Tropicana City Tropics, Petaling Jaya

Tropicana City Tropics (also known as The Tropics) is a brand new 29-storey serviced apartment which is currently being constructed above the Tropicana City Mall at Petaling Jaya. This freehold new development is expected to be completed by early 2010.

Tropicana City Tropics consists of two blocks which is linked together, forming a symmetrical “V” shape with a total 601 units. Each tower has a max of 14 units per floor, giving a total of 28. In terms of view, buyers get to choose either the Damansara view or pool view. There are basically four standard unit types and three loft unit types to choose from, with built-up areas ranging from 625 sf to 1,176 sf.

This new serviced apartment is located at the important junction between Sprint Highway and Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP). It is a centralized location for the affluent areas of Damansara Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Section 17 and SS2.

Tropicana City Tropics is easily accessible via Sprint Highway, LDP, New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and other major road networks. It is close to amenities such as cafe and restaurants, schools and institutions (SK Taman Sea, SJKC Puay Chai, UTAR and The Otomotif College), corporate offices, shopping malls (Tropicana City Mall, 1Utama) and many others.

Property Details

• Name: Tropicana City Tropics (also known as The Tropics)
• Address: SS2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
• Developer: Dijaya Land (a subsidiary of Dijaya Corporation)
• Completion Date: Early 2010 (estimate)
• Type: Serviced Residence (above shopping centre)
• Tenure: Freehold
• No. of Blocks: 2
• No. of Storey: 29
• No. of Units: 601
• Land Encumbrances: Alliance Bank
• Maintenance Fee: RM0.20 psf
• Launch Price
  • Standard: RM190,000 onwards (RM300 – RM340 psf)
  • Loft: RM380,000 onwards

Layouts

• Type A
  • 625 sf
  • 2 bedrooms
• Type B
  • 675 sf
  • 2 bedrooms
• Type C
  • 716 sf
  • 2 bedrooms
• Type D
  • 730 sf
  • 2 + 1 bedrooms
• Type Loft 1
  • 1,176 sf
  • 2 + 1 bedrooms
• Type Loft 2
  • 1,040 sf
  • 2 + 1 bedrooms
• Type Loft 3
  • 1,127 sf
  • 2 + 2 bedrooms

Facilities

• 24-hour security
• 40-metre lap pool
• Beach pool
• Wading pool
• Tennis court
• Squash court
• Gymnasium
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Concierge services
• Par course
• Cafeteria
• Function room
• Laundromat
• Nursery
• Housekeeping facilities

Market Trends

Analysis

A developer’s reputation is often one of the most essential considerations when a potential property buyer scouts for a suitable property. Being built by one of Klang Valley’s reputable developers, Dijaya Land (a subsidiary of Dijaya Corporation) has more than ten years of proven track record in property development. Ever since its acquisition activities in 1995, the company has since expanded its portfolio into the property development industry. So, in this sense, potential property buyers would have the assurance that Tropicana City Tropics was built by a reputable developer.

When one travels along the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong either from Bandar Utama, Kepong, TTDI and Puchong, it is almost impossible to miss Tropicana City Tropics. This newly built serviced apartment, which is strategically located near Damansara Intan, Damansara Uptown, SS2, Section 17 and many other major areas within Petaling Jaya, is claimed to be the latest landmark in the heart of PJ.

Even though Tropicana City Tropics is situated at a strategic location, potential property buyers should take note that this high rise serviced apartment is actually located at a densely populated area. As the building is located along the ever busy Sprint Highway, property owners are expected to endure daily traffic congestion particularly during peak hours, on weekends and public holidays. However, as there are not many land areas left within the PJ area, this new development would still be appealing to property buyers, particularly those who prefer to stay at an established township.

Apart from being located at a densely populated location, Tropicana City Tropics itself is considered to be a high density property. With a maximum of 14 units per floor for the standard units on each block, many regard this serviced apartment to be similar to that of a low-medium cost apartment.

Even though Tropicana City Tropics offers modern lifestyle facilities which are equivalent to those offered by many other luxury condos, the overall density issue still does not change the fact that this serviced apartment is too crowded. The density issue would certainly have an impact on the residents’ privacy as well as the exclusivity of the units.

The facade of Tropicana City Tropics may look pleasant from the outside, but when one zooms in on the condo’s layout design, it is found to be quite awkward. With lots of sharp corners and weird angles, it would be difficult to arrange the furniture. Further to that, as many buyers are more aware of Fengshui beliefs these days, the sharp corners are also believed to bring negative fortune to residents. So, the awkward layout designs could deter potential buyers from purchasing a unit at Tropicana City Tropics.

The standard units, which are typical single floor units ranging between 625 sf and 730 sf, are small with only two bedrooms. As for the loft units, which have larger built-up areas of between 1,040 sf and 1,176 sf, are basically the same as the typical units but with the additional of half a floor of open room looking down onto the lower floor.

Even though this open master bedroom concept appeals to the younger generations, many question the practicality of this concept due to privacy issue. With the modern open bedroom concept, this type of units might not be suitable for families. The units at this serviced apartment would be appropriate for singles or the most couples to stay in.

In view of the pricing of Tropicana City Tropics, a standard unit which starts from RM190,000 is said to fall under the affordable range. However, when compared the amount per square foot, many believe that the units at this serviced apartment are overpriced. With the same amount per square foot, one could easily buy yet another condo unit which could even have a larger built-up area.

Nevertheless, as Tropicana City Tropics is located at a prime location, some investors believe that this property is certainly a good investment, provided if one could accept the daily traffic congestion, layout designs and density status.