Top 8 Disadvantages of Condo Living in Malaysia
Condominium living has gained huge popularity in Malaysia, especially in urban areas where space is at a premium and people are craving lifestyle conveniences. While there are many benefits to condo living, it is important to not overlook the downsides as well.
In this article, we will discuss some of the disadvantages of condo living in Malaysia. We hope this article can help you in making informed decisions about your housing choices in the future.
- Limited Space
- Monthly Maintenance Fees
- Limited Privacy
- Lack of Outdoor Space
- Parking Challenges
- Rules and Regulations
- Dependency on Management
- Limited Customization
1. Limited Space
One of the most common disadvantages of condo living is limited space. You will have to pay a premium to get a comfortable living space, especially in a highly populated urban area. Condominiums or service apartments are designed to maximize land use efficiency. As a result, they have smaller living spaces compared to landed properties. This limitation can be a big no to families or individuals who want larger homes or with a need for extra storage.
2. Monthly Maintenance Fees
Condo living comes with monthly maintenance fees that cover the costs of common area upkeep, security, and amenities. These fees are unavoidable. These are the required commitments and they can cost a lot depending on the facilities and management standards.
While it is reasonable to pay maintenance fees as the property management is taking full responsibility for taking care of the facilities on behalf of the residents, some residents may find the fees burdensome. As inflation goes up and years pass, the maintenance fees will increase too.
3. Limited Privacy
Shared living spaces and proximity to neighbours are the most notable characteristics of condominiums or any other high-rise residential properties. Such living arrangements can result in limited privacy. Residents will need to share common walls, corridors, and spaces.
If the condo is a high-density development, there can be more than 20 units within a single floor. A large number of residents will be using the same corridors from day to night. Noise from the corridors or adjacent units can be a common complaint. Such noise can impact the tranquility of one’s living space.
4. Lack of Outdoor Space
Although there are amenities such as swimming pools and gyms at condominiums, they may lack spacious outdoor areas such as playgrounds, gardens, or parks. For residents who enjoy outdoor activities, the limited access to outdoor spaces can be a downside. Unlike a gated and guarded community where there will be ample jogging tracks, cycling lanes, and parks, condominiums may not be able to provide the freedom of exercising in a large backyard or green space.
5. Parking Challenges
Most developers provide only one or two parking lots for each unit. If residents demand additional parking lots, they will have to buy or rent from the property management. And the parking lot is not cheap!
Limited parking spaces not only lead to inconvenience for residents but also cause frustration for guests or visitors. Inadequate visitor parking is a common issue in most condominiums. Visitors will often need to park their vehicles somewhere far and outside of the condominium.
6. Rules and Regulations
Condo living involves adherence to a set of strict rules and regulations imposed by the condominium management or residents’ association. These rules can cover everything from renovation guidelines and pet ownership to noise restrictions and short-term rentals.
While these rules are imposed for the well-being of the community, they can feel restrictive to some residents.
7. Dependency on Management
Property management is the heart of a condominium or service apartment. And condo residents rely too heavily on the competence and efficiency of the property management. No matter how gorgeous is your unit’s renovation or how well you have been maintaining your unit, a poorly managed condo can flush all effort down the toilet.
A poorly managed condo means subpar maintenance and security. Residents will have little control over the quality and frequency of upkeep. Poorly maintained common areas can affect the overall aesthetic of the condo. The negative impact is most noticeable when you are trying to sell your unit. The resale and appreciation potential can be greatly affected. Even if you are not selling your unit, disputes among residents and all sorts of facility issues can be a headache.
8. Limited Customization
Condo units often offer limited customization options compared to landed properties. Renovation and remodeling may be subject to strict guidelines and approvals. These can limit residents’ ability to personalize their living spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, condo living in Malaysia can offer both advantages and disadvantages, Limited space, parking challenges, and monthly maintenance fees are some of the downsides to consider. Prospective buyers should carefully weigh these factors against their preferences and lifestyle before making a decision about condo living.