Are Properties Near International Schools Worth Buying?

Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, properties located close to private and international schools continued to attract attention and witness encouraging transactional activity in 2021, according to iProperty.

Shylendra Nathan, Country Manager – PropertyGuru Malaysia (PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my) said that one of the possible key factors that drive property seekers with growing children is the proximity of properties to schools. As such, they tend to keep an eye out for locations with access to reputable schools that also does not compromise a healthy, convenient, and comfortable living environment.

iProperty.com.my has identified selected properties in key locations like Subang Jaya, Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara, Kepong, Petaling Jaya, Setapak, Ampang Jaya, Cheras, Seri Kembangan, Shah Alam, Klang, and Cyberjaya which have recorded a significant number of transactions in 2021.

“As the market recovers, the trend of buying properties near good private learning institutions will likely accelerate. This bodes well not only in terms of the property seekers’ lifestyle and convenience for their children, but also the long-term value growth of their property investment. Not to mention, the trend of moving out to suburban areas in search of better quality of life could continue to increase as the hybrid work model becomes more popular,” Nathan added.

According to ISC Research Data, there are 287 international schools in Malaysia teaching a total of 107,100 children in 2020 and Malaysians make up 45% of the student population of premium international schools and 65% of mid-market international schools (rated by fees). So, the demand for neighbourhoods close to reputable schools remains even through tough time in recent years as Malaysians battled the pandemic.

Following is the list of popular neighbourhoods along with the list of schools associated with that area and property transaction data presented in infographics as compiled by iProperty based on their portal’s transaction data between January to December 2021.

Subang Jaya/Puchong

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

The Subang Jaya/Puchong area has several notable international and private schools and that is the reason why the area has attracted a robust demand from property seekers. Accessibility to the area is plentiful with a number of LRT and KTM stops and has improved interconnectivity within the Subang-Puchong stretch, as well as offering an easy alternative for those travelling to Petaling Jaya and KL for work.

Mont Kiara/Kepong

International Schools:

• Mont’Kiara International School
• Garden International School
• Hibiscus International School (Formerly known as Time International School)
• The International School @ ParkCity

One of the most vibrant and conveniently connected suburbs in Kuala Lumpur, Mont Kiara has become an expatriate residential hotspot and one of the most expensive areas to live. Furthermore, property seekers who enjoy an urban lifestyle while raising a family are attracted to the many upmarket retail, F&B and entertainment outlets Mont Kiara has to offer.

Petaling Jaya

International Schools:

• The British International School
• Sunway International School
• Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School
• MAZ International School

Private Schools:

• Sekolah Sri KDU

Petaling Jaya is a popular, mature area and can be seen as an embodiment of the Malaysian urban lifestyle, with family parks, eateries, hipster cafes, and shopping malls. The city is strategically located between Kuala Lumpur and many other urban hotspots in the Klang Valley.

Setapak/Ampang Jaya

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 offers the best of Kuala Lumpur living in a much more affordable location. Residents enjoy traditional Malaysian-style life with great corner shop food and local grocers. At the same time, Setapak is located near hotspots such as Ampang and KLCC which provides many shopping, dining and nightlife options that are easily accessible through public transport or a short drive.

Cheras/Seri Kembangan

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 only 15km from Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, and the constant urban sprawl will put it at the centre of a seamless connection between the capital city and these important business and administrative hubs.

Gombak

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 in its immediate surroundings. 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.

Klang/Shah Alam

International Schools 

• Regent International School 

Private Schools 

• Beaconhouse Sri Lethia 
• Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park

Shah Alam offers a quieter and slower pace of life than other cities. Families with children are attracted to the city because of its well-planned roads, plenty of green areas and good schools for children. The addition of private and international schools in Shah Alam and neighbouring Klang has refreshed the appeal of properties here.

Cyberjaya

International Schools 

• elc International School 

Cyberjaya was designed to be Malaysia’s prime high-tech hub and it continues to be a major focus point for foreign direct investments. Its proximity to the neighbouring Putrajaya administrative centre means it will continue to receive international property interest in the future. 

Kuala Lumpur

International Schools 

• St John’s International School 

Although living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur can be expensive, living close to KLCC can help save on transportation costs. Living in the city centre makes sense for families looking to enrol their children in Kuala Lumpur’s sole international school, St John’s International School, especially if they enjoy the bright lights, the pace and the pulse of the capital city.