YouthFest 2025: How can you begin your property investment journey without your parents’ money?

• EdgeProp Malaysia’s YouthFest 2025 spotlighted young property investors who have embarked on their journeys despite the perceived age and income barrier. Find out how they have done it. 

KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Investing in property might sound unattainable in your 20s, because, don’t you need hundreds of thousands of ringgit to begin? Experts at YouthFest 2025 debunked the perception that substantial capital is a barrier to entry, emphasising that you don't need a lot of money to step onto the first rung of the property investment ladder.

Organised by EdgeProp last weekend at APW Bangsar here, YouthFest 2025 provided a platform for discussions on navigating adulthood amid rising living costs and changing job markets.

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On its second day on April 20, the event focused on financial confidence, property goals, and youth-friendly cities. From learning how to build the right amount of money and turning it into assets to understanding the risks of being a young landlord, Sunday’s line-up offered real, experience-based insights.

Sessions such as “Your First RM100k—The Gen Z Guide to Property Investment”, “Young Property Investors: Risks & Rewards”, and “Revamp, Reuse, Reconnect—Making the City Youth-Ready” explored key issues facing today’s generation.

Talks like “Your Skills, Your Side Hustle” and “Growth Mindset & Vision Mapping” also highlighted how young people can build income and clarity through creativity and brain science.

Study market trend, buy at right price

RM100,000 sounds like a distant goal for most young people who have just entered the workforce. So, without Mum and Dad’s support, is it possible to get the needed amount of money to start building your real estate investment portfolio?

FAR Capital's Head of Greater China Business Development, William Chua, 28, shared that he started exploring the opportunities in the real estate market when he became a part-time property agent in his university days.

"I learned a lot about pricing strategy from developers and understood property values in the market. I didn’t have much cash at that time, and I didn’t come from a rich family. I wanted to buy the cheapest property on the market,” said Chua.

His quest was soon fulfilled, after which he went on to buy more.

“I have eight properties now, and I bought them all from the primary market. I’d make sure these properties were below market value by studying the market trend.

“For those who don't have much capital to start with, I think that's the right strategy—to buy at the right price. Besides that, homebuyers can now borrow up to a 90% loan from the banks, even for a second home. We should utilise this financial leverage without significant capital,” Chua stressed.

Looking to buy his own property at 19, with his own earnings

Having received his first RM100,000 commission a few months ago, 19-year-old IQI Global agent Noah Pua shared his property investment journey.

“When I completed STPM (Malaysian Higher School Certificate) last year, a lot of people advised me that I should proceed with my [tertiary] studies, but I wanted to become a property agent because of the attractive and rewarding commissions,” said Pua.

Besides the lucrative income, Pua shared that by joining the real estate industry, he has learned how the property market works, which helps him to build his foundation as a better property investor and start building his real estate investment portfolio.

Target sub-sale properties below market value

Another property agent, IQI Elite Group team leader Daniel Nazreen, 28, shared his experience on how he became a property agent after working as a chef.

“At the age of 22, I decided to switch careers and join real estate because my former employer, a restaurant owner and also a financial advisor, inspired me with how he gained extra income from the property industry and used it to open his restaurant.

“When I first joined this industry, I knew nothing about property, not even understanding terms like ‘SPA (sale and purchase agreement)’ and ‘booking fee.’ I spent a few months studying the real estate sector and earned at least RM70,000 within a few months,” he revealed.

Armed with his experience, Daniel shared some tips for the homebuyers. He believes that young homebuyers could target sub-sale properties, especially those below market price.

"You don't need your family to own businesses or have substantial cash to buy properties for you. You can start small, and it's a snowball effect that accumulates.

“One of my clients is 28 years old and owns 12 properties, and I was curious to know how he did it. He started his property investment journey with a salary of around RM3,000, and bought an affordable home in the Subang area.

“Subsequently, he renovated the unit and rented it out at a higher rate, selling that property after seven years,” Daniel shared.

Building additional income through digital economy

As part of YouthFest’s curated conversations, Cult Creative co-founder and CEO Shermaine Wong shared that anyone can earn as a creator in today’s digital economy.

“Creators with just 1,000 followers have landed campaigns with brands like Samsung and Marriott. Skills are currency,” she said.

She added that Cult Creative plays a pivotal role in connecting emerging content creators with major brands, encouraging individuals to leverage their personal style and everyday experiences to create authentic content.

“We’ve seen creators grow from 300 to 5,000 followers in just months. It’s about understanding your niche, staying consistent, and aligning with the right brands,” she explained.

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