Six steps to buying your first home in Klang Valley
1. Know how much deposit you need
Before you even begin looking for or viewing properties, you need to know how much you need to save for the deposit. Generally, we recommend saving up between 5 percent and 20 percent of the value of the property you intend to purchase.
2. Calculate the other costs
Other than monthly mortgage payments, you need to factor in many other costs before buying your first home, which include:
Survey costs
Initial costs related to furnishing and decorating
Removal costs
Solicitor's fee
Buildings insurance
Mortgage arrangement
Valuation fees
Stamp Duty.
3. Ensure you can afford a monthly mortgage
When you're buying a home for the first time, it is important to ensure that you can afford the monthly mortgage repayments.
It is recommended that you plan your budget before you consult us for zeroing in on a property. Mortgage lenders carry out stringent checks when you make a mortgage application. These checks relate to whether you're able to afford the mortgage and a stress test on your ability to repay the mortgage if interest rates rise or if there are changes in your circumstances, including starting a family or an approaching retirement date. While applying for a mortgage, you must provide proof of your income and show evidence of outgoings.
4. Start saving early
Now that you have an idea of the costs involved with respect to the deposit, monthly mortgage, and other costs, start saving up as soon as possible. You can begin putting a defined amount of money every month in your savings account, which would help you meet your home acquisition goal.
While you should, at the least, save up 10 percent of the property cost to secure a mortgage, 25 percent will get you access to the best mortgage deals.
5. Choose between leasehold and freehold
PropEasy can guide you on which types of ownership are prevalent in the neighbourhood of your interest and the one more suitable for your requirements. Generally, most standalone homes are of freehold type, while most apartment blocks in Kuala Lumpur are leasehold. While you are entirely responsible for the management and maintenance of a freehold property, the advantages are that there are no charges related to maintenance and concerns related to failure on the part of the landlord to maintain the building. As a freehold owner, you can also decide how you want to maintain your building's exterior and appearance.
6. Consult professional estate agents
Looking for a home for the first time in Kuala Lumpur can be challenging and requires considerable patience, diligence, and organization. With ever-changing housing market dynamics, it is important to consult a professional estate agent in Kuala Lumpur to find the best deals. Reputed agents ensure you are shown properties that best match your budget and other criteria.