8 Conlay @ Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur

Following the trend of Four Seasons, St Regis and Harrod’s, 8 Conlay is one of the newest additions to the branded properties scene in the Klang Valley. KSK Land Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of KSK Group Bhd, unveiled its ambitious first project last year, and it’s been in the property market limelight ever since.

8 Conlay is a mixed-use development that’s one-of-a-kind in the city centre. It features iconic three towers: the Kempinski Hotel & Hotel Residences, a world-class five-star hotel; two residential towers comprising luxury branded serviced residences, known as YOO8 Serviced by Kempinski; and a 5-storey retail podium. Built on a 4-acre freehold site in Jalan Conlay, 8 Conlay is estimated to have a gross development value (GDV) of RM4 billion.

The branded serviced residences housed within 8 Conlay’s 62-storey Tower A exude style and substance. The interiors are designed by international design, branding and marketing firm YOO and renown Hong Kong designer Steve Leung, reflecting the essence of luxury with an Asian touch by combining the elements of wood, metal, earth, fire and water.

Artist rendering of wood concept living room at 8 Conlay

Artist rendering of water concept dining room at 8 Conlay

Artist rendering of bedroom at 8 Conlay

There will be a selection of designs for each unit, according to the elements integrated within the design. One of the unique points of each design is the addition of a powder room, which is a space specially meant for guests to use without infringing on the owner’s personal living space, at the same time adding a touch of luxury. The design also eschews the usual marble floors – except in the bathrooms – replacing it with cosy wooden floors. Tower A and B will be linked by two sky-bridges, as well as the retain podium on its lower floors.

The designer for Tower B has yet to be announced by the developer.

The Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

The development is complemented with a 62-storey five-star hotel known as the Kempinski Hotel & Hotel Residences, serviced by Kempinski, Europe’s oldest and most established hotelier. The hotel and residences will benefit from facilities such as a Kempinski The Spa, a wellness concept which offers herbal treatments inspired by the seasons, a gym, swimming pool and a variety of restaurants and bars inside the hotel complementing the offering of the central podium.

8 Conlay is estimated to be completed by 2020.

8 Conlay @ Kuala Lumpur
Address: Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Developer: KSK Land Sdn Bhd
Completion: 2020 (estimate)
Type: Mixed-use
Tenure: Freehold
Land area: 4 acres
No. of units: Total – 1,062 units
Tower A – 564 units
Tower B – unknown as yet
Built-up area: 682 sq ft – 1,295 sq ft
Selling price: RM 2,700 psf (estimate)

Branded residences are becoming the new upcoming trend in Kuala Lumpur, which in recent years have seen the rise of luxury condominiums and high-end serviced apartments. You may be wondering, Aren’t luxury condominiums already swanky enough? The thing is, when it comes to the difference between ‘luxury condominium/serviced apartments’ and ‘branded residences’, having a brand name tied up with it will increase the price and value of a development.

Take a look at it from another perspective, let’s say in terms of fashion. Almost everybody knows fashion brand H&M – they sell trendy clothing that are fairly affordable, usually around US$10 to US$50. But have you heard what happens when H&M collaborates with a famous brand or designer, like Versace or Alexander Wang, to release a special or limited edition collection? People line up for days before the launch, and pieces that range anywhere from US$50 to US$200 fly off the shelves within minutes, if not hours.

That’s the power of branding, and the same applies to branded residences.

Will people buy these units? Yes, especially if the brand is one that has a good reputation and track record of managing properties. Good brands last for a long time, and branded properties have the potential for good long-term capital yield, particularly in the city centre where expats tend to converge. Other notable examples of upcoming branded developments in Kuala Lumpur include Four Seasons Place, St Regis Residences, RuMa Hotel & Residences, Harrods Hotel & Residences and Ritz-Carlton Residences.

The branded homes market is still in its budding stage in Malaysia, but it definitely warrants a closer look given the appeal of strong resale value and long-term capital yield. It is important to take into consideration both the developer and brand, as each will contribute to the overall success of the development.

Sources:
8 Conlay official website (link)
Goodplace.my (link)
KSK Land official website (link)
The Edge Property (link)