Space abounds in Ceria Residences

The low density project offers multiple amenities

Almost two decades after its inception, Cyberjaya has reached a tipping point in terms of infrastructure development and population growth.

With a population of about 90,000, master developer of the 7,000-acre township Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd is working towards increasing its critical mass.

Several universities have set up their campuses there and about 40 multinational companies have moved there.

“Besides the student population, many are upgraders from Puchong.

Executive chairman Ahmad Khalif Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal says more people are moving to Cyberjaya while working in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur.

There is considerably less population as there are no factories there, says Ahmad Khalif. Close to half of Cyberjaya is reserved for public amenities and greenery.

Most of the developments there are gated and guarded with security features.

“It is a lifestyle that is quite unique,” he says, adding that the distance has not been a deterrent as it is served by North-South Expressway Central Link, Damansara-Puchong Highway, Maju Expressway, Elite Expressway and South Klang Valley Expressway.

According to the Cyberjaya website, about 71% of its land has been developed, under construction, or in planning stages.

Besides being the master developer, Setia Haruman is also the developer for some of the parcels. This means it will be able to offer buyers a somewhat more competitive rate because there isn’t a second developer to cream off the margin.

Known as Ceria Residences, Setia Haruman will be launching Tower Two of Ceria condominiums on Aug 1.

Consisting of 150 units of two-storey terraced villas and 350 condominiums in two towers spread over 19.5 acres, Ceria Residences has seen strong sales. Incidentally, this is a freehold gated and guarded development.

The villas were launched in July last year and the take-up rate is 80%, while more than half of Tower One of Ceria condominiums has been sold since its launch in November last year.

The villas have lot sizes ranging from 22 x 75 ft to 24 x 80 ft, with large built-up area of 2,679 sq ft onwards, as well as five bedrooms with five ensuite bathrooms. Prices are from RM911,800 to RM1.18mil, or from RM337 per sq ft.

The condominiums are from 1,000 sq ft (Type A which are three-bedroom units) to 1,292 sq ft. Prices for available condominiums start from RM546,800, or from RM500 per sq ft. The development has a gross development of value of RM330mil.

A hit among owners and investors

So far, the project seems to have been a hit with families and upgraders who relish the space. For investors, larger condominium units have a dual key concept which allow owners to get extra rental income.

This is because Type B (1,191 sq ft) and Type C (1,292 sq ft) condominium units are designed with a studio suite with its own bathroom and separate entrance, in addition to a conventional three-bedroom/two-bathroom layout.

“The dual key concept allows a home owner to have two homes in one. Imagine owning a typical three-bedroom condominium but attached to this unit is a studio suite complete with its own kitchen and bathroom. This studio unit has a separate key and entrance,” says Ahmad Khalif.

“Investors have the freedom to rent out both the larger conventional and studio units, or just rent one and occupy the other. Also, for big families, the dual key concept is convenient – essentially, you have four bedrooms/three-bathrooms,” says Ahmad Khalif, adding that rental demand was good due to the many multinational corporations and institutions of higher learning in Cyberjaya.

He noted that high-rise units with one to three bedrooms in Cyberjaya had provided decent rental returns.

“A 600 sq ft unit can command a rental of about RM1,400 per month. Units such as Gardenview Residence measuring 1,023 sq ft have been rented out at RM2,600 per month,” says Ahmad Khalif.

He says buyers like the low density development, with an overall 25 units per acre.

Ample parking

Condominiums, depending on built-up areas, come with two for three covered car parks and multiple air-conditioners.

Owners will share a club house with facilities which include pool, gym, sports hall with two badminton courts, an indoor half basketball court and a children’s playground and a Rimbun Ceria recreational park.

In terms of security, the development has a closed circuit television and vehicle card access systems, as well as individual gate and fences for terraced villas.

Another highlight is the 100Mbps Internet broadband speed, offered at RM179 per month.

“This high speed Internet connection at a competitive price will be an added advantage,” said Ahmad Khalif.

Monthly service charges for Ceria Residences units are at RM100 to RM130 per month for the villas and 20 sen per sq ft for the condominiums.

Two shop lots and a cafeteria located at the Anjung Ceria clubhouse and more than 140 car parks at the Ceria Condominiums will be transferring to the residents’ management corporation. This will enable it to collect rental revenue to offset some of the service charges, says Ahmad Khalif. - By The Star