4 townships in KL most favoured by entrepreneurs | Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents

4 townships in KL most favoured by entrepreneurs

2020-08-11

The success of any business depends a lot on facilities, amenities and accessibility.

Most entrepreneurs do not base their decision on where to open up shop only on population.

A number of location-specific elements must be taken into account, such as survivability, economic and new business growth, quality of life and cost of living.

The choice of location can make or break a new start-up in the first year. In Kuala Lumpur, there are four preferred townships among entrepreneurs, according to two realtors.

Here are the key factors why these townships are the top choice of entrepreneurs when setting up a business.

Mont’ Kiara

According to Reapfield Properties realtor Jonathan Low, the most important arsenal an entrepreneur can acquire is a network.

He told Property Advisor, “Mont’ Kiara tops that by providing a neighbourhood of high-net-worth people. The township’s prestige draws larger numbers of such people to live there, compared with most other townships.”

Living in Mont’ Kiara also allows the children of entrepreneurs to build up a network of successful people from a young age by virtue of being neighbours.

“Due to the mix of foreigners and locals, there is a balance of eateries and hangout spots for the modern-day entrepreneur to set up meetings within walking distance of their condominium gates.

“The vast selection of food has created a melting pot of cultures, with restaurants specialising in various local delicacies and foreign cuisines popping up,” said Low.

The area also has a number of high-rise buildings, many of which are low-density developments that house four units per level at the most.

The condominium units are known as “bungalows in the sky” with generous built-up areas. Typical units are about 2,000 sq ft, going up to as much as 7,000 to 8,000 sq ft.

Low said the average price per sq ft (psf) of property in Mont’ Kiara is RM900 to RM1,100.

Mont’ Kiara is very well connected with links to four major highways – the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Kerinchi Link and Penchala Link.

Bukit Damansara

Bukit Damansara is the most time-saving location to live in.

Known as the mother of all transit-oriented developments, Bukit Damansara boasts one of the highest numbers of Klang Valley rail lines, said Polygon Properties Sdn Bhd senior real estate negotiator Jenny Wong.

“Good public transport and easy access throughout the Klang Valley saves precious travel time even during peak hours. It is in close proximity to KL Sentral and KLCC.

“It is not near enough to be affected by the buzz and crowd, yet it is close enough to conveniently travel to for work or appointments.

“The area also has easy access to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in just 30 minutes. I believe Bukit Damansara is the most time-saving location to live in.”

Bukit Damansara is a leafy residential suburb, home to the National Science Centre that draws families to its hands-on exhibits and a high-tech dinosaur display.

Istana Negara, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s palace, is known for its numerous golden domes and manicured lawns.

Restaurants with terraces and sleek bistros offer modern Indian and European cuisine while pubs and cocktail bars have a cosy neighbourhood vibe.

According to Wong, the average price for property in Bukit Damansara is RM800 to RM1,100 psf.

“It is an affluent township where politicians (Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin) and corporate leaders (the YTL family) have taken up residence. Imagine jogging together with one of them on the weekend.”

KL Sentral

KL Sentral is easily accessible and a popular transit hub. 

Located in the middle of the Kuala Lumpur business supply chain (industrial zone of Puchong and Subang Jaya – commercial zone of Mid Valley and Bangsar South), Reapfield Properties’ Low said KL Sentral is easily accessible and a popular transit hub.

“It is the entry point for Malayan Railways from Port Klang. However, the development is more than just a railway station.

“In less than two decades, KL Sentral has transformed into a transport hub, tourist attraction and a property hotspot.”

Low said restaurants in KL Sentral offer a diverse mix of cuisines, making a great spot to meet and dine with clients.

The average price of property in KL Sentral is slightly higher than Mont’Kiara and Bukit Damansara at about RM1,000 to RM1,500 psf.

Old Klang Road

Old Klang Road has a low entry cost for a mature commercial township.

One of the oldest and most historically significant roads in Kuala Lumpur, Old Klang Road has a low entry cost for such a mature commercial township with banks, retail space, medical facilities, schools and so on.

Several decades ago, it was the only link between Kuala Lumpur and Port Klang on the coast.

Today, this role has been taken over by major highways, but the road remains an important point of transport and communication for the Klang Valley, having been widened to accommodate a large volume of cars.

The main attraction of Old Klang Road is its location next to the heart of the Klang Valley, says Polygon Properties Wong.

She said the average price of property in Old Klang Road is lower than in Mont’ Kiara, Bukit Damansara and KL Sentral at about RM500 to RM800 psf.

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