After paying for a home for almost 14 years, one Malaysian woman decided to sell it.
The reason was straightforward but concerning: her monthly loan instalment had increased to a level she could no longer manage.
In her post, the woman described the decision as the moment her life “started over from zero” at the age of 40, even as many of her peers were celebrating milestones such as owning homes outright.
Sold the house she bought with her own hard-earned money
The woman shared that she bought the house at the age of 27 for RM230,000, with an original monthly instalment of RM870.
She said the purchase was made after careful discussion with her parents and stressed that she does not regret buying a home at a young age.
“I followed my parents’ advice after discussing all aspects. I don’t regret buying a house at 27, and I’m not someone who splurges,” she wrote.
She explained that the house was bought when she was single and working in the same area. However, after getting married, she returned to her hometown and was no longer able to live there herself.
Instalments kept increasing over the years
According to her, the monthly instalments gradually rose over time and eventually became too much to bear.
She said the instalment amount changed multiple times, starting from RM870, dropping briefly to RM790, before increasing again to RM950, RM1,000, RM1,050 and finally RM1,300.
“It became illogical to me. That’s why I decided to sell,” she said.
She added that during the Movement Control Order period, she applied for a loan moratorium after her income was affected. When interest rates later increased, her loan repayments went up as well.
Despite lodging complaints with the bank and making extra payments, she said the instalments continued to rise.
“At one point, even my blood pressure went up. That’s when I decided I couldn’t cope anymore,” she shared.
Reduced commitments but emotional to let go
Ultimately, the woman decided to sell the house after receiving a letter from the bank informing her of another increase in the monthly instalment.
She said selling the house allowed her to reduce her monthly commitments by about RM1,300 and move into a rental with a lower cost.
While admitting that the decision was painful, she said she has no regrets.
Of course I was sad. But life has to go on. Maybe I just wasn’t meant to live in my own house,” she wrote, adding that she could not imagine holding on for another 16 years of repayments.
“Life shouldn’t be compared”
The post quickly drew responses from netizens, many of whom shared similar experiences of having to sell their homes despite emotional attachment.
One commenter said they were in tears while signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement after selling their house five years after buying it, adding that although it was painful, it turned out to be the best decision.
Others urged the woman to ignore criticism and reminded her that everyone’s life journey is different.
“Life shouldn’t be compared. Everyone has their own path,” one netizen wrote, wishing her ease and better days ahead.
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