Property FOMO: How Fear of Missing Out Pushes Young Buyers Into Risky Mortgages

In today’s digital era, property ownership is no longer just a financial goal it has become a social milestone. Influenced by viral content, success stories on Instagram Reels, and friends posting "Finally got my house!" celebrations, many young adults are experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in the property market. The result? A growing number of millennials and Gen Z are taking on KPR mortgages without proper financial planning, just to avoid feeling left behind.

The Social Pressure to “Own a Home Before 30”

There is an unspoken race happening among young people: the race to post their first house keys online. The narrative sounds empowering, but behind the scenes, many of these decisions are driven more by social anxiety than financial readiness. Instead of carefully calculating long-term debt commitments, some young buyers rush into mortgage agreements simply because “everyone else is already buying”.

KPR Without Calculation: A Modern Trap

Banks are aggressively offering easy down payments, longer tenor options, and “light installment” marketing gimmicks. It sounds attractive, especially for first-time buyers. However, without understanding interest fluctuations, emergency fund requirements, and potential lifestyle limitations, many young homeowners end up financially trap working only to pay installments, with zero room for flexibility.

Owning a house becomes a badge of status, not a strategic financial move.

The Role of Viral Content and Influencer Culture

Property tours on TikTok, aesthetic home makeovers on YouTube, and threads about “How I bought a house at 25” are fueling the illusion that everyone is moving forward except you. This triggers impulsive behavior:

Rushing to book a unit during property exhibitions.

Taking mortgage deals without comparing interest types.

Borrowing from multiple sources just to afford DP (down payment).

Forgetting about long-term costs: maintenance, tax, renovation, insurance.

Financial Freedom vs. Social Approval

Ironically, the fear of being left behind often leads to long-term stress and financial chains. A house purchased out of pressure rather than readiness can limit life choices. Travel plans are canceled, career flexibility decreases, and daily life becomes a routine of “work-pay-installment-repeat”.

A Healthy Mindset Shift

Instead of chasing property just to prove maturity or social status, young people must start asking:

“Can I still live comfortably after paying the monthly installment?”

“Do I have an emergency fund for at least 6–12 months?”

“Am I buying this house because I need it or because I feel left out?”

FOMO Should Not Be a Financial Strategy. Property ownership is a powerful investment when done with clarity, timing, and proper calculation. But when driven by fear and comparison, it becomes a burden disguised as achievement. In the end, missing out for a while is better than locking yourself into a lifetime of financial stress.