Integrated boutique developer, Trinity Group Sdn Bhd, will launch the third phase of its serviced apartment project Zeva @ Equine South tomorrow. Located in Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan in Selangor, the development comprises three blocks of serviced apartments on 3.71 acres (1.48ha) of leasehold land, with a total gross development value of RM260 million.

Trinity Group founder and managing director Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat said in a statement the first and second phases [Blocks A and B] of Zeva@Equine South achieved sales of more than 90% within the first month of the launch in June. Built-ups are from 881 sq ft with prices from RM350,000. Blocks A and B are 15-storey towers housing 210 and 236 units respectively, while Block C has 20 storeys with 320 units of studio apartments.

Neoh said about 40% were buyers of previous projects such as The Zest in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong and Z Residence in Bukit Jalil. Zeva is targeting first-time home buyers, young families and working professionals. Zeva's third phase [Block C] offers studio units with built-ups from 454 to 646 sq ft, and priced from RM220,000.

Facilities available are a floating gymnasium, a three-tier sky terrace, a 50m Olympic length infinity pool and a sky club. Neoh said one of Block C's highlights is its skydeck with a design inspired by Willis Tower in Chicago in the US. The Zeva's skydeck will be constructed with three layers of laminated glass, perched 46ft above sea level.

The Zeva is scheduled to be completed in June 2015.1t is accessible via major highways such as the Damansara Puchong Highway, South Klang Valley Expressway, the proposed Kinrara-Damansara Expressway and the Serdang-Kinrara-Putrajaya Highway.

Trinity Group was incorporated in 2004 and its other projects are The Heron serviced apartments, 19 Residency zero-lot bungalows, The Zest serviced apartments all in Puchong, Latitude@USJ19 industrial development and the Z@Bukit Jalil condominium.

Integrated boutique developer Trinity Group Sdn Bhd recently launched the third phase of Zeva @ Equine South, its latest mixed-development project. The third phase of Zeva is Block C, comprising 320 units of studio apartments in a 20-storey building. Each unit occupies an area of 454 to 646 sq ft and is priced from RM220,000 upwards.

Blocks A and B are 15-storey serviced apartment towers housing 210 and 236 units respectively, with areas starting from 881 sq ft upwards. According to Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat, founder and managing director of Trinity Group, the first and second phase of Zeva comprising the serviced apartment units have reached take-up rates of more than 90 per cent within a month of their launch. Forty per cent of Zeva's early buyers are recurrent buyers from the group's previous projects.

One of the highlights of Block C will be its skydeck, inspired by the Willis Tower in Chicago, US. Constructed with three layers of laminated glass and perched at 446 feet above sea level, the skydeck will offer a spectacular view of the neighbouring townships of Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. Zeva @ Equine South is scheduled for completion in June 2015. 

Fasa ketiga projek pembangunan bercampur Apartmen Zeva Studio (Zeva) milik Trinity Group Sdn. Bhd. (Trinity Group) bakal dilancarkan Sabtu ini.

Projek yang terletak di Bandar Seri Kembangan, Selangor yang dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang 2015 itu mempunyai tiga blok yang merangkumi servis apartmen, apartmen studio dan kedai pejabat.

Pengarah Urusan Trinity Group, Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat berkata, permintaan yang begitu memberangsangkan menyebabkan pihaknya bersedia untuk membuka jualan bagi fasa ketiga iaitu blok C setinggi 20 tingkat dengan memiliki 320 unit studio.

“Setiap unit yang ada di blok ini mempunyai keluasan 42 meter persegi dan 60 meter persegi. “Kami menjangkakan setiap unit akan dijual pada harga berpatutan dengan anggaran RM220,000,” katanya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di sini semalam.

Soo Keat menerangkan, terdapat beberapa keistimewaan menanti pelanggan yang melabur dalam fasa berkenaan seperti gimnasium, kolam renang dan pelantar pemandangan.

“Pelantar yang hanya terdapat di blok C itu merupakan inspirasi daripada Menara Willis di Chicago, Amerika Syarikat dengan melibatkan pembinaan tiga lapisan kaca,” ujarnya.

Ujar beliau, pelantar berkenaan yang terletak setinggi 135 meter di atas paras laut berkenaan bakal menawarkan pemandangan indah di kawasan kejiranan seperti Putrajaya dan Cyberjaya. Tambah Soo Keat, syarikat berharap fasa ketiga ini bakal mendapat sambutan menggalakkan.

BERLOKASI di Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan, Selangor dan berhadapan dengan pusat beli-belah AEON Jusco Equine Park, pemaju perumahan Kumpulan Trinity memajukan sebuah lagi hartanah berstatus mewah.

Zeva@Equine South (Zeva) menawarkan konsep perumahan urban terbaharu dengan pengalaman holistik dan penuh lengkap untuk pembeli yang sedang merancang mendiami satu lokasi strategik. “Kami mahu memperkenalkan satu pembangunan bercampur di Zeva membabitkan 15 tingkat apartmen perkhidmatan dan sebuah bangunan 20 tingkat blok apartmen studio,” kata Pengarah Urusan dan Pengasas Kumpulan Trinity, Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat.

Sejumlah 446 unit apartmen perkhidmatan, 320 unit apartmen studio dan 12 unit runcit ditawarkan Zeva. Saiz apartmen Zeva bermula daripada 81.85 meter persegi dengan harganya pula bermula dari RM350,000 seunit.

Elemen hijau

Dengan penyampaian konsep urban moden dalam persekitaran tropika, semua kemudahan di Zeva mudah diakses dengan sistem keselamatan yang rapi. Dipasang kamera litar dengan operasi 24 jam, semua pintu masuk disediakan kawalan kad akses.

“Kami tidak berkompromi dalam aspek keselamatan. Itu antara sebab mengapa Zeva dilihat satu pembangunan perumahan yang serba lengkap untuk sesiapa sahaja, baik pasangan baru berkahwin, keluarga, pelajar mahupun golongan profesional," ujar Soo Keat lagi.

Dari segi kemudahan, apartmen perkhidmatan Zeva bakal dibina dengan kolam renang berukuran saiz Olimpik iaitu 50 meter yang direka khas di atas tingkat atas sebagai penambah nilai kepada penghuni kelak sama ada untuk berekreasi, menghilangkan tekanan selepas waktu kerja atau bersenam dalam persekitaran yang paling ideal.

Di samping itu, setiap blok tersebut juga mempunyai koridor yang akan memudahkan pengaliran udara secara baik, cahaya yang mencukupi dalam bangunan, tidak ketinggalan juga laman tiga tingkat yang akan menghijaukan lagi bangunan tersebut.

“Semua konsep yang direka untuk Zeva menitikberatkan elemen hijau dan persekitaran yang selesa,” ujar Soo Keat.

Selain daripada semua kemudahan yang disenaraikan, kemudahan umum lain seperti kafetaria, dewan serbaguna, kawasan barbeku, dobi, pusat jagaan kanak-kanak, taman permainan dan lain-lain turut disediakan. Bagi apartmen perkhidmatan, ia didatangkan dalam empat pilihan unit iaitu unit dua atau tiga bilik dengan kawasan bermula daripada 81.85 hingga 142.7 meter persegi.

Dalam pada itu, blok studio Zeva pula akan berlokasi di antara Jalan Putra Permai dan Persiaran Pinggiran Putra sekali gus memberi impak pemandangan visual yang terbaik di kawasan itu. Bakal memiliki kafe taman dengan dilengkapi kemudahan sistem Wi-Fi, unit studio apartmen Zeva diperkenalkan dengan saiz bermula 42.27 meter persegi.

Bercakap mengenai jaringan laluan jalan raya Zeva, Soo Keat berkata, ia sebuah lokasi strategik kerana sangat mudah diakses ke Kuala Lumpur dan Petaling Jaya menerusi lebuh raya utama seperti Lebuh Raya Damansara Puchong (LDP), Lebuh Raya Ekspres Klang Selatan (SKVE) dan projek masa depan Lebuh Raya Ekspres Kinrara Damansara (Kidex).

Affordability is one of the most sensitive subjects in Malaysian real estate today, especially with house prices escalating beyond the means of many people in recent years. Though there are various factors contributing to the sharp rise, developers have not been spared the ire of those affected.

Debates still rage on over what is a fair price for a decent-sized place in a good neighbourhood that is not too far-flung from established residential hubs. Developers are now seeking to find a balance between size, location and profit in formulating their products. Trinity Group Sdn Bhd, for one, is trying to achieve that balance with The Zeva, a mixed-development in Bandar Putra Permai in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. 

What makes the developer’s latest project especially resonant in these times is its aim to enable the younger set to own their own place — albeit a small space in the air within the suburbs — by pricing the serviced apartments low enough, as well as its conscious decision to work with the government for a more viable financing deal for young working people.

Trinity Group also plans to bring more vibrancy into the area via the project’s retail component by offering its denizens a place to hang out after hours. “We do have a lot of commercial properties coming up in the area but they are quite conventional. It’s more like a normal row of shops, where you just buy stuff and go home. But you don’t have a place to spend time, catch up with friends before going home,” Trinity Group managing director Datuk Neoh Soo Keat tells City & Country. 

Components 
The Zeva is being developed on a 3.7-acre commercial leasehold tract along Jalan Putra Permai, just opposite the AEON Jusco Seri Kembangan. Part of the development will also face Jalan Pinggiran Putra, which runs perpendicular to Jalan Putra Permai. The project is scheduled to be launched at end-April, says Neoh. 

The project will comprise three serviced apartment blocks with 446 units — two of which are 15-storey blocks of suites with built-ups from 881 to 1,205 sq ft while one is a 27-storey block of studios with built-ups from 455 to 638 sq ft. There will be a sky lounge on top of the studio block. 

An artist's impression of the street-level retail podiumThe suites will come in two bedroom-two bathroom and three bedroom-two bathroom combinations. Prices average RM360 to RM380 psf while the studios will average RM400 psf. This translates into starting prices of RM182,000 for a studio unit and RM317,160 for a suite. All units will come with an air-conditioning unit and standard 2ft by 2ft porcelain tiles, says Neoh. 

Neoh adds that the group is working with the government to enable the apartments to be purchased under the My First Home Scheme. The studios are targeted at young entrepreneurs and professionals earning at least RM3,000 per month, as monthly instalments are estimated at RM800 to RM900.

The suites are aimed at couples or young families, with a household income of at least RM5,000 per month, with monthly instalments at RM1,000 to RM1,200. “Our target market are those from 22 to 35 years old. This time, the target market is younger than that of The Z Residence [Trinity Group’s condo project in Bukit Jalil],” he says.

Neoh points out that parents may also consider buying the studio units for their children’s future use, considering the number of tertiary institutions located nearby, such as Universiti Putra Malaysia in Serdang  and Multimedia University and Limkokwing University in Cyberjaya. 

Senior marketing manager CY Ng says the serviced apartments and studios are fibre-optic ready for broadband access and will be equipped with a four-tier security system featuring card access at the lift lobby and car park, CCTV and round-the-clock security patrols and other facilities such as a 55m infinity edge pool, a gym overlooking the pool, sauna room and triple-floor sky terrace. Each studio comes with one parking bay while two parking bays will be assigned to each suite, she adds. 

The project also offers a retail/office component of 12 shopoffices made up of eight 3-storey units while the rest are 4-storey units. These are located within two of the serviced apartment blocks. One block will house the 3-storey units while another block will house the 4-storey units.

The built-ups of the 3-storey shopoffices start from 5,697 sq ft with a lot size of 26ft by 71ft, while the 4-storey units have built-ups from 7,420 sq ft and lot sizes of 26ft by 69ft.

The first two floors of the shopoffices will be dedicated to retail while the higher floors will comprise office space. All the floors will be connected via paths to facilitate walking. For the retail development, there will be over 350 parking bays — 256 in the basement/podium while the remainder will be at street level. In total, there will be 1,625 parking bays, including those for residents. 

Neoh says the group is still deciding whether to keep the retail component or to sell the shops. Choosing the former allows the group to control its tenant mix, he says. However, should the group sell the units, the shopoffices will be priced from over RM2 million to RM4 million. 

Neoh points out that the developer deliberately chose to reduce the development density to allow more open spaces, landscaping and water features. “We are planning to turn this into an F&B [food and beverage] boulevard … a street for good food and, at the same time, we are looking at putting in facilities, basically whatever the younger generation looks for in a modern lifestyle,” says Ng. 

Meanwhile, the sky lounge on the studio block is envisioned as an open-air hangout spot similar to others that grace the Kuala Lumpur skyline, such as the Luna Bar on Menara Panglobal, Traders Hotel’s SkyBar and GTower’s Rooftop Bar. “[From the sky lounge], we might be able to view Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. We want to cater to different types of people. Some would not want to rush to Kuala Lumpur for a drink, and we want to provide a nice place to chill out, and at a higher level the weather seems more pleasant, the atmosphere is much better, and it is not so warm. 

“These youngsters working and living in Cyberjaya, Subang, Serdang don’t have to go down to Kuala Lumpur. No need to risk getting caught in a speed trap!” he jokes. 

Other developments
The Zeva joins other developments coming up in Seri Kembangan, most notably Titijaya Group’s3Elements@Puchong South at Taman Equine. The project is also a mixed-development, which is larger than The Zeva and comprises 16 blocks of 4-storey and 6-storey shops, 400 units of single and duplex small office flexible offices (SoFos) and 342 units of serviced apartments with built-ups of over 1,000 sq ft. 

The retail blocks have built-ups of 4,862 to 9,483 sq ft and are priced from RM2.1 million to RM4.1 million, while the SoFos are priced at RM255,950 to RM950,000. The serviced apartments will be launched at the end of this year while all the retail units have already been taken up. 

Other projects sprouting up in the area include Andaman Group’s The Academia, which is sold under a leaseback scheme of at least 8% per year for the first three years and targets students as tenants, as well as Hua Yang Bhd’s Flexis @ One South SoHos. 

Trinity Group has also acquired over an acre of commercial leasehold land behind The Zeva’s site. Neoh says the group plans to build a condominium with shops there, but the project will not be launched until at least four years down the road because the land is currently being occupied by a futsal court. 

“As a landowner, we are within our rights to tell the operator to leave but it would not be fair for him as he had invested money to put up the facilities, so he will leave once his lease expires in four years. So we can tell our buyers that for the first year [of occupying The Zeva], you can enjoy futsal facilities just behind you. Then the next year, you can look forward to more shops and serviced apartments!” he quips. 

Besides The Zeva, Trinity Group has projects worth RM1.1 billion lined up over the next two years in Melawati and Bukit Antarabangsa in Kuala Lumpur as well as in USJ 19, Subang. 

First up is a proposed condominium that will come up on a three-acre freehold tract in USJ 19. The land is currently designated for industrial use, and the developer is in the midst of applying for a change in the land’s usage.

Trinity is still studying the viability of the condo and may consider a mixed-development featuring a residential component in the area as it sees demand from factory workers and young, single professionals for smaller units. The developer plans to launch this project at the end of the year, says Neoh. 

On a separate matter, he reveals that Trinity Group had filed a suit against property developer Trinity Corporation Bhd on the grounds of “passing off” — a legal cause of action based on common law or judge-made law, which is based on the premise that a trader cannot pass off as another trader, according to Ng — for confusion caused to the general public as a result of using the name “Trinity”.

“One of the elements of establishing passing off is that actual confusion or a strong likelihood of confusion is caused by the use of the name or brand by the other party,” says Ng. The hearing is expected to take place from May 14 to 18 at the KL High Court. 

Going back to its attempt at affordable housing, Neoh says the group is confident that The Zeva will prove popular among buyers, as the project has seen over 1,500 people register their interest since early March.

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.

The property market in 2013 is expected to continue moving upwards, supported by the nation’s economic growth and the government’s various initiatives.

The Economic Transformation Programme and projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit, which are part of the plans to become a high-income nation by 2020, would boost the economy and the property market.

The property market over the past 20 years has grown at an encouraging level fueled by healthy domestic demand as Malaysia has a young demographic base. The various government initiatives and projects will lead to sustained demand for quality and high-value properties in strategic locations across the country.

The year 2012

Despite the gloomy outlook of the global economy, the property market experienced moderate growth in 2012 led by strong market confidence in the domestic economy. This was evident from the number of successful projects launched by numerous property developers in the year which had experienced record sales.

In June last year, Trinity Group launched a new mixed-use development in Seri Kembangan – Zeva@Equine South. This project with enhanced lifestyle facilities has attracted strong interest from home buyers with more than 200 units in the first block (consisting of 236 units of serviced apartments) sold within the first five hours of its sales preview.

The positive market response we received to the project signals a robust demand for quality, high value and integrated residential developments which are shaped around the lifestyle aspirations of a new generation of home buyers and investors.

We see the responsible lending guidelines introduced by the central bank as a move in the right direction to contain surging household debt in the country, while the rise in land, labour and building material costs have continue to drive property prices upwards. This trend is not unique to Malaysia and is also happening in other parts of the region.

The year 2012 was also seen as the tipping point for Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, mainly because the crucial projects carried out earlier have been completed or are scheduled to be completed by 2012 and subsequently contribute to the transformation of this economic corridor.

The company

 Trinity Group is looking to develop four projects with a total gross development value of RM 1.14billion over the next two years. They will comprise a mix of residential and commercial projects in USJ 19, Ampang, Serdang and Johor.

Besides strategic locations, these developments incorporate great concepts with good facilities, security enhancements and superb features to boot.

EVEN as the dust starts to settle after the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) that kicked in last month and the vision on the ground gains greater clarity, it is becoming obvious that while some developers are choosing to delay their launches, there are still some savvy ones who are tilting towards more positive sentiments. These developers are willing to take the bull by the horns by launching their projects to the market in these uncertain times.

Admittedly, if one were to compare the slew of launches this time round to last year, having coursed mid-way through round the second quarter of 2015, it is obvious that there are way fewer property launches now, signalling a cautious approach being adopted by most developers.

And yet, there are a handful of the more optimistic developers who are putting no stops to their launches as in the case of Trinity Group Sdn Bhd. “Investment in properties is a good hedge against inflation. When GST was first implemented in Singapore and Australia, their inflation rate went up in the first two years,” observes Trinity Group CEO (chief executive officer) Datuk Andy Khoo Poh Chye.

He says that to have a sustainable property market, it would be prudent to “control the flame but not put out the fire.” By this, he means that although it is good for banks to be stringent in granting endfinancing to purchasers, he maintains that they should exercise greater flexibility in not over-tightening the loan eligibility, especially for the affordable and mid-range properties priced below RM700,000.

However, having said that, Trinity Group continues to forge ahead with its launches in confident assurance that there is still benefit for purchasers, in view of anticipated future  capital appreciation on its properties. As it is one of the savvy developers riding on the emerging global trend of rejuvenation and the redevelopment of mature townships, Trinity Group is looking with renewed  interest at such locations as part of its value creation strategy.

Discovering hidden gems
Mature neighbourhoods such as Puchong, Seri Kembangan and Bukit Jalil have proven to be property gold mines for the company in overcoming challenges such as land becoming more scarce and hence, increasingly in cost. It helps that connectivity has already been established with a ready network of highways and infrastructure readily in place in these mature townships.

Having already built a solid reputation for carving a niche in terms of “bringing affordable luxury living” to its buyers, it is also looking for hidden gems in mature townships and is not oblivious to the fact that there is much potential in these neighbourhoods. “We launched The Zest @ Kinrara 9 in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, six years ago and Zeva @ Equine South in Puchong South, Seri Kembangan, and Z Residence in Bukit Jalil three to four years ago and prices there have since doubled. I see KL South representing Puchong, Seri Kembangan and Bukit Jalil as unpolished gems waiting to be discovered. In fact, if you look at the wave of properties launched some five to seven years ago in these locations, you will see that property prices have since doubled,” he observes.

Zeva @ Equine South, which is spread across 3.7 acres and expected to be completed in June, has a gross development value (GDV) of RM282mil. Being the first-of-its-kind, integrated development in Seri Kembangan comprising 446 serviced apartment units and 320 studio units (ranging between 454 sq ft and 1,536 sq ft) with 12 shops and boutique retail units occupying a total gross area of over 250,000 sq ft, about 95% of its units have already been sold.

The growth potential for this development is expected to be high as its location provides ideal connectivity to Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and even to the city via Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Besraya Highway (Besraya), Maju Expressway (MEX), North-South Expressway (PLUS) as well as the proposed Serdang-Kinrara-Putrajaya Expressway (SKIP) and Kinrara Damansara Expressway (Kidex).

The landscaped Floating Garden provides a cooling atmosphere between the two by two blocks of Z Residence .

Its close proximity to upcoming infrastructure, such as the LRT station (Ampang Line) and the proposed MRT Line 2 (Taman Sri Serdang), further helps to maximise capital appreciation and rental yield.

“We foresee much future potential in these areas due to the infrastructure (upgrades) and other upcoming facilities. On the other hand, parts of Seri Kembangan/Puchong  South which were once rubber and oil palm estates have today been transformed into thriving townships surrounded by popular hotspots which include shopping malls, hypermarkets, educational hubs and a host of eateries, food joints and restaurants, financial institutions and places booming with commercial activities.

“Even property expert Ho Chin Soon recommends Zeva as having the potential to rise in value appreciation within the first-tier radius of the investment centre of gravity of Greater Kuala Lumpur,” he maintains.

Trinity Group’s The Zest @ Kinrara 9 development in Puchong with a GDV of RM250mil that was launched in 2009 comprising serviced apartments with an average built-up area of 1,205 sq ft also recorded good capital appreciations, showing an increase from its original selling price of about RM276,888 hovering at RM230 per sq ft to around RM675,000 in terms of its sub-sale price or approximately RM560 per sq ft.

Trinity Group’s innovative integrated marketing approach ascertains upcoming trends to set it on the cutting edge of new concepts to enhance the lives of its purchasers  and the community at large. It is for this reason that as a niche boutique developer, its ability to stay agile has enabled it to venture into the mature neighbourhoods of Puchong, Seri Kembangan and also Bukit Jalil in a quest to unlock the potential of the land.

In Bukit Jalil, it unveiled its freehold Z Residence @ Bukit Jalil development comprising 1,136 condominium units with built-up areas ranging between 1,032 sq ft  and 1,407 sq ft spread across 6.7 acres. The development that has a GDV of RM580mil, which was completed on scheduled in June last year, achieved a capital appreciation of 168% as of January 2015 compared to its launch in 2011.

Commenting on the key catalysts taking shape in mature townships such as Bukit Jalil in terms of redevelopment and rejuvenation, he anticipates property prices in this mature precinct to appreciate. This is a far cry from the early days whereby Bukit Jalil was once a secondary jungle.

“Today, Bukit Jalil has grown into a bustling township with key amenities and conveniences located in the established neighbourhood. Furthermore, with the  upcoming Pavilion 2 in Bukit Jalil, the mall will bring new excitement and a fresh alternative, which will attract a large catchment area that will bring up the value of the surrounding properties. This will transform the classic high-rise residential area into a shopping hub,” he says drawing a parallel to Mont’ Kiara some 10 years ago, which has transformed from a lush jungle park to an affluent township.

Having just launched Trinity Aquata KL South in the suburban enclave of Sungai Besi on approximately 3.58 acres following an overall water theme, he says the fact that it is a KL address and freehold, and being located in close proximity to Puchong holds the development in good stead for capital appreciation.

He extols the fact that this development bears a KL address with good connectivity. Already, another project is being planned for kick-off in the first quarter of next year comprising serviced apartments in Serdang that will be located near the new station in Puchong.

 by Yvonne Yoong

TOWNSHIPS naturally take time to transform, and Seri Kembangan, once a backwater in Selangor, is no different. However, its growth has been partially accelerated by neighbouring Puchong, which has grown exponentially in recent years.

Established as the Serdang New Village in 1952, during the height of the communist Emergency, the area was close to rubber estates and the jungle. Most residents at the time earned meagre incomes as mining workers and rubber tappers within the area.

Puchong was not any better. Narrow roads ran through its estates and villages up to the 1980s with major infrastructure works beginning in earnest towards the 1990s.

Its popularity was boosted by big property developers including SP Setia Bhd, Mah Sing Group Bhd, IOI Properties Group Bhd, and boutique players like Trinity Group Bhd.

Development in the area was also enhanced by better road connectivity, and more recently, the light rail transit (LRT) extension.

Although these developers enjoyed enthusiastic responses to their developments in Puchong, the township, having matured significantly, has limited land banks for future developments.

This largely created a spillover effect with Trinity Group and other developers turning their attention to surrounding areas such as Seri Kembangan.

The highway factor

Seri Kembangan's growth is boosted by the many existing and upcoming access roads, says Trinity Group CEO Datuk Neoh Soo Keat.

The area is accessible via the Lebuhraya Damansara­Puchong (LDP), North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Besraya Highway, Maju Expressway (MEX) and the proposed Serdang­Kinrara­Putrajaya Expressway (SKIP).

“To many, Seri Kembangan town has its bottleneck, with massive traffic congestion due to the complicated route system. However, we see this as an opportunity due to the mass population and statistics that show both these areas ­ along Serdang and Seri Kembangan ­ have a catchment of almost 400,000 people last year,” he says.

Taking into account the 1.4 million population in the surrounding catchment area and the projected population growth, Neoh says Seri Kembangan is set to be the strategic hotspot for all things “new and exciting.”

Already, education hubs are located within a 10­15km radius. They include the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Multimedia University Malaysia and Universiti Tenaga Nasional which offer the potential for rental yields from students.

Neoh says AEON Jusco is located some 100m from the group's Equine Park project while Pasar Borong Selangor and Giant supermarket are about 1km and 1.5km away respectively.

"Furthermore, the mass rapid transit (MRT) station is literally at your doorstep, taking less than two minutes to reach the S31 Equine Park station. With the upcoming infrastructure in progress, the potential of the area will be elevated to greater heights," he says.

The growth potential in this area is telling. Take for instance Trinity Group's 1.49ha Zeva@Equine South project which has a gross development value (GDV) of RM282 mil. The development comprises 446 serviced apartments, 320 studio apartments and 12 shops and retail boutique units.

Its studio units, previously priced from RM250,000 during launch, are now enjoying almost 100% in capital appreciation, Neoh says.

“Most Zeva buyers comprise working professionals, young families, as well as big families with children. They have an average household income ranging between RM4,000 and RM10,000.

“This will always be our priority target market, which is one of the reasons we develop very close to accessible highways and other transportation,” he says.

He is aware that this target market is constantly in search of a place to call home or seeking an investment option. This is because most developments in the Klang Valley are priced higher, and are thus, out of their reach.

Zeva is kept affordably priced in view of the market being “more receptive towards medium­range properties in contrast to premium priced houses”.

“Younger buyers are generally knowledgeable and have done extensive research on their preferred properties.”

“There are lots of factors taken into consideration when purchasing a property, such as location, accessibility, amenities, infrastructure, design, facilities, size, developers' track record, and pricing.

“In contrast, the desire to purchase a home is also pre­determined by the emotional part of the decision which comes into play when they think about why they want to move. Ultimately, they want to buy a property that will appreciate or at least hold its value, with rental appreciation in the future,” says Neoh.

The history of Trinity Group started since 2004, and it has now emerged as one of the premier developers in Malaysia. The company has built a solid reputation of bringing affordable yet luxurious living to its customers with features such as strategic locations, premium facilities and value-added infrastructure, under the direction of Trinity Group managing director Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat.

Its projects are known for its good investment values with high capital appreciation potential. With its philosophy of ‘Building Communities, Enriching Lives’, Trinity Group stands out among other developers of its class for its innovative product range and integrated marketing approaches.

It is constantly evolving, and aims to be on the cutting edge of modern trends and living concepts, to enhance the lives of its customers and the community it serves. Within a decade, the company has now developed six projects, with more developments in the pipeline.

THE VITALITY ASPECTS

“Trinity Group properties are very much sought after because of their prime locations, affordability, good investment values, and premium facilities,” said Neoh.

The group differentiates itself from other players in the property business by being creative and offering innovative living concepts to suit their lifestyles. Besides innovation, it strives to ensure that each development it creates brings value to customers.

It also recognises that luxury living should not be the privilege of a few. Hence, most of its projects would feature innovative features (RM7 million ramp in The Zest, RM3 million missing link in The Z, floating garden in The Z, and sky deck with floor-to-ceiling glass facade for Zeva) for the ultimate lifestyle experience.

“At Trinity Group, we pride ourselves in understanding the market demands and changing buyer trends. We strive to fulfil those demands in all our developments.”

“For the past ten years, Trinity Group focused largely on boutique developments in the Klang Valley region. Trinity Group is also looking at international markets such as China and London to develop some projects there,” added Dato’ Neoh.

Dato’ Neoh commented, “Our land bank strategy is to acquire as much land bank as possible within Malaysia, provided it is a strategic location with potential development capabilities. This is where my experience as a town planner comes in handy, foreseeing the potential of a location.”

TRINITY AQUATA @ KL SOUTH

“We have launched Trinity Aquata in May and we’re pleased to say that the response has been encouraging so far. We have been receiving a lot of interest calls and event bookings before the launch from our private viewing sessions. In fact, “Our recent Nationwide Pre-Launch has achieved a total 60% sales in KL, KK, Kuching and Penang.”

The project is launched this year and is expected to be completed in 2018 with a gross development value of RM300 million. Inspired by the fluidity of water, Trinity Aquata has many unique water features within the development, which comprises of two blocks of 26-storey condominiums with a total of 492 units.

Strategically located at KL South, Trinity Aquata is easily accessed by major highways such as Besraya Highway (BESRAYA), KL-Seremban Highway, Maju Expressway (MEX) and Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2). The large catchment area will attract residents due to its strategic location. There are amenities nearby Trinity Aquata, which include the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Bandar Tasik Selatan LRT station, KTM Komuter & KLIA Transit Station.

The project is close to Bandar Malaysia at Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail and the upcoming MRT Line 2. There will also be a new station (MRT Line 2) – Taman Naga Emas station (500m) from Trinity Aquata. Trinity Aquata is designed with an extended balcony to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the KL City skyline and the Mines Resort City.

16 unique facilities that allow water to freely flow through seven water effect zones will be built, invoking an atmosphere of peace and serenity. The residents can experience a tranquil atmosphere from hammocks at the sunken lounge or the floating lounge. Trinity Aquata’s active water zone adds a fun element with an interactive water play nook, calm trail, bubbling trail and rain pavilion.

The pocket garden, lush landscaping and green foliage creates a healthy environment for wholesome activities. The sky terrace comes equipped with large glass panels offer an incandescent flow of natural light by reflecting the surrounding skies.

Knowing that security is one of the important aspects that home buyers will look at, Trinity Aquata will have patrolling guards, perimeter CCTV, and card access at the guard house, lobby, and facilities. Additional feature of panic button will be installed in each master bedroom for extra safety.

Besides the water-themed facilities, the project has an architectural edge over surrounding developments with its artistic and modern architecture. It is a superb development, coupled with good amenities. Trinity Group understands that today’s sophisticated and discerning buyers are also drawn to one-of-its-kind development (strong concept), which enables people to buy into a development which integrates both artistry and practicality.

ZEVA @ EQUINE SOUTH

“The development of Zeva is to be completed on schedule in July. All in all, Zeva embodies a futuristic approach, where innovative thinking, green design and intelligent technology are fused together, which is unparalleled to others,” commented Dato’ Neoh.

Its strategic location is linked by a network of major highways, including the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP), the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), the Besraya Expressway, the Maju Expressway (MEX), the North- South Expressway, and Serdang-Kinrara- Putrajaya Expressway (SKIP), which will improve accessibility for Zeva’s residents.

Interestingly, its close proximity to upcoming infrastructure such as LRT stations (Ampang line) and MRT Line 2 (Taman Sri Serdang) can further help to enhance capital appreciation and rental yield. Zeva is a unique commercial and residential development, featuring a 24- hour living concept lifestyle.

The urban vertical city has a vibrant, pragmatic and efficient design, specifically to appeal to Zeva 28th floor of all-glass sky deck Zeva @ Equine South Overall View Zeva Gourmet Boulevard Gen-Y. The integrated development features two blocks of 15-storey serviced apartments and one 20-storey studio block, set atop an elevated 7-storey car park podium, with a boutique retail area and a 60-feet-wide Gourmet Boulevard.

Built onto the 28th floor of this highrise development, the Sky Deck allows for residents and their guests to lounge, wine, and dine in a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder.

Dato’ Neoh shared, “We’ve achieved 97% sales for Zeva units and are left with premium units for our service apartments, only as all our studio units have been fully sold out.”

TRENDS OF FORTHCOMING DEVELOPMENT

Dato’ Neoh foresaw that the upcoming trend of property development is the rising purchasing power of Generation Y home buyers who are looking forward to owning a house first and investing later. This means that there is a medium-long term demand that has a consistently rising trend.

“A stable growth of the average income, added to the ‘multiple incomes’ mindset of the Malaysian GenY, is going to build a stable and long-term foundation for a strong and consistent demand of properties priced between RM400k to RM750k. This trend will guarantee a prompt take-up of properties, in the range that are representing the backbone of a healthy property market,” he added.

He opined that “Today’s Gen Y are looking for high-rise buildings, as this will allow them to live not too far away from their working places and are very much trendy. High-rises are more in line with a ‘Smart City/Green City’ concept that most of the Gen Y are into nowadays.”

Another trend is the dual-key concept, recently launched in the market, which is helping to push more and more buyers towards high-rise buildings, as they look into this new concept as a nice way to be independent and have some privacy, even when sharing a condo.”

TRIALS AND REASONABLE CONFIDENCE

Trinity Group has faced a few challenges within this decade, but the one that is particular is during the development of The Zest. Dato’ Neoh said, “The Zest was rolled out when the country was experiencing the effects of the global economic downturn and yet this RM250 million project did very well despite the sluggish local economy. The project was sold out in just six months after its launch.

The success of the development was attributed to a combination of factors such as the developer’s sound understanding of the market dynamics to see a gap in the market place, and then assemble its resources to pursue the gap in the market place.”

Dato’ Neoh commented, “Moving into the next decade, we will continue to push ourselves to do better and continue to provide affordable luxury.  In keeping our promises of ‘Building Communities, Enriching Lives’, we have made numerous improvements and enhancements to our projects as well, making it a more pleasurable place to live in. We are also looking to expand to other regions such as Johor, and are always on the lookout for locations with good demand.”

“We are also exploring to go listed in 2016 – this plan has long been in the pipeline, and we now have the right team and right assets to accomplish this.”

Dato’ Neoh concluded, “We are looking to expand and bring our particular brand to the international market. For the time being, our focus will still be in the Klang Valley, although we do have a couple of overseas projects in the pipeline.”