Manage Expectations, Not all Property Is an Investment Win.
Buying a house is often filled with happiness and excitement, especially in the early stages. The thought of owning your own space and looking forward to moving in brings a sense of pride and anticipation.
Yet, every big-ticket item comes with its own set of expectations — and these can differ greatly between the developer and the purchaser. While the showroom unit may look picture-perfect, the reality of the actual outcome from materials, finishes, and workmanship often tells a different story once vacant possession is handed over.
In reality, sometimes there are “bitter” moments in owning a home.
Delays and defects in project completion can test the patience of even the most enthusiastic buyer, forcing families to juggle between extended costs and loan commitments. Upon finally receiving the keys, many discover defects ranging from minor cracks to major structural issues, adding more stress to what was supposed to be a joyful milestone.
Steps to Protect Oneself as a Purchaser
Do your research and check developers status before the commitment, track records, online reviews, past projects and financial stability.
Please read and understand your SPA and the fine print, especially on the terms of Defect Liability Period (DLP), delivery timelines and penalties. Get advice from your lawyer if you are unsure of the certain clauses that are unfamiliar.
Once vacant possession is in place, ensure all areas are checked for defects. If you are not sure on what to check, there are always professional inspectors that will assist on this for a fee.
As a house buyer, you need to know your rights. Malaysian law provides protection for residential homebuyers under the Housing Development Act 1966 (HDA 1966), it is mainly to protect purchasers of residential properties (houses, apartments, condos, etc.) from developers and it is strictly only for residential. As for purchasers of Commercial and Retail Units they are generally NOT covered under HDA 1966.
Also be aware of your tribunal access, for residential properties its jurisdiction is under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, there is a Tribunal called Homebuyers Claim Tribunal or known as Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah (TTPR), therefore if there is any claims between developer and purchaser, one may seek to refer to these government agencies.
Purchasers have to be ready as purchasing their initial home, there will be hidden costs, such as maintenance fees, renovation expenses, and unplanned repairs often add up quickly, surprising first-time buyers who did not budget for them.
One has to be ready to accept that no home is 100% perfect, but being prepared allows you to handle setbacks with less frustration. Mismatch between expectations and reality is common be it workmanship, layout, or promised facilities, as it can leave buyers feeling shortchanged. Therefore the key is to manage expectations and its outcomes.
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