U-Thant Residence

Tan & Tan adds yet another gem to their list of properties through U-Thant Residence, a low-density condominium located in Jalan Madge in Taman U-Thant. The U-Thant Residence is a three-block condominium consisting of only 77 units, which are built on a spacious 2.5 acre land. The development won a prestigious award from FIABCI back in 2o12 (profiled here).

Tan & Tan has been responsible developing other high-end residential condominiums such as the Cendana and Seri Maya. These condominiums are located in KLCC and Setiawangsa respectively. On the Embassy Row, Tan & Tan built the venerable Desa U-Thant, and that way back in 1992.

The U-Thant Residence belongs to the upper bracket of higher-priced condominiums that are located in the city. Prices have almost doubled ever since Tan & Tan started opening its doors for the condominium in 2007. Throughout the years, average sales prices continued to increase, making it one of the most-sought after properties to invest on because of its promise.

When it was launched at RM650 PSF back in 2007, it was viewed as a rather premium development, beating even the upper tier of KLCC condominiums during that time. This year, average sales prices for the U-Thant Residence continue to play around the RM1,000 per square feet mark.

We were taken by surprise that there was a listing at one of the local property portals advertising a partially-furnished unit for sale at RM3,500 PSF (!). The seller might know something that we don’t I suppose? I highly doubt it, and if a prospective buyer would read this guide then he or she would not have made the blunder of paying such overblown asking prices which have no bearing on reality whatsoever. 😉

Potential residents and investors may choose among two unit layouts: standard and duplex. Standard units have 3+1 bedrooms, as well as 4+1 bedrooms. They measure from 2,476 to 5,640 square feet. On the other hand, duplexes measure at 6,804 square feet, and come with 4+2 bedrooms.

The U-Thant Residence is aesthetically pleasing; its main entrance that is lined with lush greenery will definitely make one stop and stare at the condominium’s modern exteriors lined with glass. For its facilities, the condominium offers modern conveniences. A club house is built for community gatherings and other social activities. There is a wading pool and a swimming pool, as well as a barbecue area, a playground, and a sauna.

24-hour security is imposed within the condominium, and a covered parking bay is made available to its residents. Pretty standard stuff.

Location: Yay or Nay?

This freehold condominium is located near the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, which is located about two kilometres away from Jalan Madge. The U-Thant Residence also close to several shopping malls that give the KLCC enclave a good name when it comes to shopping—the Suria KLCC and Pavilion K are all high-end malls that are within walking distance to the U-Thant Residence.

Restaurants also are abundant in the city — a privilege U-Thant Residence residents can enjoy. The convenience of just living paces away from the best in fine dining restaurants is something unbeatable. Expatriates who work in embassies such as The British High Commission, The Embassy of the United States of America, Embassy of the Republic of France, the Embassy of Spain, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China can enjoy walking to their workplaces with ease.

For recreation, the U-Thant residence is also near several sports complexes including the Royal Selangor Golf Club, Selangor Polo and Equestrian Club, and the Rain Tree Park. KLCC’s park is also within walking distance from the condominium—a great place to come to after a long tiring day for a quick greenery and scenery fix.

Verdict: ONE LOUD YAY.

Conclusion

This property has got a few things going on for it –

1. Low density. Many prospective buyers and renters are turned off by KLCC’s “pack it to the brim like sardines” high density factor, and they are increasingly turning to the Embassy Row as a viable alternative. Also, the added prestige of living among posh ambassadors (as well as the perception of security – real or imagined) is the icing on the cake.
2. Developer reputation. Tan & Tan, being one of the more established property developers would not sully its reputation by churning out a dud project, surely.
3. It’s new-ish. Launched in 2007, but still looks awesome and ravishingly handsome. Personal opinion, of course.
4. The fact that it is two buildings away from The People’s Bureau Of The Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamarhiriya. No, I did not make that name up after watching that Sacha Cohen movie.
5. The smallest size is around 2,500 sq ft, so there are no noisy bachelor types looking for a place to crash after a drunken night pulling chicks at the Beach Club.

Alright – jokes aside, we think that U-Thant Residence is one of the brighter stars on this side of the city – given the right price. To know what the “fair price” is for a unit here, use the guidelines that we have prepared in this nifty little ebook which we published together with our buddies at GoodPlace.my –