miramar

I know it varies by condominium but can anyone tell me a usual range of what you pay. It's usually based on the amenities offered like swimming pool, gym, etc? I assume it's a monthly fee? or annual?

Also, what does the condo fee include? water? gas? trash pickup? anything?

Thanks a lot.

bakedbean

Are you talking about fees if you have a bought condo unit?

If so.... I have a unit in Penang, about 2400 sq ft. I pay condo maintenance charges of just over RM 420 per month, plus just over RM 42 per month for the sinking fund. This is billed by Management every 3 months.

It includes all the maintenance for the condo including trash pickup, maintenance for the swimming pool, gym, snooker room, ping pong room, security, lift maintenance, management company, etc etc.

No it does not include your own utility bills and of course they will be variable depending on your usage. Water is cheap as chips, by the way (actually cheaper than chips).

You will also get a half yearly bill from MBPP. You can think of it as like a council tax. I am paying about RM 1100 every 6 months.

Gunnar45

We live in a +10 years old condo, 2100sqf.
Monthly dues including all what BB mentioned are 454 RM, billed half-yearly.
Water around RM 7-8 every two months, sewerage RM 27 every three months and then the 'assessment fee (MBPP) RM 1024 per year.
Electricity bills come to less than RM 200:- per month as we only use the A/C (inverter type) in the bedroom.
If you use less than 50 or 60kWh in a month the bill is waived. But if you use zero I think there is a minimum charge! SO we always leave the fridge on when we leave.
(It is also a convenient pest-free storage during lengthy absence)
Gas cooker, the gas lasts typically 2-3 months @ RM 28:-

InVinoVeritas

Another good reason to rent as it is the landlord who has to pay these charges.

miramar

Thank you everyone for your replies. It really helps me get an idea of what costs are involved.

I think we will rent first for a year to figure out where we'd like to be and just check out Malaysia. Looking forward to it!

InVinoVeritas

Makes a lot of sense - good luck!

bakedbean

Yes it makes sense to rent first, then decide what you want to do and where.

There are Pros and Cons to buying (and renting)...discussed elsewhere on this forum.

miramar

Thanks BB, I'll look for that discussion on buying vs. renting. Batu Ferringhi looks good so far as competitively priced rentals (considering location, expat concentration, etc) but visiting is a must.

Thanks for making this forum so helpful to all the newbies!

InVinoVeritas

Anywhere from Batu Ferringhi to Gurney Drive is good, just make sure you're not close to a temple

miramar

Are the temples loud? I've found it much harder to live near a mosque with the prayer calls starting around 4:30am.

bakedbean

Yes they can be if in close proximity. There's a renovated Indian temple at the back of my condo. If I open my front door at a certain time of day, there is a loud bell doinging for a while.

I remember this being discussed on the old my2home forum. It's difficult to get away from noise.... mosques, temples, traffic, dogs, motorbikes... we have such a variety in Penang If you want to be somewhere developed, you just need to find what is acceptable to you.

Other than that, you can move to the middle of bleedin' nowhere and get peace and quiet, but then you lose all the facilities of local banks, supermarkets, wet markets, cinemas, theatre, clubs, etc.

NeonHippy

There is not much variation in the sun rise and set times here. Morning call won't start much before 5:30 but during Ramadan the sermon can go on until 23:00 every night for a month at the floating mosque, Tanjong Bungah

kebi

Quite save from most of noises along the beaches to Batu Ferringhi are in my opinion: 1 Tanjong Tower B, Infinity, Alila Horizon, Sea Range Tower, Seaview Garden, The Reef, Miami Green, 10 Island Resort and Bayu Ferringhi.

bakedbean

That may be your opinion but I used to live at Alila and it is far from quiet. Regular "explosions" from the hill. It's full of kids that area, so plenty of noise from all the little dears. Close proximity to schools and colleges. I still like that area and would recommend it but....Quiet it is not.

Used to have friends living at the Reef. Plenty of bikers noise in the wee hours. Has that changed?

Gunnar45

In Miami Green we hear the occasional wee hours bikers but not so bad with bedroom windows closed and A/C on. I guess it would be worse at the Reef as it is closer to the road.
I find MG to be quite quiet in all aspects.