Home » Malaysia » Malaysia – Buying Property

Malaysia – Buying Property

Legal Restrictions on Ownership or Sale of Property by Foreign Nationals in Malaysia

In Malaysia, foreign nationals are allowed to purchase property, but there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreign nationals are not allowed to purchase certain types of properties such as agricultural land, low-cost housing, or properties designated for the use of Malaysians. Foreign nationals are also required to obtain approval from the Foreign Investment Committee before purchasing property.

Average Property Prices in Malaysia

The average property price in Malaysia varies depending on location, type of property, and other factors. In general, property prices in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang tend to be higher than in rural areas. According to the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), the average price of a house in Malaysia was MYR 441,974 (approximately $107,000) in 2019.

Popular Locations to Buy Property in Malaysia

Currently, some of the most popular locations to buy property in Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Melaka. These areas have a combination of developed infrastructure, good transportation, and a relatively high standard of living, making them attractive to both locals and foreigners.


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


Upcoming Areas in Malaysia

There are several upcoming areas in Malaysia that are becoming increasingly attractive to property buyers. These include Iskandar Malaysia, a development region in Johor that is being developed as a new economic growth corridor, and the Forest City development in Johor, which is a large-scale project that includes residential, commercial, and tourism components.

New Trends in the Property Market in Malaysia

In recent years, there has been a trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly development in Malaysia’s property market. Many developers are now incorporating features such as green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems into their projects. Additionally, there has been a trend towards more mixed-use developments that include residential, commercial, and retail components.

Is Buying Property a Good Investment in Malaysia?

Buying property can be a good investment in Malaysia, as long as you do your research and choose the right property. Malaysia has a relatively stable property market, with prices that have generally been increasing over the years. However, as with any investment, it is important to consider factors such as location, type of property, and market conditions before making a purchase.

Common Property Types in Malaysia

The most common property types in Malaysia include apartments, townhouses, and detached houses. These types of properties are found in both urban and suburban areas, and are popular among both locals and foreigners. Additionally, there are also luxury villas, rural properties and land only options for those who are looking for something more specific.

Once you have found a property in Malaysia, the following steps describe the typical house buying procedure:

Surveys/Inspections

  • A pre-purchase property inspection is not legally required in Malaysia.
  • However, it is recommended to have a professional inspection to assess the condition of the property.

Making an Offer

  • An offer can be made through a real estate agent or directly with the seller.
  • The offer should include the purchase price, payment terms, and any conditions of the sale.

Notary

  • A notary is not required in Malaysia.

Exchange of Contracts

  • Contracts are typically exchanged between the buyer and seller through their respective lawyers.
  • A deposit is usually paid at this stage.
  • The remaining balance is paid upon completion of the sale.

Reputable Lawyers

  • A reputable lawyer can be found through recommendations from friends or family, or by searching online.
  • Lawyers typically charge a fee based on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Lawyers do not need to be members of a professional organization when buying property in Malaysia.
  • The Malaysian Bar Council can provide information on registered lawyers in Malaysia.

Pitfalls and Problems in the House Buying Process

  • Expats often encounter language barriers and difficulties navigating local laws and regulations.
  • Property ownership disputes and fraudulent sales practices can also occur.
  • The process can be time-consuming and bureaucratic.

Purchasing Property Through a Company

  • It is possible to purchase property through a company in Malaysia.
  • This can provide additional protection and anonymity for the buyer.
  • However, the process can be more complex and costly.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus

848 subscribers

Move abroad easily with Expat Focus.

Expat Focus
Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_2iutaBgsCRk

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

Expat Focus 15 August 2023 3:23 pm

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia.

Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_62EMRLnSni4

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

Expat Focus 26 July 2023 6:48 pm

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_hrrVi0XbYgg

How To Get A French Driver's License

Expat Focus 23 June 2023 2:29 pm

Load More... Subscribe
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.