Rising rent, inconsistent salaries, and the pressure to “have it all together” make buying a house before 30 feel like a long shot for many Gen Zs.
But that does not mean it is out of reach. With smart financial habits, consistent effort, and the right tools, you can turn homeownership from a dream into a real goal.
Whether you are just starting your career or a few years into adulthood, these five practical, proven strategies will help you control of your finances, grow your savings, and move closer to owning your first home before 30.
How to Own a Home Before 30:
1. Control Your Daily Expenses
Daily spending can quietly drain your finances without you even noticing.
That RM15 coffee, the weekly food deliveries, random late-night shopping carts. They add up fast.
While you do not need to cut out everything you enjoy, being mindful of your spending is step one in saving for bigger goals.
Why it matters 💡:
If you do not track where your money is going, you cannot improve how you manage it.
Small, repeated expenses are often what stand between people and their savings goals.
Tips to try ✍🏻:
- Track every expense for 30 days using budgeting tools like YNAB, Money Lover, or Spendee.
- Categorise your spending into “needs,” “wants,” and “savings.”
- 50% of your income goes to essential needs (rent, groceries, bills).
- 30% is for non-essentials and lifestyle (shopping, eating out, entertainment).
- 20% should go directly into savings or debt repayment.
3. Reduce non-essential expenses:
- Brew coffee at home instead of buying it daily.
- Cook in bulk and reduce reliance on food delivery.
- Limit impulsive online shopping. Use a 24-hour “cooling off” period before checkout.
- Even redirecting RM10 to RM15 a day into savings could result in over RM3,000 per year. This is a significant step toward your future home deposit.
2. Start a Dedicated Saving Fund (Tabung)
It is one thing to want to save. It is another to have a clear system that makes saving automatic and hard to ignore.
Creating a dedicated “house fund” sets a clear goal and makes the process feel more real and achievable.
Why it matters 💡:
Having a separate fund (or tabung) for your house savings ensures that your progress is not mixed in with everyday spending.
It builds financial discipline and helps you track your growth.
Tips to try ✍🏻:
- Open a separate high-interest savings account (such as a “Tabung Rumah” or high-yield savings option) that is not connected to your main bank app.
2. Automate a monthly transfer on payday, even if it is just RM100 to start. Consistency matters more than size.
3. Keep this fund “out of sight” to reduce the urge to dip into it.
4. Use tools that “round up” your purchases and send the spare change to your savings.
Bonus for Malaysian readers:
Look into government programmes such as:
- BSN MyHome (Skim Perumahan Belia).
- EPF i-Saraan for voluntary contributors.
These programmes often offer down payment assistance, lower interest rates, or even contribution matching for eligible young buyers.
3. Learn About Financial Literacy
Understanding money is the foundation of building long-term wealth.
Many Gen Zs were never taught how credit works, how interest builds, or how to qualify for a home loan.
The good news is that you can learn all of this, starting now.
Why it matters 💡:
Financial literacy empowers you to make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and take advantage of opportunities like government grants or tax incentives.
Tips to try ✍🏻:
Educate yourself on:
- Credit scores and how they impact your mortgage application.
2. Different types of home loans (fixed versus variable, conventional versus Islamic).
3. First-time buyer incentives such as stamp duty waivers or reduced rates.
4. Follow finance content creators who explain money in real, relatable ways. For example:
- @RinggitOhRinggit (Malaysia-focused)
- @TheSimpleSum (Southeast Asia-focused)
Sign up for free webinars, e-courses, or financial talks offered by banks, real estate agencies, or even local governments.
Remember, you do not need to be an expert. You only need to be informed enough to protect yourself and make good choices.
4. Build Additional Income Streams
Your salary alone might not be enough to fast-track your savings. That is okay.
The solution is to build small, manageable side income streams that support your savings goals without overwhelming you.
Why it matters 💡:
A second income stream increases your financial resilience and gives you more flexibility to reach big goals faster.
This is especially important for something as significant as a house deposit.
Tips to try ✍🏻:
Start with your strengths or passions:
- Freelance (writing, design, tutoring, virtual assistance).
2. Sell items on Carousell, Shopee, or Instagram shops.
3. Manage social media accounts, edit videos, or teach skills online.
Make a rule that 100 percent of side hustle income goes straight into your house savings fund.
Choose sustainable options. Do not sacrifice sleep or mental health to make a few extra ringgits.
If you are not interested in side hustles, consider other low-effort options such as investing in REITs, offering digital products, or taking part in online studies.
5. Make Strategic Lifestyle Decisions
The biggest savings do not come from skipping coffee lattes. They come from making smart decisions about how you live.
Where you choose to live, whether you lease a car, and how quickly you upgrade your lifestyle can make or break your homeownership timeline.
Why it matters 💡:
Cutting major expenses gives you more breathing room to save.
Avoiding long-term liabilities, such as large car loans or lifestyle debt, can drastically shorten your path to owning property.
Tips to try ✍🏻:
- If possible, live with family a little longer to save on rent, or consider flat-sharing.
2. Avoid buying a car unless necessary. Car loans, fuel, insurance, and maintenance can take up a large portion of your income.
3. As your income grows, avoid “lifestyle inflation”. Instead of upgrading everything, channel that extra money into your savings.
4. Delay large, non-essential purchases, such as luxury tech or overseas trips, until you have reached key savings milestones.
Every major lifestyle choice you make in your twenties can either move you closer to a home or further away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much should I save each month to buy a house before 30?
Aim to save at least 20 percent of your monthly income, or as much as your budget comfortably allows.
2. Is it necessary to open a separate savings account for my house fund?
Yes, having a separate account helps you track progress and reduces the temptation to spend the money.
3. Can side hustles really make a difference in saving for a house?
Yes, even small side incomes can significantly boost your savings when consistently directed toward your house fund.
4. What is one of the biggest financial mistakes to avoid when trying to buy a house?
Avoid taking on large debts, such as unnecessary car loans, which can slow down your ability to save for a home.
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, IQI is committed to making your dream home a reality. Speak with one of our agents today to learn more about purchasing your first home.
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