Property Hunter Magazine Issue 91 - August 2017 | Page 31

Besides that, the respondents were asked whether or not they found it difficult to obtain a housing loan due to the selling price of the property. Based on this question, 97% percent of the respondents say yes that they found it difficult to obtain a certain loan amount due to house price. In addition, respondents were also asked if the house price in Kota Kinabalu is expensive or not, and if so, why? Options of reasons were given and they can select more than one possible reason. Based on this survey exercise, the findings indicate that 79% think that houses in Kota Kinabalu are expensive and the selling price is being set as high/ too high. 35% attributes it to materials and or other costs that have increased overtime. 12% believe that it is due to the fact that the demand for houses in Kota Kinabalu is greater than the supply of houses. Moreover, 2% of the respondents think that the price of property in Kota Kinabalu is not expensive, hence no reasons were given. Furthermore, the study asked respondents’ opinion whether or not the supply of low cost housing in Kota Kinabalu or neighboring districts is sufficient to meet the demands of people working in Kota Kinabalu. The survey findings indicate that 94% believe low cost housing supply is not sufficient. In relation to this, a general question was also asked whether or not house supply in Kota Kinabalu or neighboring districts of Kota Kinabalu in sum are sufficient for people in The researcher would like to propose a more as to ensure more people be able to own a Kota Kinabalu. The findings of the survey comprehensive study to be conducted in Kota house. Indeed, the efforts by the government show that 25% believe that it is sufficient Kinabalu and Sabah as a whole to examine and private sector to provide more affordable while the rest thinks it is not sufficient. whether or not the house price in Sabah is housing must be supported. Based on the preliminary study, it is clear expensive and to check whether or not the that generally the millennial thinks that supply of property is not sufficient, causing house price in Kota Kinabalu is expensive prices to be expensive. This is in addition to and the supply of houses is not sufficient. the previous study conducted by Khazanah However, the findings do not suggest that it Research Institute last few years. In addition, is 100% correct since it is just the views of 400 the study would like to propose that more respondents. affordable houses be developed in Sabah so Dr Rafiq Idris Dr Rafiq Idris is an economist, Senior Lecturer from Financial Economics Program, Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. He is known for his research on trade, health economics and expertise in Trans- Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). www.PropertyHunter.com.my 31