SP Setia plans more projects in Penang

DAVID TAN

davidtan@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: SP Setia Bhd plans to build more varieties of affordable houses over the next five years on Penang island that are within the income levels of Penangites.

Its general manager Khoo Teck Chong told StarBiz that over the last couple of years, the pricing of properties in Penang, on the island in particular, had grown out of proportion with the income levels of the population.

“Due to the stringent loan policies of banks, it has become even more difficult to sell high-end properties,” he said.

In the south-west district, Khoo said the group had about 63 acres which would be used for the development of properties priced within the RM600-RM700 per sq ft range.

“Next year we plan to develop the RM350mil Sky Vista, comprising 426 condominium units, priced at about RM600 per sq ft, which is the current pricing in the market for the properties in the south-west district.

“In 2016, we will introduce the RM350mil Sky 8 and RM150mil Sky Peak projects in Sungai Ara and Sungai Nibong respectively in the south-west district.

“Our feedback shows that properties priced between RM600 per sq ft and RM700 per sq ft are in demand as they are still affordable for Penangites,” he said.

Khoo said the last couple of years had seen the group launching high-end properties in prime locations that were priced from RM1mil onwards.

“Thus, there is a shift in our strategy moving ahead,” he added.

Khoo said the group was targeting to achieve about RM200mil in sales from Penang for the financial year 2014 ending Oct 31.

“We have so far roped in about RM150mil in sales, which is very close to the target.

“This target is down from the RM300mil achieved last financial year. We are lowering our expectation because of the softening property market which started late last year in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eco World Development Bhd chief operating officer Datuk S. Rajoo said the group’s strategy was to focus on landed residential properties in the central, south and northern region.

“We are focusing on strata-titled super-linked properties with built-up of 3,600 sq ft, which were still in demand in the country.

“In Penang, we will launch the RM350mil Eco Terrraces project, comprising strata-titled linked villas with built-up area of 3,600 sq ft in Paya Terubong at the end of this year.

“This is a very unique project as conventional landed strata-titled projects comprised small size linked properties,” he added. - The Star