Several years ago it looked like Ampang would continue to gradually slip, relative to the other exclusive residential suburbs of Kuala Lumpur such as Bangsar and Damansara Heights. The area’s traffic and the potential relocation of the embassies there to Putrajaya were concerns.

However, what we have instead seen is a remarkable revival due to a number of factors.

The economic activities and demand for luxury condos in the KLCC area, for one, have directly benefited neighbouring Ampang and encouraged the building of lowrise luxury condominiums benchmarks against the KLCC. And then there is the up-and-coming Duke Highway that will make access from suburbs of Mont’ Kiara, Damansara and Petaling Jaya significantly easier.

Traffic is still the issue, but with Ampang becoming increasingly vibrant, people are prepared to accept it. With regards to the embassies moving to Putrajaya, there is still no sign of it happening and they do not play as influential a role as they once did since the KLCC has further fused with Ampang, making demand for properties in the area increasingly KLCC-centered.

Despite recent price increases, rental yields in Ampang are still very strong due to largely to the presence of its growing expat community.

Ampang Hilir and U-Thant – the closest of Ampang’s enclaves to the KLCC – are in short of supply of residential units and in my view, this will remain for some time to come. Their closeness to the KLCC and the embassies, the presence of the Duke Highway, the fact that these enclaves cannot expand, and their demand from the expat market which support rents make their properties great long-term investments.

Damai and Titiwangsa are a little further out but now becoming sought after as Ampang Hilir and U-Thant become increasingly expensive.

Deeper down Jalan Ampang are Ukay Heights, Taman TAR and Hillview. In normal traffic, these places area around 20 minutes from KLCC, but are supported by their proximity to the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

Finally, Kemensah Heights and Zooview had a very slow start but are now picking up with number of gated communities springing up in them. Rental yields are excellent, supply is limited and demand looks set to grow.

For investors, the tip is to buy as close to the city centre as your budget allows.