I think rental is for special circumstances, such as those who are still studying or for those who are working, if they are on a short attachment to a new area.
For fresh graduates, I personally feel its best for them to enter into property anywhere after working for at least a year. Settle down first within the first few months into the job and working environment, manage their life and expenses and at the same time, monitor and understand the different investment vehicles out there.

Investing after 5 years is very late into the market. The money that they manage to save will certainly not out-grow the inflation rate and property appreciation rate. Individual saves RM60k within 5 years, while property goes up 30% (RM400k to RM520k).

The author/lawyer has some very valid reason too though, such as renting in a place before purchasing. As long as the time frame is shorter (certainly not after 5 years), should be ok.

Have to look further away from city centre, its a foregone conclusion.

Selayang?
Kajang?

http://www.iproperty.com.my/propertylistin...ominium_ForSale

Strategy is to buy something simple first, while riding on the property appreciation wave. Then after 4 years, upgrade to something that is better. The money gained through the first property can be used to cushioned the appreciation of mid level properties by then.

As compared to only buying a piece of property 5 years down the road. Would have been paying rental for a good 5 years, saved some money (which is not enough to cushion the appreciation of mid level properties) and thus, fork out so much more extra.

Fresh grads have tendency to splash and over commit, getting luxurious items which are more of wants than needs. Thus, the worry that they are not in control of their finances. New Japanese/Korean cars, condo's with gyms and swimming pools, latest IT gadgets. If money is not an issue (come from wealthy family), then by all means, do enjoy life. :-)

There are banks that offer 100% loan for 1st time home buyers. Just make sure the property's valuation price is the purchase price. That being said, need to do some ground work and lots of hunting.
http://www.rhb.com.my/loans/home-loans/hl_first.html

Even if don't get 100% loan, should be able to get 95% loan.

Renovation? Must be kidding me.
I will just go with bare minimum - RM5k should be enough.

A bed frame, mattress, induction cooker, dining table, chairs, wardrobe, washing machine and fridge.

Forget about the plaster ceiling, 50" 3D LED SmartTV, built in kitchen cabinets and sofa set. That can come a few years down the road, when upgrade to a better home.
Well, at least that's what I did, and I'm happy with what I currently own.

Assuming a young adult who has 1 year working experience purchases the house at 400k. Within a few years, possible that he/she has doubled her salary and will be able to upgrade to something better. As mentioned by yang1976, it depends on your affordability. Or if one enters into a relationship and marries, then can combine income and also upgrade to the semi-D.

I guess the example you have given here simply drives home the point that one has to invest from young.

+1

+1
Precisely.
Some fresh grads fail to fall back to the basics of what is a need and a want.
I painted my house with cousins in a weeks time, and my cost was the paint plus treating them a meal everyday.
Second hand stuff is also ok, if condition is good. And if one is tight on budget, drop off the air con and just use the fan. Although I have an aircon in my bedroom, I rarely turn it on, only just before I sleep for 10-20 minutes and over the weekend.

It is possible, your debt service ration will be around 0.5, which is within the acceptable range of below 0.6.
If very tight, then rent out the remaining rooms to people. Friends or juniors from the same university would be a good start. By renting out the remaining rooms, the burden of the loan can easily be halved, if not more.

When a fresh grad buys a basic unit, it will have the bare essentials all fitted already.

Like I mentioned above, if budget is an issue, then forget about the air-con, since it will take up additional money in terms of wiring, piping and installation.
Bath will cold water for the first few months till one has enough to install a water heater and also use a standing fan instead of a ceiling fan.

Get a basic square plastic table from the hardware shop, that's less than RM50 and can serve as your study table and also dining table. Chair is less than RM20. IKEA fittings can come later once one is able to afford it.

Honestly, I'm starting to feel that you are one of those fresh grads that wants everything from the very beginning and is struggling with life at the moment.

LOL, it seems that I'm wrong then. Good to know that you have 2 properties and are doing well.
I guess my response was just to merely answer the question posted in this thread, which is youngsters should rent first before buying. And I felt your negativity isn't helping much in encouraging youngsters to purchase their first property.

To sum up my take on this issue, youngsters should buy a basic unit and not be too fussy about it after working for a year or so.
I would liken it to having economy rice with just 1 meat, 1 vegetable and a bowl of soup for the daily meal, instead of fancy Japanese meal.

Regardless is one rents or buys his/her own property, still must pay every month. Difference is whether the money goes to the bank or goes to the landlord. If you don't pay for a few months, either the landlord takes legal action and kicks you out, or the bank takes legal action and also kicks you out.

Aha....you obviously haven't heard about those that send debt collectors or gangsters to harass the tenant for payment.

If they didn't manage to collect your rental, no money paid to them. It's more like a commission basis thingy. Sound good, rite?