5 House Hunting Tips You Need To Know During Covid
5 Smart House Hunting Tips for Malaysian Buyers and Renters
Moving to a new home is exciting, but with so many neighbourhoods, price points, and property types to sift through, house hunting in Malaysia can quickly feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Klang Valley or relocating for work in Penang, a bit of upfront planning goes a long way toward finding a place that actually fits your life.
Here are five practical steps to make your search faster, calmer, and more likely to end in a home you love.
Create a Wish List
Before you start browsing listings, get clear on what you actually need versus what’s nice to have. This goes beyond bedroom count — think about your day-to-day life over the next few years.
If you’re planning to grow your family, talk with your partner about schooling options and the kind of neighbourhood you want your kids to grow up in. If you’re renting, check the lease terms carefully, including notice periods and renewal conditions. If you’re buying, weigh the long-term picture — a cheaper unit in the wrong area can cost you more in the end.
Your wish list might include:
- Type of property (condo, apartment, terrace house, bungalow, etc.)
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Built-up and land area
- Amenities (for condos and apartments — pool, gym, security)
- Preferred school zone or catchment area
- Neighbourhood character and safety
- Proximity to key amenities (hospitals, groceries, LRT/MRT stations)
- Commute distance to work
Search for Properties Online First
Screening properties online before visiting in person saves you time and narrows the field to homes that are genuinely worth seeing. Property apps have made this far easier than the old newspaper-listing days.
The Ziba Property app is one option worth trying — it lets you filter listings by location, price range, bedroom count, and parking availability, and browse both rental and for-sale listings in one place. Pair this with Google Maps’ satellite view to get a feel for the neighborhood — nearby traffic, green space, and walkability all matter more than photos alone can show.
Keep a running shortlist of properties that meet your must-haves before moving to the next step.
3. Work with a Licensed Real Estate Agent
Not every agent will be the right fit, so it pays to find one who genuinely knows the specific area you’re targeting — pricing trends, upcoming developments, and the practical quirks of that neighborhood.
Word of mouth and local Facebook groups are a good starting point for finding agents active in your target area. You can also browse listings on property platforms and see which agents are actively representing homes in the type of property you want — the Ziba Property app shows agent contact details directly on each listing.
Once you’ve picked someone to work with, be upfront about your budget, must-haves, and any deal breakers. This saves everyone time and helps your agent bring you options that are actually worth viewing.
Disclaimer: Always work with a real estate agent who is registered and licensed with Malaysia’s Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP). Verifying an agent’s registration status protects you from potential scams and ensures any transaction follows proper legal procedure.
4. Ask for Video Tours Before Visiting
Photos can flatter a property — the right angle and lighting hide a lot. A video walkthrough gives you a much more honest sense of layout, condition, and scale, including things photos tend to obscure, like cracked walls or worn fittings.
Ask your agent for a live video tour over WhatsApp Video, Zoom, or Skype so you can ask questions in real time and get them to pan around areas you’re curious about — including the building’s common areas or the street outside. If something feels off during the virtual tour, it’s usually not going to feel better in person either, so this step can save you a wasted trip.
5. Prepare Properly for On-Site Viewings
Once you’ve shortlisted your top picks, it’s time to see them in person. Try to schedule multiple viewings in one day if they’re in the same area — it’s more efficient and makes comparisons easier while everything’s fresh in your mind.
Check with your agent beforehand about any requirements, such as ID verification or entry forms some owners may ask for. If you’re seriously considering a property, getting pre-approved for financing (if buying) shows sellers you’re a genuine prospect and can speed up negotiations.
A few practical habits worth keeping during viewings:
- Be mindful of the owner’s time and property — avoid touching personal belongings.
- Bring a torchlight to check corners, ceilings, and storage areas properly lit photos might hide.
- Take your own photos and notes on the spot — memory blurs quickly after multiple viewings in one day.
- Ask about age of major fittings (aircon units, water heater, wiring) since replacement costs add up.
Recap: 5 Steps to a Smoother House Hunt
- Create a wish list.
- Search for properties online first.
- Work with a licensed real estate agent.
- Ask for video tours before visiting.
- Prepare properly for on-site viewings.
House hunting takes patience, but a structured approach makes it far less stressful — and far more likely to end with a home that actually fits your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does house hunting typically take in Malaysia?
It varies widely depending on your budget, target area, and how flexible your must-have list is — anywhere from a few weeks to several months is common, especially in competitive areas like Klang Valley.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy or rent a property in Malaysia?
It’s not legally required, but working with a licensed agent registered with BOVAEP can help you navigate paperwork, negotiate pricing, and avoid common pitfalls, especially as a first-time buyer or renter.
What should I check before signing a rental lease?
Review the lease duration, renewal terms, deposit conditions, and any clauses regarding maintenance responsibilities or early-termination penalties before signing anything.
Are video property tours a reliable substitute for in-person viewings?
They’re a great first filter to rule properties in or out, but it’s still worth doing an in-person walkthrough before making a final decision, especially for anything you’re planning to buy.
What documents do I need ready when viewing properties seriously?
Having proof of income, ID, and (if buying) a mortgage pre-approval letter ready can help you move faster once you find the right property, particularly in a competitive market.
How can I verify that a real estate agent is properly licensed?
You can check an agent’s registration status directly with Malaysia’s Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) before engaging their services.
Ready to Start Your Property Search?
Browse verified listings, compare neighborhoods, and connect with local agents all in one place. Visit Ziba Property and start shortlisting homes today.
About the Author
Muhammad Amir is a Kuala Lumpur–based property writer covering the Malaysian residential market, with a focus on first-time buyer and renter guidance across Klang Valley and beyond
