
Source: Skypark Kepler
Due to a short distance and attractive currency exchange rate, residents in Singapore would occasionally zip across the causeway to Johor during the weekends or holidays for some shopping, dining or traveling. On the other hand, an estimated 350,000 Malaysians travel to Singapore for work through the causeway every day. This has made the Singapore-Johor Causeway one of the busiest land crossings in the world.
With the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link currently underway, there seems to be a growing sense of anticipation for an international link that would be able to ferry an estimated 10,000 passengers per hour from Singapore to Johor and vice versa. The Johor-Singapore RTS Link spans 4km with two stations – one in Bukit Chagar, Johor and the other in Woodlands, Singapore.
The RTS Link project includes the building of a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facility next to the station at Bukit Chagar. Similarly, the RTS Link Station in Woodlands North in Singapore will also have Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities.
Currently, travelers going to Johor or Singapore pass through immigration clearance at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ in Bukit Chagar.
With the RTS Link set to complete in 2026, Bukit Chagar may become a bustling place of activity, with possible inflow of projects for transit-oriented development (TOD) and mixed-use development around the area of Bukit Chagar station.
If you’re on the market for a new home in Johor, here are 5 property launches near the CIQ in Bukit Chagar.
#1 Centro JBCC
Location | Johor Bahru |
Tenure | Freehold |
Number of Units | 2,432 |
Developer | Aviscon |
Expected Completion | Q4 2025 |
Centro JBCC is another freehold residence by local developer Aviscon. It is situated around ten minutes away from Bukit Chagar RTS station.
Due to its prime location near the excitement of Johor Bahru city centre, residents will be able to easily access several malls including JB City Square and KSL City Mall and schools such as SJK St Joseph and Foon Yew High School.
Centro JBCC is a project with quite high density, consisting of 2,432 units of apartments spread into three blocks on a 5.8-acre land.
#2 Adison West
Location | Larkin |
Tenure | Freehold |
Number of Units | 1,024 |
Developer | WCT Land |
Expected Completion | April 2028 |
Adison West is a freehold project by local developer WCT Land, situated a 19 minutes’ drive from Bukit Chagar RTS station.
Adison West is the first phase of serviced apartments that are part of a 68-acre W City Larkinton developing township. It is situated near royal palace and official residence of the Sultan of Johor and amenities such as the Johor Golf Country Club and KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital.
The project size is large with a total of 1,024 units. There are studios with one bathroom, two-bedroom units with one bathroom and two-bedroom units with two bathrooms. The unit sizes range from 501 sq ft to 791 sq ft. Due to the smaller size units, Adison West may be more suited for single individuals or young couples.
The expected completion date for Adison West is 2028.
#3 Skypark Kepler
Location | Johor Straits |
Tenure | Freehold |
Number of Units | 1,596 |
Developer | Tropicana Corporation |
Expected Completion | – |
Skypark Kepler is a freehold luxury serviced apartment situated within the Lido Waterfront Boulevard sprawled across 163 acres of land facing the sea. Residents will be able to access amenities in waterfront boulevard that consists of a 2.5km promenade, park, food street and duty-free shopping.
Skypark Kepler is strategically situated 5km from the Bukit Chagar RTS station or around a 10-minute drive away.
As the project is a collaboration between Malaysian developer Tropicana Corporation and Singaporean hospitality brand Banyan, one could expect stunning aesthetics with the 3.9 acre residence featuring tranquil green spaces, sea views and cycling paths.
There are a total of 1,596 fully-furnished units separated into two blocks, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom options. The unit sizes range from 463 sq ft to 807 sq ft.
The completion date for Skypark Kepler is not available.
#4 Gen Rise
Location | Tanjung Puteri |
Tenure | Freehold |
Number of Units | 732 |
Developer | Majesticgen |
Expected Completion | November 2028 |
Gen Rise is a freehold serviced apartment and is the first project launched by developer Majesticgen in Johor Bahru.
Situated around six minutes’ drive from Bukit Chagar RTS station, Gen Rise residents will have easy access to city conveniences.
The project is medium size, with 732 units on a 1.14-acre land, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom and six-bedroom options.
#5 Oasis Residence
Location | – |
Tenure | Freehold |
Number of Units | – |
Developer | CTC Group |
Expected Completion | – |
Oasis Residence is a freehold condominium situated a walking distance from Bukit Chagar RTS station, according to its official website.
The project is helmed by Singapore-based CTC Group. The residence offers options of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom units.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Home In Johor
With the upcoming arrival of the RTS Link, some may want to take the opportunity to purchase a residential property nearby, allowing for convenient travels between Singapore and Johor. The RTS Link was first announced in 2010 and was slated for completion in 2018. The project was later suspended in 2019 when the then Pakatan Harapan government had asked to review all big ongoing projects. In 2020, the RTS Link project resumed with a new deadline in 2026.
In December 2024, the RTS link project has reached a new milestone whereby its railway infrastructure is now connected end-to-end from the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor to Woodlands North in Singapore.
Although the RTS Link is welcomed with mutual benefits for both residents in Singapore and Johor, things may be subject to change as seen previously and there may be a risk of the project not completing as scheduled. Currently, the project is on track for completion.
It was also reported previously that some 100 Singaporeans who bought units at Iskandar Residences, Johor are in legal dispute with its developer over the residential title.
As seen above, many of the residential properties offered are on a freehold tenure. When you purchase a freehold property in Malaysia, you have the authority over the property without interference from the government. Some properties have 99-year leasehold titles, which means the property is leased to homebuyers for 99 years after which the land authority would be reverted to the government. Homeowners will have to apply for a renewal of the lease to continue staying in the property.
Claiming that the developer was not clear about the terms of the deal, the homebuyers had initially thought that they had purchased the condominiums on a 99-year leasehold title, but later found out that the condominiums were sold to them on a Private Lease Scheme (PLS). With such scheme, homebuyers do not own the property but rather buys a lease for 99 years, which is more similar to a rental agreement.
The developer remains the owner and the homebuyers are like tenants, who can’t freely sell or rent out the property. To avoid such disputes, Singaporean property buyers in Johor are advised to review their property agreements carefully before making a purchase.
When it comes to purchasing a home, it’s best to be prudent by performing due research whether it’s the location, nearby amenities, or developers and consider the possible risks involved.
The post 5 New Property Launches Near The JB CIQ appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.