Lebar Daun Development Sdn Bhd has a solid foothold in Shah Alam, being the developer of Bukit Bandaraya and D’Kayangan townships. Their properties have enjoyed fair success helped by a location that was described as peaceful and highly desirable by the developer. iProperty.com speaks to Lebar Daun Development’s executive director Noorazhar bin Mohamed Nurdin as well as senior manager (Sales and Marketing) Arman Putera bin Asmuni.

“People who fall in love with Shah Alam will buy a property Shah Alam,” said Noorazhar bin Mohamed Nurdin, executive director of Lebar Daun Development Sdn Bhd. He opined that Shah Alam is for those who love living in a peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city but yet still close enough.

Malaysia’s first planned city after independence, Shah Alam is described by Noorazhar as a place free from unsavoury elements like bad traffic as there are no entertainment centres there.

“There are no clubs, bars or even cinemas in Shah Alam but should there be ever a need to catch a movie, one could still find them in nearby Subang, Sunway or even Klang which are just a few minutes away. This makes the area go back into the best of yesteryears where children play at the parks and people know one another. It is like a model town,” said Noorzahar.

In terms of amenities and facilities, Noorazhar said that Shah Alam is ideal for families as there are plenty of schools and institutes of higher learning. “Children’s education needs are well taken care of from kindergarten to even getting a doctorate as there both private and public schools as well as universities in Shah Alam. Shopping is available too with malls and hypermarkets, and let us not forget Shah Alam’s many landmarks like the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque, Istana Bukit Kayangan, Shah Alam Stadium and many more.” he explained.

D’Kayangan

One of the developer’s township, D’Kayangan will offer its final residential offerings by end of 2010. Occupying a land area of 163 acres, the township’s residential offerings are designed with a fusion of both European and Asian elements to create a modern living environment.

The residential mix in D’Kayangan comprises of superlink houses, semi-detached houses, cluster homes, a retail mall and shop offices. Once all the residential projects are launched, the developer will start on the commercial products there.

Arman Putera bin Asmuni, senior manager (sales and marketing) of Lebar Daun Development said, “D’Kayangan personifies the adage when buying property – location, location, location. Firstly, D’Kayangan is located right smack in the middle of the commercial city centre of Shah Alam. Moreover, it is located at the northern part of Shah Alam which is known for high value properties. The second ‘location’ refers to the best in facilities and amenities. One can get the best sports facilities, like the Olympic-sized swimming pool and the Shah Alam Stadium to a multitude of shopping options like Giant, Tesco, Tesco Extra and many more.

“The third ‘location’ is accessibility. Six highways connect to the vicinity of D’Kayangan. The North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) is only five minutes away while the Federal Highway can be said to be at the doorstep. Other highways in the vicinity are KESAS, ELITE, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong and Guthrie Expressway,” said Arman.

According to Arman, apart from its selling-point location, D’Kayangan also benefits from higher security features now as the developer has added a perimeter wall surrounding the township. He said, “It is now a guarded community with security posts at three entry/exit points.”

There were property launches in D’Kayangan in January and February this year and both saw a take-up of more than 50 per cent. The January launch was Casa Arianna lakefront twin villas which according to Arman, look like bungalows as they are only connected at the back. The twin villas are priced from RM1.5 million onwards.

Arman said, “In February we launched Arabella hyperlink homes. We call them hyperlink because the homes are built on lot sizes of 28ft x 80ft. Superlink homes are only 24ft wide. Apart from its luxurious width, another unique feature is that type A of Arabella looks like a semi-detached with a garden courtyard at the side, even for intermediate units. The homes are only linked at the back portion, so we can do that.

“In regular link homes, usually the dining and upper living areas do not get natural lighting. This is not the case for Arabella type A homes as the side garden courtyard lets in direct sunlight and ventilation which makes it a better living environment.”

There are four more residential launches slated for D’Kayangan this year and after that there will only be commercial offerings. According to Arman, 30 acres of the commercial plot of D’Kayangan has been purchased by a major lifestyle retailer.

To attract property buyers, Lebar Daun Development is working with Maybank to offer a special deal that allows purchasers to pay only three per cent of the purchase price until the property is handed over.

“This promotional package gives buyers, especially upgraders the flexibility of not having to service two payments (rental or loan) at the same time. When their new home at D’Kayangan is ready, they can sell off or stop renting their old home and have only one loan to pay for,” said Arman.

Leasehold versus freehold

D’Kayangan is a leasehold township and Arman said that this only proves to show that the land value is recognised by the state government.

“Leasehold land is worth more as they are located in prime location and in D’Kayangan’s case, it is the city centre. Freehold property prices are higher, but I say that leasehold property has more value due to its location,” opined Arman.

He added, “At the end of the lease, there is a chance that it can be renewed. If the state government wants to take it back, there is compensation, so buyers do not lose out.”

Upcoming launches

Apart from the launches at D’Kayangan, Lebar Daun Development has another seven project launches this year valued at a total of RM500 million gross development value.

In Seksyen 14 Shah Alam will be serviced apartments to be built on 7 acres. There will also be a launch in Alam Nusantara, Setia Alam. Meanwhile, another five launches are slated for their 300 acres Bukit Bandaraya township. Out of Shah Alam, there will be a launch in Taman Dato’ Demang, Puchong.