What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

  • Facilities access. E.g. gymnasium, sports complex, workplace and children’s school. This is for the safety of the end users.

  • Convenient and easy access to public transport in certain location. E.g. Damanasara Heights housing community is not an easy access to public transportation. It will not be convenient if you do not own a personal vehicle. Otherwise public cab or GrabCar would be convenient with a single call.

  • Expect some delay in commute time by car from residential areas to work or school during peak hours. Popular mobile apps such as Waze and Google Maps that can track traffics will divert you to the shortest route with a shorter time arrival and you will be able to view your estimated time of arrival.

  • Surroundings and building projects – there are a lot of new developments going on or planned in JB, it can be good to inquire about it before choosing an accommodation

  • Crime could happen in anytime either in broad day light or during the night especially snatch thieves. Ladies be aware of your handbags to be place in the inner road while you are walking along the street.

  • You might need to know if the chosen school provides bus pick up to and from your accommodation.


What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?


Horizon Hills, Nusajaya
Horizon Hills is an exclusive and luxury residential development within a gated and guarded community enclave located at the heart of Nusajaya, Johor Bahru. Horizon Hills comprises a mix of freehold two-storey semi-detached houses, two-storey terrace houses, two-storey bungalows and condominiums. A clubhouse and a gymnasium are provided for the residents. Apart from the facilities, this township also comes with a private 18-hole golf course which is a dream to many avid golfers.

Setia Eco Gardens, Nusajaya
Setia Eco Gardens is an award-winning residential development sited in the heart of Iskandar Malaysia in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru. Setia Eco Gardens offers two-storey eco homes with built-up areas ranging from 1,429 square feet to 3,120 square feet. The developer believes in letting the residents experience nature at its best and also educating the younger generation of the importance of an eco-friendly living environment. Thus, there is an eco-themed park within the vicinity so that families can enjoy outdoor activities but still feel safe and secured as all precincts within the residential is gated and guarded 24 hours a day. There is also an international school, Tenby International School and a Chinese primary school already operating within the vicinity of Setia Eco Gardens, providing much convenience to local and foreign residents.

Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru
Setia Tropika is an integrated modern township in Johor Bahru. This township is a development by the renowned SP Setia. Sprawling over 740 acres of freehold land, the township hosts several types of residential property including double-storey garage houses, double storey super-link houses, double-storey terrace houses and twin villas, as well as serviced apartments and cluster homes. It also contains commercial developments.

Leisure Farm Resort Residence, Nusajaya
Leisure Farm Resort Residence is an exclusive freehold gated residential resort development located in Iskandar Malaysia, Gelang Patah, centrally located within Nusajaya. The development of Leisure Farm Resort Residences will be completed in 2025.Leisure Farm Resort Residences is an 1,765-acre development split into 12 precincts which aim to provide a comfortable abode along with eco-friendly surroundings. There are seven bungalow plot precincts within Leisure Farm Resort Residences, encompassing some 1,000 acres.

The Straits View Condominium, Permas Jaya
The Straits View Condominium is a pearl in the Permas Jaya area, one of Johor Bahru’s largest and most comprehensive business and residential developments. The Straits View Condominium consists of five blocks. Each unit has a built-up area of 1,600 square feet. There are usually three bedrooms in each unit. All units have a large balcony which opens up to breathtaking sea views, golf course views, and spectacular waterways that go up to the condominium building.


Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

It all depends on the expat’s current situation. Retirees tend to buy. However, expats who are on assignment for a few years are more likely to rent a unit near their workplace.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Yes. Once you have selected a rental home you will be required to pay:
Two months' rent: it is normally expected that the landlord will require a two months’ rent as the deposit to be returned at the end of the rental period.

Stamping fees. Stamping will be organized by the agent but is paid for by the tenant. (Note: the agent’s commission will be paid by the landlord).

A utility deposit, which is typically a half month’s rent. This deposit will be refunded back to the tenant after the final bills have been paid.
 


Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Typically not. The landlord might include the utilities in the rental charge upon the tenant's request. It depends on the negotiations between the tenant and the landlord.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

It is best to make sure that the security level is maintained in that area. A guarded and gated property is a better choice for expats most of the time.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current in Malaysia is 220 volts with a standard frequency of 50Hz.

The socket types are generally the U.K.-style three-prong with occasional two-round-pins socket styles. Any appliances from countries with 110V and 120Hz will require transformers.

The TVs operate on PAL, so if you are coming from a country that runs on a different system (i.e., NTSC), your TV and DVD/VCR sets should be multi-system.
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Types of accommodation available:

Bungalows: Bungalows are free-standing landed properties – they can be single or multi storied and come with their own garden and sometimes a swimming pool. Many offer great space and privacy, but security may be a concern.

Semi-Ds: Semi-detached housing consists of pairs of houses built side by side as units sharing a wall and usually in such a way that each house's layout is a mirror image of its twin. They come with a small garden/outdoor area at the side. Some developments have a club and/or a communal swimming pool. These are becoming more popular and found in many gated communities

Link or Terraced houses: Link or terraced houses are joined to another house on either side. They usually have little or no garden, although the corner houses may have a bigger yard. There is a trend of super link houses being built in gated communities which are modern and spacious.

Condominiums: Johor has a wide spectrum of condos with varying standards and rental prices. Newer high-rise luxury condos command premium prices and come with features including 24-hours security, gym, swimming pool, sauna/Jacuzzi and clubhouse. Older units may have run down facilities but are priced lower. Most condos come with communal facilities such as 24-hour security guards and a swimming pool. Many will also have a gym, playground, tennis and squash courts, sauna/Jacuzzi, BBQ area and clubhouse.

Gated developments: These have become increasingly popular in recent years and provide residents with a better sense of security, similar to that of condos. Properties located in a gated development have restricted access - vehicles are registered before entering and leaving the compound. They also have 24-hours security with guards patrolling the grounds. Most gated developments have communal facilities such as a clubhouse, pool, gym and playground. Housing type can be bungalows, semi-ds or link houses.


IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.