The affordable housing stress among middle-income group

Abstract

This paper estimates the impact of various factors on housing stress among middle-income group in Malaysia. It projects that if issues on affordable housing were increased the rate of housing stress would also increase. Differences in disposable income, unsafe houses, poor repair, staying far from work, family or other supports, high rent price, remaining far from doctor/healthcare, children school/University/college, living in a house that is too crowded or shared with others, and the needs to spend more money on transports are considered the main causes for housing stress. This paper reinforces the conclusions of previous studies of a range of rules to tackle the housing affordability problem, and emphasises on the need for more affordable housing that is sustainable and liveable at the same time, so that there will be no housing stress among people.