Malaysian homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for greener, more resilient properties, signalling a shift in housing demand that could influence how developers design and position new projects.
According to PropertyGuru Malaysia’s 1H26 Consumer Sentiment Study, 93% of Malaysians are willing or open to paying more for properties with green features, while 86% consider sustainability important when buying or renting a home.
The findings suggest sustainability is moving beyond a lifestyle consideration to become part of how buyers assess long-term comfort, efficiency and property value. Features increasingly being considered include energy efficiency, ventilation, water use, solar readiness and access to electric vehicle charging.
Climate resilience is also becoming a bigger factor in property decisions. Some 78% of Malaysians take climate risks into account when purchasing property, with flooding and landslides among the main concerns. Buyers are also considering exposure to heat and the quality of drainage in assessing whether a property will remain suitable over time.
The trend points to a broader change in what Malaysians consider an ideal home. While price, size and location remain important, home seekers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, safety, infrastructure, community and long-term liveability.
Neighbourhood quality is also playing a larger role, with 36% of Malaysians prioritising security and safety when selecting a property and 30% placing importance on infrastructure and amenities. More than half of respondents have lived in their current home for over 10 years, reinforcing the importance of long-term suitability when making housing decisions.
Family needs are adding another layer to purchasing decisions. The study found that 19% of prospective buyers are looking for a new property because they need more space for children or parents, highlighting the growing importance of homes that can adapt to different life stages.
PropertyGuru Group head of sustainability Cécile Corda said a future-ready home should be able to adapt to evolving household needs while also being prepared for changing climate conditions and associated risks.
For Malaysia’s property sector, the findings indicate that green features, climate resilience and neighbourhood liveability are becoming increasingly relevant to buyer expectations, alongside the traditional considerations of price, location and space.
