Natural amenities preference in condominium selection based on real estate agent’s perspective in Penang

The literature often discusses natural amenities in the context of tourism and recreation. Still, it gives less attention to their importance in choosing a place to live, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of life. This studyaims to prioritise the natural amenities in Penang that attract residents. The research considers the perspectives of experienced real estate agents with extensive local property knowledge. Using a quantitative method, the study filtered about 60 questionnaires to determine the Relative Importance Index (RII) of natural amenities from the real estate agent's perspective, as it heavily influences condominium selection in Penang. The results show that the beach or sea is the most preferred natural amenity for a condominium in Penang, followed by lakes, natural forests, mountains or hills, and rivers. Additionally, the study utilises inter-correlation analysis to understand the strengths and directions of each preference and comprehend the relationship between them. The practical implications of these findings are significant for policymakers, offering valuable insights for creating sustainable development guidelines and policies to ensure a balance of fulfilling urban needs and maintaining environmental quality. For individuals interested in sustainable living and urban development in Penang, these findings provide a roadmap for making residential choices that align with market preference and contribute to the overall sustainability of the region.