Iskandar the cheaper alternative to Singapore?

[Temperament]

Adulterated Hawker Food:
Not too long ago, there was a discussion why our hawker food was nothing near the standard of 1960s-1980s... It's because cost of living is going up & up and standard of living is going down & down for the mass common folks. If you are the hawkers what you think you would do to survive? Of course cut corners and portions. Can we fault them?

If i remember correctly, this topic was brought up by our respectable Prof. Tommy Koh. And of course nothing much can be done until PAPAYA allows the common folks to share some of the wealth of the country. Which actually comes from the "blood & sweat" of the common folks.

[MattAtelier]

All,

Given that its ~ four months since the last substantive post on the issue of Iskandar / Johor, I am wondering whether anyone feels any different about the potential to make an attractive return in property over 3-5 years. I did some on-line research and it seems to me that:
* The potential for better infrastructure links with SG is high, which could make it very accessible
* The affordability of a really great condo with a water view is not bad
* Financing is available
* Malaysian government initiatives offering 15% income tax to 'knowledge workers' should help encourage further businesses and people to work there [i.e. Iskandar is unlikely to just be a mini Singapore, but will also cater to Malaysians working in Malaysia]
* every taxi driver I spoke to in SG would move there if they could

It just seems to me that I could afford a more attractive space that may be within 30 minutes or Orchard road, with a water view, in-between 2 international airports, etc.

Any further thoughts here?

Matt

[dzwm87]

Better 'synergy' effect between Spore and JB Iskandar will only happen in the long term. Personally, I don't see how it can be better in the near-term. I used to be bullish on it and even being vested in a small-cap Iskandar-focused prop company - United Malayan Land. Soon, I realised plans for Iskandar has long ago been in play and it had never been very successful.

Also read some article that house break-ins have not yet been rectified. Even some houses have been broken into countless times!

Of course, the key is not ALL cases have been so bad.

[sgd]

I think to buy and stay is fine as long as the 2nd link no heavy traffic getting in and out should not be a problem. But prices there have also gone up as singaporean have gone there over the years and spoil the market.

But to invest is another matter, I often hear my malaysian colleague complaining and comparing the cost of staying and renting here in singapore is ludicrous when just over the causeway one could rent a small house for equivalent of S$500.

There-in lies the problem there is just too much land in Johore so prices will never go up and it they do malaysian developers will come in to flood market and build endless condos.

Also the msian government have been known to change the rules when new leader emerges will try to undo "predecessor's" policies.

My malaysian colleagues tell me there are even cheaper condo developments less than 50k in JB but those are "reserved" for their bumiputra locals. So in other words all these development including Iskandar is out to suck money from singaporeans

Still want to invest? Does anybody still remembers Dairy Farm?

[piggo]

If JB is divided into CCR, OCR... Iskandar would be OOOOCR. Yet the prices there are very much more expensive than JB city itself. Combine that with knowledge that it's mainly filled with foreigners who travel to sg often is it no wonder that people would prefer to commit robbery there?

I think if you are looking for bigger compound and better amenities, it'd be better to get a place somewhere else and start blending with the locals... Might just be as safe if not safer than a 3 point security system.

[WolfT]

if i wanna invest in property in malaysia, only KL CCR or maybe Penang...

[MattAtelier]

Still want to invest? Does anybody still remembers Dairy Farm?

What about Dairy Farm?

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Thank you all for your replies. Really interesting

[Thriftville]

It's Leisure farm i supposed

[sgd]

yes leisure farm

[Thriftville]

I've not update myself on Leisure farm progress... If one enjoys big garden and freedom to choose your own house external look, Leisure farm is not a bad choice.

The other developments like Setia and Horizon Hills, you just gotta buy "off the shelf". I feel that the new developments are overpriced. If for own stay, it's cheaper to buy 2nd hand homes from more established estates.