Fair’s visitors eye latest developments
Prospective buyers come to survey real estate market, make informed investments
GEORGE TOWN: The four-day StarProperty.my Fair 2018 kicked off with potential house buyers surveying latest development projects in Penang.
Property hunters also checked out and enquired about promotional packages and deals offered by the developers taking part in the fair.
Sales assistant Kent Ong, 24, said he visited the fair together with his mother Tan Lay Hiong, 49, to get more insight about the current property trends and market in the state.
Ong said his parents applied for the state government’s affordable housing scheme and were still waiting for approval.
“Therefore, we came here to survey first to see how the property trends have changed since the beginning of the year.
“Property prices of apartments were still quite low in the beginning of the year but I’ve recently checked online and saw that the prices have increased.
“It would be good if the prices decrease due to a glut in high-rise properties.
“We’re looking to buy an apartment and our budget is around RM200,000 but these properties are now priced at least RM400,000 and above, which is very expensive for us,” he said when met on the first day of the fair in Queensbay Mall yesterday.
Ong said he and his family were open to buying a property located on the mainland.
“I’m interested in the Batu Kawan area, which is fast developing.
“I personally do not mind either the island or mainland area as long as the place suits our budget.
“We’re a family of four currently staying in an apartment in Batu Ferringhi and hope to move to a bigger house which is at least 800sq ft and above,” he said.
Earlier, Ong and Tan were spotted checking out projects exhibited by Mah Sing Group at the developer’s booth.
Besides looking for homes, there were also those who were on the hunt for investment properties.
Chang Boon Peng, 34, who works as a researcher in Canada, was spot- ted checking out projects by SP Setia Penang with his girlfriend, Michelle Song, 33.
“I just came back from Canada and am now surveying for potential properties as an investment.
“I am interested in areas such as Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah.
“I grew up in Ayer Itam while my girlfriend is from China, so we’re just looking to buy a condominium as a future investment,” he said, adding that Song was currently pursuing her PhD in Canada.
The fair, which is the northern region’s most comprehensive property expo, is held in Queensbay Mall until Sunday.
The 21 exhibitors include Asia Green Group, Mah Sing Group, SP Setia Penang, GIC Group, Aspen Group, EcoWorld and Pearl Ocean.
Also on board are Ewein Zenith, Property Talk Sdn Bhd, Hatten Land, Bertam Properties Sdn Bhd, GSD Land, Airmas Group of Companies, Palmex Industries Sdn Bhd and Hunza Properties Bhd.
Completing the list are Aroma Development Sdn Bhd, Bionic Land Berhad, BTK Land Sdn Bhd, East West One Marketing Sdn Bhd and KW Properties Development Sdn Bhd.
United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd will also be present to offer attractive and flexible financing packages for prospective buyers.
Also making a comeback at the fair is the eagerly anticipated Spin & Win Contest. This time, it offers fabulous prizes worth over RM50,000.
The StarProperty.my Fair is organised by Star Media Group. For more information, call 04-6473 388 or 04-647 3399.