Houses bursting with personalities should fetch higher prices if refurbished right.
In Malaysia, residences are more than just places to live. They are canvases adorned with vivid patterns, striking colours and distinct cultural marks. Lush rainforests coexist with busy cities. Colour explodes in a symphony of architectural expression, from the terracotta-tiled roofs of Melaka to the pastel-washed shophouses of Penang. However, this rainbow of hues begs the important question: Do these painted facades add value to the properties or do they just end up as merely eye-pleasing?
In reference to an online group dedicated to selling and renting Melaka’s heritage pre-war properties, the colourful houses along Jalan Hang Jebat or otherwise better known as Jonker Walk can fetch prices ranging from RM850,000 to RM5mil depending on their conditions. Compared to the dull, copy-and-pasted designs of modern homes today, it makes sense that houses bursting with personalities would fetch higher prices. This of course is only in the event of it being done right.
Injecting personality
Who wouldn’t turn their gaze towards a property that is absolutely vivid in colours when passing by? They inject personality into neighbourhoods. The atmosphere easily becomes vibrant and people feel compelled to stop and stare, even better if it is a shoplot.
In Penang, where these colourful homes remain a significant part of the state’s identity, they play a major role as a tourist attraction. Usually, one can easily spot the intricate Peranakan motifs on roofs and windows, and this cultural significance translates to increased property value, especially for heritage homes in more central and prime locations.
The psychology of colour
The appreciation for colour in Malaysian homes is deeply rooted in tradition. Certain colours have symbolic meanings in Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Red denotes bravery and good fortune, yellow denotes royalty and prosperity, and green symbolises harmony and nature. Chinese communities frequently relate colours to the five elements, which has an impact on the design of buildings. These ingrained meanings enhance the neighbourhood's cultural fabric and provide residents with a connection to their heritage, thus adding value above and beyond the surface.
Today, colourful homes may not be as greatly appreciated as they once were. Modernity can easily deviate from conventional tastes and many of those in the younger generation prefer monochromatic hues and sleek minimalism to the vivid explosions of their elders. This generational gap may have an effect on the value of a property because contemporary buyers may view colourful homes as out-of-date or in need of remodelling.
Eye candies or eyesores?
Sensory overload is a very real thing. A property's overall aesthetic appeal, as well as that of nearby homes, can be diminished by discordant and clashing colours. In these situations, colourful homes may have a detrimental effect on the value of the property and reduce buyer appeal. Vibrant colours should complement an object rather than take away from its value, so regular maintenance and attention to detail are essential.
Furthermore, not everyone may find a particular colour to their taste. Traditional shophouses' rich oranges and reds may be too loud or overpowering for some people, but others may find them to be vibrant and lively.
A location's sweet spot
The location of a property has a significant impact on the effect of colour on its value. Brightly coloured homes can be a big draw in places with a strong sense of cultural identity and a flourishing tourism sector. The vivid colours may be more acceptable to visitors and foreigners looking for a genuine Malaysian experience, as they are seen as an integral element of the country's allure. Overly colourful homes, however, might stand out negatively in more cosmopolitan neighbourhoods or in areas with stricter design codes, which could lower their value.
Balance it out
Finding the ideal balance is ultimately the key to optimising property value through colour. When selecting a colour scheme, homeowners should take the target audience, the house's architectural style and the neighbourhood's overall aesthetic into account. A professional designer or colour consultant can offer invaluable advice on how to choose colours that enhance the property's appeal and complement it.
In conclusion, Malaysia's vibrant culture and lively spirit are reflected in its colourful homes. Colour has a complicated and context-dependent effect on property value. While a vibrant facade can certainly add charm and attract attention, it's ultimately the overall package that will determine a property's true value. Moderation goes a long way in the property world, and finding the ideal balance is crucial to making sure that colour becomes a celebration of uniqueness and heritage rather than a turnoff to potential buyers.
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