Recently PROCAFE went to check out “special promotion units in The Fennels by Sentul Raya (Now a full subsidiary of YTL Land). Just to recap as reported in TheEdge 23.July.2013, The first phase consists of two blocks of 38 storeys with 458 units and four penthouses and priced from RM658,000 to RM1.06 million are fully sold out at first day of public preview on. (Click the link here). It was even reported in social media that some of these early buyers started to queue in Starhill the night before. Some even leave behind bags, slippers to “chop” the queue.
Due to the overwhelming demand, subsequently 4 months later the 3rd block was launched (click the link here). With the frenzying queue and hype, the Fennels managed a healthy take up of 80% status. Nevertheless within property observer circle, questions starts to circle around as YTL always have ability to fully sold their projects such as Midfields, Reed and Dale in Sungai Besi and The Capers at Sentul East.
With the launch of The Fennels final block on July.2017, the outlook was pretty clear, the property market frenzy was truly over. Even YTL Land was losing its midas touch. PROPCAFE received SMS about this final launch where 20% rebate offered to the 10 dual keys. The PSF for these dual keys are much cheaper than first 3 blocks.
Recently PROPCAFE mailbox again was bombarded with SMS from agent where high floor 3 bedrooms, 2 carparks and free first two years maintenance fee was offered from RM7XXK nett price. Apparently agents are assisting YTL Land to clear the leftovers unit since the VP.
Out of curiosity, PROPCAFE went to check out the development. Read on to know our thoughts on the real product.
Façade
The façade is quite similar with The Capers @ Sentul East VP-ed earlier. However after the refreshing The Capers decorating the KL Skyline, the facade of The Fennels seems “duplicating” The Capers.
Entrance Statement
Guardhouse
Well thought from the developer is the visitor carparks infront of the guardhouse which act as holding bays. In case of congestion during visitor’s registration which may overflow to main road, the guard will direct the visitors to park the cars at the holding bays.
Ground Garden and Pick Up And Drop Off Area
What PROPCAFE like is the dedicated lift to facilities deck. The visitors do not need to use the resident lift which enhance the security particularly when a resident is having party on the facilities deck.
Car Park
Lobby Lifts
Sky Deck
Given the amount of space on the sky deck, PROPCAFE couldn’t help but notice the sky deck is quite bare. Other than “communal space”, the developer could fill the space with amenities, soft furniture, water feature or even a children playground.
Facilities Deck
In PROPCAFE’s opinion the the facilities deck is the most impressive of The Fennels. Two olympic length infinity pools, 5 star management office, chilling lounge, decent gym size for 900 plus units and pockets of space for residents.
View
One of the blocks will have one side facing KL city skyline. However there is no wow factor as the view is partially blocked by The Capers.
Foyer, Foyer and Foyers!
Unit Selection is very important as it will determine how much monies spent on the unproductive space such as large foyer. For example for dual keys despite the built up is >1500sqft, the foyer is easily 200-300sqft taking up the valuable space (and money as well).
The Unit!
PROPCAFE visited the 3 bedrooms, 1186sqft type layout.
This unit comes with decent 3 bedrooms and each bedroom is ensuite. However the main concern is the living, dining and pantry area which is quite small.
Not all are rosy….
Conclusion
The Fennels is the 5th residential by YTL Land in Sentul East/West (Prior launches were Tamarind, Maple, Saffron, The Capers). YTL Land also developed LakeFields and Midfields at Sungai Besi and LakeEdge at Puchong. Despite YTL background as contractor, they are not pretty well known in providing great workmanship and finishes.
PROPCAFE always hear the owners complaint and “mumbling” about the workmanship. Probably owners have been making money purchasing YTL’s projects and most of them just close one eye on the workmanship. However this is no longer the case especially with The Fennels where the leftover units are even cheaper than during the launching.
PROPCAFE applauses YTL effort to gentrify and rebrand Sentul however iconic façade is not the only factor to pull in new residents. The unit layout, price point are equally important as well.
Just for example the longish balcony, humongous foyer, cramped wet kitchen, glassy bathroom probably not most of the residents are looking to.
Tell us what you think of The Fennels in the comments box below!
Till then, Happy Hunting from PROPCAFE!