Considering the current economic climate, the launch of double-storey link houses by Sime-UEP was well received by buyers and investors.

About 300 registrants turned up this week to ballot for 119 units of the Mahogany double-storey link houses in Putra Heights.

''This is encouraging, given the challenging business environment the industry faces at the moment,'' said Datuk Mohamed Haji Said, managing director of SIME-UEP Properties Berhad.

He anticipates that the incentives contained in the economic stimulus package for the property industry, announced by the Prime Minister recently, will further boost demand for properties and increase the confidence level of the real estate industry and the property sector in general.

Mohamed said the company’s record as a reliable developer with zero abandoned project and ''on-time delivery'' has given it an edge over its competitors.

''The fact that homes in Putra Heights are freehold and built on former plantation land adds to the attractiveness and value of these properties,'' he said.

Developed in November 1999, Putra Heights is expected to be completed within the next five years. The development, which adjoins the USJ township, will house about 11,500 units of residential and commercial properties.

The Mahogany houses, with gross built-up area of 1,290 sq ft to 1,470 sq ft, cost between RM179,888 and RM203,888.