The need to own a roof over our head has always been a fundamental aspect of any human civilisation. The question nowadays is whether to own or to rent is the best way to maximise your dollars and cents.

When we rent the requirement is usually much lower than when you are trying to buy your first home. In some countries like Germany, it’s actually cheaper to rent and more people rent than own their properties (Only 43% own their own homes according to data of 2013) And yet they have one of the housing satisfaction rate in the world at 93%. Some benefits of renting:

• Smaller capital requirement means you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Which leaves you with more disposable income so you can go to Starbucks and enjoy your Latte.
• Better location, because you can pick and choose those closest to your work place. Also you get an area where you are close to your favourite Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, Bak Kut Teh hmmm….choices

• Saves time, because you renting closer to work also enables you do much more, as you spend less time on the road.
• Pick and choose your the units when a project just OC(Around 2700 units in KK alone in 2016), many of the landlords are fighting for your rent money and you can basically call the shots(picking a unit same block as the MAS stewardess might not be a dream)

Then you buy a property which you can afford but is further away but still command good rent. Like one of my friend rented out his unit in PS for RM1800 while he rents AD for his own stay for RM2100. He gets subsidized housing and pay only RM300 more (2100-1800) to a place where is closer to his work place and SKIP the Jammm of Coastal Highway. Smart eh? 

There is a reason a Dream House is called a Dream House, because it is unlikely you will be able to buy your dream house right away. Save your bullets and work your way up. I am also renting my accommodation; I rented out my unit at FW and my own house in Kingfisher.

Propertykid. Always Learning. Always Investing.