Property Hunter Magazine Issue 64 2015 | Page 88

HOT TOPIC | First Home Buyers: Is Generation-Y’s Future at Stake? ROY CHIEW H e was in his late teens when he began thinking about investing in property. For Roy, it was something that happened naturally. He was exposed to an early education in property investment by both his parents who were active in the property market. With their help and a long-term financial plan, Roy purchased his first property last year at 25, which he intends to occupy while working on his future investment plans. Roy shares his experience and some tips for new investors. What criteria do you use before making the final decision on which property to invest in? Location, price, potential, layout, design, density, developer. But the final criteria that will determine any purchase is whether I can afford it or not. My advice to someone who is interested in investing in property is to make sure you can afford it, never over-gear yourself. Always be clear what is the primary purpose of you getting the property - for investment or own use – as It will influence your decision. 88 www.PropertyHunter.com.my Do you agree that a person must be very knowledgeable and experienced about the property market before making the first purchase? It depends. One must be quite knowledgeable, experienced and well financed when it comes to speculating. But for own use and normal investment, just a lot of commonsense would go a long way. Investing in property is a longterm commitment. Do you think our younger generation fear this and just want things right now? Yes and no, I don’t think the younger generation fear long-term commitment. I think they fear security in the future in terms of monetary security, job security, government stability, social security. I think if the younger generation can see a stable future, they will be more willing to commit to investment. The Malaysian government has initiated several schemes to allow the people to own affordable housing. Can this be a good option for our vV