PETALING JAYA (Sept 26): A survey conducted by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) showed that homebuyers regard digital network coverage as one of the top five factors that influence their property purchase, higher than a developer’s reputation.

The other top five factors are the price of the property, capital appreciation potential, availability of public transport and higher loan eligibility, Rehda president Datuk Soam Heng Choon said at a media briefing today.

Meanwhile, issues that are relatively less regarded by today’s buyers are developers’ reputation; developers’ incentives; freehold tenure; good recreational space; perimeter fence or security; access and proximity to highways; close to workplace; and close to amenities such as groceries, shoplots, etc.

“Times have changed. The first thing young people look at is a good digital network coverage. No broadband or LTE connection, not buying,” said Soam.

“Developers’ reputation is also not important. You can buy from anyone as long as there is good digital coverage,” he quipped.

The survey was carried out during the three-day Home Ownership Campaign-Malaysia Property Expo (HOC-Mapex) 2019 event at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre in April this year.

A total of 1,411 visitors to the event responded took part in the survey, of which 74% of them are aged between 20 and 39 while the remaining 26% are 40 to 60 years old and above. Malaysians made up 99% of the number of respondents while the remaining were foreigners.

Soam pointed out that properties priced RM500,000 and below were the most popular category among the respondents, with 80% of them looking to buy these properties.

As for the monthly instalment budget, 81% of the respondents have a budget of RM2,500 and below, he said, adding that 62% of the respondents were looking to buy property within the next two years.