Many Malaysians believe owning property is the best way to prepare for retirement.
After all, a house can go up in value over time or earn rental income. And yes, property can protect your money from inflation and may help cover some expenses later in life.
But as a financial planner, I often remind clients that relying only on property is risky.
Here’s why:
- Property is not easy to sell.
Unlike cash or shares, property isn’t something you can sell quickly. Selling a house can take weeks, months or even years to find a buyer, and if you’re in a rush, you might need to sell it below market price.
- Managing property takes time and energy.
Property needs to be maintained such as repairs, tenant issues, bills, and etc. As we age, dealing with all these matters becomes more tiring and harder to keep up with.
- Passing down property to children isn’t always smooth.
If a property is passed to multiple children, disagreements can happen especially if there’s no will. Some may want to sell, some may want to keep it, and it can turn into a family conflict.
- Not all properties bring in good rental income.
If the location is oversupplied or unpopular, it can be hard to find tenants. Even if rented out, the income might not cover the loan, or repairs cost.
So, is property a bad choice?
Not at all. But it shouldn’t be your only plan.
Think of it as just one piece of your retirement puzzle. To truly feel safe and secure in your golden years, you also need savings you can access easily, insurance that protects you, and investments that grow with you without the daily stress.
At the end of the day, retirement isn’t just about money.
It’s about freedom, peace of mind, and knowing you’ll be okay no matter what happens.
Let’s not leave your future to chance.
Speak to a licensed financial planner someone who can guide you to a more balanced, thoughtful plan.
Together, we can build a retirement you don’t just dream of—but one you can live with confidence.