Laurie and Sue

Hi all and thanks to BB and others for all the great advice on the blog.

We have decided to retire and move to Penang in July 2014, it seems like a long time off but we've loads to do as well as our first (and probably last) cruise around the Greek islands in September this year.

I came over to Penang a couple of weeks ago to look at properties as we are going to buy rather than rent. Both myself and DH have moved house too many times in the past so want the stability of our own home. We also have a big Golden lab that will come with us and possibly a cat or two.

I looked at lots of condos and houses and like the Batu Ferringhi area especially Jalan Sungai Emas. There were lots of houses for sale on this estate but I only looked at three just to get a feel for whats available and prices.

In my usual roundabout way what i'm trying to find out is: Do any of you live around Jalan Sungai Emas and do you like it and any ideas why there are so many houses up for sale? We are looking to buy something not too big for under 1M MYR. Is this feasable....please?

bakedbean

Hi Sue, sorry to say it's probably a bit of a longshot on BE as there's only a few posters (including myself) based on Penang island. But you never know.

I personally know of 2 couples who live in that road, though both are in condos. I only just met 1 couple at the Makan night last week. This couple and the other couple post on that other place for retirees, so that might be a better bet for you.

I kind of like that area. It's away from the centre of Bt Ferringhi, the bit around the Holiday Inn always seems tacky to me. But you've got the new petrol station there a few eateries, banks, shops. I don't know about the houses but the area is OK I reckon.

By the way there is a really excellent little choo-char called Golden River up that road. Only opens at night. Closed Tuesdays I think. Good cheap local food and beer available. Thoroughly recommend.

ex reg

I say Zhi Char you say choo-char.

I think I like yours better.

bakedbean

I have unfortunately absolutely zero language knowledge... Hokkien or any other Chinese... but my friend who lives near the place and is Penang born told me it was a choo-char, so I just took that for granted

Atilla

I quite like BF I must say, socialise up there quite a lot. I like the beach style locations of some of the bars and restaurants.

Property price wise it may be an idea to look up Apartments Penang and do a few searches on BF your preferred area as a key word. This will give you an idea of property prices in the area. Fullhouse is also worth looking at.

Landed property tend to be expensive to very expensive on-island, you'd have to check those sites to get a gauge for landed in that area to see if they are coming in under 1m MYR, I'd be surprised in all honesty. Condo though would be do-able.

Laurie and Sue

Thanks Atilla, we will look again when we are there next month. We would much prefer a house even if we didn't have a big dog. Not sure what that other site is you were talking about BB but I'll have a look around for it.

bakedbean

Looks like there's Semi Ds going for around 700K up Jalan Sungai Emas. Landed property so expensive in Penang uh?