Private Rental Housing: Shaping an Age-Ready Living Landscape in Sabah

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Across Sabah, conversations about ageing are becoming more visible and more urgent. As life expectancy improves and family structures continue to evolve, the question facing policymakers, developers, and communities is no longer whether Sabah is ageing, but whether our living environments are evolving quickly enough to support this shift.

While healthcare often dominates public discourse on ageing, housing, particularly private rental housing, plays a quieter yet equally critical role. For many older adults in Sabah, rental homes are increasingly the foundation that enables independent living, ongoing connection to family and community, and the continuity of daily routines that sustain dignity and wellbeing.

A changing role for rental housing

Sabah has traditionally placed strong emphasis on home ownership. However, a growing number of older adults are now choosing, or needing, to rent. Some downsize after children move out. Others relocate closer to healthcare facilities, essential services, or family members. Many appreciate the flexibility and reduced long-term responsibility that rental living offers later in life.

This shift is most visible in urban and peri-urban centres such as Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Sandakan, and Tawau. For older residents, proximity increasingly outweighs size. Access to clinics, markets, places of worship, public transport, and familiar neighbourhood networks has become central to quality of life.

Once viewed as transitional, rental housing is steadily emerging as a long-term lifestyle choice.

What age-ready rental living looks like

Age-ready housing does not mean age-segregated or senior-only living. The most effective environments are those that integrate seamlessly into existing residential communities, supporting people across life stages.

Three practical considerations consistently matter:

  • Ease of living: Minimal stairs, good lighting, safe bathrooms, and intuitive layouts

  • Location: Reasonable access to healthcare, daily necessities, and transport

  • Stability: Predictable rental terms that reduce the stress associated with frequent relocation

These features are not exclusive to older tenants. They improve liveability for families, working adults, and younger residents alike, making age-ready design a practical and inclusive approach rather than a niche one.


Why developers are paying attention

From a development and investment perspective, an ageing population represents a stabilising market segment. Older tenants often value continuity, take pride in their living environment, and prefer longer tenures, contributing to lower turnover and more consistent occupancy.

Across Sabah, developers are increasingly recognising that inclusive design is no longer an optional “add-on” but a marker of quality and future readiness. Accessibility, intuitive layouts, and community-friendly spaces are becoming fundamental considerations that enhance long-term asset value.

Crucially, these elements are most effective when incorporated early in the design process. Step-free access, practical bathrooms, well-lit common areas, and flexible unit layouts are modest adjustments that deliver enduring appeal across generations.

Practical considerations for age-conscious developments

Creating age-ready rental housing does not require a complete redesign of existing models. Small, thoughtful decisions can have a meaningful impact:

  • Design for flexibility: Homes that adapt to changing needs retain long-term relevance

  • Prioritise accessibility: Lifts, ramps, and clear circulation are increasingly expected

  • Think beyond the unit: Seating areas, safe walkways, and shared spaces encourage social connection

  • Offer lease stability options: Longer rental terms appeal to mature tenants seeking certainty

These measures align closely with sound development practice while strengthening both social outcomes and market resilience.

Looking ahead

Age-ready rental housing is not about designing for old age. It is about planning for longer lives, evolving needs, and sustainable value.

As Sabah continues to grow and urbanise, private rental housing has a unique opportunity to quietly shape a more inclusive and liveable future, one where residents can remain comfortable, connected, and supported at every stage of life.

 by Adj Prof Jessie Jong Chung Jin,
A.S.D.K | Smart Ageing Strategist | Social Impact Innovator



Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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