Finding the right house for yourself isn’t easy. In the market, there are many different types of housing that cater to buyers’ preferences, ranging from condominiums, service apartments, landed townhouses, terrace houses, semi-Ds to bungalows.
So, what kind of housing suits you? That depends on factors like your age group, lifestyle and background.
Some people select residences based on location, affordability and family size while others look for design factors, security and type of development – either freehold or leasehold, and strata or non-strata.
There are a few factors for consideration when it comes to purchasing the type of housing that meets your needs. It is important to weigh these factors carefully before deciding.
Where would you like your house to be? In the city centre, the countryside, or in between? Do you want it to be nearer to your workplace or closer to your parent’s house? These will be among the main factors to consider when choosing the location of your home.
Some people like their house to be closer to their workplace in the city, while others choose to travel longer distances out of the city centre due to lower house prices there. You may also be able to get a bigger abode if your house is further away from the city centre.
The type of house you end up buying naturally depends on your budget. There are different housing loans available in the market based on what you can afford.
People with a bigger budget may choose landed properties, while others may opt for condominiums. There are also high-end condominiums that provide various facilities and amenities and are located in prime locations, which require a bigger budget.
Do you like to stay on the ground or up in the sky? Highrise living comes with facilities while landed houses offer other conveniences.
Some people like to enjoy sweeping views of the city, greenery and significant landmarks. Others, especially the older generation, prefer to live on the ground for various reasons, including convenience and the feeling of owning the land rather than a parcel like a condo.
Owning a landed unit also allows the owner to have a big front area to park their cars and for entertainment purposes. However, some highrises also provide a large terrace space to allow the homeowner to experience the outdoors.
The size of your family is an important factor when it comes to getting a home.
Some newlywed couples may consider getting a studio-style condo before changing to a bigger house when they have children. Others may choose a condo with more rooms to cater to future additions to the family.
There are also condominiums that provide a flexible layout that allows the homeowner to transform their house plan according to their needs and lifestyle.
If your parents will be staying with you, that would affect your housing choice.
Elderly folks prefer to stay in single-floor designs rather than multiple-floor layouts. If you opt for a double- or triple-storey house, allocating a room for the elderly on the ground floor is important.
House designs that incorporate universal accessibility are a plus point for elderly buyers. As for families with kids, children’s safety and needs will be the key points that affect the decision of the buyer.
The design of the house is a key aspect that influences one’s decision when choosing their home.
Mature buyers tend to like classic colonial styles or tropical designs, while the younger generation would go for a more modern and simple look.
When it comes to layout, a good one will be able to meet the homeowner’s preferences in terms of practicality and aesthetics.
Many people prefer to live in gated and guarded communities these days because of their secure environment. Developments with full CCTV and registration systems offer another layer of security and safety for residents.
Strata title developments are normally well maintained, where residents can enjoy good facilities and amenities amidst a beautiful environment and greenery.
However, residents will need to pay regular maintenance fees and any house renovation will be subject to guidelines and restrictions by the management.
Whether a unit is freehold or leasehold is another important criteria when choosing your home.
A freehold property means the buyer will own the title or the land and house grant, while a leasehold means the land will be leased to the owner for a certain period, after which the owner can extend the lease, or if the land is required by the authorities, then it will be taken over by them.
Some home buyers tend to have more confidence in the work of certain developers.
This is because the products delivered by these developers may have gained market confidence in many aspects, such as building the project according to schedule and having a high construction standard.
A good township and a well-developed neighbourhood are important elements in attracting buyers. A township reduces the need for one to travel far to meet their daily needs. Meanwhile, people like to stay in a mature neighbourhood because it is well equipped with facilities and amenities.
Edric Choo is the principal of Choo Poo Liang Architect and director of O2 Design Atelier. He is a professional architect registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and a committee member with Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM). He obtained his B. Arch from Universiti Malaya (UM) and a BSc in Housing Building & Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is a part-time tutor for Master’s students in UM and a visiting guest critic at various local universities.
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