JOHOR BARU: Hua Yang Bhd is launching its first high-rise residential development in Johor today. The RM216 million residential project — Citywoods — has received 50% registration of interest since early August for the first seven residential floors in Tower B, levels 7 to 14.

“These registered interests come from home-owner occupiers who knew of Citywoods through our website and those who are familiar with Hua Yang offering affordable homes,” says Hua Yang Johor branch manager Casey Wong at a media briefing in Johor Baru on Wednesday.

“From the registered interests, Citywoods’ types A and B are the most popular because the buyers are mostly between 25 and 40 years old, who are first-time homebuyers,” he said.

Citywoods, which sits on 2.21 acres (0.89ha) of freehold land, has two 19-storey towers with a total of 417 units. It offers three layouts with built-ups of 764 sq ft (type A), 958 sq ft (type B) and 1,249 sq ft (type C). The prices for these units start from RM428,000. Tower B will be released now while tower A will be released next year.

Wong described Citywoods as an oasis of green within the city. Citywoods is located along Jalan Abdul Samad, behind the five-star Thistle Hotel, in Johor Baru.

“Citywoods is tucked serenely amid a hilly landscape while being just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city centre. The integrated aspects of nature and serenity exude a sense of peace and tranquillity amidst the conveniences of city living,” Wong said.

The development will have 24-hour security with a single-card access system. The unit security includes video intercom and digital door lock for all units. It offers resort-like facilities such as an infinity pool, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor gym, barbecue area, event space, game room and KTV as well as a children’s playground and an audio-visual room.

A centralised water filter system will be used to provide clean water to all units and sky gardens on levels 11, 15, 19 and 23. A 6-storey car park sits on the lower levels of the tower, and residents of types B and C units will get two parking bays, while type A units will have one parking bay.

To date, Hua Yang’s projects in Johor account for 40% of the group’s total gross development value for its financial year 2015. The group has 106 acres, worth RM624 million, of undeveloped land bank in Johor.

An artist’s impression of Citywoods, Hua Yang’s first high-rise residential project in Johor. Photo by Hua Yang Bhd

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on September 26, 2014.