Arden Residence (Aaka 2) Review: Luxury Living in Johor Bahru
This article reviews the Arden Residence (Aaka 2), the successor to the Aaka, the tallest residential condo in Southeast Asia. While developer units in the original Aaka are sold out, Aaka 2 offers a new opportunity for luxury living and investment.
Overview of Arden Residence (Aaka 2)
-
Official Name: Arden Residence.
-
Height: 68 floors.
-
Facilities: Located on the 8th and 9th floors.
-
Completion: Expected in 2029.
-
Units: 618 units in total, offering a low-density living experience.
-
Lifts: Nine lifts divided into low and high zones.
Location and Zoning
Arden Residence is conveniently located in front of the JB CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) complex, approximately 3 minutes by car. The building is divided into two zones:
-
Low Zone: Designed for investment, allowing owners to rent out their units for Airbnb.
-
High Zone: Intended for premium living, prohibiting Airbnb rentals.
A high-end shopping mall is planned to be built in front of Arden Residence, further enhancing its appeal and convenience.
Facility Floor
While the actual facility floor cannot be viewed at this time as it is not yet constructed, Asaka 1 sets a high standard, featuring luxurious and modern designs. Aaka 2 is expected to surpass Asaka 1 in terms of design and luxury.
Room Types
Arden Residence offers three types of room layouts: two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom.
Two-Bedroom Unit
-
Rooms are situated on opposite sides for maximum privacy.
-
Finishes are identical to the showroom model.
-
Included Furnishings: Kitchen cabinets, air conditioners, water heaters, and digital lock.
Three-Bedroom Unit
-
Features a spacious living room with a wide window offering city views.
-
Includes a separate wet and dry kitchen. The dry kitchen offers space for a bar area. The wet kitchen is designed for easy cleaning.
-
The master bedroom size is smaller than the original Aaka, making cleaning and maintenance easier, especially for vacation home use.
-
The master bathroom boasts luxurious finishes and includes a bathtub.
-
Included Furnishings: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobe, toilet furnishings, and digital locks.
-
The second bedroom is smaller and designed with a flexible layout, suitable for both investment and personal use.
Hotel Stay Management (HSM)
Arden Residence offers a special hotel management service called HSM, differentiating it from standard Airbnb management services. HSM provides hotel-quality services to guests:
-
Room service for food delivery.
-
Towel changing and cleaning services.
-
Concierge in the lobby.
The profit-sharing model also favors owners, with an 85/15 split compared to the market average of 70/30.
Fully Furnished Package
A fully furnished package is available for an additional cost. For a two-room unit, it costs RM 80,000, and for a three-room unit, it costs RM 120,000. This package includes everything seen in the showroom, eliminating the need to deal with individual furnishing arrangements.
Pros and Cons
-
Pros: Beautiful facade, nice concept for balancing investment and own-stay, a variety of unit sizes, Aaka-level luxury at a lower price point.
-
Cons: Smaller unit sizes might not appeal to everyone.
The balanced approach to investment and owner-occupied residences is a key feature of the project. Units are smaller and easier to manage than the original Aaka, making them more accessible at a lower price point, starting around RM 1 million for a two-bedroom unit.
{# 
{#