The middle income trap makes owning a home near impossible in the Klang Valley. This has been a major issue for this group of people who makes up 27.8% of the households in Malaysia in 2012, prompting the federal government to come up with several affordable housing schemes.
Where can the middle class afford to buy a home today? Affordability has worsened in the past year, as home prices have climbed faster than income.
It’s still possible but something’s got to give. In order to afford a house in the area, you need to re-prioritise your criteria – location, size, price?
We have scoured the property listings and here are a few properties in this sought after area that you could purchase if you are earning below RM4,000.
1. Town Villa, Taman Tasik Puchong, Puchong
Homeownership is made to seem like it’s completely out of reach for the middle class in the Klang Valley. However, if a home buyer can compromise on the location, they can still find a landed property right under their noses.
In an interview Star Property last year, the principal of MegaHarta Real Estate Sdn Bhd, Clement Ong predicted at least 10% increase in hot spots like Puchong, USJ, Shah Alam and Kepong. Due to property prices in prime areas like Petaling Jaya skyrocketing to beyond most buyers and investors’ budget, they have started looking elsewhere to invest in – making Puchong one of the fastest growing developing areas in Selangor.
Town Villa may be one of the few rare landed properties (townhouse) that is still below the half a million mark.
You will most likely be eligible for a loan amount of RM333,000 (90% margin of finance). However, you will need to commit to paying RM1,505 a month for the next 35 years, and come up with cash of at least RM15,500 for documentation cost and RM37,000 for down payment. That’s RM52,500 in cash!
2. I Residence, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya
If the most important criteria for you in finding your dream home is location, this one would top your list. It is perfect for both first time homebuyers and investors as the property prices in Kota Damansara have increased tremendously as more people are migrating into the area due to the abundance of amenities offered.
Furthermore, with the construction of six MRT stations in the township, property owners can expect the rental yield and property price to go up in the next few years.
This makes I Residence a good starter home.
Buying this property will mean paying RM1,456 a month for the next 35 years plus upfront cash of RM51,000 for down payment and other miscellaneous cost.
3. Ritze Perdana 1, Damansara Perdana
Started development in 1996, Damansara Perdana has since flourished into a bestselling township in Petaling Jaya, and has proven to have good capital appreciation and investment returns.
Ritze Perdana 1 offers one of the best bachelor pads in the Golden Triangle of Petaling Jaya. Conveniently situated near the exit to LDP and Penchala Link, staying in Ritze Perdana 1 is great for social butterflies who are constantly on the go.
However, will you be able to pay for a condo here in your current financial situation (perhaps, missing a few nights out will be worth it)?
Forking out RM1,220 every month may be worth your while in this up and coming town. With various developments mushrooming around you, you can be assured of the appreciation of your property in years to come.
However, you have to make sure you are financially ready to purchase a unit here, with RM43,000 in cash.
