For Expatriates: Buying or Selling Property in Malaysia

Malaysia's property market is open to foreigners, but the rules are strict, state-specific, and easy to get wrong. 

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Can Foreigners Buy Property in Malaysia? Yes with restrictions that vary by state and property type.

Minimum purchase prices (2024/2025):

• Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya: RM 1,000,000

• Selangor: RM 2,000,000

• Penang Island: RM 1,000,000 strata / RM 3,000,000 landed

• Penang Mainland: RM 500,000 strata / RM 1,000,000 landed

• Johor: RM 1,000,000

• Melaka: RM 500,000 strata / RM 1,000,000 landed

• Sarawak: RM 500,000 – RM 600,000

Foreigners cannot buy Malay Reserved Land, Bumiputera-quota properties, or government low-cost housing.

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Key Costs

Stamp Duty on Transfer: 4% flat for foreigners (increases to 8% from 1 January 2026). On a RM 1,500,000 purchase, that is RM 60,000 in stamp duty on the transfer alone.

RPGT When You Sell: 30% within 5 years / 10% from year 6 onwards. From 1 January 2025, self-assessment applies — buyer and seller must file within 60 days of the sale agreement.

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The Buying Process

1. Pay booking deposit (2%–3%)

2. Sign SPA and pay 10% down payment

3. State Authority Consent under Section 433B NLC (1–3 months)

4. Pay balance within 90 days of consent

5. Registration and key handover 

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What We Handle

• Title and encumbrance search

• SPA review and negotiation

• State Authority Consent application

• Stamp duty adjudication and MOT preparation

• RPGT filing and retention sum management

• Coordination through to title registration

One point of contact throughout. You deal directly with the lawyer in charge of your file.