KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — A silent but powerful shift is happening in Malaysia’s housing market — and it’s being led by Gen Z. Unlike their parents and grandparents, young Malaysians today are looking up — quite literally — when it comes to buying their first homes.
According to a new study by property group Juwai IQI, four out of five Gen Z buyers are choosing condominiums or apartments over traditional landed homes. This isn’t just a trend — it’s a generational shift that could reshape how Malaysian cities grow in the next few decades.
“Gen Z are buying into the skyline, while Millennials and Gen X keep their feet on the ground,” said Kashif Ansari, co-founder and CEO of Juwai IQI.
The study, which analysed over 127,000 transactions since 2018, found that 84% of Gen Z buyers prefer high-rise living. In comparison, just 16% opt for landed properties. Their reasons? Location, convenience, affordability — and a lifestyle that matches their ambitions.
Gen Z wants to live closer to work, public transport, and social amenities. With urban life becoming more fast-paced, many young professionals see value in living where everything is just an elevator ride or a short walk away.
Meanwhile, older generations still have a foot in tradition. Generation X — mostly in their 40s and 50s — still prefer landed homes like terraces and duplexes, even though 75% of their transactions are also high-rise units. Boomers (aged 60–80) are increasingly moving to condominiums for easier upkeep, and the very elderly (80+) are almost exclusively choosing units — 93% of their purchases were in high-rise buildings.
Kashif highlighted a key insight: these choices reflect life stages more than preferences alone. Families prioritize space, while younger buyers value access and affordability.
And affordability matters. According to the data, living in a high-rise unit can be up to RM1,200 cheaper per month than owning a detached home — a critical factor for many first-time buyers.
“Every generation has its preferences, and by recognising and responding to them, Malaysia can continue to provide homes that meet the needs of all its people,” Kashif added.
Interestingly, even though Gen Z is driving demand for high-rise living, the majority of Malaysia’s housing stock is still landed — 69% of homes in 2024, according to the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC).
But with nearly nine million Gen Z Malaysians, this group will continue to shape housing trends for at least the next 20 years. As they grow, settle down, and upgrade to larger homes — perhaps even landed ones in the future — their choices will influence how our cities and suburbs evolve.
This isn’t just about where people live — it’s about how an entire generation is redefining urban life in Malaysia.
