Luxury at a most affordable price

[ 4 ] August 2, 2010 | haven

New Straits Times, Jul 23, 2010

Opulence usually come at a hefty cost, but The Haven offer it at a modest price

JUST as what the Petronas Twin Towers are to Kuala Lumpur, so too are ancient limestone hills to Ipoh in Perak.

The majestic beauty of these timeless green hills can only be described as heavenly, alongside the lush greenery and untouched waters that are set beneath the clear blue skies and cotton white clouds.

It’s dreamlike, and a different take on the meaning of luxury – one that developer Superboom Projects SdnBhd (SPSB) describes as “a heavenly hideout”. And this is exactly what it is offering with its latest benchmark project The Haven.

The concept as SPSB’s chief executive officer Peter Chan puts it, came about when he was looking for a property in a tranquil setting, yet accessible and un-congested that also encompasses luxury and promises safe living. But he could find no such unique location in Malaysia, until he found this 14-acre parcel in Tambun, Perak.

“Everywhere else is either crowded or just too far away from urban centres,” Chan said.

The Haven’s site was that tranquil setting he was looking for, and Chan embarked on a project that would enchance it with luxury fittings, facilities and safety features.

The site is only a 15-minute drive from all city amenities … and with the inclusion of the new Electric Train Service (ETS) it’s only two hours to travel to KL. Ipoh itself is a perfect hub situated between KL and Penang.

Chan explains that luxury comes with a price, and that those who consider a price of RM330psf to be expensive underestimates the luxury The Haven is offering and underestimates development cost for high end condos. Taking away accommodative values (AVs), i.e. land values represented in each condo, the development cost (including profit) for luxury condominiums in KL and Selangor are between RM500psf and RM1,000psf.

In China, Hong Kong and Singapore, it is upwards of RM2,000psf.

The Haven’s pricing of its condos at slightly above RM300psf including land costs, an array of facilities, 10 acres of landscaping and a fouracre pristine lake is thus a steal.

Chan says that many who appreciate the developer’s efforts and standards of quality consider the price “extremely reasonable”.

“When two schools of thoughts are at odds over the price, with one group considering it extremely reasonable and another considering it expensive, one can be sure that the former group, the group considering the price as most reasonable must be correct, as any discerning buyer who considers the purchase as reasonable, knows the value of the property of course,” quips Chan.

The Haven has over 100 such discerning purchasers to date, proving this point.

The price, he says, is reflective of the fact that The Haven will offer many firsts in privileged lifestyle standards, and taking this into consideration, buyers will eventually realise that it is a real steal. In fact, one valuer has stated that he sees the intrinsic value of The Haven at RM450psf upon completion.

Offering a total of 495 units that are housed in three 26-storey blocks, buyers have a choice of 12 different layouts to select from (12 suites, 15 penthouses and 468 apartment units).

One of the main draws of the project is that it blends with the natural surroundings. This includes a lake and the God-given beauty of the surrounding Kinta Valley landscape with 280-million-year old limestone hills and unspoilt flora. Taking centre stage at the project is a 140ft high natural limestone monument that brings the surrounding landscape into the enclave, putting a piece of Ipoh’s majesty at the very doorstep of those who will live there.

“Its not just about providing quality goods for living, but it’s also about getting a piece of nature for free. Apart from the 14 acres that will be developed, a further 10 acres surrounding it will be unspoilt, unconverted land dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the site,” says Chan.

To enhance the perfect living ambience, the development offers amenities such as a designer infinity pool, landscaped driveway and waterway gardens, a jogging track, playground, picnic grounds, barbecue area, saunas, a fully equipped gym, badminton court, cafe and high-speed broadband access.

There will also be conference facilities within the project to cater to buyers who wish to use the condominium as a company getaway destination for training, meetings or as a retreat.

To ensure the security of its residents, The Haven will offer a fivelevel security system that includes perimeter fencing, entrance guardhouse, manned security checkpoints for each block, CCTV surveillance and computer card access.

Yet another reason the project is setting itself apart is the fact that it will be targeting for GBI (Green Building Index) certification and will use renewable energy generated by solar, wind and mini-hydro to power its common areas and facilities.

FactFile – The Haven What

The Haven comprises three 26-storey blocks of luxury condominiums. Surrounded by magnificent 280-million years old limestone hills and built overlooking a tranquil natural lake, it is a hideaway that will ensconce its residents in the splendour of nature.

Where

The development is taking shape on a 14-acre site in the Tambun area of Ipoh, Perak. It is only 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre and five kilometres from the North- South Expressway via the Tambun Interchange.

Features

5-level security: Fencing, guardhouse, manned security desk for each block, CCTV, computer card access

Designer infinity pool

Landscaped driveway and waterway gardens

Landscaped jogging track

Playground

Picnic grounds

Barbecue area

Saunas

Equipped gym

Badminton court

High-speed broadband access

Cafe

Conference facilities

On Offer

To date, The Haven has only been open for preview but 65 per cent of its first block has already been sold. The project is slated to be officially launched in the coming months.

Price

RM330psf. The condominium units range from 893sq ft to 2,840sq ft. Penthouses are over 4,500sq ft.

Bottom Line

Loans of up to 90 per cent are being offered by banks.

Based on a 10 per cent downpayment, 25-year loan tenure, and prevailing interest rate of 4.5 per cent, the monthly repayment for a 1,172sq ft lake view unit would be less than RM1,800.

Contact

For more information, visit the show gallery located at site or call 1700-8-1700-0, email mgt@thehaven.com.my or surf to www.thehaven.com.my

“We want to provide true advantages of condo living in giving its residents total peace of mind in terms of safety and security such that even if the owner leaves his condo for months or years, his property will still be intact when he returns,” says Chan.

“The Haven answers many needs: A perfect home, a family retreat, a retirement haven, a holiday home and a place where companies or groups of people can host getaways.”

Apart from being near authentic mouth-watering Ipoh food, the location also features amenities such as schools, five major hospitals, shopping centres and hypermarkets such as Tesco, Giant and Jusco.

A theme park, hot springs and petting zoo are just next door to the site.

Being a mere five minutes to the North-South Highway interchange facilitates easy access to KL, Penang and other major towns in the peninsula.

Price fromRM330psfEstimated monthly ownership cost –

RM2,007 (lakeview unit)

Currently, 65 per cent of the first block (165 units) have been sold even before The Haven’s anticipated official launch in the coming months.

FactFile – The Haven

What