If you’re part of the sandwich generation, should property ownership be on your mind?
Across Malaysia, many working adults are part of the sandwich generation — individuals balancing the financial responsibilities of supporting ageing parents while raising children. Rising healthcare costs, education expenses, and living pressures are intensifying this reality, making long-term financial planning increasingly complex.
At the same time, homeownership remains a strong aspiration. Millennials alone make up about 25% of Malaysia’s population, with financial stability and owning a home consistently ranked as key life priorities. However, affordability challenges and caregiving responsibilities often delay this milestone.
For the sandwich generation, buying property is not simply about securing a place to live — it is about creating stability, reducing uncertainty, and building a foundation that supports multiple generations.
Who Is the Sandwich Generation?
The sandwich generation typically refers to working adults supporting both parents and children simultaneously — a reality increasingly observed in Malaysia due to longer life expectancy and financial pressures across generations.
Research highlights that weak retirement savings among older Malaysians are contributing to more families entering this dual-support situation, increasing dependency on working adults.
This group often faces:
- Parents’ healthcare and living expenses
- Children’s education and daily needs
- Career pressures alongside caregiving responsibilities
The need for stable housing that supports long-term family planning.
Understanding the Financial Reality of the Sandwich Generation
Housing affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to homeownership for this demographic.
Studies show that housing affordability in Malaysia has declined over time, with many housing types becoming increasingly unaffordable for millennial-led households, particularly those in lower-income brackets.
At the same time:
- Property prices in urban areas can be multiple times the annual household income
- Many younger Malaysians carry financial commitments such as car loans and credit card debt
- A significant portion of respondents report limited disposable income for savings or investments
This combination creates hesitation — yet delaying property ownership can also prolong financial uncertainty
Why Buying Property Provides Stability
1. Protection Against Rising Living Costs
Housing affordability concerns remain high, with only 38% of Malaysian youth satisfied with housing affordability, highlighting growing anxiety about long-term housing security.
Owning property helps reduce exposure to rental fluctuations and provides greater predictability — particularly valuable for households managing multiple dependents.
2. Property as a Long-Term Wealth Asset
Despite affordability challenges, homeownership remains a key aspiration. Surveys show that 94% of millennial non-homeowners intend to buy a home within five years, reinforcing property’s role as a long-term financial goal.
For the sandwich generation, property offers:
- capital appreciation potential
- asset security during uncertain periods
- legacy value for children
This transforms property from a cost into a long-term financial anchor.
3. Multi-Generational Living Benefits
Many sandwich generation households benefit from homes designed to accommodate evolving family needs.
Multi-generational living can:
- reduce caregiving costs
- strengthen emotional support systems
- improve daily convenience for elderly family members
Homes located within integrated communities further enhance this advantage by offering proximity to healthcare, education, and daily amenities.
This is where developments by Sunway Property become especially relevant. Sunway’s integrated township approach places residential areas near hospitals, schools, retail, and lifestyle facilities — helping families manage caregiving responsibilities with greater ease while maintaining long-term liveability.
Townships such as Sunway City Kuala Lumpur and Sunway City Iskandar Puteri exemplify environments where accessibility, connectivity, and community planning support multi-generational living.
Overcoming Common Concerns About Buying Property
Many sandwich generation families benefit from homes that accommodate multi-generational living. Larger layouts, flexible spaces, and community-oriented environments allow families to care for ageing parents while providing children with a stable upbringing.
Affordability remains one of the biggest concerns for the sandwich generation. Financial commitments, caregiving costs, and uncertainty about future expenses can make property ownership feel daunting.
However, several factors can help make purchasing more manageable:
- thoughtful financial planning and loan structuring
- government homeownership initiatives
- selecting properties within established, well-connected communities
- choosing developments that offer long-term liveability and value retention
Property ownership has gone beyond just being an investment.
It’s Never Too Late to Invest in Property
Many individuals within the sandwich generation feel they are “behind” in their property journey due to years spent prioritising family responsibilities. However, homeownership is not defined by timing alone — it is shaped by readiness, financial clarity, and long-term intention.
In reality, purchasing a property later in life can come with advantages. Greater career stability, clearer financial priorities, and a deeper understanding of family needs often lead to more confident and well-informed property decisions. Rather than rushing into early commitments, many buyers find that waiting allows them to select homes that better support multi-generational living and long-term lifestyle goals.
Additionally, property remains a long-term asset that can provide stability, potential appreciation, and security regardless of the purchase stage. What matters most is choosing a home within a well-planned environment that can continue to support evolving family responsibilities over time.
For sandwich generation households, the decision to buy is less about whether it is early or late. Instead, it is more about creating a stable foundation that supports both present caregiving needs and future peace of mind.
A Future-Focused Decision for Generations
For the sandwich generation, property ownership represents more than financial progress — it reflects care, foresight, and the desire to provide stability across generations.
Homes within thoughtfully planned communities can ease caregiving challenges, reduce daily logistical stress, and create an environment where both parents and children can thrive.
Developments by Sunway Property demonstrate how township planning can support this journey, offering environments designed not just for today’s needs, but for the evolving realities of family life. Who better for the sandwich generation than the developer who promises to stay With You for Generations!
