JB Condo Guide 2024: 5 Best Condos Near SG-JB MRT (Walking Distance!)

Five Condos Walking Distance to the JB Singapore MRT

Introduction

Good day everyone and happy New Year 2024! This is my first video for 2024, and today we're going to discuss five condos in Johor Bahru (JB) that are within walking distance of the JB Singapore MRT. If you're looking to buy a condo in JB, it's important to consider the proximity to the MRT. Buying a condo that's a 10-minute, 20-minute, or half-hour drive away defeats the purpose, especially with the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting JB and Singapore. In this video, we'll take a detailed look at each of these five condos, including their features, pros, and cons, and I'll also share my preferred choice among them.

Try Tower Residences

• Overview: Try Tower Residences consists of three small towers with 360 units. It is a freehold property that was completed in 2018 by local developer SKS Group. The project is fully sold, so you can only purchase units on the resale market.

• Pros:

  • Proximity to RTS: It is located just 100 meters away from the RTS station, making it one of the closest condos to the MRT.

  • Hotel Facilities: One of the towers is operated by Capri by Fraser, a well-known hotel brand. This provides residents with access to hotel facilities such as a sky function room with a nice view of the JB City Center.

• Cons:

  • Lack of Walkway: Despite being close to the MRT, there is no proper or sheltered walkway to the station. Residents have to walk on the road, which can be dangerous.

  • Small Site and Unimpressive Design: The site is only two acres, and the lobby design is considered strange. The units also do not feel high-end, considering the price paid by early owners.

Twin Tower Residences

• Overview: Twin Tower Residences is the cousin of Try Tower Residences, located next to it. It was completed in March 2023 by the same developer and has 458 freehold units. The project is also fully sold, and the unit sizes are generally smaller.

• Pros:

  • New Building: The building is relatively new, which means that the finishes and materials are in good condition.

  • Proximity to RTS: It is located 150 - 200 meters away from the RTS station.

• Cons:

  • Lack of Walkway: Similar to Try Tower Residences, there is no sheltered walkway to the RTS station. Residents have to walk on the road, which can be inconvenient and unsafe.

  • Small Site and Limited Facilities: The site is only 1.48 acres, and the facility areas are relatively small. There is no large area for residents to enjoy.

Coronate Residences

• Overview: Coronate Residences is part of the Ibrahim International Business District (IBD), a new development by Coronate Properties. It has 551 freehold units and is targeted for completion in 2026 - 2027.

• Pros:

  • Proximity to RTS: It is located approximately 200 meters away from the RTS station, although it requires crossing major roads.

  • Investor-Friendly Sizes: The unit sizes are very investor-friendly, with a range of options suitable for different budgets.

  • Future Development Potential: As part of the IBD, Coronate Residences is expected to benefit from the development of office towers, hotels, and a mall in the area.

• Cons:

  • Early Stage of Construction: The project is still in the early stages of construction, and the superstructure has not yet been built.

  • Lack of Track Record: The developer is a private company with no track record of running a mall or large-scale development projects. There are also concerns about the developer's financial stability.

  • Uncertain Walkway: Although there are plans for a sheltered walkway to the RTS station, it has not yet been built.

Keyside JBCC

• Overview: Keyside JBCC is a 482-unit freehold project by Banyan Tree Holdings Berhad, a private developer from Kuala Lumpur. It is targeted for completion in 2026 - 2027.

• Pros:

  • Proximity to RTS: It is located approximately 750 meters away from the RTS station, with a relatively safe and non-boring walk through a commercial area.

  • Small Quantum: The unit prices are relatively affordable, starting at around $200,000 SGD.

  • Location in JB City Center: It is located in the JB City Center Heritage zone, near popular attractions such as the Hiap Joo Bakery.

  • Management Option: Oakwood, a well-known hotel chain, offers a management service for the units, allowing owners to earn a return on their investment.

• Cons:

  • Early Stage of Construction: The project is still in the early stages of construction, and the superstructure has not yet been built.

  • Uncertain Developer: The developer is a private company with limited track record, raising concerns about the ability to complete the project.

  • No Car Park: There is no car park provided for the units, which may be inconvenient for residents who own cars.

  • Hotel Room Investment: The units are essentially hotel rooms, which may not be suitable for all investors due to the potential risks and lack of control associated with long-term management contracts.

R&F Princess Cove

• Overview: R&F Princess Cove is a large-scale development with two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2018 and has 3,400 units, which are fully sold and highly occupied. Phase 2 is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in early 2024. The developer, R&F Properties, is a well-known Chinese developer.

• Pros:

  • Proximity to RTS: It is located approximately 650 meters away from the RTS station in Phase 1, with a fully sheltered walkway. Phase 2 is slightly further away, but also has a sheltered walkway.

  • Integrated Development: The project is an integrated development with a shopping mall downstairs, providing residents with a wide range of amenities and conveniences.

  • Future Development Potential: The developer has a large land bank, which means that there is potential for future development and value appreciation.

  • Large Land Plot and Amenities: The project has a large land plot, which allows for the development of a variety of amenities such as a kilometer-long jogging track.

  • Transaction History: There is a significant amount of transaction history in the project, which helps to maintain the property's valuation.

• Cons:

  • High Density: The project is considered high density, which may not be suitable for everyone.

  • Chinese Developer and Design: Some people may not prefer Chinese developers or Chinese design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are the five condos that are within walking distance of the JB Singapore MRT. Each condo has its own pros and cons, and the choice of which one to buy depends on your individual preferences and requirements. Among these five condos, I personally prefer R&F Princess Cove due to its proximity to the MRT, integrated development, future development potential, and large land plot. However, it's important to do your own research and due diligence before making a decision to buy a property in JB. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing of any of these condos, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at 8126 1626. Thank you for watching, and happy New Year!