5 reasons why first-time homebuyers should consider buying a home in Bandar Seri Alam

Located within the Eastern Gate Development Zone of Iskandar Malaysia, Bandar Seri Alam boasts a number of good schools and is dubbed the 'City of Knowledge'.

By Khalil Adis

Bandar Seri Alam has been planned as a self-contained township with a mix of freehold residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality offerings by Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd. Photo: UMLand

Bandar Seri Alam is one of Johor's best-kept secrets. 

Home to 16 educational institutions and located in between Pasir Gudang and Permas Jaya, the township has a growing young population of around 220,000.

We list down some of the attractive points about living in Bandar Seri Alam.

#1: Located in the growth corridor of Flagship Zone D of Iskandar Malaysia

Aerial view of the Pengerang RAPID project. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.

Also known as the Eastern Gate, this is the third phase of Iskandar Malaysia's next growth.

There are a few catalytic projects currently happening here, namely Iskandar Halal Park (formerly known as Johor Halal Park) and the Pengerang RAPID Project.

First announced on 19 November 2015 by the former Chief Minister of Johor Dato' Khaled Nordin during the Johor Budget 2016, it is part of the state government's effort to promote entrepreneurship in Johor.

A 50:50 joint venture collaboration between UMLand and the Johor State Government via Johor Biotechnology & Biodiversity Corporation (J-Biotech), the private-public initiative aims to put it as an international halal park and is one of the catalyst projects in Eastern Iskandar Malaysia.

Recently, IHP scored a major coup among when US based-company, Chocolat Moderne from New York, picked JHP as the manufacturing site to set up its first business in Asia.

Meanwhile, the Pengerang RAPID Project will be the largest oil & gas hub in Malaysia that will create around 40,000 to 50,000 job creation in the construction industry, 400 jobs for engineers and 4,000 jobs for trained technical.

#2: Education is a recession-proof industry

Excelsior International School is located within the City of Knowledge. Photo: Excelsior International School.

One of the attractive factors about Bandar Seri Alam is it is home to a number of higher learning institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Mara campus, Universiti Kuala Lumpur campus, the Masterskill University College of Health Sciences campus as well as international schools.

While the Iskandar Puteri/Medini and Johor Bahru/Danga Bay areas boast a number of catalytic industries such as tourism and finance, they are not immune to economic down cycles.

Bandar Seri Alam is 100 per cent focussed on education, particularly among the local population.

This makes it even more attractive as education in an evergreen industry.

One of the oldest and biggest schools in Malaysia, Foon Yew High School is set to open its third campus in Bandar Seri Alam in 2021.

#3: Homes are still affordable with the potential for capital appreciation

Imperial Jade Residenz by Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd. Photo: UMLand.

​According to data from Brickz, prices of homes here were transacted at a median price of RM320 per sq ft from Jan 2018 to Dec 2018.

In comparison, homes in Iskandar Puteri/Medini and Johor Bahru/Danga Bay are priced at around RM900 per sq ft.

Being a relatively new township surrounded by various property booster will give room for capital appreciation for homes here.

This, plus the price point, make it suitable among first-time homebuyers.

#4: Master planned by a reputable developer

Bandar Seri Alam is a township development by Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of UMLand. Photo: UMLand.

Bandar Seri Alam is one of United Malayan Land Bhd's signature projects developed by its subsidiary company Seri Alam Properties Sdn Bhd.

Thoughtfully developed across 3,762 acres by its subsidiary, Bandar Seri Alam has been planned as a self-contained township with a mix of freehold residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality offerings.

At the centre of this township lies a bustling commercial arena with various exciting and attractive retail features and green elements.

Some of the world's best brands can be found here including Starbucks, KFC, Burger King and Subway.

#5: Growing population

The commercial precinct in Bandar Seri Alam is home to renowned international brands like Starbucks. Photo: UMLand.

​Bandar Seri Alam is a thriving township which boasts a population of more than 220,000. 

As Iskandar Halal Park and the Pengerang RAPID project are currently being developed, we can expect the population to increase in the next 10 to 15 years as more jobs are being created.

As we speak, a new RM500 million Pasir Gudang Hospital will also be constructed as part of the government's announcement under Budget 2016.

I will be speaking at Gallery Bandar Seri Alam this Saturday at 2.30pm. First 25 to RSVP will get a copy of Property Buying for Gen Y! Click link to RSVP!