Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter , or Telegram and WhatsApp outlets for the most recent news and information.
Have you ever experienced that moment when a salesperson attempts to persuade you that you can easily manage to buy something you’re actually unable to afford?
Malaysian social media users have recently been treated to an impressive lesson in inventive bookkeeping thanks to a property agent who seems to have found out how to make RM7,500 go as far as a yoga teacher’s budget.
Everything began when a well-known Malaysian influencer named Sam shared some stark truths with his audience during a question-and-answer session.
Someone inquired whether they could purchase a RM600K home with a RM7.5K income, and Sam was straightforward: “Forget about it altogether.”
His reasoning was quite simple — following monthly expenditures of RM2,500 to 3,000, contributions to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), car-related costs, and essential living expenses, you would have roughly RM100 per day remaining.
Of course, you can manage to buy the house," Sam stated, "but you'll be living off economical rice for the remainder of your days.
Key In: The Real Estate Agent's "Secret Sauce"
But hold on! A real estate agent chimed in with an answer that left Malaysians puzzled.
As per this math whiz, you can manage to buy that RM600K home and still live comfortably while putting aside savings!
Here’s what he shared that has everyone buzzing:
The House Costs:
- Monthly installment: RM2,457 (with 90% financing)
- Water, electricity, taxes, insurance, internet, pest control, maintenance costs total up to RM497.
- Total housing cost: RM2,954
The Car (since evidently everybody requires a Myvi):
- Monthly instalment, insurance, fuel, upkeep: RM1,038
- Total transport cost: RM1,038
Living Like a King:
- Food (RM40/day, which includes two hotpot meals and four bubble teas per month): RM1,200
- Personal insurance: RM250
- Phone bill: RM100
- Miscellaneous: RM260
- Total lifestyle cost: RM1,810
The Grand Total: RM5,802 including RM698 saved
Reality Check from the Peanut Gallery
Malaysians didn’t fall for it – the comments section quickly transformed into a roasting frenzy quicker than you could say “lelong.”
Social media users highlighted that the calculations were far too tight for comfort.
Others linked this type of financial guidance with the increasing number of repossessed homes entering the property market.
Certain alleged agents are said to employ deceptive strategies to pressure individuals into making financial choices they may not be able to manage.
What most people agree on? If you're not up for an exceedingly thrifty way of living, perhaps look into more budget-friendly housing choices around the RM300K mark instead.
Sure, we understand this. Real estate agents need to make a living, and property values do increase over time.
The Detailed Terms Reality Check
However, when your budget allocates precisely RM40 per day for food (best of luck with that in 2025), and doesn’t account for any emergencies, perhaps it’s time for a dose of realism.
The bitter reality? If you're straining every sen just to secure a housing loan, what you're actually acquiring isn’t a house but rather stress beneath a rooftop.
Certainly, the calculations hold up if you adopt a minimalist lifestyle, remain perpetually healthy, maintain a fully functional vehicle, and disregard inflation.
However, for the rest of us navigating reality, perhaps Sam’s guidance resonates differently: understand your boundaries, stay within your budget, and don’t allow persuasive brokers to make you believe that lacking funds due to housing expenses equates to affording luxury.
Since ultimately, what's the use of having a RM600K home if you struggle to enjoy living in it adequately?
Occasionally, reality can be painful, yet your wallet might appreciate it down the line.
READ MORE : Home Sweet Hotel: The Fresh Housing Trend Malaysian Millennials Are Adopting
Share your opinions with us through TRP’s Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or Threads .