In this episode, we would be answering a question from a Singaporean audience regarding her property hunting journey in Johor Bahru.  In Malaysia, there are quite a handful of regulations surrounding foreigners buying property locally. I think most probably it's a good time to discuss about this in my next episode=)

I'm super proud as many audience took action and now they've became new landlords. But it's their first time so this would be a guide for new property owners.  Hereby I share step by step things that property owners need to know such as finding out the best rate, whether to rent out yourself or you want to engage agents, then what to look out in the tenancy agreements.  For any questions regarding real estate, do email me at [email protected]

I've had the opportunity to conduct a class at INTI university and the truth was shocking. The level of ignorance youngsters have towards real estate just caught me by surprise. Also, the media is always talking about how bad is the current property market, houses are way beyond affordable of the people and etc... These just killed off most of their interest towards one of the greatest asset class a person could have.   Therefore, for a young graduate... I would suggest to NOT invest into property just yet as flexibility should be their top priority. They will be exploring different career paths and lifestyle, trying to figure out their purpose. Most importantly, I would suggest to first have the ability to produce income streams prior to investing.   Hope this piece would resonate with some of the youth who are listening=)

In the episode, we will address a question from Christopher. For any question, please email me, [email protected] 

He explained that he has done his research, saved up capital, and now he really wants to start this property investment journey. I suggested him to first define his objective of his investment, whether to go for capital appreciation or rental cashflow. 

As he has cash, I also suggested him to go for sub-sale property to get more certainty in his investment, as well as to observe the direction of government towards promoting the property market. 

Something that I truly love, the art of composing planes to form livable homes. However, it may be a foreign concept on what are the components that are within the consideration of architecture. 

From macro to micro, town planning seems to be most neglected part of basic considerations. It's always taken for granted as well planned townships always perform better than individual pockets of land. They will need to integrate the usage of land with the circulation design, and balance that against density, whether calculated based on plot ratio, or units per acre. 

Then we move into the entrance statement, carpark, floor layouts, unit layouts, common areas... but often enough buyers only focus on the facility deck and facade of the building. That's why marketing puts in a lot of effort in designing those areas but does it really matter to the performance of the property? 

It's the season for the upcoming wedding marathons and I've noticed that most of my friends are buying a property so they can get married.  Property has been my passion and interest but apparently it means eligibility for marriage. Well it does signifies maturity and ability to take care of the other half... but what about the debts?  My concern is young peeps getting their dream home as their first property and most of the time, the top choice is a landed terrace. This results in one part of the relationship that works entirely for the monthly installment. What about the maintenance? Car? Utility? And living?  So my take is to encourage young couples to be practical about the choice of property that's within their financial means. Don't be pushing yourselves too much just to have extra rooms that you don't need. And there's totally nothing wrong about renting a room as a couple. Just be glad that you guys found each other early=)

As the baby boomers and Gen X has truly experience the benefit of property investment, they are so cash rich now that they are doing in for their children as well. This results in unexpected outcomes where the children came to me complaining why their parents force them to lock down their income, on the other side creating ignorant and entitled teenagers. 

Then as a child, what's your take on taking money from your parent's EPF account to invest in your 2nd or 3rd property? My concerns would be to invest using your parent's nest egg, which is the only last resort left that they built their entire life. And you're using that just because you 'think' that this project can increase in price. Hmm... 

As always, let me know what you think by emailing to [email protected]

As I've visited many new developments located away from the city, I came across the subject of would you prefer living in the suburbs versus city centre at the same price? 

This will include factors beyond architectural preference where elements such as family planning, current stage in life, family influence, investment risk appetite and etc. 

Once again, this is another discussion topic where it's dependent on personal preference and I can't wait to hear from the audience. 

This is one of the most frequent asked question when at the same price,  do I pick a 3 bedroom unit at level 7 or a 2 bedroom unit at level 34? Here I will share my thought process of selection as there's no definite right or wrong answer for this. Enjoy=)