The Rafflesia, Damansara Perdana

The Rafflesia is officially the first and only gated and guarded residential in Damansara Perdana area. Developed by Saujana Triangle (a subsidiary of MK Land), it is opening up in phases – the first of which was completed a few years ago. The entire estate is set to be completed in 2011.

Although Damansara Perdana comprises mostly of apartments, shops, and offices, The Rafflesia is located in a secluded enclave that gives home owners the much needed privacy. It is a community consisting of 90 three-storey semi-detached units near nice and green hills overlooking a lake.

Befitting its high price tag, there is a luxurious feel to these houses with marble and granite finishing plus your own personal plunge pool and garden area in the back yard. What is more is that the master bedroom comprises of the entire 3rd level.

Residents will definitely feel like royalty with the ability to create their dream bedroom complete with timber floors, a whirlpool spa for 2, steam bath, shower area with a rainforest showerhead, and an enormous walk-in wardrobe and dressing area. Talk about extreme comfort and luxury that is just perfect for relaxing in after a hard day’s work!

Unfortunately, there are no planned community facilities such as a clubhouse except for 24-hour security. However, what The Rafflesia lacks in facilities, it makes up for being in a great location. It is near eateries and well-known shopping malls such as the Curve, Ikea / Ikano Power Centre, e@Curve (formerly Cineleisure Damansara), One Utama, the Tropics Shopping Centre, Tesco Damansara and much more. It is also situated near main roads including the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Sprint Highway, LDP, and MRR2. There are several housing developments in Damansara Perdana, such as Forest Hill, Armanee Terrace and Empire Residence.

Property Details

• Name: The Rafflesia
• Address: Jalan PJU 8/12B, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
• Developer: MK Land
• Type: Semi-D
• Tenure: {Tenure}
• No. of Units: 90

Analysis

Although the design of the houses at are nice and luxurious, there are two major factors which will determine whether people should buy leasehold The Rafflesia or not. It is rather pricey at RM1.4 million onwards, which would only cater to a certain type of clientele. However, these clientele would probably be looking for other more established and luxurious areas such as Mont Kiara or Damansara Heights, so The Rafflesia faces some stiff competition.

Previous buyers of other MK Land properties in the area also have mixed opinions, with some complaining about poor workmanship. It remains to be seen whether The Rafflesia will show improvement. Access-wise, the Penchala Link is convenient. Access to the Mutiara Damansara side, including Kota Damansara is easy during non-peak hours, but a nightmare during peak hours. Actual access to units from the entrance guardhouse seem to be long windy roads up the hill.

However, the advantage of investing in The Rafflesia neighborhood is that the location is extremely good. It is near many schools (government, private, and international) and close to commercial hubs and major shopping centres. In addition, it is close to established areas such as Mutiara Damansara, Kota Damansara, and TTDI.