Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Taman Pandan Perdana | 115 | Condo/Apartment, Flats, Terrace | 341,667 |
USJ 2 | 83 | Bungalow, Terrace | 1,403,333 |
Mentari Court | 70 | Condo/Apartment, Flat | 370,000 |
SS14 Subang Jaya | 42 | Semi Detached, Terrace | 1,164,722 |
Taman Segar Perdana | 42 | Flat, Semi Detached, Terrace | 828,333 |
SS18 Subang Jaya | 34 | Semi Detached, Terrace | 1,120,000 |
iProperty.com.my has identified selected properties in key areas near notable international and private schools in Klang Valley which have recorded a significant number of transactions. We take a closer look at these projects which are within a 2KM radius of popular educational institutions and located in key locations such as Subang Jaya, Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara, Kepong, Petaling Jaya, Setapak, Ampang Jaya, Cheras, Seri Kembangan, Shah Alam, Klang, and Cyberjaya for your consideration to buy in 2023.
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Proximity to schools has always been an important consideration in the decision-making process of property buyers, especially among those who have families or intend to start one. It isn’t just logistical convenience that motivates this priority, it is also a sense of security that comes with knowing the children are close to home should there ever be an emergency.
This demand has put a premium on neighbourhoods that are in the vicinity of reputable schools, as properties within such locations have become prime targets for upgraders and even newlyweds.
Of late, however, attention has been gravitating towards locations that are close to international and private schools. Statistically, the presence of local students in private and international schools has been growing over the past decade, with Malaysians now making up 45% of the student population of luxury international schools and 65% of mid-market international schools (rated by fees), according to ISC Research Data in 2020.
Unsurprisingly, demand for properties in the vicinity of these schools has been moving up in tandem.
One reason for the current uptick in interest has been our recent experience with COVID-19. At the height of pandemic disruptions, private learning institutions proved to be better equipped to facilitate online learning and innovative methods of teaching.
Beyond this, there are other underlying factors behind the growing popularity of private education. Among these are the international curriculum and English medium for maths and science, which better qualify students for tertiary learning abroad. Furthermore, there is growing concern about the diminishing standards of the public school system, which has seen local students drop below the global average for reading, mathematics and science.
Capturing the trend of rising demand for properties close to notable private and international schools, iProperty.com.my has identified areas and selected properties with a significant number of transactions between January-December 2021 that are within a 2km radius of popular educational institutions.
NOTES: Raw data is sourced from the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) and then analysed by PropertyGuru DataSense, the data, analytics and solutions arm of PropertyGuru Group. We have also taken steps to ensure that any outliers have been removed to mitigate data distortion.
Transaction data in the article represents an official record of a property transaction once the stamp duty for the Sales and Purchase Agreement has been paid during the year 2021.
Subang Jaya / Puchong neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- Sri Sempurna International School
- UCSI International School
- Sri Kuala Lumpur International School
- Fairview International School
- Kingsley International School
Private Schools:
- Sekolah Sri UCSI
- Rafflesia Private School Puchong
- Asia Pacific School
“One of the key reasons I moved my family to the area was because there are so many choices here in terms of schools, be it local or international,” says Subang Jaya resident K. S. Panicker.
“Furthermore, the neighbourhoods around here are wholesome, with parks located in every section and quick access to retail centres such as Empire Mall and Subang Parade. It is becoming more and more pedestrian-friendly with recent upgrades, while a number of LRT and KTM stops have improved interconnectivity within the Subang-Puchong stretch, as well as offered an easy alternative for those travelling to Petaling Jaya and KL for work.”
The table below shows a cross-section of transactional performances in 2021, in residential areas located within a 2km radius of these schools.
CHECK OUT: Mont Kiara – the ultimate neighbourhood and area guide
Mont Kiara/ Kepong neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- Mont’Kiara International School
- Hibiscus International School (Formerly known as Time International School)
- The International School @ ParkCity
Sometimes described as the “Beverly Hills” of Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara is an expatriate residential hotspot and one of the most expensive areas to live in the Klang Valley. But there is a good reason why it’s considered a prime neighbourhood in the country; it is one of the most vibrant and conveniently connected suburbs you can find. Plus, it has some of the best international schools within its vicinity.
With a host of chic retail, F&B and late-night entertainment outlets in the surroundings, it continues to lure property seekers who enjoy an urban lifestyle, whilst raising a family. New developments in the area have not just brought about its urban expansion into neighbouring Kepong, but also provided more variety in terms of the property options and prices now available.
Take a look at how some of the projects located within 2km of popular international schools in the area have performed.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Taman Sri Sinar | 76 | Flats, Serviced Apartments, Terrace | 452,873 |
Concerto North Kiara | 38 | Condo/Apartment | 1,300,000 |
Arcoris Residences | 35 | Serviced Apartment | 1,065,000 |
Anjali North Kiara | 42 | Condo/Apartment | 1,018,000 |
Pavillion Hilltop | 31 | Condo/Apartment | 1,680,000 |
Arte Mont Kiara | 26 | Serviced Apartment | 430,000 |
Petaling Jaya neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- The British International School
- Sunway International School
- Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School
- MAZ International School
Private Schools:
- Sekolah Sri KDU
“Having grown up in Petaling Jaya, I have watched it change and grow into the busy city it is today, but some things never change,” says long-time resident Lora Nunis.
“Everything you need is still just down the street, there are many commercial offerings for daily needs as well as binge shopping, it is easy to get around if you know the back roads to avoid the jam. And it is centrally located between KL and many other urban hotspots in the Klang Valley.”
“It’s much more crowded these days, but it is still a great place to raise children. There is plenty of entertainment at nearby malls like Amcorp Mall, Jaya Shopping Centre or Paradigm Mall. For more fun, Sunway Lagoon is nearby. We can even go for healthy hikes on the weekend at Bukit Gasing,” she says.
It also has a host of great schools within a short driving distance. Let’s take a look at how some properties within a 2km radius performed in 2021.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
SS2 Petaling Jaya | 106 | Bungalow, Terrace, Condo/Apartment | 1,160,000 |
Bandar Utama Damansara | 100 | Bungalow, Terrace | 3,119,000 |
Damansara Jaya | 58 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace | 2,596,667 |
SS23 Taman Sea | 42 | Bungalow, Terrace, Town House | 1,788,293 |
Riana Green | 28 | Condo/Apartment | 486,500 |
Tropicana Golf & Country Club | 26 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace, Town House | 2,534,875 |
Setapak/ Ampang Jaya neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- International School of Kuala Lumpur
- Taylor’s International School
- Sayfol International School
- REAL International and Private Schools, Cheras Campus
- Utama International School
Private Schools:
- Sekolah Stella Maris
Setapak Resident Brian Wong believes his neighbourhood, located close to the heart of the city, offers the best of Kuala Lumpur living in a much more affordable location.
“We still enjoy that traditional Malaysian-style life here in Setapak, with great corner shop food and local grocers, but we don’t miss out on any of the excitement happening in Ampang and KLCC either. All the shopping, dining and nightlife options are still easily accessible to us, just a short drive away or just a few stops by public transport,” he says.
“For the kids, Zoo Negara is nearby, while KLCC park, Aquaria and the Petrosains Science Discovery Centre is also a short drive away.”
Setapak offers residents convenient access to some of the most well-known international schools in the country. Here is how some of the nearby properties performed last year.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Taman Pandan Jaya | 168 | Condo/Apartment, Flat, Terrace | 336,500 |
Desa Pandan | 72 | Condo/Apartment, Flat | 399,500 |
Taman Perkasa | 29 | Terrace, Flat | 235,000 |
Taman Cempaka | 28 | Condo/Apartment, Terrace | 455,000 |
One Ampang Avenue | 27 | Condo/Apartment | 486,500 |
Tiara Ampang | 25 | Condo/Apartment, Flat | 476,667 |
Cheras/ Seri Kembangan neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- Australian International School Malaysia
- Tanarata International School
Private Schools:
- Sekolah Sri Cempaka
- RIZQ Islamic School
The Cheras-Seri Kembangan corridor is one of the fastest-growing stretches in the Klang Valley. South of the city centre, it is a gateway urban community that is just 15km from Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, and the constant urban sprawl will eventually put it at the centre of a seamless connection between the capital district and important business and administrative hubs.
Rapid expansion has transformed the district from a former backwater township to an emerging urban hub. Modern upmarket developments in the area have also attracted the attention of affluent Malaysians and expatriates, necessitating the establishment of private and international schools nearby.
Here are some of the projects in the vicinity that have benefitted from the neighbourhood’s ongoing modernisation.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Venice Hill | 193 | Condo/Apartment | 225,000 |
Seksyen 7 Bandar Baru Bangi | 55 | Semi-detached, Terrace | 506,875 |
Taman Bukit Belimbing | 29 | Semi Detached, Terrace, Flat | 686,667 |
Juta Mines Condominium | 27 | Condo/Apartment | 298,000 |
Taman Taming Jaya | 27 | Semi Detached, Terrace, Flat | 448,333 |
Taman Sungai Besi Indah | 25 | Condo/Apartment, Semi Detached, Terrace | 476,667 |
Gombak neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- Baseerah International School
- International Islamic School
Private Schools:
- Sekolah Taman Ilmu dan Budi (SETIABUDI)
Despite being in Selangor, Gombak is another district that borders Kuala Lumpur, allowing convenient access to the heart of the city while enjoying a more affordable lifestyle. It is also surrounded by ample greenery, which makes it an escape for those who ply their trade in the city, but prefer a quieter and healthier lifestyle for their family.
A key advantage for Gombak residents is strategic access to major highways such as the Duta Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) and the Middle Ring Road 2. Recent enhancements such as LRT lines and other transportation amenities have also raised the quality of life in the area and improved its appeal.
Here are how some key projects close to international schools have performed in 2021.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Taman Sri Gombak | 102 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace | 1,245,000 |
Taman Sari | 29 | Terrace | 983,416 |
Batu Caves Centrepoint | 16 | Flat | 182,500 |
Taman Bukit Permata | 14 | Terrace | 725,000 |
Taman Samudara | 9 | Condo/Apartment, Flat, Terrace | 351,667 |
Ayuman Suites @ Gombak | 6 | Condo/Apartment, Serviced Apartment | 350,000 |
Klang / Shah Alam neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- Regent International School
Private Schools:
- Beaconhouse Sri Lethia
- Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park
“I moved to Shah Alam about 20 years ago and I haven’t regretted it. It is a quieter and slower pace of life than other cities, but overall, I think that is a healthier way to live,” says retired airline senior technician Encik Fazari.
“Now my kids live in nearby neighbourhoods, and they too will never move out of Shah Alam. It is a clean and convenient place to live, with well-planned roads, plenty of green areas and good schools for children. My grandchildren go to one of the private schools in the area because we can now afford that, and we think it is important we prepare them for higher learning abroad,” he added.
“There is plenty to keep the young ones entertained in Shah Alam these days, including the i-City Theme Park, Botanic Garden, Wet World Water Park and Setia City Mall. For young and old, healthcare facilities are great, with a government hospital (Shah Alam Hospital), private hospitals (Columbia Asia Hospital Shah Alam), and specialist centres nearby (KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital),” Fazari said.
The addition of private and international schools in the Klang/Shah Alam area has refreshed the appeal of properties here. This is how some of them performed last year.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Taman Bayu Perdana | 35 | Condo/Apartment, Terrace | 405,500 |
Eco Ardence | 29 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace, Condo/Apartment | 2,122,333 |
Off Jalan Teluk Gadong | 19 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace | 696,667 |
Taman Chi Liung | 18 | Bungalow, Semi Detached, Terrace | 986,667 |
Vista Indah Putra, Bayu Perdana | 18 | Condo/Apartment | 283,500 |
Taman Palm Grove | 9 | Bungalow, Terrace | 618,750 |
READ: Tips to buying a bigger home for growing families
Cyberjaya neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- elc International School
Cyberjaya was designed to be Malaysia’s prime high-tech hub and our version of the famous “Silicone Valley”. While this vision has suffered some setbacks, it continues to be a major focus point for foreign direct investment. Its proximity to the neighbouring Putrajaya administrative centre means it will continue to receive international property interest in the future.
This bodes especially well for properties located close to its sole international school, which not only enjoys demand now, but will no doubt command an even stronger premium as the cyber city continues to grow in the future.
Here are how properties located within 2km of the school performed in the last year.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Cyberia Smarthomes | 32 | Condo/Apartment, Townhouses | 301,250 |
Cyberjaya | 16 | Condo/Apartment, Serviced Apartment, Terrace, Townhouses | 549,125 |
Cybersquare | 19 | Serviced Apartment | 234,750 |
Serin Residency | 13 | Condo/Apartment | 433,000 |
Setia Eco Glades | 10 | Condo/Apartment, Semi Detached, Terrace | 1,286,316 |
Vision Residences Condominium | 5 | Condo/Apartment | 853,840 |
Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood to buy a home
International Schools:
- St John’s International School
“The heart of the city is the place to be, especially if you’re looking to balance a promising career and have a family at the same time,” says S. Sukumaran who works in the finance industry.
“It’s not cheap, but being located close to KLCC means I save on transportation costs because everything I need for my work and my lifestyle is within walking distance. I plan to have a family soon, and a reputable school nearby means I won’t have to pack up and head for the suburbs. I like the bright lights, the pace and the pulse of KL, and there is no reason why I should not continue to enjoy it.”
“With KLCC park nearby, and green escapes like KL Forest Eco Park (Bukit Nanas) and the new Taman Tugu Forest Trail, there are plenty of healthy outdoor activities for kids too,” he said.
Let’s take a look at how projects within 2km of an international school in the heart of the city performed in 2021.
Project name/area | No. of Transactions | Property Types | Median Transaction Price (RM) |
Jalan Pudu | 15 | Serviced Apartment | 1,229,800 |
Eko Residence | 15 | Serviced Apartment | 520,000 |
The Sentral Residence | 12 | Serviced Apartment | 1,475,000 |
Casa Mutiara Service Apartment | 9 | Serviced Apartment | 340,000 |
Kelab Le Chateau II | 7 | Condo/Apartment | 390,000 |
The Robertson | 7 | Serviced Apartment | 1,273,800 |
READ: 10 Best rental properties near top international schools
In spite of the pandemic difficulties that we were still overcoming in the past couple of years, properties located close to private and international schools continued to attract attention and witness positive transactional activity. This tells us that even in tough times, buyers feel that purchasing a home close to a reputable school remains a top priority.
As the market recovers, the trend to buy close to good private learning institutions will likely be accentuated and continue to pick up the pace. This bodes well, not only in terms of the future value of your lifestyle and convenience for your children but also for the long-term value growth of your property investment.