Topaz, Austin Crest, Johor Bahru

Topaz is a serviced residence in Austin Crest, Johor Bahru. It is on the Tebrau, Masai and Pasir Gudang side of the city. This page gives a short overview of the development and its surroundings, along with practical points to check before you buy or rent a unit here.

About Topaz

Topaz is listed in the condo.com.my directory as a serviced residence in Johor. In Malaysia, a serviced residence is a type of high-rise home that is usually managed by a building management office. Residents share common areas and pay regular charges for upkeep. Serviced residences are often built on land zoned for commercial use rather than residential use. This can affect things such as utility tariffs and quit rent, so it is worth asking about it for any unit you are considering. Many buyers and tenants choose serviced residences because they offer apartment-style living with managed common areas. What is on offer varies from one building to the next, so it is best to look at each development on its own terms.

Location and neighbourhood

Johor Bahru is the state's main city, across the Causeway from Singapore. Topaz is in Austin Crest, which falls within the Tebrau, Masai and Pasir Gudang side of Johor Bahru. This part of the district is a mix of established residential suburbs, commercial pockets and, further east, the industrial and port town of Pasir Gudang. Many people living on this side work locally, in the surrounding towns or in the city. The condo.com.my directory lists 401 developments in the same area, so there is plenty of choice if you want to compare Topaz with other homes nearby. Because daily routines differ, it is a good idea to visit the area yourself and test your own commute at the times you would normally travel.

Living here: what to check before you buy or rent

Before you commit, ask the agent or the management office about the tenure and the type of land title. Also ask about the current maintenance fees and sinking fund charges, and which facilities are available to residents. View the unit in person, ideally at different times of day, to get a sense of noise, light and parking. Check that the strata title has been issued, or find out its status, and have a lawyer review the sale documents. If you are renting, read the tenancy agreement carefully. Be clear on the deposit, the utility arrangements and who pays for repairs.