Written by Dave Platter, Global PR Director

New data from IQI, based on over 127,000 property transactions since 2018, reveals a striking generational divide in Malaysia’s housing preferences. Gen Z is overwhelmingly choosing condos or apartments, with more than 80% of their purchases in high-rise units. In contrast, Gen X and Millennials still show a strong preference for landed homes such as terraces and detached houses. The generational split suggests a broader shift in lifestyle priorities and urban living trends, with younger Malaysians leaning toward vertical living in city-centric environments.

Juwai IQI Group CEO Kashif Ansari explains that housing choices closely follow age patterns. Younger buyers in their 20s gravitate toward units, while those in their 30s to 50s typically in the family-raising stage tend to prefer landed properties. Interestingly, older Malaysians in their 60s and above are once again opting for units, likely for reasons related to convenience, downsizing, or accessibility. This trend highlights a lifecycle-based approach to homeownership across generations.

Despite Gen Z’s strong preference for units, landed homes continue to dominate Malaysia’s housing market overall. In 2024, 69% of the country’s 64.7 million homes were landed, and they accounted for 79% of total transactions. While high-rise living is on the rise, especially among younger generations, landed properties remain foundational to Malaysia’s housing landscape, illustrating the continued importance of offering both property types to meet evolving lifestyle needs.