A Family’s Quest for Space in a Pandemic Era
When COVID-19 struck, it reshaped lives in ways no one could have imagined. During the pandemic lockdown, families across Malaysia found themselves reassessing their living conditions.
People were faced with the decision to upgrade, relocate, or even downgrade their homes, adapting to what was quickly becoming the new normal.
For Grete, a 40-year-old former film and radio professional who embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, the pandemic transformed her family’s 900-square-foot condominium in Kuala Lumpur into a stifling enclosure.
Living with her husband, three kids, and a cat in such confined space for three years during the pandemic, the family desperately yearned for more space. "We felt like we were going crazy," Grete recalls, her voice tinged with the stress of those challenging times.
Check out Grete’s incredible true story. Watch the video below!
The Confinement of Lockdown
The pandemic was a catalyst for change for Grete’s family. Cramped in a small condo, she faced the universal challenge of balancing work, family life, and personal space in a confined environment.
"Our small condo became our entire world during the lockdown," Grete recalls. The 900-square-foot space, once sufficient, suddenly felt stifling as the family struggled to adapt to remote working, online schooling, and indoor recreation.
Grete’s days in the condo were a juggling act of managing her home office in the bedroom, conducting yoga sessions on the balcony, and finding creative ways to entertain her children. "We played Lego, Hot Wheels, and created obstacle courses for the kids to release their pent-up energy," she shares.
The lack of personal space for each family member, with the storage room doubling as her husband’s office and her daughter’s study area, was the driving force behind their decision to move. The pandemic not only heightened health concerns but also underscored the need for more living space.
Seeking New Space and Navigating Setbacks
Determined to improve their living situation, Grete and her husband embarked on a quest for a more suitable home. However, securing a mortgage loan was one of the main hurdles in their journey.
“We tried with many different banks but never got approved because my husband is a freelancer, and I’m a stay-at-home mum, so we don’t have a stable income to show to the banks," Grete reflects on the frustrating process. Their loan applications were repeatedly rejected, leading to a loss of hope.
Despite the setbacks, Grete’s perseverance, fuelled by the support of her husband and sisters, kept their dream alive.
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A Beacon of Hope with Property Expert Guidance
In their search for a new home, Grete turned to PropertyGuru. "I found our agent on PropertyGuru, and it was a game-changer," she says. The app’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive agent profiles provided the trust and assurance they needed. "PropertyGuru helped us narrow down our choices based on our specific needs," Grete explains.
The family’s fortunes changed when their property agent recommended consulting a mortgage expert. Initially skeptical, Grete and Megat decided to give it a try.
This decision marked a turning point in their journey. "On my 40th birthday, we received the news that our mortgage was approved," Grete recalls with a smile, describing it as a moment of pure joy and relief.
This story is incredibly motivating for freelancers and the self-employed in Malaysia, who struggle with homeownership due to fluctuating incomes. It serves as a beacon of hope, showing that owning a home is achievable even with an unstable income.
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Envisioning a New Home for Growth and Happiness
As their new house in Happy Garden, Kuala Lumpur, undergoes renovation, Grete and her family are filled with anticipation. "We’re actively involved in the renovation process, choosing colours, tiles, and designs. It’s a creative journey that we’re all enjoying," she shares. The new home promises more space and the opportunity for each family member to have their own personal area.
Grete looks forward to the comfort and happiness the new space will bring to her family. Not only do we have space to live, but we will also have space to grow. It’s like the dream I’ve always had is finally becoming a reality," she says.
Their new home symbolises more than just a physical space; it represents a new chapter in their lives, filled with possibilities and dreams coming true.
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A Story of Resilience and Hope
Throughout their journey, PropertyGuru was an invaluable resource. The platform’s detailed agent profiles and user-friendly interface streamlined their search, connecting them with the right agent and simplifying their journey through the property market.
An invaluable tool for those embarking on a similar journey, especially freelancers and the self-employed, is the PropertyGuru Home Loan Calculator. This feature can be a game-changer, offering clear insights into how much mortgage loan one can afford, thereby helping in planning and decision-making.
Grete’s story is a testament to the resilience of Malaysian families during the pandemic. It’s a narrative of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and finding joy in new beginnings. As they settle into their new home, their story stands as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of a home that truly meets one’s needs.