A Study on the Disparity Between Young Adults’ Housing Preferences and the Availability of Affordable Housing in Klang Valley

Khor, Loke Qi (2026) A Study on the Disparity Between Young Adults’ Housing Preferences and the Availability of Affordable Housing in Klang Valley. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Affordable housing has become one of the most serious issues in Klang Valley, as rising property prices and land scarcity continue to challenge homeownership for young adults. Despite numerous government initiatives, the overhang of unsold affordable units remains a persistent concern, reflecting a mismatch between what developers supply and what buyers actually want. The shift in lifestyle, employment patterns, and living standards has influenced how young adults evaluate housing options, making it necessary to understand their real preferences. Thus, this study aims to identify the housing preferences of young adults, examine the characteristics of existing affordable housing, and evaluate whether the supply meets their expectations. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey distributed to young adults aged 18 to 35 living or working in Klang Valley. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation to assess preferences across key factors such as housing price, location, accessibility, facilities, housing materials, and purchasing restrictions. The findings indicate that while affordability remains the most crucial factor in the decision-making process, young adults also place high importance on location, connectivity to public transportation, and the availability of lifestyle-oriented facilities. However, many existing affordable housing projects only fulfil the pricing requirement and fail to meet other expectations, contributing to the overhang problem. This study provides valuable insights for developers and policymakers in planning future housing projects that are not only financially accessible but also aligned with the lifestyle needs of young adults. It also serves as a useful guide for prospective buyers to better understand the key features that should be considered when purchasing affordable housing