KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s home ownership rate experienced a steady increase in 2024, reflecting ongoing growth in residential property demand across the country. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), about 78% of households owned their homes in 2024, up from 76% in 2022, marking a moderate but steady rise.
Of the remaining households, 19.7% rented their residences, while 2.4% resided in quarters provided by employers or other entities.
Home ownership remains highest among the top 20% income earners, at 85.5%, followed by 75.9% for the middle 40% and 76.3% for the bottom 40% of households. These figures highlight strong demand for residential properties among both high- and middle-income groups, creating opportunities for developers and investors in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where mixed-use and residential projects remain attractive.
Home ownership varies significantly by state and federal territory. Putrajaya recorded the lowest rate at 27.1%, while Labuan (61.1%), Kuala Lumpur (61.4%), and Selangor (71.9%) also fell below the national average. On the other end, Perlis (85.8%), Melaka (85.6%), Kedah (85.3%), and Perak (85.2%) reported the highest ownership rates, reflecting demographic distribution, urban-rural housing supply, and local market conditions.
For investors in industrial land in Selangor or office space in Bukit Jalil, these insights underscore the link between regional population growth, housing demand, and commercial property opportunities. Areas with high home ownership and growing household wealth often experience increased commercial activity and demand for supporting infrastructure.
Access to utilities in Malaysia is nearly universal. Electricity reaches 99.9% of households, treated piped water supplies 97.2%, and waste collection services 75.4%. Vehicle ownership is widespread, with 92.3% owning a car and 78.1% a motorcycle, highlighting strong mobility trends that support commercial and industrial property demand.
In terms of home appliances and technology adoption, 68.8% of households have air conditioning, 72% use water filters, 99.6% have internet subscriptions, 98.4% own a smartphone, and 57.6% own a laptop, reflecting modern living standards. These trends point to a growing need for smart residential and mixed-use developments in urban hubs like Puchong, Subang area, and central Kuala Lumpur, where residents seek convenience, connectivity, and lifestyle amenities.
The steady rise in home ownership, coupled with high urban connectivity and household affluence, suggests sustained demand for industrial properties in Selangor, factories in Puchong, and office space in Bukit Jalil. Investors can leverage these trends to develop strategically located commercial and industrial properties that complement residential growth, supporting long-term rental yields and capital appreciation.
Malaysia