What are the considerations or pitfalls when investing in high-rise residential properties, more so since buying real estate is one of the largest investments that one would make in a lifetime?

It’s location, the developer's track record and property details, according to young property guru, Faizul Ridzuan, author or “WTF? 23 Properties Under 30”. Faizul recently spoke at Trinity Group’s Zeva Sales Gallery to inspire and educate interested property buyers on what to consider when investing in high-rise residential properties.

“We have always conducted our business with the motto of building communities,” said Ms. Ng Ching Yee, General Manager of Trinity Group Sdn. Bhd. “As such, we hosted this property talk to help people, especially first-time and bumiputera buyers, to understand the benefits and importance of investing in the right property while knowing how to make financially sound decisions in property buying. Being a successful young property investor, we find Faizul to be the best candidate to share his personal experience with our target audience.” She also shared that Trinity's properties have always done well in the past as most doubled or even tripled in value in just a few short years.

Held at the Zeva Sales Gallery at Equine Park, the talk saw the participation of almost 100 guests over the three sessions held on 16 June. The first of its kind in that area, Zeva@Equine South is a mixed-use development which consists of serviced apartments, studio apartments, commercial and boutique retail units.

“Mixed-used developments are definitely very much sought after these days. The modem designs and fancy facilities appeal to the Gen Y buyers and these properties bring about a higher resell value, apart from being easily tenanted.” said Faizul.

“When buying a property for investment, it is better to buy the worst unit in a good development, than to buy the best unit in bad development. The value of the property depends on whether the property can either be resold at a profit or rented for a good rate.” he shared.

Faizul also encouraged buyers to take advantage of special rates and discounts offered by property developers especially during the launch period as property prices will show a significant increase upon completion. Bumiputera buyers should also be more open to cash in on the bumiputera rebates especially if it is a worthwhile development.

Faizul cited the example of The Zest@Kinrara 9 which he bought in 2009 for RM236,000. The service apartment was later sold upon its completion in 2012 for RM456,000. Today, the same apartment is valued at more than RM500.000.

He added that with increase of young bumiputera homebuyers, efforts by developers to woo investors, such as this talk by Trinity Group will help raise more awareness about the property market and ensure that buyers make the right financial decisions.

In conjunction with the talk, Trinity introduced the Zeva Bonanza Savings scheme where a 9% rebate was offered to interested bumiputera buyers for the studio apartments and 5% rebate for non-bumiputera buyers for the service apartments. Apart from saving up to RM23,000, buyers will also enjoy free legal fees on the Sales & Purchase Agreement, free air-conditioner units and free carparks. Selected studio units even come fully furnished with built-in cabinets, sofa sets, bedding, dining table, electrical appliances and more.