Govt launches National Housing Policy 2026–2035, targets one million affordable homes by 2035

PETALING JAYA (Aug 10): The government on Monday (Aug 10) launched the National Housing Policy (DRN) 2026–2035, setting a target of delivering one million affordable homes by 2035 while introducing reforms aimed at reducing housing oversupply, improving affordability and strengthening buyer protection.

The policy, unveiled by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, will serve as the country's housing blueprint for the next decade. It is supported by six focus areas, 17 strategies and 59 action plans, and adopts a more integrated, data-driven approach to housing planning.

Under the policy, the government plans to use Big Data analytics to align future housing supply with actual demand and local demographic trends, with the aim of reducing the mismatch between housing supply and demand as well as the overhang of unsold homes.

The policy also seeks to improve access to home ownership through existing and alternative financing models, including the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme, shared ownership, fixed-rate mortgages (FRM) and the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP).

To strengthen Malaysia's rental housing market, the government will pursue a Residential Tenancy Act to establish a more transparent, balanced and secure framework for landlords and tenants.

Other initiatives include promoting transit-oriented development (TOD), strengthening national housing standards, encouraging wider adoption of modern construction technologies and green certification, and expanding housing that is more inclusive for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The policy also proposes phased implementation of the Build Then Sell (BTS) system, a new Housing Developers Act, and the introduction of Option to Purchase and Sunset Clause mechanisms to enhance consumer protection. It further calls for amendments to the Strata Management Act 2013 to strengthen the governance and accountability of Joint Management Bodies (JMBs), Management Corporations (MCs) and Commissioners of Buildings (COBs).

Speaking at the launch, Nga said the policy reflects the Madani government's commitment to ensuring Malaysians have access to quality, affordable housing.

"Quality housing is not merely about providing shelter; it is also the foundation for building prosperous families, harmonious communities and sustainable national development," Nga said.

He said the ministry would continue working with state governments, local authorities, financial institutions, developers and other stakeholders to ensure the policy's initiatives are implemented effectively.

According to the ministry, the policy is designed to address key challenges facing the housing sector, including rising living costs, demographic changes, the mismatch between housing supply and demand, unsold housing stock, and delayed, distressed and abandoned housing projects.

The ministry said DRN 2026–2035 is expected to become the main reference framework for ministries, government agencies, state governments, local authorities and industry players in planning and implementing Malaysia's housing development through 2035.

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