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In recent years, Malaysia’s property market has been seeing a new trend. The younger generation, known as Generation Z (Gen Z), is changing how people in Johor Bahru choose homes. This blog explains what Gen Z wants when they look for houses, why they prefer certain types of homes, and how this affects Johor Bahru’s real estate.
Table of Contents
Who is Gen Z?
Gen Z is the group of people born roughly between 1997 and 2012. Most of them are in their late teens and early twenties now. Many have started working or are finishing school or university. They are different from older generations because they grew up with the internet, smartphones, and social media. These experiences shape what they want in a home.
Johor Bahru: The City Setting
Johor Bahru is a growing city in southern Malaysia. It is very close to Singapore and has many new buildings and housing projects. The city is popular with young people because it offers jobs, schools, shopping centers, and entertainment. But housing prices and choices in Johor Bahru are different from bigger cities like Kuala Lumpur. This means the Gen Z in Johor Bahru have their unique preferences, which we will explore.
What Type of Homes Does Gen Z in Johor Bahru Prefer?
The Rise of High-Rise Living
Unlike older Malaysians who prefer landed homes (houses with their own land), many Gen Z people in Johor Bahru prefer apartments or condominiums. These are called “high-rise homes” because the buildings are tall, often with many floors.
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Why Do They Like High-Rises?
- Affordability: Condominiums usually cost less than landed homes. For example, buying a condominium costs less money upfront than buying a terrace house.
- Convenience: High-rise buildings are often near workplaces, schools, and shopping malls. This means less time and money on travel.
- Amenities: Condominiums offer facilities like swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds, and security guards. These features make living comfortable and fun.
- Community: Many condominiums try to create a social environment with lounges, rooftop gardens, and events that help young people meet and make friends.
Why Are Landed Homes Less Popular Among Gen Z?
Landed homes include terrace houses, semi-detached houses, and bungalows. They are usually bigger and come with their own garden or yard.
Challenges for Gen Z in Owning Landed Homes
- Higher Price: Landed homes in Johor Bahru often cost significantly more than condos. Many young buyers cannot afford them yet.
- Monthly and Maintenance Costs: Owning a landed house means higher monthly bills for utilities and more work to keep the house in good condition. This includes fixing the roof, gardening, and cleaning outside.
- Location Issues: Many landed houses are in suburbs far from the city center. This increases travel time and transport costs.
- Less Social Interaction: Landed homes usually do not provide the community feel that condominiums can offer.
Cost Comparison: Condo vs Landed Home in Johor Bahru
Let’s explain how much it costs to live in a condominium versus a landed home and why Gen Z tends to choose condos for cost reasons.
Purchase Price
- The price to buy a condominium unit can be around RM300,000 to RM450,000 for a decent-sized unit.
- In comparison, a landed terrace house in a good area can cost RM500,000 or more.
- Bigger landed homes, such as semi-detached or bungalows, can cost over RM1,000,000.
Monthly Expenses
- Condominiums require monthly fees called “service charges.” These cover things like cleaning, security, and pool maintenance. This fee typically ranges from RM250 to RM500 per month.
- Landed homes do not have service charges but require money and effort for gardening, repairs, and waste disposal.
- Utility bills (electricity, water) tend to be higher for landed homes because they are bigger.
Maintenance
- Condo owners don’t have to worry about maintaining the exterior of the building or communal areas.
- Landed home owners pay and manage all repairs, from fixing roofs to maintaining fences and gardens.
Summary of Cost Benefits for Condos
Because of the lower purchase price and predictable monthly fees, living in a condominium is more affordable overall for most young people in Johor Bahru. This is a big reason why more than 80% of Gen Z buyers prefer condos over landed homes.
Lifestyle Preferences of Gen Z in Johor Bahru
Apart from finances, lifestyle plays a large role in housing choice for Gen Z.
Desire for Modern Living
Gen Z wants smart homes with digital features like fast internet, smart security systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Many condominiums are now designed with these modern needs in mind.
Social and Recreational Facilities
Young people value having amenities where they can relax and socialize. Condos usually offer:
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Swimming pools
- BBQ areas and party rooms
- Gardens and parks
- Co-working spaces
Convenient Location
Johor Bahru’s Gen Z prefers to live near job centers or with easy access to public transport, shopping malls, cafes, and universities.
Future Outlook: How Gen Z Will Shape Johor Bahru’s Housing Market
As more Gen Zers enter the workforce and start families, their housing preferences will influence the market strongly.
- Developers are responding by building more affordable condominiums with trendy designs.
- There is growing interest in mixed-use developments that combine homes, shops, and entertainment.
- Some Gen Z buyers currently choose condos but plan to buy landed homes as they grow older and earn more.
Tips for Gen Z Homebuyers in Johor Bahru
- Set a realistic budget: Consider not just the purchase price but monthly fees and maintenance costs.
- Look for developments with good facilities: These add value and improve lifestyle.
- Choose locations with good transport: This saves time and money.
- Think about the future: If you plan to grow your family, consider if you want to move to a bigger home later.
- Research financing options: Many banks offer special loans for first-time buyers.
Conclusion
Gen Z in Johor Bahru is changing the housing market by favoring affordable, convenient, and modern apartment living over traditional landed homes. This preference is driven by cost, lifestyle, and urban access. Developers and the property market need to understand this shift to meet the demands of the next generation effectively.
resources:
- https://www.starproperty.my/news/navigating-gen-z-s-shift-from-renting-to-home-ownership/129596
- https://www.mrmoneytv.com/post/which-is-better-landed-property-vs-high-rise-in-malaysia
- https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/01/young-malaysians-shun-landed-homes-as-study-shows-generational-shift-in-housing-trends/189615
- https://ringgitfreedom.com/property/the-true-cost-of-owning-property-in-malaysia/
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