BY DAVID TAN, CHONG KAH YUAN, JEREMY TAN, R. SEKARAN
PHOTOGRAPHERS: GOH GAIK LEE, ZAINUDIN AHAD, CHAN BOON KAI, AND AHMAD ZHAFARAN NASIB; VIDEO: ZAINUDIN AHAD

THE StarProperty.my Fair 2015 in Penang, the biggest to date with over 40 exhibitors, gave visitors the pick of the best developments around the island and elsewhere.

Kicking off yesterday at G Hotel and Gurney Plaza, there were choices aplenty ranging from luxurious landed homes to high-rise residences, integrated developments, commercial lots and more.

Major players like Eco World Development Group (EcoWorld), BSG Property, Ivory Properties Group, Mah Sing Group and IJM Land showcased projects worth an estimated RM40bil in total.

BSG’s assistant sales manager Kelly Wong said buyers nowadays are more discerning, and location is often the determining factor.

Their projects like Middleton, Oakridge, The Landmark, Mira Residence and Granito are strategically located in Minden Heights, Sungai Nibong, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah and Lembah Permai respectively.

“The trend for younger buyers is to go for compact or medium-sized homes, while the older ones are more keen on luxury and prestigious surroundings,” she said at the fair yesterday.

(From right) Mah Sing Group sales executive Steve Lee briefing on the company’s Southbay City project to Yeoh, Kamal and Dr Tan during a walkabout at the Star Property Fair 2015 in G Hotel, Penang.

IJM Land senior general manager Datuk Toh Chin Leong said the group’s latest offerings at The Light Waterfront Penang targets modern homeowners, like the younger generation working as executives in multinational corporations (MNCs).

These new properties come with green certification and are equipped with hi-tech security systems and the latest ICT facilities.

“The units are also partially furnished with air-conditioners, kitchen appliances, water heating units, and come with ample car parking space,” he added.

Ivory corporate communications manager Winnie Yeoh said the group is positioning itself in the mid to high-end market as it is easier for buyers from this segment to obtain loans from banks.

“Our properties are generally located in prime locations of the southwest and northeast districts, such as Bayan Mutiara and Tanjung Tokong.

“To add value to the projects, we equip them with contemporary lifestyle and IT facilities,” she said.

Ivory’s properties featured at the fair include the Tropicana Bay Residences in the Penang WorldCity mega seafront development at Bayan Mutiara, and the City Residence in Tanjung Tokong.

“The Tropicana Bay has been selling fast, as it offers a good location near a mall and beaches, and is part of a comprehensive development with many upcoming amenities.

Visitors checking out a scale model of Ivory Properties Group Berhad’s City Residence project during the fair in Gurney Plaza.

“Their many unit sizes, from compact to larger ones, also cater to different lifestyle needs,” said Yeoh, adding that its The Latitude’s commercial lots were also available.

Many prospective home owners are also drawn to the concept and lush nature of EcoWorld’s many offerings in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor, which have proved tobe appealing.

“Nowadays people are getting more conscious of their living environment, and look for a green haven to escape the hustle and bustle of life,” the company’s sales manager Eunice Lee said.

She pointed to their maiden Penang development, the Eco Terraces in Paya Terubong, as one such undertaking.

“They come to the fair knowing what they want, and can afford to choose the best products in the market,” Lee added.

Penang MCA secretary Dr Tan Chuan Hong, Star Media Group Berhad executive director Tan Sri Kamal Hashim, senior regional manager (operations) David Yeoh and advertising sales and business development manager (north) Simone Liong went on a walkabout at the fair yesterday.

The fair, which is in its 14th edition, continues until Sunday, and is open from 10am to 10pm daily.

Admission is free.

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