4 Reasons Why A Penthouse In Malaysia Is So Attractive

Did you hear the story about British billionaire, James Dyson, forking out a huge amount of money – reportedly S$73.8 million (roughly RM224 million) – for a luxury penthouse at Wallich Residences in Singapore?

That’s a wholeee lot of money! So, why are penthouses so expensive, and what makes them so desirable?

What is a penthouse apartment?

A penthouse apartment (or even just 'penthouse') is a unit on the highest floor of a building – usually an apartment building, condo, or hotel.

PropertyGuru Tip
Architecturally, the term is used to refer to a structure on the roof of a building. These structures don’t occupy the entire roof deck, and are set back from the other walls.

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Penthouses originate from the 1920s, when New York City experienced high economic growth. Because of this, people got wealthier, and more wanted to live in the heart of the city.

This led to a boom in construction, resulting in the creation of luxury apartments on the topmost floors of buildings to accommodate the demands of the wealthy.

One of these early luxury apartments was at 1040 Park Avenue, and belonged to publisher Conde Nast.

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What separates a penthouse from regular apartments?

While a penthouse shares the same building as regular apartment units, there are a few things that set them apart from normal apartments.

1) Luxurious layouts, furnishings, and facilities

Penthouses can have exclusive features such as terraces, more floor area, larger windows, a private entrance or lift, as well as higher ceilings.

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They also often come complete with luxury furnishings, and offer residents a sweeping view of the city skyline.

Some others also come with cantilevered balconies, private pools, or give private access to the roof space above the apartment.

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2) Location, location, location

Location also factors into their desirability – penthouse apartments are often located in the centre of urban areas and cities, providing easy access to amenities for residents.

Depending on where a penthouse is located, some may even include concierge and butler services for homeowners.

In addition, penthouses can offer a sense of peace away from the noise of city life, due to their location on the highest floors of a building.

As one building can often only accommodate one penthouse, they are very limited in availability.

What are some of the notable penthouse apartments in Malaysia?

Here are some beautiful penthouse apartments that we’ve selected from our very own listings for you to feast your eyes on!

1) The Sentral Residences @ KL Sentral

penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia
penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia

Located at Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, this 4,058 sq ft penthouse apartment has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It also has its own private lift lobby and two balconies.

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It’s located next to the St Regis Hotel, and has a rooftop sky lounge, pool, and gym. It’s also close to the LRT, KLIA Transit, and KTM.

2) Troika Super Penthouse

penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia
penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia

This penthouse is located at 88 Persiaran KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, and is a 15,000 sq ft triplex penthouse designed by Norman Foster, an award-winning architect from Britain.

With eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms, you won’t be left wanting for space! There are additional facilities such as a gym, sauna, and sky lounge.

It also has a private pool and a private lift lobby, and offers residents a spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur’s city skyline.

3) Penthouse @ Teega

penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia
penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia

Located at Teega Residences in Puteri Harbour, Johor, this 4,457 sq ft penthouse features four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The development that the penthouse is located in has many facilities, such as a lap pool, themed gardens, children’s pools, and playgrounds.

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You can also find a sky deck on the 27th floor. As a bonus, it comes fully furnished and boasts a seafront view.

4) The Penthouse @ Tanjung Bungah

penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia
penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia

While not strictly a penthouse apartment, this apartment is close to being one. There are 22 units in the development, and each is modelled like a luxury penthouse.

Located at Tanjung Bungah in Penang’s Timor Laut, this 5,000 sq ft penthouse has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and high ceilings.

Each unit is also secured with digital smart locks, and has facilities such as a jogging track, infinity pool, and gymnasium.

5) Villa Puteri Duplex Penthouse

penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia
penthouse, apartments, penthouse apartment, penthouse malaysia

This duplex penthouse is located in Kuala Lumpur, at Jalan Tun Ismail. The unit takes up about 5,300 sq ft, boasting five bedrooms, two living and dining rooms, as well as a sky bar with an outdoor garden.

It’s within walking distance to Sunway Putra Mall, and a five minute walking distance from the LRT station.

The development also comes with various facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pools, sauna, and 24-hour security.

What are some pros of penthouse apartments?

1) Unbeatable views

Since you’re placed at the topmost level of the building, the view is unbeatable and often unobstructed. What could be better than panoramic sunset views?

2) Enhanced privacy

Penthouses typically span an entire floor. Having no neighbours and private elevators also means you get to enjoy the luxury of total privacy.

3) Peace and quiet

Being on the topmost floor means that few other residents will pass through your floor. That is, unless the majority of amenities are situated on the rooftop.

4) Status symbol

There’s a certain prestige that comes with living in a penthouse apartment, especially as a young working professional.

What are some cons of penthouse apartments?

1) Costly price tags

The prestige that comes with penthouse apartments isn’t for naught. Permanently getting your hands on one would typically call for figures upwards of 6 zeros. View penthouses for sale here.

2) Impacted mobility and convenience

Living in a high-rise apartment is no doubt less convenient, but that’s tripled when living in a penthouse. Running errands? Having surprise guests over? It’s a long way down, so cross your fingers the lift doesn’t break down.

3) May be more dangerous

Being situated on the highest floor poses a risk for young children and pets in particular. When emergency strikes, it’s also a much longer way to go for you to reach the safety of ground level.

4) Noisy rooftop amenities

Sky decks, sky lounges, sky gyms, sky infinity pools...you name it. Rooftop amenities may be popular, but can disrupt the tranquility you paid for when there’s noise and footfall all over your roof.

Pros

Cons

Unbeatable views

Costly price tags

Enhanced privacy

Impacted mobility and convenience

Peace and quiet

May be more dangerous

Status symbol

Noisy rooftop amenities

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