Sime Darby Property Bhd has demonstrated that during a pandemic, it is prudent to offer buyers quality and versatile homes at reasonable prices.

Elmina Green Five (EG5) in the City of Elmina and Trilia in Bukit Jelutong, both in Selangor, saw 100 per cent take-up rates for the developer's most recent projects.

The company offered 136 EG5 units and 46 Trilia homes for a total gross development value (GDV) of RM239 million.

According to its group managing director, Datuk Azmir Merican, the units were snapped up during their respective early bird previews in late October.

Sime Darby Property also held a virtual launch for its latest high-rise product, Maya Ara Residences in Ara Damansara, with a 90 per cent take-up rate.

Maya Ara Residences has a total of 351 serviced apartments with a GDV of more than RM250 million.

Trilia is one of the last phases of semi-detached park villas in the freehold and premier township of Bukit Jelutong, nestled in a peaceful sanctuary right next to the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve and Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park, for homebuyers seeking luxurious living in a tranquil setting.

The semi-detached park villas are available in lot sizes of 40' x 80' and 40' x 85', with prices beginning at RM2.67 million and RM2.79 million, respectively.

Trilia units range in size from 4,158 to 4,320 square feet and feature 5+1 bedrooms and six bathrooms for maximum comfort and privacy, as well as up to three living and family areas and up to four private gardens/terraces in each home.

According to Azmir, the high take-up rates reflect consumers' confidence in the company's ability to provide high-quality products that meet their needs.

He said the company has addressed the changing needs of homebuyers who require products that afford them the flexibility to evolve according to the new living conditions.

"We understand that for many families, homes are now also makeshift workplaces and schools, and therefore we focus on providing larger products with flexible spaces to transform into workstations, along with other sustainability features," he said.

Prices for the 22' x 75' double-storey EG5 homes begin at RM911,888. The homes have extended built-ups ranging from 2,478 to 2,841 sq ft, allowing for greater flexibility and space for those who work and study from home.

All units have four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a 12' high ceiling and large windows that let in natural light and improve ventilation throughout the home.

The full-size kitchen has enough space for a servery or kitchen island, as well as wet and dry sections and a dedicated yard area for laundry.

The larger flexi-suite bedroom on the ground floor is connected to a garden terrace and provides great flexibility for use of space as it can be converted into a home office, granny suite, children's playroom, or a home gym, and the bathroom with a sliding door and ramp allows independent senior living.

Good response for Maya Ara Residences via Facebook

Those who bought Maya Ara Residences had the option of following the event live on Facebook before registering their purchase seamlessly through the developer's Online Booking System (OBS).

OBS is the key enabler that enables homebuyers to reserve units at their leisure without having to visit a sales gallery, allowing them to book their preferred units in record time.

The OBS makes it efficient and easy for customers, allowing multiple concurrent transactions, and proving to be a game-changer in how home purchases are innovatively conducted at Sime Darby Property.

Azmir said that Maya Ara Residences drew strong interest even before its launch, demonstrating the company's credibility in providing in-demand products in the right locations and price points.

According to him, a great deal of thought went into the design of Maya Ara Residences in order to meet current and future living and lifestyle trends.

​ "Homebuyers will be able to design their houses with our customisable fully-furnished package which provides four different interior design themes," he said.

Maya Ara Residences evokes contemporary and adaptable design, with a nod to sustainable living as evidenced by its GreenRE compliant development. The open plan layouts encourage plenty of natural lighting and ventilation, as well as features that promote energy conservation and efficient water use.

According to Azmir, the development breathes new life into an already established Ara Damansara township, appealing to the younger generation and attracting first-time homebuyers looking to make a good investment for the future.

Types B and B1 with a built-up of 764 sq ft feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, while Type C at 1,055 sq ft has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Prices start from RM594,800.