by KENNETH WONG 
Should you invest in a high-rise condominium or an apartment? This question applies for both personal users or investors. It’s commonly observed that a preference exists for landed properties over strata-titled ones, particularly in Sarawak where land is abundant. The obligation to pay monthly service charges and sinking funds for strata-titled properties often deters potential buyers. Additionally, the prospect of navigating the complexities of the Joint Management Body or Management Committee can be daunting for many. Furthermore, the stringent rules and regulations imposed on owners can be restrictive. Let’s explore these considerations further.
Landed or High-Rise
When considering a property purchase for personal use, it’s essential to reflect on your preferred lifestyle. Strata living, or community living, isn’t suitable for everyone; some individuals favor landed properties for their autonomy from community regulations, management committee rules, service charges, and sinking funds. While this perspective holds merit for some, recent trends indicate a shift towards high-rise living, with an increasing number of people finding it an agreeable option, and some fully embracing it.
The development of new, affordable landed properties is now often located on the outskirts of cities due to the prohibitive cost of land within city boundaries. Consequently, developers are compelled to build these properties further away, while the scarce land available in the city is typically allocated to gated communities, which are priced beyond the reach of many.
Prospective homeowners are thus faced with a choice: settle for a location further from the city center or purchase resale properties within the city, which may require significant renovation investments. With the increase in high-rise strata developments within Kuching City, more buyers are considering these options to maintain their urban lifestyle.
Service Charge or No Service Charge
The decision between living in a condominium or a landed property is indeed a significant one. This is influenced by various factors including cost, maintenance, and lifestyle preferences. While condominiums may have fixed costs such as service charges and sinking funds, these fees contribute to the upkeep of shared spaces, services and multiple common facilities such as pool, gym, function rooms, BBQ areas, gardens that can enhance the living experience.
The services provided often include security, maintenance, and amenities that are not typically available to landed property owners. On the other hand, landed property owners have more autonomy but also bear the full responsibility for the maintenance and security of their property. They also need to join private clubs to enjoy similar facilities found within condominiums. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual priorities and the value one places on the conveniences offered by communal living versus the independence of a landed home. It’s a balance of cost, convenience, and personal preference.
Why Do We Need Property Management?
The Strata Management Ordinance 2019 in Sarawak marks a significant step towards structured governance in communal living spaces. This ordinance provides a comprehensive framework for the management and maintenance of subdivided buildings and lands, ensuring that developers, joint management bodies, and management committees adhere to standardized practices. The success of strata management hinges on the collaboration of various service providers, including security, cleaning, landscaping, maintenance, and administrative personnel. Their unified efforts are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the property and ensuring compliance with the established codes. A property manager with a robust understanding of building issues and preventive management is indispensable in orchestrating these efforts effectively. They play a pivotal role in enforcing the by-laws and directions, managing finances, and upholding the property’s value, all while navigating the complexities of strata living. The ordinance also empowers residents by clarifying their roles and responsibilities, fostering a community where each member is informed and engaged in the decision-making process. This collaborative environment is essential for the sustainable management of strata properties, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents and helps to maintain or enhance the values of their properties.
Engaging a proficient property management company can indeed alleviate the burden on the joint management body or management committee. These bodies, akin to a board of directors, are tasked with making high-level decisions and should not be bogged down by the day-to-day operations of property management. By delegating these tasks to a specialized property manager, who acts as the CEO, the joint management body can focus on governance and strategic oversight. This division of responsibilities ensures that the property is managed efficiently and effectively, leveraging the expertise of professionals who are well-versed in the intricacies of the industry. It’s a strategic move that can lead to better-managed properties and, ultimately, more satisfied residents.
In House Rules & Regulations. Is It Needed?
When it comes to Strata communal living concept, in house rules and regulations or by laws, is an essential necessity to regulate how the building is being run and maintained. These by laws are established as the basic foundation to ensure that every occupants follow the same set of requirements and regulations to protect the environment and lifestyle within this community. The usage of common properties such as pool, gym, function rooms, steam bath, BBQ areas, car parking, open space garden must also be regulated so that the interest and requirements of each occupants are met to the best of its ability. Without a proper structured by-laws, it is feared that every owners will be doing things as they wish which will result in faster deteriorating condition of the building.
Conclusion
Choosing between landed and strata property is a significant decision that hinges on one’s lifestyle preferences and willingness to adhere to certain regulations. Landed properties offer more autonomy, allowing owners to make most decisions regarding their property without the need to conform to the strict rules that often govern strata living. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility of maintaining the property, which can be both time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, strata living provides a more carefree lifestyle, ideal for those who travel frequently or prefer not to deal with the upkeep of a standalone property. Despite the rules and communal decisions, the benefits of shared amenities and services can make strata living an attractive option for many. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal priorities, whether they lean towards complete independence or the convenience of shared living spaces.
For more personalized advice, you can reach out to me on kenco.property@gmail.com