More Property Ponderings

Readers may be aware that I had pretty much decided to opt for an off-plan purchase at Batu Uban and I'm largely happy to stick with. There is however one problem, it hasn't launched yet and I have no Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). Problem with this of course is that the longer the launch takes, the longer the build will take and the more money I throw down the drain in rental. As such, I still keep my options open.

When I first came out to Penang I was ADAMANT I had to be near Gurney, Georgetown and Straits Quay but, although I do visit them still, it's FAR less than I anticipated, largely because I have rapidly developed a social circle which just does it's own thing, wherever. When I couple that then with the lack of developer (versus speculator sub-sale) units in any condos that I actually like and the lack of units 'off-plan' that appeal (for me Surin, Lattitude, Pearl Regency all have issues) I do start to ponder is a Penang island residence REALLY essential??? Condo wise I'm still considering the island of course and in particular out by E-Gate and Queensbay and plan to look at a few more projects there. I did have an option of a condo at The View when I was here in April and am kicking myself slightly that I didn't take it. But, I figure these things happen for a reason.

Of late however I have also started to consider Juru, Auto-City and Butterworth. All have existing and/or planned developments by the developers that appeal to me (Mahsing, Boon Siew and possibly IJM) AND there is the added bonus that land is cheaper and available there so we are talking about landed and in some cases detached.

Of course landed property has factors you need to consider such as pests and vermin, security, upkeep, maintenance etc. with those issues being somewhat less prevelant with condos (albeit you pay for it) but condos also have potential problems such as neighbour noise, road and area noise and how good the management company is. These are just random picks but those are some of the key things I consider. Condos do have the benefit of a 'lock it and leave it' approach but landed does have the benefit of SPACE!!!!!

I'v only just started on the research of Juru as an option and the one thing that does concern me is WILL the trip across the bridges into Penang island become a proverbial pain in the ass?? That said, I suppose it'd be quicker (or at least as quick) as getting to Batu Ferringhi where I also once considered. There is also the issue of whether there is QUITE enough out at Juru on a day to day basis, eateries and of course the lack of some facilities I do use (such as a gym, cinemas and the big malls). Decisions, decisions

I plan to go out to Juru soon for a look around and to visit a view projects. There is a project called Palm Gardens that did appeal but a quick call to a friend of friend revealed that it's basically two strips of houses, ungated and in a kampung (lesser developed village) and may not be as desirable as the marketing blurb suggests. Juru Heights was however recommended, as was Cendana. There's also a property fair at Gurney next weekend over four days (Fri-Mon) so I'll likely hit that too to see if there are any projects that appeal. I'll post up here any projects that I come across and and up/downsides and whether my decisions change.

Luckily Juru is still classed as Penang so the blog title won't have to change. So the only POJ I'll have to contend with is the one I'll get if I don't keep on top of the char kway teow with frequent gym visits