An investigation into housing affordability versus market demand in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The challenge of housing affordability continues to impact communities, intersecting with economic, social, and policy-related factors. Despite the rapid expansion of Malaysia's housing sector, affordability is on the decline. The escalating prices of homes carry broader socio-economic consequences, impacting the ability of homebuyers to secure housing. This research investigates the interplay between housing affordability and market demand in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from the perspective of homebuyers, identifying key factors influencing their purchasing decisions. Employing a Quantitative Approach for data gathering and analysis, the study reveals through descriptive analysis the most significant factors, as indicated by mean scores. Pearson’s correlation analysis substantiates a positive and meaningful association with the elements affecting homebuyers' preferences for affordable housing. The comprehensive discussion synthesizes the findings, emphasizing financial considerations, future projections on affordability, and market-influencing factors as pivotal in the home purchasing process. This study's importance lies in enhancing the understanding within homebuyer communities of the various factors contributing to housing affordability and acknowledging the current market demand's role in facilitating the acquisition of affordable homes in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.