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Affordability Under Siege: Intersecting Barriers to Home Ownership for Johor’s Civil Servants

Author

Listed:
  • Amirul Hafiz Jalil

    (Johor State Secretary Office, Johor, Malaysia Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Muhamad Hafiz Mokrey

    (Mersing District Office, Johor, Malaysia Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Mastura Othman

    (Batu Pahat Municipal Council, Johor, Malaysia Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Muhamad Khairul Faiz Mashod

    (Labis District Council, Johor, Malaysia Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Mahfuzah Md Muslim

    (City Council of Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

  • Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin

    (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia)

Abstract

This study examines the barriers that hinder civil servants in Johor, Malaysia, from achieving home ownership. Despite the existing housing policies and financing schemes, many civil servants remain unable to secure home ownership. A qualitative approach and case study design were employed through purposive sampling and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five Johor civil servants who are categorised under the working-class category and are unable to own any house yet. The findings reveal four key barriers, i.e., social, economic, policy, and psychological barriers. Under the social barrier, family expectations and strains are found to be a profound barrier. Additionally, the high cost of living and debt burdens are identified as economic barriers. Policy barriers include the mismatch between policy definitions and market realities, as well as policy unsustainability due to political instability. Finally, work-related stress and demotivation exacerbate the issue further. This research highlights the multidimensional nature of housing challenges faced by civil servants, emphasising the need for holistic policy reforms, financial instruments tailored to income realities and psychological support for employees. The study contributes to policy, financial institutions and community awareness regarding housing access challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Amirul Hafiz Jalil & Muhamad Hafiz Mokrey & Mastura Othman & Muhamad Khairul Faiz Mashod & Mahfuzah Md Muslim & Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin, 2025. "Affordability Under Siege: Intersecting Barriers to Home Ownership for Johor’s Civil Servants," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 8149-8161, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:8149-8161
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marco Botta, 2020. "Financial crises, debt overhang, and firm growth in transition economies," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(40), pages 4333-4350, August.
    2. Paul Sissons & Donald Houston, 2019. "Changes in transitions from private renting to homeownership in the context of rapidly rising house prices," Housing Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(1), pages 49-65, January.
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