This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on February 28, 2022 - March 6, 2022

Boustead Properties Bhd’s Balau Homes in Mutiara Hills, Semenyih, which was launched in 4Q2020, has recorded a take-up rate of 90%. Boustead Properties Bhd chief operating officer Eason Phan says the 74-unit Phase 1A1 of Balau Homes is expected to be completed by 1Q2023. Homebuyers will be able to move in in early April 2023.

“Boustead Properties is very pleased with the encouraging take-up rate, as buyers see the upside and potential despite challenges posed by the pandemic and its impact on the overall property market,” says Phan in an email.

“Following the successful take-up of Balau Homes Phase 1A1, Boustead Properties soft-launched Balau Homes Phase 1A2, comprising 66 units, in January 2022. Phase 1A2, which already has a take-up rate of close to 75%, features the same spacious, minimalist modern design as the 2-story linkhouses in Phase 1A1.

“We remain cautiously optimistic that the Malaysian property market is well on track for recovery in 2022. Affordable and bankable units will continue to fuel the current encouraging demand for quality housing. For the industry to continue to churn out this segment of products, however, the government should review and continue the very successful and impactful Home Ownership Campaign.”

Balau Homes is located in the upper northernmost Precinct One of Mutiara Hills, an integrated, mixed-use township spread across 1,200 acres of prime freehold land. Previously an oil palm plantation named Balau Estate, which was owned by Boustead Plantations Bhd, and due to be completed in 2027, Mutiara Hills will offer residential and commercial units as well as a business hub.

Part of the developer’s Mutiara Collection series, Mutiara Hills will offer low- to high-end products similar to those in the townships of Mutiara Damansara in Selangor and Mutiara Rini in Johor.

The freehold Mutiara Hills township is divided into three sectors, the first of which has a gross development value (GDV) of RM895 million and will comprise five phases, with the first one being Phase 1A1. The second and third sectors are still on the drawing board.

Occupying a 14.89-acre tract, Balau Homes has a GDV of RM125 million. The 2-storey terraced houses will have built-ups of 1,512 to 2,158 sq ft, a land area of 20ft by 70ft and an indicative price of RM500,000 and below.

Balau Homes has drawn a good mix of buyers and investors. “They comprise mainly young families and individuals who are first-time homebuyers, empty nesters and upgraders who are existing loyal customers of Boustead Properties. Many of them view Balau Homes as affordable and spacious. They were also looking for a property that would take them away from the urban centre and closer to nature,” says Phan.

“Boustead Properties sees the value of developing real estate that can accommodate more than one generation and, with Balau Homes, we have struck the right balance. The spacious 2-storey units are securely located in a gated neighbourhood, which is also a priority for homeowners today.”

Balau Homes Phase 1 is adjacent to a recreational lake with a jogging and bicycle track and playground that offers homebuyers a wholesome and healthy living experience. “Work is underway to collaborate with the relevant authorities to incorporate renewable solar energy to light up the park and harness rainwater for public spaces and planting, and we may see community farming being introduced in time to come,” says Phan.

In terms of location, the township is about 40 minutes away from both the Kuala Lumpur city centre and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is a stone’s throw away from the mature town centre of EcoHills and adjacent to University of Nottingham, UK (Malaysia Campus) and other educational institutions such as Tenby International School, Kolej 

Tuanku Jaafar, primary and secondary national, Chinese and Tamil public schools, Mara Japan Industrial Institute and Kolej Profesional Mara Beranang.

Mutiara Hills is also accessible via highways such as Lebuhraya Cheras-Kajang, Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban (Lekas) and Lebuhraya Kuala Lumpur-Seremban, with access points such as Jalan Broga/Jalan Semenyih, Persiaran Tasik Kesuma/Eco Majestic Tol (Lekas) and Pelangi Semenyih/Semenyih Tol (Lekas).

“A two-lane dual carriageway main road connecting Mutiara Hills to Lotus’s (formerly Tesco) Pelangi Semenyih will be ready by 3Q2022. At 1.8km long, it will shorten the traffic flow by 15 minutes and allow residents of Mutiara Hills to access Jalan Semenyih and bypass Lekas easily,” says Phan.

He adds that Broga Hill is also among the main attractions in South Klang Valley, and this iconic spot is situated only 2km away from the Mutiara Hills township. “In addition, there is a plethora of other attractions and facilities in Semenyih nearby, catering for every age group.”

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