By Zul Othman

Despite news of Singaporeans being victims of crime in Johor, more are snapping up houses for less than half of what they would cost here.

Even a daily commute to work or faraway schools is not a deterrent - as long as they go home to a mansion.

Beautiful homes in Malaysia Click on thumbnail to view (Photo: TNP, The Star/ANN)

The lure of living large for less has drawn more Singaporeans to Johor.

About 5,000 Singaporeans now call Johor home, estimates the Johor-Singapore Community Care Association, a newly formed group that aims to champion the interests of Singaporeans living across the Causeway.

Mr Stephen Santhanaraj, 65, moved to East Ledang estate in Nusajaya, located west of Johor Baru, four months ago after he sold the family's 1,600 sq ft semi-detached house in Sembawang Park.

He declined reveal how much he sold it for.

For now, he and his wife, Madam Patricia Prathibha, who is in her 40s, call a rented two-storey, four-bedroom corner terrace house in the gated community home.

But soon, the couple will move into a five-bedroom, 6,500 sq ft bungalow in the same area, bought for RM1.3 million ($521,000).

They are part of the influx of Singaporeans after the Iskandar Malaysia project - which aims to make Johor into an economic powerhouse - was mooted six years ago, said two property agents here.

They had previously been contracted by Malaysian developers to market the homes to Singaporeans.

"I see more Singaporeans buying houses in Johor Baru compared to five years ago," says Mr Anuar Mohd Saad, 48, a sales manager with Broswell Property Consultant.