GEMS Residences, a freehold condominium development by IOI Properties Group Bhd (KL:IOIPG), has garnered a take-up rate of 70% since it was opened for sale in September 2021. The project is part of the larger 788-acre IOI Resort City master plan development, which comprises a mix of commercial, hospitality, healthcare and recreational components in Putrajaya.

The 9.65-acre development has 676 units in four low-rise blocks of up to 16 storeys and four high-rise towers of up to 34 storeys. These buildings surround a central clubhouse with around two acres of lifestyle facilities and landscaped areas. The units have built-ups ranging from 969 to 1,690 sq ft with prices starting from RM650,000. The project has a gross development value of RM560 million.

"GEMS Residences' 70% take-up is attributed to its unique design and market-driven approach, particularly its focus on community-based care and [its] signature Wellness Concierge, crafted in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate Residence," IOI Resort City senior general manager of property management Ho Kwok Wing tells City & Country.

"GEMS Residences' varied layouts and built-ups also cater to diverse market segments and geriatric-friendly units designed to aid senior living. These include features such as gentle wheelchair-friendly ramps for the front door and bathroom, and panic buttons in the master bedroom and bathroom for emergency help. Purchasers also appreciate our units with private lift lobbies as well as unique units that have direct garden access."

Facilities in the development include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a yoga deck, jogging path, gymnasium, function hall, games corner, reading space, mini theatre, karaoke room and dining and tea lounges.

The project's wellness component, Wellness Concierge, caters for community-based care, with certified nurses on standby for general health advisory services and consultation. Emergency response services such as first aid assistance are available along with complimentary vital checks for owners and residents, focusing on early detection.

According to Ho, a health passport will be developed and maintained for each resident for continuity of care while an on-premise physiotherapist will offer complimentary sessions for residents as well as on-demand services.

"We conceptualised GEMS Residences together with Mitsubishi Estate Residence to promote inclusivity while addressing the different needs of Malaysia's population as time goes by. These include time constraints with children, partners and parents, or those with specific needs.

"The Wellness Concierge is a signature feature of GEMS Residences and has received considerable attention from potential purchasers, residents and owners as a key feature when considering residing in the development. Since handover, we have seen many owners approaching the Wellness Concierge for its complimentary as well as on-demand services," Ho says.

He adds that Wellness Concierge is managed by a third-party healthcare operator called Managedcare, which was appointed by the developer. Once the management corporation (MC) is formed, Ho says the MC will be in charge of managing and appointing a healthcare operator. The maintenance for this service will be included in the monthly maintenance fee, which is around 40 sen psf inclusive of the sinking fund.

On why the developer decided to incorporate a wellness component into the residential project, Ho explains, "The development's community-based care and wellness aspects deliver peace of mind for purchasers, with trained personnel onsite for everything from emergency first aid to companionship. In addition, its extensive lifestyle facilities encourage residents and visitors to get to know each other while fostering healthy lifestyles."

Similarly, the project's buyers are health conscious and are looking for more wellness elements in their homes, he says. "Our buyers include young and multigenerational families, upgraders and households with members with mobility needs. These buyers primarily come from the surrounding areas."

Nearby amenities include the 2.5-million sq ft IOI City Mall, Le Meridien Putrajaya, the 125-acre Palm Garden Golf Course and Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya. Educational institutes close by include Nexus International School, HEI Private School Cyberjaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Uniten. The development is also close to Putrajaya's sprawling wetlands and the Putrajaya Botanical Garden.

As for the larger IOI Resort City development, Ho says the company has around 300 acres of land remaining for commercial and residential developments, which will last 20 years. "We are looking forward to commencing the third phase of IOI City Mall, which will add another [one] million sq ft to the retail destination [for a total of] 3.5 million sq ft."

He adds that there are plans to extend the Central Park, construct covered walkways linking the entire IOI Resort City, build an underground pedestrian tunnel connecting the shopping mall with the concert hall, and bring in a Chinese school.

"We also anticipate complementing the township with a concert hall that can accommodate 12,000 people. There will be more signature residential and commercial launches as well as landmark office towers to round out IOI Resort City."