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

Amirul Hafiz Jalil, Muhamad Hafiz Mokrey, Mastura Othman, Muhamad Khairul Faiz Mashod, Mahfuzah Md Muslim and Faizah Mohd Fakhruddin
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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

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 9, 8149-8161

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.

Date: 2025
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