Yes, i agree is not easy to save up money for the downpayment especially nowadays which take into account higher inflation. Luckily, i worked abroad after my graduation, thus it gives me the chance to have a little estra cash for the properties downpayent and of coourse every month i need to pay about 3000 for those mortgages but i take it as a saving.

Regarding lease or freehold, yes indeed it make a huge different. it is not how many years u gonna live there, but it is the selling value at the end. an ordinary condo in kl with leasehold would come about 260k roughly, but a freehold would come to 380k.

i m getting my 2nd property this month , for sale later..

Interest rate is low now doesnt mean it will be low next yr. And I am NOT suggesting TS to buy cash.

as what boon said.
If you have the power to buy cash why not? sacrificing FD interest is much better than paying LOAN interest.

additionally, u can only leverage when you plan to resell the house as investment B4 you finish the LOAN. TS is buying to stay READ CAREFULLY. Unless he really need it I dont see a point to pay the bank.

This is a good theory, and everyone should learn. I am using standard chartered bank MI mortgage as well, besides have to 10 per month for mantainance acc. bu good for long run and also spare cash.

the r many uncertain factors also, but i think it is an opportunity worth grabbing, plan fast entry n fast exit b4 the economy turn down n more ppl r forced into renting house/room, then buy condo/aptment for to renting.

When u are in financially tight as what TS said or limited knowledge I would not recommend to buy share you are a risk of losing you capital.