When a tragedy happens at a property, especially one that involves death, the property immediately becomes less desirable to potential buyers and tenants. Yet, there are some who try to take advantage of the tragedy.
Founder of Arzone Properties, Azie Nawawi, took to her Facebook page to share how a homeowner had decided to increase the price of his unit at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai, as the apartment has become famous now.
For context, the apartment is famous now because of the case of Zayn Rayyan, the little boy with autism who recently went missing there and was later found deceased nearby.
Azie Nawawi wrote, “In the last 2 weeks, I received a listing from a contact to sell of an Apartment Idaman unit, Damansara Damai. It’s a ground floor unit with an asking price of RM168,000. The owner urgently wants to sell.”
“A few days ago, there was a prospective buyer who was interested. When we asked to set a viewing, the owner said he wants to change the price to RM200,000. He said it is because this apartment building is famous now. Every day it’s on TV. Everyone knows about it. So, he has to increase the price.”
His reason to increase the price shocked her.
“This really is ‘to fish in troubled waters’ (to take advantage of a horrible situation). It doesn’t matter what the issue is, as long as he can do it. I was speechless and didn’t know how to advise him. All I could answer was – ‘Okay, sir. I hope you manage to sell your house quickly and easily‘,” she added.
In the end, the prospective buyer didn’t view his unit.
Many pointed out that there was no point for the man to increase the price as the tragedy caused the place to become less desirable as they would constantly fear for their children’s safety.
“Tell him he should decrease the price because people have become scared to allow their kids out to play.”
“That place has become scary and he wants to increase the price. Even kids are now scared to play at the playground there.”
“Weird. It would be a turn off if there were cases like this.”
What do you think? Should the owner be allowed to take advantage of the situation or is he being insensitive?
Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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