The Questions Buyers Always Forget to Ask
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Most buyers focus on the obvious questions:
How much is the selling price?
How many bedrooms are there?
Is the location good?
Can I get a home loan?
While these are important, they often overlook the questions that can save them thousands of ringgit and plenty of stress in the future.
Before you sign any booking form or Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA), here are the questions every buyer should be asking.
1. Why Is the Owner Selling?
This simple question can reveal a lot.
Sometimes the reason is completely normal—upgrading to a bigger home, relocating for work, or moving closer to family. But occasionally, the seller may be facing issues such as:
Frequent flooding
Noisy neighbours
Poor building management
High maintenance costs
Future developments that may affect the property
While sellers are not required to disclose every detail voluntarily, asking the question often leads to useful conversations.
2. How Much Will I Actually Pay Every Month?
Many first-time buyers only calculate the monthly loan instalment.
However, owning a property also comes with additional expenses such as:
Maintenance fees
Sinking fund contributions
Assessment tax
Quit rent
Fire insurance or MRTA/MLTA
Utility deposits
Renovation costs
A RM2,000 monthly loan can easily become RM2,500 or more after these additional commitments. Always calculate your total monthly housing cost and not just your mortgage.
3. Are There Any Upcoming Special Levies?
For stratified properties like condominiums and serviced apartments, this is one of the most overlooked questions. A building may appear well-maintained, but if the Management Corporation (MC) or Joint Management Body (JMB) plans major repairs, owners may be required to pay a special levy running into thousands of ringgit.
Ask for:
Recent AGM minutes
Audited financial statements
Current sinking fund balance
Any planned major repair works
A financially healthy management usually indicates better long-term property value.
4. What Is Included in the Selling Price?
Never assume. Ask whether these are included:
Air conditioners
Water heaters
Kitchen cabinets
Built-in wardrobes
Light fixtures
Curtains
Ceiling fans
Furniture
Electrical appliances
Many disputes happen because buyers assume everything they viewed during inspection will remain after completion. Have everything documented in writing.
5. Is the Property Freehold or Leasehold?
Ownership tenure affects future planning.
Important questions include:
How many years remain on the lease?
Has the lease been renewed?
Are there any renewal costs expected?
Although leasehold properties can still appreciate significantly, buyers should understand what they're purchasing before committing.
6. Has the Property Experienced Any Major Repairs?
Ask whether the property has experienced issues such as:
Roof leaks
Water seepage
Termite infestation
Foundation settlement
Plumbing replacement
Electrical rewiring
Repairs aren't necessarily bad, but undisclosed recurring problems can become expensive after moving in.
7. How Is the Internet and Mobile Coverage?
With remote work becoming increasingly common, reliable internet is no longer optional.
During your viewing:
Test your mobile signal.
Ask existing residents about internet providers.
Check fibre broadband availability.
A beautiful home loses much of its appeal if daily connectivity becomes a problem.
8. What Future Developments Are Planned Nearby?
A vacant piece of land today could become:
A shopping mall
A highway
A data centre
A high-rise development
A commercial project
Future developments can either increase your property's value or negatively affect traffic, privacy, and noise levels. Spend some time researching local authority development plans before buying.
9. Are There Any Outstanding Maintenance Fees or Legal Issues?
For sub-sale properties, always verify whether there are:
Outstanding maintenance charges
Unpaid sinking fund contributions
Utility arrears
Ongoing legal disputes
These matters should be settled before ownership is transferred to avoid unnecessary complications.
10. What Happens If I Want to Sell This Property in Five Years?
Many buyers only think about purchasing, but never about exiting.
Ask yourself:
Is this location seeing population growth?
Is rental demand healthy?
Will future buyers be interested?
Is there oversupply nearby?
Buying a property with good resale potential protects your investment over the long term.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Some buyers worry that asking too many questions might make them look difficult.
In reality, professional property agents and sellers expect informed buyers to do their due diligence. A house can cost hundreds of thousands... or even millions of ringgit. Spending an extra hour asking the right questions is far better than discovering costly surprises after you've signed the agreement.
The best property purchase isn't necessarily the cheapest one; instead, it's the one you fully understand before committing.
Final Thoughts
Excitement can sometimes cause buyers to overlook important details. While it's natural to focus on the property's design, location, and price, the hidden questions often have the biggest impact on your long-term satisfaction.
Before you pay the booking fee, pause and ask the questions many buyers forget to ask. A little extra diligence today can save you years of financial and emotional stress tomorrow.
Thinking about buying your first home?
Not sure what to ask? or how much you can actually afford?
👉 Contact Ascons Real Estate today for a FREE consultation. We’ll help you understand your loan eligibility, connect you with experienced bankers, and guide you toward properties that match your budget, so you can make a confident decision before you start your property search.
Kenms Ang
+60 19-686 2265
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