independent committee consisting of PAM (Malaysian Architect Organisation) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysian professionals.

In revealing this during a visit by state Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah yesterday, Dr Abdul Hakim said UCTS fulfilled a lot of conditions, mainly on energy conservation, that needed to be met to achieve the rating.

Hence, he said, green technologies had been incorporated into the buildings to preserve energy and the environment.

“We are now using 50% less energy than any normal building as our buildings have double glazing glass to conserve energy.

“Our buildings are also fitted with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to reduce energy consumption. With motion sensors, lights would automatically switch on and off when a person walks under it,” he said.

The university is also harvesting rain water and storing them in the pond in front of the university. The water collected will be recycled for air conditioning and flushing of toilets while the water from the toilets will again be recycled for gardening use.

UCTS is built on a 44.08ha of land. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak officiated the ground breaking ceremony on Sept 16, 2012.

Currently, UCTS has a total of 685 students and will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 students when the campus is fully completed in the next two to three years.


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Transforming the heart of PJ

A reflection of Petaling Jaya’s growing air of sophistication, PJ Midtown promises an all-in-one lifestyle experience that is not to be missed.

An artist’s impression of the overall development with its three-in-one lifestyle promise.

ONCE a rustic residential township, Petaling Jaya’s rapid urbanisation has seen a significant number of sophisticated commercial and residential developments feature in its landscape.

One such project is PJ Midtown, an integrated project comprising retail units and trendy serviced suites located across 5.5acres (2.22ha) of land that offers a myriad of lifestyle, leisure and recreational facilities.

Situated in the heart of Section 13, Petaling Jaya, PJ Midtown is at the epicentre of the city’s commercial hub complemented by a wide array of lifestyle centres, corporate offices, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as an abundance of public amenities within convenient distance.

It enjoys excellent connectivity via major road networks and commuting options such as the upcoming MRT (mass rapid transit) services and the existing Putra LRT (light rail transit) line.

The grand entrance statement to the development.

In line with meeting the eco-friendly building standards encouraged by the government of Malaysia, the project is a Green Building Index (GBI) gold-compliant development that will utilise a state-of-the-art energy management system to optimise energy efficiency as well as a rainwater harvesting system to reduce portable water consumption.

The specially designed façade with shading features reduces heat penetration and offers a cooling and comfortable home environment. The development’s single loading concept also allows ample natural
ventilation and sunlight into the living spaces.

The development offers an unparalleled experience in city living amidst green vistas and elegantly manicured landscaping. One of its highlights is the bright and airy centre courtyard which will be located in the heart of the development and will serve as an excellent meeting point and for social gatherings.

Bask in the lap of luxury with PJ Midtown’s comprehensive range of facilities spread across 25,000sq ft of space which include a barbecue station, fully equipped gymnasium, jogging tracks, playground, swimming pool, wading pool, tennis court, sauna rooms and a spacious multipurpose hall.

A closer look at the development.

Unwind from the busy pace of city living under the shade of the gazebo or stretch out on the sun deck and enjoy a leisurely evening. Undoubtedly, the jewel of the development is the sky terrace which will boast a spectacular panoramic view of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur city skyline.

PJ Midtown offers 758 units of contemporary serviced suites with three design options, mainly Type A (three bedrooms – 1,227sq ft), Type B (two bedrooms – 915sq ft) and Type C (one bedroom – 613sq ft).

The homes feature spacious interiors and an elegant blend of earthy tones to set the mood for practical yet stylish living.

Additionally, certain units will be able to enjoy direct access to the car park and private garden spaces that encapsulate a holistic high-end living concept.

A view overlooking the swimming pool.

Each unit will be furnished with modern appliances, built-in cabinets, exclusive fittings and finishing.

Addressing the need for reliable security features, the development will be equipped with 24-hour security surveillance, card access system, a digital lockset at the entrance door of the unit, intercom facilities and panic buttons.

Scheduled for completion in 2018, PJ Midtown is the result of a strategic and collaborative alliance between IOI Properties Group Bhd and Sime Darby Brunsfield Holding Sdn Bhd, forming a world-class partnership that blends the expertise and experience of three well-established and award-winning developers synonymously known for delivering superior quality, innovation and value in their developments.

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Developer to launch series of projects on mainland and island

Landed property: An artist’s impression of the terraced houses in the Senjayu project to be launched later this year in Jawi.

IJM Land will open the first phase of its Senjayu project in Jawi, south Seberang Prai for registration over the four-day StarProperty.my Fair 2015 to be held at Sunway Carnival Mall and Sunway Carnival Convention Centre in Seberang Jaya.

Its general manager (North) Datuk Toh Chin Leong said the Senjayu project comprised double-storey terraced, semi-detached, and condominium properties, which would be launched in three phases.

The first phase called Senjayu Terrace, with a RM143mil gross development value (GDV), comprises 298 double-storey terraced units which are priced from RM480,000 onwards, to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015.

“The second phase Senjayu Residences, with a RM98mil GDV, comprises 156 semi-detached properties priced from RM620,000, which will be launched in 2016.

“Senjayu Skyhomes is the third phase of the project, with RM147mil GDV, comprising 392 condominium units and it will be launched also in 2016.

“There is also a fourth phase called Senjayu Residences II comprising 85 double-storey semi-detached properties with a RM53mil GDV being planned for launch in 2017,” Toh said.

IJM Land will also promote the second phase of Permatang Sanctuary in Permatang Tinggi, central Seberang Prai and The Address in Bukit Jambul on the island, at the fair.

“The second phase of the RM108.6mil Permatang Sanctuary project comprises 130 double-storey bungalow properties, which we have sold more than 60 units.

“The pricing starts from RM833,000 and RM855,000 onwards,” Toh said.
The Permatang Sanctuary project is close to Bukit Mertajam, AutoCity in Juru, and Batu Kawan Industrial
Park.

“As for the RM143mil The Address, we have sold 92% of the units, comprising 124 boutique condominiums and 24 duplex lofts, leaving only 8%,” Toh added.

The StarProperty.my Fair 2015 from March 12 to March 15, will see over 20 exhibitors showcasing their projects.

The fair will be opened from 10am to 10pm.

To add to the excitement, there will be a Spin & Win Contest during the four days of the fair.
More than RM50,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs.

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Mah Sing still a top pick

RM60bil projects will keep it busy for the next eight to 10 years
 

People viewing Southville City@KL South model at Mah Sing’s sales gallery in Bangi. Mah Sing’s unbilled sales as at Dec 31, 2014 stood at RM5.26bil.

PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Bhd, which had chalked up sales totalling RM3.43bil in its financial year ended Dec 31, 2014, has ongoing projects that can sustain the company for at least another decade.

According to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research, the group has projects with a gross development value (GDV) of almost RM60bil.

“Unbilled sales (as at Dec 31, 2014) stood at RM5.26bil, representing two times the group’s 2014 property revenue.

“Coupled with the remaining GDV of RM59.8bil, the total RM65.1bil is sufficient to sustain the group for the next eight to 10 years,” HLIB Research said in a report.

The research house noted that new phases of launches for the current financial year would be from properties in Southville City, M Residence 2, Lakeville Residence, D’Sara Sentral, Feringghi Residence 2, Meridin Bayvue@Sierra Perdana and Sutera Avenue.

“Mah Sing’s balance sheet continues to remain strong with net gearing at 0.36 times, allowing the group good land acquisition room of another RM300mil going forward, before hitting the 0.5 times net gearing theoretical benchmark,” HLIB Research added.

Mah Sing registered a net profit of RM84.55mil for its fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2014, a 20% increase from the RM70.70mil it had registered in the previous corresponding period.

Revenue surged to RM843.95mil from RM570.21mil in the previous corresponding period. Profit for the full year increased 21% to RM339.25mil from RM280.62mil in the previous corresponding period, while revenue increased to RM2.90bil from RM2.0bil a year earlier.

Analysts said the earnings were within expectations.

“Fourth-quarter net profit increased 20% year-on-year, driven by the progressive recognition of profits from key projects in Petaling Jaya, Cyberjaya, Ampang and Rawang,” noted CIMB Research in its report.

“Mah Sing remains an ‘add’ and one of our top picks, with strong earnings growth, new sales and landbanking as potential re-rating catalysts,” it said.

RHB Research also concurred that earnings were in line with expectations.

“Mah Sing clocked in RM980mil new sales in the fourth quarter of 2014, bringing the full-year total to RM3.43bil. Although this was lower than management’s target of RM3.6bil, the amount is among the highest in the industry.

“We make minimal changes to our earnings forecasts,” it said.

Credit Suisse, which also said Mah Sing’s earnings were within expectations, is maintaining an “outperform” call for the group.

“Mah Sing is our only outperform in the sector, as we believe its projects are concentrated in the most resilient sectors – the Klang Valley and affordable properties (less than RM1mil),” it added.

Meanwhile, Mah Sing announced that its rights issue exercise had received an oversubscription for the rights issue with warrants, with an excess application of 11.67%.

The rights shares with warrants are expected to be listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia on Feb 26.

The rights issue has raised about RM629mil, of which up to RM530mil will be primarily used for land acquisition and property development activities, and the balance for general working capital of the group as well as payment for expenses in relation to the rights issue.

About RM370mil has been earmarked as part payment for the acquisition of land in Puchong (Festival Lakecity) and Seremban, both parcels of which are being prepared for preview this year, with expected revenue contributions to commence from 2016.

AmResearch in its report said it was maintaining its “buy” call on Mah Sing and has adjusted its fair value to RM3 per share (15% discount to the net asset value) to account for its rights issue plus warrants.

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