KUALA LUMPUR: THERE are many alternative investments besides
stocks and bonds to help you achieve financial freedom when you retire.

If you are into properties, you can either invest in a real
estate trust or buy a house and become a landlord by renting it out and selling
it for a profit in the future. But buying a house can be difficult when you
have little or no knowledge about the property market.

Many people, especially first-time buyers, make the mistake of
buying a house immediately after walking into a sales gallery and listening to
the sales person talk.

A buyer’s decision-making cannot be based only on what the sales
person is saying.

Knight Frank Malaysia senior manager of international project
marketing Dominic Heaton-Watson suggests doing a bit of research first before
signing the sale-and-purchase agreement.

Five things to pay
attention to before buying a property for investment:

• Research the location

Look at the transport connectivity and proximity to the central
business district, and education and shopping centres. Will this become better
in the future?

• Research the market

Ask who the target audience will be; what level of supply and
demand is there? Understand the trends both now and in the future.

• Research the developer

Look for reputable track record in delivery and
specifications/finishes.

• Research the product

Learn what finishes and amenities are expected and/or should be
provided.

• Seek expert advice

Get the
best of both worlds - seek global advisers with local expertise - not just on
price, but also on how best to furnish, let and manage your investment
professionally. Trust and confidence in your adviser will help settle any
question/service you may need.