Homebuyers` perspectives on the housing market of urban area in Perak

Abstract

The research aimed to identify the issues faced by the homebuyers in Perak. Five problems highlighted in this research based on the literature review were; (1) lack of affordable housing (2) uncontrolled housing price that leads to price fluctuations (3) mismatch of housing demand and supply, (4) lack of enforcement on the development control and process; and (5) lack of housing database. The objectives of this study are (1) to identify the perspective of homebuyers in buying a house in Perak, (2) to analyse the housing supply and housing stock in Perak, (3) to assess the housing policies and practices in Perak and (4) to make recommendations on the issues identified in Perak. In reference to the literature review, there are various factors that influenced the homebuyers’ decision in buying a house such as (1) Housing type; (2) Facilities and amenities; (3) Price; (4) Location, (5) Safety; (6) Living Space and (7) Design. The data for the research was collected through a questionnaire survey and document analysis. A questionnaire survey was distributed to 1,371 respondents. The study found that the price of housing is the most important factor that influences the homebuyers’ decision in buying a house. Besides that, there are other various important issues identified, which burden the homebuyers and housing sector in Perak from the data that have been collected. Recommendations, therefore, include (1) improvement of the existing state housing policy, (2) closer monitoring on the implementation of low-cost and affordable housing, (3) establishment on the affordable housing buyers’ registration and improve the current low-cost housing registration system and (4) develop a ‘housing support centre’ to help population to access housing programme. Finally, this research is hoped to benefit the local authorities in the planning of the house. Every level of income should have access to housing as it is the basic need in life.