CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This chapter begins with the discussion on the definition of “home” and “dwelling”, “priority” and “middle income group”; followed by discussion of housing types and factors influencing potential home buyers' priorities for housing selection. When Maslow (1970) presented the theory of the hierarchy of human needs, according to which a house constitutes the most important basic needs, in addition to the needs for security, belonging and love, needs for esteem and self-realization, he classified the need for housing at the level lowest of the five levels. It is also known to be one of the best indicators of a person's standard of living and status in society.2.1 Definition of “house” and “dwelling” According to Farlex's Free Dictionary (2009), a “house” is defined as a structure used as a home for one or more people, in particular for a family; a building that functions as the primary shelter or location of something. While according to The Law Dictionary (2011), “home” can also be defined as one in which a man lives with his family; a residence; the apartment or building, a group of buildings, occupied by a family as a place of residence. According to Asirwatham, SR (1977), “home” is a unit of living space equipped with the basic necessities that enable residents to cultivate a complete and meaningful life. This statement is also supported by Yee Ling (2010). Physically, a home is a place where interaction between the inhabitant and the world occurs. It connects or separates the individual's private life with or from nature, the environment and the public. A home is a place where people live to find refuge and comfort, physically and emotionally, and famous...... middle of paper ......urassa and Vincent S. Peng (1999). Hedonic prices and house numbers: the influence of Feng Shui. International Real Estate Review 1999 Vol.2 No 1, 79-93The Star Online (2013, 7 October). Safety is the primary concern for home buyers. The star online. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://www.thestar.com.myWan Abdul Aziz et al. (2011). A study of affordable housing within middle-income households in major cities and towns in Malaysia. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(8), 258-267.Yong, H.L. (2006). Home Buyers Requirements for Housing Development in Selangor Districts. Master's Thesis. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.Z. Mohammad Sharif and Dr. Angela L (2010). Misunderstanding of housing and its influence on the success of low-cost housing projects – State of the art review. The Built and Human Environment Review, Vol 3, 1-11.