KHALIL ADIS

Khalil began his journey in real estate as a property writer in 2008. However, his real lesson on the importance of homeownership started much earlier when he was 21-years-old.

When he was growing up in Singapore, he did not have anyone to teach me about property investment. During his time as a property writer, he was also in desperate need of a roof over his head yet unsure whether he could afford it. This prompted him to find out more about property investment. It also spurred him to give talks and inform the public so that they do not have to face the difficulties he had gone through.

In his early twenties, while still serving his national service, he was living temporarily in camp. This went on for a month or so. Then, he started looking for a room on the Internet. Some of the landlords had no regard for hygiene. Nor were they polite, with their “take-it-or-leave-it” attitude. His national service payback then was around S$300. To supplement his income, he gave tuition. It was a hand-to-mouth existence, so to speak. After many trials and tribulations (plus some divine intervention), he eventually managed to get his place.

Now, some of you might be blessed with parents who will provide for you and take care of your well-being. This might lull you into a false sense of security with regard to buying your own property. Experiencing first hand that circumstances can change. Family disputes, inheritance issues, marriages, deaths and so on can alter your life completely, for good or for worse. Therefore, he has always urged friends like you to always be prepared so that you are not left “stranded”, so to speak.

Having a home is a basic human need. Yet, when it comes to property education, not many of us have the basic knowledge. We are living in a time when, whether you like it or not, property prices are going to keep rising. It is no longer our forefather’s era when you can buy a property on the cheap. Some are blessed enough to have their parents’ help in buying their first property. However, the majority do not have this luxury, leaving them at the mercy of inflation.

Some of the Gen Ys he have spoken to seemed despondent about their future. With the current economy, this might be the perfect time to buy a property to hedge against inflation. However, you must tread carefully and apply strategies to make the most of the property market.

He is there to help.