The effects of proximity to cemetery on purchasing residential properties in Malaysia

Abstract

Ever-limited residential land has resulted in an increasing number of residential properties being built near cemeteries. Races and religions view cemeteries differently which affects their decision to purchase properties located nearby. Cemetery may impacted the surrounding include housing nearby either in positive or negative views. This paper explores Malaysian community perceptions of housing near cemeteries since Malaysia was a multicultural and multiracial country. The study adopts quantitative research and the data analysed using statistical analysis and Pearson Chi Square. The findings show that most of the respondents had positive views where about 197 or 52 per cents respondents with difference religious background agreed that cemetery is not a factor to be considered. Different religious did not show significance in affecting demand of housing as the p-value only 0.096. This supports residential development in such areas. Nevertheless, further study is required to identify additional factors that affect people’s perception of cemeteries.