A NEW survey by PropertyGuru has revealed that 77 per cent of Malaysians now consider climate-related risks when purchasing a property, underscoring a growing awareness of environmental hazards such as floods and landslides among homebuyers.
“Community safety and well-being are increasingly at risk due to the rising frequency of extreme weather events, which significantly affect properties,” said Cecile Corda, PropertyGuru Group’s head of sustainability, at a media briefing on Tuesday.
“To support informed decision-making, we have embedded climate risk analytics into our platform,” she added. “As part of the Malaysia survey, PropertyGuru provides historical disaster data, such as records of past floods and landslides.”
The findings, part of PropertyGuru’s ‘Sustainability Report 2024’, were based on responses from 1,181 Malaysians during the second half of the year. The report highlights how the digital property platform is leveraging data, partnerships, and digital tools to support climate-resilient homebuying amid rising urbanisation across Southeast Asia. It notes that by 2050, nearly 63 per cent of the region’s population is expected to live in urban areas.
Corda also disclosed that the company is collaborating with a dedicated climate risk provider to deliver advanced modelling and assessments.
The report further indicates that 83 per cent of Malaysians are prepared to pay a premium for homes with sustainable features, citing benefits such as lower utility costs, enhanced resilience to climate change, and better long-term value.
Kenneth Soh, Country Manager for PropertyGuru Malaysia, pointed to a growing shift in property search trends. “Our data shows a clear shift in where Malaysians are searching for homes,” he said. “This reflects a growing concern among buyers, especially those aged 25 to 34, 60 per cent of whom believe prices will continue to rise.”
Soh noted that areas such as Kota Emerald in Rawang, Selangor; Kuah in Langkawi, Kedah; and Ulu Kelang have experienced more than 100 per cent year-on-year growth in property searches, driven largely by affordability and perceived value.
“To meet this demand, the industry must not only keep affordability in focus but also rethink how sustainable features can be integrated into mid-market and rental segments,” he said.
Soh stressed that the future of housing in Malaysia depends on how quickly developers and policymakers can ensure sustainable living is accessible to the majority.
“PropertyGuru remains dedicated to playing its part by equipping home seekers and industry stakeholders with actionable insights, promoting inclusivity in housing, and supporting initiatives that help make sustainable living more accessible to all,” he added. - May 14, 2025
