Buying a home is often seen as a major life milestone — a symbol of success and stability. But in today’s economic climate, especially in Malaysia where property prices continue to climb and financial priorities are shifting, many are asking: Is it better to rent or to buy?
Use these 5 questions to find what fits you best.
1. Can I realistically afford to buy right now?
Buying a home costs more than just the listing price — there are several upfront and ongoing expenses you need to plan for:
Tips: Always compare your estimated monthly costs of owning versus renting. The difference might surprise you.
2. Am I ready to settle down — or do I need flexibility?
Think about your current life situation. Are you well-established in your job and community, or do you anticipate changes like career shifts, further studies, or starting a family?
Buying a home could be a smart move if you plan to stay put for several years — you’ll build equity over time and have the freedom to personalise your space.
However, if your future feels uncertain, renting gives you the flexibility to move or adapt without the hassle and costs of selling a property.
Read also: Master Your Budget: Steps, Importance & Tips
3. Am I ready to handle homeownership responsibilities?
Owning a home means taking care of repairs, handling the bills, maintenance, property taxes, and insurance. That can be time-consuming and costly.
When you rent, most of these responsibilities fall on your landlord. This means fewer worries and more time to enjoy your home — no leaking roofs or broken heaters to fix.
If you're not quite ready to juggle repairs, paperwork, and unexpected costs, renting might be the simpler, stress-free choice for now.
4. What’s the market like — and is now the right time to buy?
In many urban areas, the gap between renting and buying has widened. Take Mont Kiara, for example — a popular residential area in Kuala Lumpur.
- Renting a 3-bedroom condo: ~RM4,891/month
- Buying a similar unit: ~RM1.2-RM1.3 million
- Mortgage repayment: ~RM4,990/month (based on a 90% loan over 30 years at 4%)
- Maintenance fees: ~RM400/month
- Total ownership cost: ~RM5,390/month
(Source: Property listings on PropertyGuru as of June 2025)
That’s a difference of roughly RM400 to RM1,000 per month, depending on the unit type — not including upfront costs such as down payment, legal fees, and stamp duty. Ask yourself:
- Is the property market in the area fairly priced?
- Am I buying for long-term value or primarily for location?
- Could my money grow more if invested elsewhere instead of being tied up in property?
Renting and investing the resulting savings can sometimes leave you in a stronger financial position — especially when managed carefully.
5. Is this the lifestyle I want — or the one I can afford?
Sometimes we buy into the idea of owning a home before we’re financially ready — only to end up with long commutes, minimal space, and little room left in our budget.
Renting, on the other hand, may offer the lifestyle you want today — living closer to work, enjoying better facilities and being part of vibrant neighbourhoods.
If chasing your dream home means sacrificing too much today, it might be wiser to wait.
Read also: 5 Reasons Why You Should Save Money
How EPF can support your homeownership journey
If you’re leaning toward buying, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) offers several housing-related withdrawal options, including one that lets eligible members tap into their Akaun Sejahtera savings to help with down payments.
So, what’s right for you?
The decision to rent or buy isn’t about what society expects — it’s about what’s right for you. Renting isn't “throwing money away,” and buying isn’t always the smarter financial choice. Both come with pros and cons.
- Rent if you value flexibility, aren’t ready for long-term debt, or want to live in the city without being tied down.
- Buy if you’re ready to settle, eager to build equity, and have the financial stability to make it work.
Whether you rent or buy, the best decision is the one that supports your life today and the years ahead.
Read also: 6 Types Of EPF Housing Withdrawals