By Viktor Chong

Mahani will be speaking at the StarProperty.my Forum 2017

TOWN planners play a significant role in ensuring the social well-being of the environment, which translates into a sustainable development – though nowadays sustainability often includes the “financial” aspect.

For housebuyers, a township is self-sustaining financially when the value of a property is sustained over the years, while for the investor, it has to be commercially sustainable, said AJC Planning Consultants Bhd director Mahani Mohd Yasin.

“From the developer’s perspective, it is mainly about profit generation and management of a township,” she pointed out.

Mahani said the appreciation of house value follows the growth of a town, which will be determined by aspects that buyers or investors look into for their subsequent property purchase.

Among the questions that arise when considering on a sustainable township are whether a particular development can be seen as a township, the green features in the landscape of the township and the location of the development.

For Mahani, a township is often associated with strategic positioning, which means accessibility and connectivity.

However, one should not overlook the “wellness” aspect of a sustainable township, as it has become essential to home seekers.

“Their perspectives are changing as they are looking for a home, not a house,” she stressed.

Mahani said sustainable living was about pursuing a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

“People are searching for a higher quality of life where they can live, work, play and grow. A safe neighbourhood for the community is also important,” she added.

On Malaysia’s current development trend towards sustainable planning, she pointed out that developers could improve future developments by focusing on concepts such as “township smartness” as well as mental, spiritual and physical wellness.

“For the green field development, we can witness new growth areas such as those along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway.

“This locale is well-served by major highway networks that are coming up with the largest wellness living city called the City of Elmina,” she said.

Mahani said City of Elmina and other developments were part and parcel of sustainability, where the environment, social factors and economic planning would gel together holistically.

She added that it was important for one to understand the planning process and underlying principles of sustainable living.

Mahani will elaborate on this topic in her talk titled “Sustainable Planning Increases Township Values” at the StarProperty.my Forum 2017.

The event will be held at Elmina Sales Gallery, Shah Alam, from 1pm to 5.30pm on Sept 16.

Leveragelab Bhd founder Jeevan Sahadevan will talk about “How does property act as a buffer in your investment portfolio?” while property investor and blogger Ken Teo will discuss “Sustainable Plan-ning Increases Township Values”.

For more information or to register, visit starproperty.my/forum