International Journal of Property Sciences (E-ISSN: 2229-8568)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARISON BETWEEN LANDED AND VERTICAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LAHORE

Abdul Rehman — 2024-08-31

Pakistan has experienced substantial housing growth and stands as one of the most urbanised countries in South Asia, yet it grapples with a housing backlog exceeding 10 million units. The affordability challenges in Lahore are particularly acute. In the realm of affordable housing, there is a preference for vertical living over landed homes. However, no prior research has systematically examined the price correlation between apartment living and landed housing, along with the impact of policies in the context of neoliberal ideology within Pakistan. Neoliberalism, emphasising the superiority of the market over the state has been a dominant force influencing affordable housing strategies. With this backdrop of affordability and neoliberalism, this paper aims to examine the performance difference between landed and vertical housing development. This paper aims to draw an affordability comparison between landed and vertical housing development using a document review and market survey. The study used a qualitative approach employing a case study design. For the data collection, interpretative discourse analysis for public documents was performed, and field surveys for pricing evaluation were conducted in Lahore. The analysis revealed that apartments by the private sector are not affordable for low-income people, often characterised by larger sizes and lacking specific quotas for low-income residents. The study recommends a comprehensive review of building regulations, particularly focusing on specific provisions (quota) targeting low-income people in housing development.

CHALLENGES IN SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN SHAH ALAM: PATHWAYS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

Anis Syazwani Sukereman — 2024-08-31

There is an urgent need to align urban growth with environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles in rapidly developing cities like Shah Alam. The pressing issue is the current gap between the city's rapid development pace and its ability to implement sustainable practices that align with the SDGs. The study focuses on two main objectives: to identify potential pathways for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and challenges in residential property development in Shah Alam. By employing qualitative content analysis and purposive sampling, the research identifies critical challenges, including lack of awareness among buyers, high costs, inadequate government support, lack of expertise, strict regulations, longer procurement times, and a focus solely on achieving green certification. However, these obstacles also present opportunities for strategic pathways toward SDG implementation. The study emphasises that addressing these challenges and embracing these pathways can drive Shah Alam toward sustainable residential property development, contributing to the city's overall resilience and sustainability while aligning with crucial SDGs. This approach is crucial for alleviating poverty, enhancing urban sustainability, promoting resource efficiency, combating climate change, and protecting local ecosystems. By overcoming these challenges, Shah Alam can progress toward sustainable development that ensures long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

DRIVING ICT ADOPTION AMONG REAL ESTATE AGENTS: AN EXTENDED TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL

Murni Mohamad — 2024-08-31

TThe practice of real estate agents and the extent to which Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is applied in Malaysia appears to be more specialised and diverse with the exploration of technology and innovation. Due to the increasing interest in using more innovative marketing and negotiation techniques, this study focuses on real estate agents' acceptance as well as the intention to use ICT in Malaysia according to the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). In this study, a sample including 400 real estate agency practitioners was surveyed and analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), as well as Trust (TRU) affect Behavioural Intention (BI). On the other hand, PU is affected by PEOU as well as Service Quality (SERQ). Meanwhile, PEOU is affected by Perceived Enjoyment (ENJ) as well as Innovativeness (INNO). These results indicate that ICT acceptance among real estate agents can be improved by providing them with high-quality service, fostering perceived enjoyment, building trust, and establishing innovative ICT solutions tailored to real estate agents' needs.

ICT ADOPTION AMONG REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN MALAYSIA

Murni Mohamad — 2024-08-31

The success of real estate agents relies on the ability to provide better services to their clients efficiently and seamlessly. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is benefiting real estate agents by making it more convenient for real estate agents to find clients, advertise the property, and facilitate the property transaction process, which is indubitable. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the level of ICT usage by real estate agents in valuation and agency firms in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data were gathered through a survey conducted with these firms, and 400 responses were collected using a quantitative study and analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) ranking. The study revealed that most respondents adopt ICT in their practices, with the most frequently used tools being Mobile Instant Messaging, Social Media, and Real Estate Agent Websites. However, technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Robotic Process Automation, and Metaverse Real Estate are rarely utilised. The study concluded that the widespread application of ICT in real estate is evident. However, inadequate training, higher cost of acquisition, and shortage of skilled people are the barriers that limit its full potential within the sector. This study recommends that the top management of valuation and agency firms provide training programs and ongoing support that cater to the specific needs of real estate agents.

THE IMPACT OF ATTITUDE CHANGE FOR CLEANLINESS AMONG LOW COST FLAT RESIDENTS TOWARDS QUALITY OF LIFE IN JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA

Mohd Hafizal Ishak — 2024-08-31

The primary cause of cleaning problems in low-cost flats is the attitude of the residents, who are frequently perceived as disliking their shared accountability and dedication to maintaining their dwelling zones. Hence, these attitudes will impact low-cost flats' quality of life (QOL). However, the relationship and effects of a change in attitude toward cleanliness from a property management perspective have received less attention in the literature. This study is conducted to determine attitude change factors for cleanliness among low-cost flat residents and to analyse the impact of attitude change factors towards resident's quality of life (QOL) near Johor Bahru. The quantitative method was used through a questionnaire survey from 100 respondents among low-cost residents. Descriptive analysis, factors analysis and correlation analyses were used for the data. The result shows that cognitive biases and belief formation are the top attitude change factors among the residents. The correlation between attitude change factors and QOL showed a strong correlation between cognitive and behavioural elements. This result can be a basis for further exploration of the change in the cleanliness attitude of low-cost residents.