I believe the guy bought a terrace house. Probably low cost unit.

Like in USA those USD 1 houses. It is big and you have yard and all that. But then it comes with city fees/ tax that costs a lot.



Japan too has those free to cheap houses also.



But here the cost to transport things and renovate is very expensive. again taxes is another matter.

I have a friend that lost his family home this way also. I did not know that their house was funded by his late mothers pension. Later she died due to kidney failure. And the house is no longer financed. I think their kids all have their own homes and family and decide not to help keep the house. End up kena lelong.