Renovation works can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if the home does not meet the needs of today’s homebuyers.– UNSPLASH
Gamuda Land is geared up to design homes that stand the test of time for the community
IF YOU could own a property in the future, what would your ideal home encompass?
Do you dream of a chic open-plan loft with lots of natural light and captivating views of the bustling city? Or perhaps a spacious abode boasting top-notch security and expansive lawns for your beloved pets to frolic alongside your children?
What an ideal property is to someone, varies from person to person – after all, homes are more than just roofs over our heads; they are sanctuaries of safety and serenity, heavens of work and play, and a place where moments and memories are created with our loved ones.
According to the Selangor Voluntary Subnational Review 2022, a staggering 94% of the state’s population live in urban areas.
As this figure continues to grow, so does the demand for livable spaces to accommodate the expanding community.
So, when it comes to their ideal home, what kind of living spaces are future homebuyers looking for?
Spaces for furry friends
For Vivian Adram, who runs her own brand and marketing company A Vivid World, her vision of a future home is one that she can share with her seven furbabies – a dog and six cats.
Vivian, who is currently renting a small single-storey landed home in KL, says space is paramount for homeowners with pets.
“Currently, there is limited space for my dog Arthur to move around. We have a small garden, similar to many older properties in the city,” she says, adding that she chose this house, despite its age, over more affordable high-rise properties due to regulations that prohibit pets.
Pet owners often think of green spaces for their fur babies when searching for ideal homes.– UNSPLASH
The lack of space, she adds, can sometimes be an issue for Arthur, who at three-years of age is energetic, playful, and always craves to run around in open spaces.
Vivian usually takes him for walks around the neighbourhood, but she hardly ever lets him roam around off-leash, and for good reason – it’s a common concern among pet owners in high-density areas due to the risk of accidents involving vehicles.
Although her current residence has a back lane, it is far too narrow and poorly maintained for safe walks with her dog.
“As someone who owns a dog, it would be ideal if the landed property had something akin to a traffic-free, communal garden that is clean and well-maintained. Such a space would allow me to walk my dog with peace of mind.
“It will be a safer environment for Arthur, myself and other pets in the neighbourhood.”
Feline friendly
Many older homes, like Vivian’s, often feature standard room sizes, making it challenging to create dedicated spaces – in her case, a space for her cats.
“I can’t begin to tell you how many of my vases my cats have knocked down in my living room,” says Vivian with a chuckle.
The two bed-room unit she has doesn’t allow for a proper space for her cats to roam freely.
“If there was a flexible interior layout space, I could place a tiered cat tree or a scratching pole there for them, as well as a space for feeding,” she explains, pointing out that currently – with six cats, she sometimes places their bowls on her wide coffee table in the living room.
Like-minded community
Securing a home in a pet-friendly neighbourhood tops the bucket list of ideal homes for Foo Pei Ling, a fellow dog owner who co-parents a pug named Fat Tony with her husband, Stanley.
The couple, who are currently living in a 1,200sq ft high-rise, say despite being able to keep their furbaby in their apartment – dogs need plenty of space to run around and socialise.
“Though our schedule is hectic, we make it a point to drive out of our area, and brave the crazy traffic to take Fat Tony to dog-friendly parks for a walk,” says Foo.
Home-based entrepreneurs can anticipate developments that allow customisation of spaces to meet their business needs.– UNSPLASH
She adds that socialising for dogs is important as it helps them develop their confidence, and adapt to new environments.
“It would be really beneficial, if we live in an area where a dog-friendly park is just a walk away from our home.”
Living in an apartment with a pet, she says, has also magnified the need for a home with a private, spacious garden where Fat Tony can play while both she and Stanley are at work.
“We hate the idea of our beloved pet feeling anxious and caged up in an apartment,” explains Foo.
Harmonising home and work
The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the many options of looking at a home as a steady base, especially for people who run their own businesses like Ashwin Gobinath.
Ashwin – an award-winning producer, sound engineer and musician, previously paid hefty sums of money to rent a space for his recording sessions.
Today, he runs Nadir Studios from the small extra room in his rented single-storey house – something he hopes he can expand in his ideal home.
“I get many bands coming by my home to do recordings, and I admit, it can sometimes get a bit too cramped and uncomfortable recording in a small room,” he acknowledges.
He shares that he struggles to find adequate storage space for the numerous musical instruments used in recordings.
A spacious home that allows for him the flexibility of creating a larger space for a proper studio, would be a dream come true.
“I think if developers created a home with the flexibility to customise the space to my own liking, it would make it very practical for people like myself, who have home-based businesses to also turn part of the house into our office, or in my case – a studio.”
As a music producer, Ashwin is also accustomed to holding meetings with both clients and bands at his current home, which he currently hosts in his small living room.
“Creative people are always inspired by their surroundings.
“Ideally, if there was a lush garden or cool space with plenty of natural light and greenery within the home, I could use it as a zen meeting space for visiting musicians or clients to hang out, get inspired or discuss ideas.”
Security is also an important aspect for him, given the equipment he needs to produce music, ranging from speakers and instruments to recording equipment.
Ashwin points out that one of the cons of staying in his narrow rented semi-detached place now, is the lack of security.
“I’d sleep much better knowing that there are CCTV cameras on my street, or at least security patrolling the area.”
Developing holistic homes
Since 1995, Gamuda Land has developed holistic townships from Kota Kemuning and Valencia, to Gamuda Gardens, Gamuda Cove, and twentyfive7, prioritising environmental sustainability and community.
Their approach involves challenging norms and infusing fresh ideas through innovative and sustainable architecture to meet future homebuyers’ evolving needs.
What elements do you consider important in your future home?
Take the Gamuda Land survey and let them know how they can build better homes to suit your needs.
This article is brought to you by Gamuda Land.
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