KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — A quiet revolution is reshaping the Malaysian housing market — and it’s being led by Gen Z. According to property group Juwai IQI, four out of five Gen Z Malaysians now prefer high-rise living, opting for condominiums and apartments over traditional landed homes.
This generational shift isn’t just about taste — it’s about lifestyle, priorities, and affordability.
“Gen Z are buying into the skyline, while Millennials and Gen X keep their feet on the ground,” said Juwai IQI co-founder and group CEO, Kashif Ansari.
The findings are based on more than 127,000 property transactions since 2018, and the message is clear: today’s young adults are redefining what “home” looks like in Malaysia.
While only 16% of Gen Z buyers go for landed properties, a staggering 84% are investing in high-rise units — a pattern that’s flipping conventional housing trends on their head. Compare that to Generation X (now in their late 40s and 50s), who still show a strong preference for landed properties, like terrace houses and duplexes. Yet even among them, 75% of purchases are now high-rise units.
For Baby Boomers (aged 60 to 80), the motivation is different. Many are downsizing to condos for easier upkeep. Among the oldest Malaysians — those over 80 — a whopping 93% choose high-rise living.
But why is Gen Z so drawn to the sky?
“It’s about lifestyle,” Kashif explains. “Younger buyers want to live close to their workplaces, public transport, cafes, and entertainment hubs. They value convenience and connectivity.”
Affordability plays a huge role too. According to the study, the average monthly cost of maintaining a condo is about RM200 less than a terrace house — and RM1,200 less than a detached home. For young professionals managing rising living costs, this makes a significant difference.
Yet despite the soaring popularity of condos among Gen Z, landed homes still make up the bulk of Malaysia’s housing stock. As of 2024, 69% of homes are landed, while only 31% are high-rise units, according to the National Property Information Centre.
What does this all mean for Malaysia’s future?
With nearly nine million Gen Z Malaysians entering or moving up in the housing market, their choices will heavily influence how cities and suburbs evolve over the next two decades.
“Every generation has its preferences,” Kashif said. “By recognising and responding to these shifts, Malaysia can continue to create homes that reflect the needs and values of all its people.”
