Previously one of the few undeveloped areas less than 20km from the city centre, Kota Damansara has become one of the most sought-after areas in the past decade. This ‘glow up’ is the result of rapid infrastructural development and a focus on connectivity, coupled with the increase in commercial, residential, and industrial projects to meet demand. Unsurprisingly, it continues to build on its reputation as a thriving business, entertainment, education, and lifestyle hub.
Connectivity and accessibility
One of the key features of the 4,000-acre Kota Damansara area is its strategic location; nestled between longstanding townships Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya, and adjacent to affluent and mature neighbourhoods such as Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Hartamas and Mont Kiara. This also makes it highly accessible by major highways that include the NKVE, LDP and the soon to be completed Damansara–Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH).
It also enjoys a robust public transportation network, with the MRT and buses that go directly into central Kuala Lumpur and out again as far southeast as Kajang. Kota Damansara is also included in the LRT 3 extension line, scheduled for completion by March 2024.
Diversity and choice
With hypermarkets such as Aeon Big and Giant, complemented by neighbourhood malls such as Sunway Giza and The Strand, Kota Damansara is considered a self-sufficient township. This is further enhanced by the availability of private hospitals, like the Thomson Medical Centre and Hospital Pusrawi, as well as recreational areas such as the Seri Selangor Golf Course and the oasis of green found at the Kota Damansara Community Forest. Facilities like SEGi University and Sekolah Sri KDU not only provide high quality education, but bring a lively university town vibe to the area, with diverse dining options as well as entertainment and creative events taking place regularly.
Its relatively affordable cost of living - due to cheaper retail options nearby as well as public schools and medical facilities - and wide availability of low-cost housing – have also attracted many young families to pick Kota Damansara as the ideal place to live.
Beyond that, it is also a centre for industrial development with Sunsuria Technology Centre, a factory estate for small businesses and the Surian Industrial Park for bigger businesses.
All this has given Kota Damansara a genuine live-work-play identity, making it the destination of choice for suburban families, international students and professionals alike.
Attractive investment
Kota Damansara has attracted a diverse group of residents, investors, employers and businesses. The township’s mix of high-rise condos, terrace and semi-detached homes as well as expansive exclusive bungalows provide ample living choices for a wide range of KLites, from the young professionals on the move, seasoned C-level executives looking to plant roots, all the way to the retirees ready to relax in one of Greater KL’s most sought after addresses.
Residential properties in Kota Damansara also make for an excellent investment choice. Average rental yield of non-landed properties is about 4 percent, and this can be higher for properties within walking distance from SEGi University and the MRT station. Today, these properties range from as low as RM420 psf for mid-range condos all the way to over RM1,200 psf, for higher-end properties.
While the property market in Kota Damansara has softened in the last two years, due to overall weak market sentiment and pessimistic economic outlook, the redevelopment of the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) into Kwasa Damansara, a mixed commercial and residential project, is expected to re-energise the market and spur the next wave of growth. Furthermore, due to its strong potential, excellent infrastructure and room for growth, developers and investors believe that Kota Damansara will remain resilient in the medium to long term, regardless of the general economic climate in the future.
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