Editor’s Note: To ensure individuals’ privacy, the names in this article, may be altered or omitted. We understand that everyone’s financial journey is unique; what works for one person might not work for another. Our goal is to offer clear information, legal advice, and guidance to readers regarding property ownership.
For most single mothers, the thought of owning a home—creating a permanent, stable home for your children—could feel impossible, especially if you’re struggling financially.
But the truth is, it’s not too late, and it’s certainly not impossible. Yes, the journey to buying can be challenging.
It’s full of uncertainty, hard decisions, and sacrifices. But with the right guidance, financial planning, and a relentless drive, it’s achievable.
This is the story of one woman’s adventure to discover her ideal house, despite the lack of a backup plan and financial challenges, and how, with determination and help, she succeeded.
Here’s how it can be done.
For years, I carried this dream—a dream of owning a house, a place where my kids could grow up feeling safe, loved, and stable.
When my late husband was alive, we rented a small flat in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. I was only doing a part-time job at that time, as my focus was solely on taking care of the home.
My husband’s salary wasn’t that much, but we were always careful with our finances. We knew that someday we would provide our children with better and more comfortable homes.
But life took a different turn. When I lost my husband at just 32, everything changed. I was left alone to navigate the world as a single mother.
The dream of homeownership was still there, but how could I ever afford it? I had no substantial savings, no backup plan, just me, my two children, aged four and six, and a mountain of questions.
I wasn’t sure where to begin. The world of real estate was completely foreign to me. I was paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision, of diving into something I didn’t fully understand.
I knew I needed help. But I had no clue where to start. And honestly, I didn’t even know if I was supposed to be looking at homes yet.
But soon, I realized I needed someone who could explain the process of how to buy a home in ways that didn’t make me want to pull my hair out.
As time passed, the reality of living in our unsafe neighbourhood became more pressing. Without a man in the house to provide protection, I knew I had to find a safer environment for my children.
My parents lived far away in a rural village, and though they were always supportive, they couldn’t be there physically to help. I was alone in the city, and the need to escape grew stronger by the day.
At my lowest point, I started asking around, hoping for guidance. That’s when a friendly neighbour, Aisyah, suggested that I speak with a real estate agent.
Initially, I hesitated. The horror stories I’d heard about pushy agents who pressured buyers into quick decisions haunted my mind.
I was afraid of being scammed, afraid of being led into something I couldn’t afford. But Aisyah reassured me that this agent was different.
She understood not just the market, but the emotional journey of buying a home, and that I wouldn’t have to do it alone.
The following week, I called my parents to share the news of our unsafe living situation. After listening to my mother’s pleas, I realized it was time to take a step forward. I decided to meet the agent.
It wasn’t about finding the perfect house yet, but about gaining knowledge and understanding what my options might be.
When I first met Mei, a real estate agent from IQI, I had no expectations. I felt awkward and unsure of what I was even doing there. What could I say? How could I explain to this professional that I had no stable income but desperately wanted to provide a better life for my children?
But when Mei arrived, I was immediately struck by how down-to-earth and approachable she was.
What I thought would be a quick Q&A session turned into a three-hour conversation about my fears, my goals, and what I truly needed in a home.
Mei didn’t judge me. She didn’t rush me; she took the time to answer each question, no matter how trivial it seemed.
“How do I even know if I can afford a house?” I asked her. “What are closing costs? What even is Cukai Taksiran?” I bombarded her with questions, and she patiently walked me through every detail.
Let me tell you, looking at the numbers wasn’t easy. There were so many things I didn’t know, and honestly, there were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed. But that was the magic of working with a pro.
Together, we made a list of all my expenses—not just the mortgage, but taxes, home insurance, utilities, and other hidden costs of homeownership. Mei helped me set realistic goals.
The truth is, I didn’t need a mansion. I needed a space where my kids could grow and where we could stay for a long time. It wasn’t about flash; it was about stability.
Okay, here’s where it got tricky. House hunting sounds so glamorous, right? But it felt more like a chaotic whirlwind.
As much as I wanted to dive into this journey, I had no idea what I was looking for. I also had to think long-term. What would work now and still work in ten years?
Mei helped me narrow down the options based on what made the most sense.
I quickly learned that different kinds of homes had different price tags: apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, and even condos. Even the different houses provided by the government that targeted people like me.
As weeks passed by, Mei continued to assist me, and her advice kept me grounded. I didn’t need a gigantic space, but I did need something that was manageable and affordable.
I had to be smart about where I spent my money. Was it near good schools? Parks? Grocery stores? Was it safe for me and my kids?
It took weeks of surveying around, visiting different areas, but I eventually found a neighbourhood that felt like home.
Mei introduced me to various housing options available for first-time homebuyers like myself. Among these was the Rumah PR1MA, a government housing scheme designed to assist buyers from the B40 and M40 income groups, with an average monthly household income between RM2,500 and RM15,000.
It offered one-story landed houses, which were an affordable yet practical choice for families looking for stability and comfort.
But Mei also helped me explore private residential areas. One option that stood out was a family-friendly development in Cheras.
The neighbourhood has everything I needed: strong security, convenient access to public transportation, and even a kindergarten within the compound.
The flat has three bedrooms and a total area of about 517 sqft. The total would be RM300,000, and the monthly instalment is at RM1,500, which fit comfortably within my budget.
By that point, I had managed to gather about RM25,000 from my late husband’s savings, my own, and a small contribution from my parents. But I knew I still needed to apply for a bank loan (mortgage).
Even though I had a vision, the reality of my finances kept creeping in. I was balancing bills, trying to meet my kids’ needs, and honestly, just getting by.
Could I really afford a house? How on earth could I make this work?
After a lot of anxiety, I took a hard, honest look at my finances. This was a gut-check moment, but it was also a pivotal one.
I know had to make a lot of changes to ensure I was being financially responsible. The little luxuries, like takeout dinners, impulse purchases, and subscription services, had to go.
But I didn’t mind. The sacrifices didn’t feel like sacrifices when I thought about the future I was working toward for my kids.
I started meal planning, cut down on unnecessary expenses, and got creative with ways to save. It made all the difference in my budget.
After five months of back-and-forth discussions, planning, and answering my countless questions about properties, I finally told Mei that I was ready to make the leap. I decided on one of the flats that she was helping to oversee.
Although my finances weren’t quite where I wanted them to be, I told myself that this might be the right moment.
Once I decided on the home, the next hurdle loomed large: applying for a home loan. I didn’t have a huge down payment saved up. My savings didn’t surpass six figures. I was terrified. What if they turned me down?
But Mei had helped me understand the loan process, the different types of mortgage options, and what I could realistically expect.
She even took the time to explain the loan application process, sitting with me as I filled out paperwork and answering questions when I got stuck.
Finally, after weeks of paperwork, calculations, and back-and-forth, the approval came through. I could hardly believe it. But even then, there was still work to do—inspection, repairs, and the real challenge: closing.
The day we closed on the house, I could hardly believe it. I walked into the house, keys in hand, and felt a rush of emotions.
All the stress, all the sacrifices, all the fear—it had led to this moment. I am a homeowner, and my kids and I finally had a place to call our own.
But the journey wasn’t over. The hard work of maintaining the home, budgeting for the next few years, and managing bills was just beginning.
Now, two years later, it’s still hard to believe I made it. Buying a house with no backup plan wasn’t something I’d recommend to everyone, but it worked for me because I was determined to make it happen.
I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of someone who truly cared about my journey.
Mei wasn’t just a real estate agent, she was a mentor, a friend, and a constant source of encouragement. With her help, I didn’t just buy a house; I built a future for my kids and me.
So, if you’re wondering whether it’s too late for you to buy your dream home, take it from me: it’s never too late.
With the right guidance, the right support, and a commitment to making it work, you can achieve the stability and security that you’ve always dreamed of.
And most importantly, if you’re a single parent looking for ways to provide for your children, keep going and never give up!
If you have any home-buying stories to share, drop us an email at iqisocial@iqiglobal.com with a subject [Home Buying Stories: Your Name].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Are there any government housing schemes available in Malaysia?
Yes, Malaysia offers various schemes like PR1MA and MyHome to help those with lower income. Read this article to find out more on Malaysia’s Affordable Housing Programme.
How can a single mother make money without committing to a full-time job?
Freelancing, online businesses, and remote part-time jobs offer flexible ways for single mothers to earn income. Additionally, you can also consider becoming a Real Estate Negotiator.
Should I rent or buy as a single parent?
It depends on your financial stability; renting offers flexibility, while buying builds long-term equity.
Which type of house would make an ideal first home?
A smaller, affordable unit like a condo or terrace house with essential amenities is ideal for first-time buyers.
Inspired by the story above and want to help others buy their dream homes? Join IQI as a Real Estate Agent today and start working towards your own vision.
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