Recently built condominiums in good areas include most of the following - pool, gym, lifts, 24-hour security service, adequate parking, convenience store and landscape gardens. Security is an issue for many tenants as break-ins occur more frequently than they should.

Kuala Lumpur is no different from any other city in the world; location and facilities are all important. The traffic in the city can often be bad. So access to work, education and recreation facilities becomes important. There are few natural attractions that make certain areas better for living - being inland, for example, there are no beach-side locations near to the city.

The dress circle areas therefore tend to be based upon location with proximity to the CBD, all-important. These areas include Kenny Hills, Damansara Heights and the city end of Jalan Ampang where many embassies are located. Other popular areas include Bukit Kiara, Ampang, Bangsar Baru (commonly known as Bangsar) and Taman Tun Dr. Ismail.

These upmarket surburbs have long been established and are very well-equipped with plenty of amenities; with the exception of Kenny Hills as its prestige lies in its landscape - built around and along mother nature's own precipices.

If you have school aged children, location to one of the international schools will be important and it is a good idea to determine this before looking for accommodation or your childe could have a long commute each day due to the traffic conditions. Most are direct neighbours to the city centre, known as the Golden Triangle.

Despite being well-known for erratic road traffic conditions, Ampang still attracts many expats as not only is it close to town, but offers plenty of fine dining restaurants of European cuisine to help lessen home-sickness.

Here's some indication of monthly rents in Kuala Lumpur. Modern, three-bedroom condominium, 2,100 sq. feet in Bangsar - RM7, 500 and a two-bedroom condominium, 1,200 sq. feet in Bangsar - RM3, 000. Semi-detached house in central area, RM4,000 to RM6,000 and detached house, central location and pool - RM9,000 to RM15,000

Real estate agents are plenty in Malaysia. Though it's not a must to use them, it helps ease the burden from hunting to shuffling papers to making payments. However, when using an agent, be as specific as possible of the living conditions you require; for example, with built-in cabinets and wardrobes in the kitchen and bedrooms, or a porch or garage that is large enough for 3 cars. You might also want to specify the finishing of the home to suit your taste if you don't intend to bring your own furniture.

Housing in Malaysia as with any other country, differs in price according to location and its furnishing. Different to note:

Fully-furnished : Walk in with your suitcase and you are pretty much set. May need only shop for minor items like bed sheets and curtains unless negotiated otherwise with the landlord.

Semi-furnished : You probably need not buy or bring much of the bulky items like beds, lounge set, wardrobe as it would be included. But check first.

Non-furnished : As it means - practically empty. On occasion, some may have the kitchen cabinets, but that's all.

Rental procedures include the following:
1. Pay one month's rent as Earnest Deposit (sign Letter of Offer)
2. Within 7 days pay:
Two-months' rent as Security Deposit
RM1,000 Utility Deposit (this could vary from property to property)
Stamp Duty and Disbursement
3. Stamping of Tenancy Agreement
4. Get copy of Tenancy Agreement - one each to landlord and Tenant

By international standards, Malaysian housing is cheap. Leases are generally drawn up for yearly renewal. Occasionally, the agent may work out for you a half-year lease. But if you intend to be in town for sometime and your employer allows you to purchase property, it could be a good investment to buy and sell when you leave.

Without going into the vagaries of the property market, people have made good returns from medium to long term investments. Seek professional advice before taking the plunge - a good starting point is Property Link ( Ph: 603 2282 1088 ).