30 April 2009 - Despite the prevailing economic slowdown, Sime Darby Property Berhad continues to achieve tremendous sales success through its innovative Parade of Homes promotion. Since its launch on 6th March 2009, more than RM500m worth of properties have been sold during the third instalment of the Parade of Homes showcase. Its partner banks - Maybank, CIMB and HSBC, have benefitted greatly from their participation in the promotion.

The ever popular Sime Darby Property Parade of Homes property showcase which covers both residential and commercial properties in the developer s 10 townships  has since its commencement on March 6, seen the sale of over 700 units. The campaign will end on 15 June 2009.

 The tremendous response seen during the latest Sime Darby Property Parade of Homes clearly indicates that despite the current economic situation, we have managed to convince potential property buyers to make that decision to purchase if offered innovative financing solutions, said Dato Tunku Putra Badlishah, Managing Director of Sime Darby Property.

 Evidently, our continuous research into what property buyers want such as financial flexibility and the opportunity to preserve their savings during the current economic situation has created a very unique opportunity for many Malaysians to make their dream of home ownership a reality, he added. Among the most notable financing innovations being offered to consumers this time around are a special easy payment scheme which allows buyers to pay the difference between the purchase price and loan amount in monthly instalments of up to 12 months and an interest free period during construction as well as an exclusive rate of BLR minus 2.3 per cent after vacant possession.

In addition, Sime Darby Property is also offering its Guaranteed Buy-Back (GBB) programme, which provides property buyers peace of mind by allowing them to sell their property back to the Company.

Two of the most popular Sime Darby Property's townships, Bukit Jelutong and Putra Heights have been enjoying very good take up rates for the products launched during the latest Parade of Homes. All units of semi-detached Mezzo homes in Bukit Jelutong priced from RM1.4 million and the 21/2 storey 'Grandis Palms Superlink Residences in Putra Heights with a selling price starting from RM728,888 were snapped up within a week of their respective launches.

Sime Darby Property's partner banks for the latest Parade of Homes campaign; Maybank, CIMB and HSBC have also expressed their delight at the response from buyers.

Maybank Head of Consumer Banking Lim Hong Tat said that the Bank was pleased to be a partner for the Sime Darby's Property Parade of Homes. Maybank has had a long relationship with Sime Darby Property including being one of its main end financiers for its various property developments projects for many years, he said.

Lim added that the Parade of Homes promotion provides numerous opportunities to the public to purchase their dream homes and Maybank was able to assist buyers through its wide range of home financing deals, both under the conventional and Islamic schemes.

We have seen encouraging response so far from buyers to this Parade of Homes and we are offering attractive interest rates coupled with the various incentives by Sime Darby including free S&P and legal fees etc he continued. With the attractive packaging offered by the Bank, buyers stand to enjoy more benefits from their property investments.

Meanwhile, Peter England, Head of Retail Banking, CIMB Bank said,  We are happy to be part of Sime Darby Property Parade of Homes campaign, a timely event that enables home-buyers to invest in value-added properties at competitive prices under one roof. The campaign provides CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic an excellent platform to showcase our innovative home loan packages and provide attractive rates to house buyers. We will also provide the convenience of a faster turnaround time for home loan approval with our enhanced delivery channels .

England further stated that CIMB s partnership with Sime Darby Property is a win-win situation with consumers who will be able to access a wide range of financing products at the campaign.  By partnering prominent developers like Sime Darby Property, we are able to provide a convenient banking experience for house buyers , he added.

Among the products launched during the Parade of Homes are exclusive Bungalows at Bukit Jelutong with prices ranging from RM2.8m; Double Storey Link houses (20 X 65 ) at Bandar Bukit Raja with prices ranging from RM288,000; Super link double storey houses in Putra Heights with price ranging from RM668,000; Business suites in Melawati Urban 2 with the selling price from RM150, 000; Service Apartments in Melawati with prices ranging from RM140,000 and Semi-detached and double-storey link homes in Nilai Impian with the selling price from RM471,888 and RM 282,888 respectively.