Like i've said before, besides my family and friends, i don't have anything back in KL that's holding me back.
But at this juncture of my life, i would want to settle down here on the island. Not my birth place, where traffic jams prevails, tolls are set up almost everywhere and it's a dog-eat-dog competitive working environment as compared to this calm (but hot) island.
Not to mention my parents are from this island, which means i'm returning to my 'motherland'.
Anyway, with the existence of more people, there will be more demand and sometimes there isn't enough supply to cope with the demand. And at times, prices of land do not depreciate.
I read this column by academic Goh Ban Lee on houses on the island, and here's part of it:
"....Today, young graduates earning from RM2,500 to RM3,500 a month in Penang Island do not think of landed properties anymore, even if their spouses earn similar salaries. Their combined income of RM5,000 to RM7,000 a month can only allow them to buy houses of RM300,000 to RM400,000, that is, if they have saved between RM30,000 and RM50,000 for down-payments or are lucky enough to have parents who can and are willing to contribute.
The double-storey terrace houses in Island Glades are selling from RM500,000 to RM700,000 each! Most new landed properties in the Northeast District of Penang Island are in three-storey format costing about RM800,000! Semi-detached variety costs more than a million ringgit...."
Read more about the article HERE
I wanted to cry, because when both of us combine our income, it's only almost RM5,000. I lament at this fact - it's not easy to purchase a house.
My buddies Justin and Kevan have bought a house and buying one, respectively. And i'm stuck with a room in a shaby looking flat on the island.
I would want a place, which i can call home when i get married to the love of my life. A place where it would be open for fellowship meetings, gatherings and even for a couple of people to bunk; in other words, to bless others with.
And it would be nice to be able to move Melissa D out of her house when we get married, assuring both Uncle Chow and Aunty Moy that i'll be able to take care of the both of us.
But every now and then, I feel like crying every time i think about this matter; it's depressing. But there other things like how we'll manage as a married couple, paying for bills and loans, raise children, organising a family, etc. These thoughts can be depressing.
But life's too short to live in regret and wasted wandering away. So, i'll just leave it to God, seeking Him for wisdom, strength and encouragement to move forward... as well as from our peers.
The day will come when i'll be able to say, home sweet home. One day.
P/S I'm now typing this story from the island, after my assignments. And i'll be coming back to KL in a few days time! Do call me if you wanna meet up, ya?
Love & Peace!~
BC?
3 comments:
Hi Bernard,
I read the article.
"Their combined income of RM5,000 to RM7,000 a month can *only* allow them to buy houses of RM300,000 to RM400,000."
I was seriously shocked to read the word only there. I guess this is a situation unique to Penang as in KL, you can get a place to stay below 200k.
Our house was truly a gift from God, just like many other necessities we have needed. That is why when I got married with Sher-Mayne, we managed with a combine income below 4k.
We (you, me and Kevan) are already much more blessed than many other people. We are because God is our provider (and of course, your combined salary , which is quite high, displays that).
Just like to end with this verse I sent Sher-Mayne.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Anyway, just as clarification, my shock with *only* was referring to the fact that 5000 & 7000 and 300,000 & 400,000 was rendered a small amount by that word.
Thanks for the encouragement, Justin. And yes, we're indeed blessed.
"Count your blessings" as they say.
Take care, ya?
BC?
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