Property is big business. Here are some basic tips to landing your dream home. Words Rosalind Chua

1. It’s a jungle out there
Real estate is a highly competitive business with everyone and their aunty acting as property ‘agents’. Many of these part-time agents lack the knowledge and professionalism of full-time agents attached to registered real estate agencies - look out for agencies that are members of the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA), these are the real deal.

2. The hidden costs
Always check your legal costs with your real estate agent, in Malaysia the buyer usually absorbs the legal fees. Best to do a background check on the property to see if there are any outstanding utility payments, assessment fees etc. If buying an apartment remember to ask what the monthly maintenance charges are, this can vary astronomically between properties, depending on the size of the apartment and the facilities offered i.e. swimming pool, 24 hour security etc.

3. Be decisive
‘Time waits for no man’, and this is especially true in the current real estate climate in Penang - great properties don’t sit on the market for long! Do your research, fix your budget and be prepared to make an offer to secure your new home.