Singaporeans seeking to relocate or purchase a second home are turning their attention to condominiums near Johor Bahru’s CIQ checkpoint. Lower living costs and a favorable exchange rate make the Malaysian city a practical alternative to Singapore’s high property prices.
Many start by renting to explore the area before committing to a purchase. For buyers, proximity to the checkpoint matters most, as it shortens commutes for those still employed in Singapore.
Bora Residences: Mid-range option with resort-style amenities
Tropicana Danga Bay developed Bora Residences along Jalan Danga 1/1, roughly 10 minutes from the CIQ complex. The project, finished in 2019, includes two 42-storey towers with 396 units.
Units range from 650-square-foot one-bedroom layouts to 1,400-square-foot three-bedroom spaces. Facilities feature an infinity lap pool, wading pool, jacuzzi, and aquatic play park. Residents also have access to a gym, squash and tennis courts, and a half-sized basketball court.
Security operates around the clock with card access, and sky lounges, gardens, and BBQ areas are available. Occupancy sits between 50% and 65%, with a mix of local owners, Singaporean weekend buyers, and long-term tenants.
Initial prices reached RM 700 to RM 900 per square foot. Today, resale units sell for RM 400 to RM 580 PSF, with prices starting at RM 380,000 for one-bedroom units and rising to RM 850,000 for larger layouts. Rental yields average 4.5% to 5.5%.
The developer, listed on Bursa Malaysia, specializes in luxury resort-style townships. Its portfolio includes projects in Petaling Jaya and Johor.
The Astaka: Ultra-luxury skyscraper in Johor Bahru
Astaka Padu, a subsidiary of Singapore-listed Astaka Holdings, built The Astaka @ One Bukit Senyum. The two towers, at 70 and 65 storeys, hold 438 units.
Completed in 2018, the development offers floor plans starting at 1,800 square feet for three-bedroom units and extending to 3,500 square feet for four-bedroom penthouses. Amenities include a 50-meter infinity pool, sky lounge, and landscaped gardens. A state-of-the-art gym and squash court are also available.
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Security is multi-tiered, with private lift lobbies for each unit and a dedicated concierge.
The project is part of the 11.8-acre One Bukit Senyum integrated development on Jalan Tebrau Lama, about 15 minutes from the CIQ checkpoint.
Setia Sky 88: High-density luxury with shuttle service
S P Setia developed Setia Sky 88, a 55-storey complex with three towers and 838 serviced residence units. Finished in 2018, it includes layouts from 550-square-foot studios to 2,200-square-foot four-bedroom units.
Amenities feature dual-level swimming pools, an aqua gym, sauna, and sky gardens on levels 42 to 44. The development also offers a private theatre, music room, wine lounge, and business center. A shuttle service connects residents to the CIQ and RTS Link stations.
Security operates 24 hours with card access.
Other condos, including Hallmark Residency, D’Pristine, and Horizon Hills, present similar considerations: location, price, and amenities. For Singaporeans, the primary advantage remains unchanged—owning property without the city-state’s steep costs.
Commutes may still be long.
Yet the savings make the trade-off worthwhile for many.
