12 first-home buyer mistakes

1. House-hunting before checking the loanCheck CCRIS/CTOS and eligibility first, then get pre-approval.
2. Taking on new debt before approvalA new car, credit card or BNPL raises your DSR. Wait until the home loan is signed.
3. Forgetting costs beyond the depositSet aside another 3–5% for legal fees, stamp duty (if not exempt), valuation and moving in.
4. Not claiming aid you qualify forThe first-home stamp duty exemption, Perumahan Kasih Johor and EPF Akaun Sejahtera can save tens of thousands.
5. Paying a booking fee without a receipt or refund termsAsk for an official receipt and written terms: refunded if the loan is rejected.
6. Not checking Bumi-lot status and titleBumi lots have resale limits; leasehold titles and Malay reserve land have extra conditions.
7. Not checking the developer on TEDUHLook up the project status (on track, late, ailing) on KPKT's TEDUH portal before paying anything.
8. Ignoring flood riskAsk residents, check JPS InfoBanjir and visit after heavy rain.
9. Viewing once, in daytime onlyVisit at night and at rush hour — traffic, noise, parking and safety change.
10. Choosing the shortest tenure regardlessA longer tenure lowers the instalment and DSR; you can still overpay to finish early (check the lock-in).
11. Not comparing banks, LPPSA and Islamic financingRates, lock-ins and MRTA/MRTT terms differ. Get 2–3 offers.
12. Not planning inheritanceFor Muslims, assets pass under faraid. Consider hibah or a will, especially when buying with a spouse.

Avoid them by following the steps to buy a first home and the checklist on every project page.