PROPERTYGURU SURVEY REVEALS 77 PCT OF MALAYSIANS CONSIDER CLIMATE RISKS WHEN BUYING HOMES

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Data from PropertyGuru’s 2024 survey revealed that 77 per cent of Malaysians consider climate risks when purchasing a home.

PropertyGuru Group head of sustainability Cecile Corda said the company views community safety and well-being as increasingly at risk due to the rising frequency of extreme weather events, which significantly affect properties.

“That is why we have embedded climate risk analytics into our platform,” she said at a media briefing here today.

As part of the Malaysia survey, Corda said PropertyGuru provides historical disaster data, such as records of past floods and landslides, to help guide informed decision-making among homebuyers.

“We are also partnering with an intensive climate risk provider to deliver advanced modelling and climate risk assessment,” she added.

Today, PropertyGuru released its ‘Sustainability Report 2024’ from a survey conducted in the second half of 2024, with responses from 1,181 Malaysians.

With nearly 63 per cent of the total population of Southeast Asia expected to live in urban areas by 2050, the report outlines how PropertyGuru is leveraging data, digital tools, and strategic partnerships to drive positive impact across the housing ecosystem.

According to the survey, 83 per cent of Malaysians are willing to pay a premium for a home with sustainable features, prioritising benefits such as reduced utility costs, improved climate resilience, and long-term value retention.

With 32 million monthly visits from property seekers and 50,000 active real estate agents across the region, PropertyGuru delivers new platform innovations and data-driven insights that directly address pressing challenges of the property market.

Meanwhile, PropertyGuru Malaysia country manager Kenneth Soh said areas like Kota Emerald, Rawang, Selangor; Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah; and Ulu Kelang have recorded more than 100 per cent year-on-year search growth, driven by affordability and value.

“Our data shows a clear shift in where Malaysians are searching for homes. This reflects a growing concern among buyers, especially those aged 25 to 34, 60 per cent of whom believe prices will continue to rise.

“To meet this demand, the industry must not only keep affordability in focus but also rethink how sustainable features can be integrated into mid-market and rental segments,” he added.

Moreover, Soh emphasised that the future of housing in Malaysia hinges on how quickly policymakers and developers can make sustainable living a realistic option for the majority, not just a premium few.

“PropertyGuru remains dedicated to playing its part by equipping home seekers and industry stakeholders with actionable insights, promoting inclusivity in housing, and supporting initiatives that help make sustainable living more accessible to all,” he added.

-- BERNAMA