Living in JB 2 (Johore)

[avalon74]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I came back from HH using the Coastal Highway from HH to Tuas and the journey was very short (can translate into fast). Along the way was Mydin and we hope to pop by on the place on our next enroute.

Coastal highway to causeway is also faster than going thru perling tolls..
Only strange thing is the speed limit display was 70kmh??
Beautiful views as well...

 

[arsenal]

Realize the water pump switch is at a normally inaccessible position outside the window.. Managed to turn it on. Now the water pressure seemed strong enough to wash off any algae on ones if he has any... The sound is indeed loud, like a machine gun. Tetetetetete.. Very siok.. Then saw the silloutte of the uncle showing next house.. Old man.. Got to do something on the frost shower window.. You can't see others doesn't mean others can't see you!

 

[vincentck]

^^The distance from HH to 2nd Link MY immigration using the Coastal Highway is about 15km which is faster than going by the traditional route of turning off at Exit 307D (or C...I can't remember).

Yes, it's very much faster. I use that way now to go to work every morning and it takes me only 12 mins from my house gate to the 2nd Link toll booth going below 140km/hr, lesser cars and don't have to wait at the Jusco traffic lights.

 

[vincentck]

Hi folks, been busy setting up our place at HH Golf since we got our keys. We fixed up the lights ourselves and as soon as those and the fans were up, we couldnt wait to stay over. So we bought a couple of foldable traveller's mats and started our weekend stay (thats how excited we were). Things are more comfortable now as our living and dining sets arrived last weekend, together with the bedroom sets for 2 rooms. We bought a bar fridge to chill our drinks, wine and the occasional sausages, an induction stove, the ever indispensible microwave oven. Our utensils and cuttery are also in place and we are now ready for a homecooked meal lol.

Initially, we wanted to do quite a number of renovation works but decided to heed Wuqi's good advice instead and take our time; as he appropriately pointed out that the place is freehold afterall. And thats what we did, we fixed the essentials first and made the place liveable within a short period of time. The journey had been smooth sailing for us thus far, and we would like to wish this for anyone here as well.

Wow, sounds nice. Good to hear that you're enjoying your stay. Hope you manage to source out some good vendors/suppliers for your home reno.

I was at Jalan Rosmerah, Johor Jaya yesterday to send my Phillips TV for repair at the authorised service centre. Saw a few shops that could be useful for future renovation. One was the Eubiq Power Tracks that we thought of using for our kitchen, study and living room area. Website is www.exaltech.com.my. Another was a company specialising in aluminium works. They can fabricate almost any idea you want using aluminium such as kitchen cabinets and accessories, doors, windows, wardrobe, shoe cabinet, bathroom, etc, websire is www.honglee.my. There was a shop selling unique decor items and paintings, definitely worth checking it and on the same row, alarm/cctv shop and another window tint shop.

 

[wuqi256]

It is just that my cash flow situation would be expected to be better later, hopefully, for me to have more flexibility to commit to a prop in JB at the same time allowing me to work on a small business if things work out.

So sorry to hear, take your time but probably not too long. My style is to go for something once i have at least 80% worked out. Anything less, i will put it on hold, once i reach even near that i will take action.

 

[wuqi256]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I came back from HH using the Coastal Highway from HH to Tuas and the journey was very short (can translate into fast). Along the way was Mydin and we hope to pop by on the place on our next enroute.

Thanks for sharing yes it was fast, my wife really liked going on the new highway as it was also very scenic. Mydin prices are pretty reasonable, good place to go.

 

[wuqi256]

Coastal highway to causeway is also faster than going thru perling tolls..
Only strange thing is the speed limit display was 70kmh??
Beautiful views as well...

Yes over there as well, its amazing how fast things grew. Really nice views.

 

[wuqi256]

Went to Casa Almyra today as my neighbour has a big bungalow that he is thinking of selling for only 2.5m. His has like 6-8 rooms and has his own private jetty. Some guys from Singapore was looking at his place today and i was asked to tag only. No renovation done but the place just needs some work to be really nice. No other guys with bungalow including his neighbours has any private jetty. Saw that the facilities there grew with a badminton court, playground and slides.

Met an interesting gentleman there. This was after my learned neighbour remarked that i have many people constantly asking to buy my HH houses but i always say no. This chap immediately remarked HH is bad, he will never buy a house there, the golf courses there are deserted and the clubhouse has no people, etc. He then said he only knows 1 guy in the whole of Johore who plays in Horizon Hills. He says there is nothing better than Casa Almyra when i asked him what about East Ledang? Well to each his own.

 

[wuqi256]

Got email from HH that we have wrongly signed "Option to Purchase" document. They emailed me the revised document.
After going through it, saw that there was new clause added to it (which is as follows). Can anyone please help me to confirm that this is part of standard clause..... As a foreigner we have selected non-Bumiputra lot
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best to check with the lawyer but this looks pretty standard. As long as you don't pick one that is Bumi lot, then it should be fine.

 

[sgtsk]

So sorry to hear, take your time but probably not too long. My style is to go for something once i have at least 80% worked out. Anything less, i will put it on hold, once i reach even near that i will take action.

Thanks Wuqi!

One concern is the revival of world economy to full health again, then we might see the mother of all bull runs the history has ever seen. I would probably stayed hedged for this possibility until I could lay my hands on a prop in JB. Like you said before, a rising tide raises all boats. One needs to make sure one has a boat or two in the water when the tide comes in.

 

[wuqi256]

Thanks Wuqi!

One concern is the revival of world economy to full health again, then we might see the mother of all bull runs the history has ever seen. I would probably stayed hedged for this possibility until I could lay my hands on a prop in JB. Like you said before, a rising tide raises all boats. One needs to make sure one has a boat or two in the water when the tide comes in.

Sure, having a couple of boats never hurt anybody. Some of us here are lucky in the sense that if some even sell just 1-2 houses, the house that they stay in are completely free. Referring to those in EL and LF as well. Good judgement call back then, salute to all these brave souls.


.

 

[wuqi256]

Realize the water pump switch is at a normally inaccessible position outside the window.. Managed to turn it on. Now the water pressure seemed strong enough to wash off any algae on ones if he has any... The sound is indeed loud, like a machine gun. Tetetetetete.. Very siok.. Then saw the silloutte of the uncle showing next house.. Old man.. Got to do something on the frost shower window.. You can't see others doesn't mean others can't see you!

Glad to hear that you have found it, nice! It is but not as loud as the one if you install at the water tank on the 2nd floor. It could get louder but then the water pressure is......power.

 

[wuqi256]

Yes, it's very much faster. I use that way now to go to work every morning and it takes me only 12 mins from my house gate to the 2nd Link toll booth going below 140km/hr, lesser cars and don't have to wait at the Jusco traffic lights.

Nice to hear, its really faster. Have friends who are making the move now after having the house rented out, etc. They told me after staying at their relatives house, that it is really doable.

 

[wuqi256]

Tiring day but an interesting one, had a good friend present me with a carton of beer early morning and then got treated to a late dinner by a neighbour. In the evening, just got free cookies from a good friend. My wife said how come i always got free food, as if i am their "choy sun" (god of wealth) as we always get "offerings". Sometimes some are left mysteriously outside my house. (Thank you sir/madam, whoever you are)

I remain grateful to all of them though so everything i get something, i always think of giving in return. Its not about the gift but the thought that went into it. Always grateful as gratitude is one of the long lost values in life. I am very determined to teach that to my son though, i make sure he thanks people for their kindness or gifts or when they help him out by opening doors, etc.

Really funny but i am glad i got good people and friends around me. Makes my life feels better as well. Sometimes while helping others who are in difficulty or when facing difficult people at work, i get down in the dumps a lot. It helps that there are still so many good people in this world.

 

[arsenal]

This guy was so confident to say HH is bad. However his reasons just showed he didn't know anything and like to talk big..

HH has its flaws, but I do agree Leguna, LF, EL, NI, Nusa Duta, Bestari H, ST, Dato Onn, Austin etc and etc are all very nice and attract different kind of people and personality..

Unfortunately I only have one body and a pair of legs.. if not I will want to have a leg in all the properties..

Went to Casa Almyra today as my neighbour has a big bungalow that he is thinking of selling for only 2.5m. His has like 6-8 rooms and has his own private jetty. Some guys from Singapore was looking at his place today and i was asked to tag only. No renovation done but the place just needs some work to be really nice. No other guys with bungalow including his neighbours has any private jetty. Saw that the facilities there grew with a badminton court, playground and slides.

Met an interesting gentleman there. This was after my learned neighbour remarked that i have many people constantly asking to buy my HH houses but i always say no. This chap immediately remarked HH is bad, he will never buy a house there, the golf courses there are deserted and the clubhouse has no people, etc. He then said he only knows 1 guy in the whole of Johore who plays in Horizon Hills. He says there is nothing better than Casa Almyra when i asked him what about East Ledang? Well to each his own.

 

[wuqi256]

Some quick information bits to share:

1. Individuals who have stayed here at least or more than 182 days are tax residents. Only need to pay income sourced
from Malaysia at rate of 1-26%. Under 182 days, for all foreigners who are not tax residents, tax rate is flat 26%
2. No capital gains tax here.
3. 5% real gains tax if you sell your property after 2 years, 10% if you sell within 2 years. None if you sell after 5 years.
This is to curb speculation.

http://www.financesentral.com/2011/11/rpgt-real-property-gain-tax-2012.html

Real Property Gains are gains arising from the disposal of a real property. During the Budget 2012, the Finance Minister proposed to revise Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) rate as follows:

Properties sold within 2 years from the date of purchase: RPGT = 10%
Properties sold between 2 years & 5 years from the date of purchase: RPGT = 5%
Properties sold after 5 years from the date of purchase: RPGT = 0%
(The current RPGT is 5% for all properties sold within 5 years from the date of purchase. )

The new rate will be effective starting Jan 1, 2012. The most likely reason for this move by the government is to prevent property bubble by reducing speculation in Malaysian property market.

This RPGT rate increase however will not burden genuine property owners as there are exemptions:

Disposal of residential property once in a lifetime by an individual who is a citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia.
Gift between parent and child, husband and wife, grandparent and grandchild.
For an individual, exemption up to RM10,000 or 10% of the net gains, whichever is higher.
RPGT is only chargeable on net gains, meaning all related costs such as purchase price, renovation costs and incidental costs such as legal fees and stamp duty are deducted from the sale price.

 

[arsenal]

That is your blessing.. next time got extra beers pass me some..

Tiring day but an interesting one, had a good friend present me with a carton of beer early morning and then got treated to a late dinner by a neighbour. In the evening, just got free cookies from a good friend. My wife said how come i always got free food, as if i am their "choy sun" (god of wealth) as we always get "offerings". Sometimes some are left mysteriously outside my house. (Thank you sir/madam, whoever you are)

I remain grateful to all of them though so everything i get something, i always think of giving in return. Its not about the gift but the thought that went into it. Always grateful as gratitude is one of the long lost values in life. I am very determined to teach that to my son though, i make sure he thanks people for their kindness or gifts or when they help him out by opening doors, etc.

Really funny but i am glad i got good people and friends around me. Makes my life feels better as well. Sometimes while helping others who are in difficulty or when facing difficult people at work, i get down in the dumps a lot. It helps that there are still so many good people in this world.

 

[wuqi256]

That is your blessing.. next time got extra beers pass me some..

Thanks, the only time i drink is when i am in the company of real good friends.
I never drink when i am very upset nor ever get drunk. My wife is also pregnant
so no one to drink with. I also don't visit pubs, etc except when exceptionally
good friends are in town (titles/positions don't matter, only friendship) and i have
to show them around.

To cut a long story short, there are plenty of beer, red wine and spirits here, enough
for a small bar. The only problem with me is i am not a fan of football though i will still
humour my friends by shouting goal the loudest when someone wins. (one time i shouted
Goal!!! (as i was distracted on the phone) for their opposing team instead, whole room
went silent......I quickly pretended to be talking to be still talking to the person on the
phone and left.

After i went home and shared with my wife, she said i should have said something like
"Go home you <insert any such choice expletive>!!" or "Go to Holland" (or other places that starts with H)

 

[Andhika]

Hey all, just learnt that one disadvantage of ST to HH (not sure about other townships) is that the maintenance and security will not be managed by Setia after 2 years. I believe the security will be down to the local 'council' but what about the area outside our homes? Does this mean that the place will be a mess and rundown with lamp posts that are no long functioning, piles of garbage, overgrown grass, blocked drainage and so on (like some of the older JB properties)? Anyone input please from forumers presently staying in ST or other townships in the same predicament, i.e., developer not overseeing maintenance and security?

 

[wuqi256]

Hey all, just learnt that one disadvantage of ST to HH (not sure about other townships) is that the maintenance and security will not be managed by Setia after 2 years. I believe the security will be down to the local 'council' but what about the area outside our homes? Does this mean that the place will be a mess and rundown with lamp posts that are no long functioning, piles of garbage, overgrown grass, blocked drainage and so on (like some of the older JB properties)? Anyone input please from forumers presently staying in ST or other townships in the same predicament, i.e., developer not overseeing maintenance and security?

Hi Andhika, normally its like that. Outside and rubbish area will be covered by the town council, etc. Its always good to have an access card security gate to block errant members who don't pay their maintenance fees. This is as maintenance fees are crucial to the management of the property especially payment for security. One should never ever compromise on security no matter how people tell you having guards are useless, worse etc.

This type of attitude will only make things worse. Its better to close a gate "that can be climbed over" than not to close the gate at all.