Types of Houses in Malaysia: Terrace, Semi-D, Bungalow, Condo
Key Takeaways
- Malaysian homes fall into two groups: landed (terrace, semi-D, bungalow, cluster) and high-rise (flat, apartment, condominium, serviced apartment).
- Landed homes usually have an individual title and no maintenance fee, unless they sit in a gated scheme.
- High-rise homes usually have a strata title and a monthly maintenance fee.
- SoHo, SoVo and SoFo units are often on commercial land, so check utility rates, assessment and loan terms.
- Type affects auction results: in BidNest's data, 40.1% of apartments sold, against 32% of semi-Ds.
The types of houses in Malaysia
| Type | What it is | Usual title |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace (link) house | A row of homes sharing side walls, one to three storeys | Individual |
| Semi-detached (semi-D) | Two homes sharing one wall | Individual |
| Bungalow | A standalone house on its own lot | Individual |
| Cluster house | Three or four homes grouped together, smaller than a semi-D | Individual |
| Townhouse | Two stacked units in one block, each with its own door | Strata |
| Flat | Low-rise block with basic facilities | Strata |
| Apartment | Multi-storey block, usually with a lift and basic security | Strata |
| Condominium | High-rise with full facilities such as pool and gym | Strata |
| Serviced apartment | Like a condo, often on commercial land | Strata |
| SoHo, SoVo, SoFo | Small office and living units | Strata |
Types of terrace houses
Terrace houses are the most searched landed type. They differ by storeys and by where the lot sits in the row:
- Single, double or triple storey.
- Intermediate lot: shares a wall on both sides.
- End lot: shares one wall and usually has a little more land.
- Corner lot: at the end of the row with the widest side land, and usually a higher price.
See terrace houses on auction for current prices.
What is the difference between an apartment and a condo?
The difference is in the facilities, not the law. Both are strata property. A condo usually has 24-hour guards, a pool, a gym and assigned parking, so its maintenance fee is higher. An apartment is more basic and often cheaper. Before buying either, ask about monthly fees and arrears, since the management body can pursue them. See condos and apartments on auction.
What are SoHo, SoVo and SoFo?
- SoHo: Small Office Home Office.
- SoVo: Small Office Versatile Office.
- SoFo: Small Office Flexible Office.
These units are compact and easy to manage, but they are often built on commercial land. That can mean commercial water, electricity or assessment rates, and loan terms that differ from a residential home. Confirm with the bank and the management body before you buy.
Affordable homes: Rumah Mesra Rakyat and Rumah Selangorku
Rumah Mesra Rakyat is a programme by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad, and Rumah Selangorku is the Selangor state's affordable housing scheme. Both have eligibility rules and resale limits, so check with the agency for the current terms. These homes often carry restrictions on the title that need careful reading.
Which type suits you?
| What you need | Often a good fit |
|---|---|
| Family space with no monthly fee | Terrace or semi-D |
| Close to the city on a limited budget | Apartment |
| Full facilities and security | Condominium |
| Rental investment in a small unit | Serviced apartment or SoHo, after checking the terms |
| Maximum space and privacy | Bungalow |
House types at bank auctions
In BidNest's market data, the share sold differs by type: apartments 40.1%, terrace houses 37%, semi-Ds 32% and shop offices 29.2%, out of 10,443 auctions. Compare semi-Ds on auction and listings in Selangor. Before buying strata, read the strata title guide, since maintenance arrears can be a hidden cost.
Want to compare auction property types for your budget? Contact Crispina Ng, BidNest's lelong property specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of house in Malaysia?
Terrace houses are the most common landed type, while apartments and condos dominate urban areas. The right choice depends on location, budget and how much space the family needs.
What is the difference between a terrace house and a semi-D?
A terrace house shares walls on both sides within a row, except end and corner lots. A semi-D shares only one wall, so it has more side space and usually costs more.
Do condos and apartments have monthly fees?
Yes. Both are strata property, so owners pay maintenance charges and a sinking fund to the management body. Condos usually cost more because they have more facilities.
Is a SoHo a residential home?
Not always. Many people live in SoHo units, but the land is often commercial. Check the title and ask the bank, since it can affect the loan, utility rates and tax.
Can every type of house be bought at auction?
Yes, but conditions differ by lot. Read the Proclamation of Sale for restrictions such as Bumi lots, Malay reserve land or ownership limits on affordable homes before you bid.
Sources
Speak to Crispina Ng for the latest auction details, reserve price and bidding process.