Investing in Malaysia Property: The Ultimate Guide

Last updated November 10th, 2024.

Malaysia enjoys a strategic location alongside the Strait of Malacca – the world’s busiest shipping lane. This adds future potential to its property market based simply on where Malaysia is located on the map.

“Location, location, location” is true anywhere in the world. Malaysian real estate abides by that rule on a country-wide level!

Then combine Malaysia’s great location with capital flight from the Middle East, vast oil reserves, business-friendly policies, and the world’s strongest Islamic Banking industry

No doubt, Malaysia is one of Asia’s best places to buy real estate. Yet Malaysia still remains overlooked by foreign investors for some reason.

It’s never gotten the attention of neighboring Thailand and Singapore. But this is quickly changing and property investors should take note.

Investors should also note that Malaysia is practically the only country in Asia which allows foreigners to own land. We’ll cover a few of these restrictions later, yet the laws are much easier than in most other countries.

Therefore, Malaysia gives foreign property buyers more options compared with elsewhere in Asia.

Your ability to own land as a foreigner not only opens several entirely different classes of real estate investment (houses, townhomes, the ability to develop land, etc.) but also allows you to invest in a variety of different cities in Malaysia.

For example, foreign buyers can only own freehold condominium units in Thailand. This leaves them essentially blocked off from smaller cities. That’s because few, if any, condo buildings exist in places like Korat.

Property buyers in Malaysia have more cities to choose from since foreigners can own land here. You can own the typical condo unit in Kuala Lumpur, or also buy a townhouse in Johor Bahru depending on your needs.

Things aren’t completely rosy for Malaysia’s property market. Rental yields are abysmal, hovering at around 3% in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Meanwhile, housing occupancy rates are low throughout Malaysia. Several major cities are thought of as overdeveloped by even the locals.

Yet one thing Malaysia has is population growth. The country’s population will surge from 30 million now to over 40 million by 2050. This will help absorb supply over the long term.

A rising middle class will also help Malaysia’s lofty goals. They plan to become a developed economy before the year 2030.

Political problems may not go away as easily as real estate overdevelopment. Looking at the Petronas Twin Towers shows that Malaysia has a way of making the seemingly impossible happen though.

Can Foreigners Invest in Malaysia Real Estate?

As the only country in Southeast Asia where foreigners can own land (at least easily and directly), you may not only just own the typical condominium unit but also houses, townhouses and land.

However, it’s not quite that simple. There are a few restrictions and quirks, while land falls into several different categories.

For starters, a minimum purchase requirement is in effect. The purpose is to allow foreign buyers in the mid to high-end segment while not letting them drive up the value of homes in the price range of average Malaysians.

Malaysia has a minimum purchase requirement of RM1 million. Yet in Selangor, it’s RM2 million and foreigners are only allowed to purchase landed properties if they’re in gated communities.

This price was raised several times before with the latest update back in 2014.

In addition, foreign buyers may not own land designated as “Bumiputra only” – Bumiputra meaning ethnic, Muslim Malays. They also cannot own most agricultural land or properties designated as low or medium cost housing by the state authority.

Foreigners who own property in Malaysia are subject to a minimum purchase price which varies depending on the state, location, and type of real estate.

Every state has a different minimum requirement while some states raise the price based on whether you’re buying a condo or landed property.

Not only that, but some states have different rules depending on whether you’re taking part in the MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home Visa) program.

Property Tax in Malaysia

High taxes are one weak point of investing in Malaysia property. Rental income tax here is a flat 20% rate for residents. This is obviously very high and taxes are even higher at 25% if you’re a non-resident in Malaysia.

Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT), paid on any profit made when selling property, is also very high if you’ve held a property for less than half a decade.

For locals, capital gains tax in Malaysia is a variable rate between 15% to 30% if you’ve held the property less than five years. If you’ve held it over five years, it’s instead just 5%.

RPGT is higher if you’re a foreign national rather than a Malaysian citizen. Capital gains tax rates on foreigners range between 10% if you’ve held the property more than five years to 30% if you owned it for a shorter period of time.

There’s also an annual property tax but it’s not very high at all. Expect to pay only between 1 sen (about US$0.002) and 2 sen (around US0.004) per square foot.

Furthermore, you must pay an annual “quit rent” tax which is usually less than 100 Ringgit (US$25).

If you own a condo or belong to a housing community, they’ll have annual maintenance fees as well. These vary based on location, facilities, density and standards but generally hover around RM4 (US$1) per square foot.

Is Buying Property in Malaysia Safe?

Malaysia has one of Southeast Asia’s most well-documented and secure titling systems. This is the case for both land and condominium units, so you’re unlikely to have any problems from the government.

Therefore, any problems or things to look out for – as is the case in almost every property market in the world – are those coming from the development company or builder.

If you’re purchasing from any reputable real estate company in Malaysia, you shouldn’t have any major issues though.

New condos and houses in Malaysia always come with a warranty. The developer is required to honor warranties and build the project to the specifications in the purchase agreement.

There are about twelve publicly listed developers. Being listed on the country’s stock exchange, the Bursa Malaysia, is usually a good sign that a firm has a strong reputation.

Being a listed property company in Malaysia ensures certain financial standards, and means they’re accountable to shareholders. They aren’t going to just run out of money halfway through the project.

Unlike nearly every other country in Asia, foreign buyers in Malaysia can own houses and other landed properties.

Best Places to Buy Real Estate in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of Asia’s smaller countries with a population of just around 30 million people. But the mere fact that foreigners are able to own land opens up just every Malaysian town and city for investment. That means you’ll have tons of options./p>

Compare that to Thailand, for example, which enjoys a larger population than Malaysia but where foreigners may only own condominium units. You probably won’t find many condo projects in Chiang Rai or Nakhon Nayok.

Most business of any importance must go through Kuala Lumpur. However, plenty of midsize cities such as Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru, and Kuching are popular among locals and expats alike.

Kuala Lumpur is among Asia’s most diverse and international cities. KL’s comparatively low property values combined with Malaysia’s strong population growth bodes well for the nation’s real estate market.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital is a sprawling city of over 7 million people in its metro area. Kuala Lumpur, or KL as the locals call it, was just a small tin mining town back in the 1800s.

It has since become the world’s most important city for Islamic banking, surpassing even the likes of Dubai. It also has claim to one of Southeast Asia’s most significant oil & gas industries.

KL has immense multiculturalism with Indian, Malay, Chinese and Western influences. This means tourists and investors from all over the world visit the city.

It’s not uncommon to see wealthy Arabs and Mainland Chinese alike – people almost certainly bringing capital with them.

Kuala Lumpur isn’t as large as Bangkok, Jakarta, or some other Asian cities. But it has several distinct neighborhoods where expats tend to buy real estate.

KL City Centre (KLCC)

In Kuala Lumpur’s center, the Petronas Twin Towers rise into the clouds while megamalls, condos, hotels and office buildings surround it. Malaysia’s largest city certainly has one of Asia’s best skylines.

KLCC (which stands for “Kuala Lumpur City Center”) boasts some of Malaysia’s highest real estate values. Especially some of the branded condominium developments near Bukit Bintang and Pavilion Mall.

Four Seasons, Harrods, Banyan Tree and a few more international brands have recently started building condos in KLCC.

However, the cost of property in Kuala Lumpur gets much lower the further away you get from Pavilion Mall, the Petronas Twin Towers, or any metro station.

One of Kuala Lumpur’s most up-and-coming areas is around Bukit Ceylon near KL Tower. The nearest metro station is a bit far away. Yet Bukit Ceylon is perched up on a hill in an otherwise central and idealistic neighborhood.

KL Sentral

Home to Kuala Lumpur’s central train station, KL Sentral is a master-planned business district near the city center with hotels, condominiums, offices, and transport options abound.

Perhaps most importantly, KL Sentral allows easy access to the city’s two international airports through the airport rail link. That alone makes the neighborhood popular with expats and those who travel a lot.

While KL Sentral isn’t really in the city center, it’s nonetheless nearby. It also has easy access to the KL Monorail and property prices here are not quite as expensive as in KLCC.

Damansara / Bangsar / Mont Kiara

All three of these suburbs have several things in common, even though they’re distinct areas. Damansara, Bangsar, and Mont Kiara are all in the west suburbs of Kuala Lumpur about a 15 minute drive away from the city center.

They’re all nonetheless very popular with expats because of their affluence, western amenities, good international schools, diversity of restaurants, and low crime rate.

Prices are also noticeably lower per square meter in these areas than in the city center. All of these things together especially make Mont Kiara, Damansara, and Bangsar attractive for expat families.

Petaling Jaya

A rather distant suburb of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya isn’t as premium as nor as convenient as the last three areas.

Prices are much cheaper though, so it’s easier to afford large houses suitable for those needing lots of space. Even if you’re now living in suburbia and will probably need a car.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Petaling Jaya. Some of the city’s largest malls, best restaurants, and greatest theme parks are out this direction. Many companies are also based here, making it preferable for certain expats to live in the neighborhood.

However, you’re still trading away convenience for lower prices. Everything is spread out and some people even have concerns about safety and home break-ins in Petaling Jaya.

If you’re one of them, there are still condos in Petaling Jaya to choose from rather than the typical suburban, terraced house in Malaysia.

For investors, this is ideal since rental yields for condos in Malaysia are higher anyway when compared to landed property.

Penang

Malaysia’s second largest city is also popular with expats and retirees alike – although probably more of the latter due to the island’s beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Penang’s most expensive properties are on the island’s eastern side near Georgetown, specifically the oceanfront condos on Gurney Drive. The street has been called “Millionaire’s Row” because of the pricey condos and large malls lining it.

More recently, condos and houses along the island’s north and northeastern sides have become popular with expats.

These locations, including Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah, and Tanjung Tokong, aren’t as central. They boast great international schools and a beachfront atmosphere though.

Penang’s south and middle are also seeing development. Prices aren’t as expensive in these areas which include Banyan Bayu, Gelugor, and Jelutong.

Completion of a second bridge in Penang (with a third one planned) means easy access to the mainland, and perhaps even rising property values.

Southern neighborhoods in Penang, especially Banyan Bayu, are perhaps the best for real estate investment on the island. Most factories are located in these areas too.

Combine that with rapid urbanization, and houses in Penang’s suburbs are indeed worth looking at for a long-term, appreciation-based asset.

Johor Bahru and its Iskandar project have an impressive master plan. Do you think it will ever actually come to fruition?

Johor Bahru

Located just across the strait from Singapore, Johor Bahru is going through development on a massive scale. The city is being pitched to wealthy investors around the world as “Malaysia’s very own Shenzhen”.

Indeed, Johor Bahru does share similarities with Shenzhen. Like its Chinese counterpart next to Hong Kong, Johor Bahru’s location within driving distance of Singapore puts it at a unique advantage.

There’s potential for the two cities, Singapore and Johor Bahru, to eventually form a mutually-exclusive relationship. Malaysia’s low-cost labor and manufacturing capability, along with Singapore’s capital and innovation, can combine to benefit both nations.

Here’s the only problem: Iskandar is way overpriced and even more overbuilt.

We at InvestAsian have said this for years, ever since 2016. It’s even more true in 2024.

Everything in Johor Bahru from amusement parks, to universities, to offices and (of course) residential property are popping up. Rich Chinese and Singaporeans are lured into purchasing real estate for all of the reasons stated above.

For all the potential it seemingly has, Johor Bahru doesn’t have any major industry to speak of though.

Real estate occupancy rates are abysmal. Meanwhile, few people seem willing to purchase a house in Johor and actually move here full-time.

While wealthy Chinese looking to store their cash might purchase property in Johor Bahru, all of the other things that make a successful economy (population, jobs, tourism, etc.) won’t arrive merely because a city is constructed.

Very few people seem to realize this fact. For that reason, we can’t recommend buying property in Johor Bahru in good faith. At least not for now.

Kota Kinabalu / Kuching

Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are two different cities which are over 1,000 kilometers apart. Yet from an investment perspective, they both share very similar traits.

Unlike all the other cities on this list, both of these are in East Malaysia in the states of Sabah and Sarawak. This location puts them off the beaten track for foreign investors.

Kuala Lumpur, being the capital, is a popular place to buy real estate for obvious reasons. Penang is Malaysia’s second largest city. Meanwhile, Johor Bahru is next to Singapore.

In contrast, property in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu aren’t considered by many investors.

This should change very soon, as these two cities are among Malaysia’s fastest growing housing markets. Tourist arrivals are increasing, manufacturing and oil exports are rising once more, and the future looks bright.

Both are medium-sized cities with a population of around 300,000 each. Over time, urbanization should drive the value of prime real estate in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu higher.

Real Estate Agents in Malaysia

Malaysia’s property market is easier to navigate as an expat than most other countries in Asia. The fact that English is widely spoken can be thanked for this, and online real estate portals such as PropertyGuru also help.

Perhaps because of this accessibility, the locals use property agents as well. This is in contrast to, for example, Thailand and Cambodia where agents basically exist just to take a commission while acting as a translator for clueless foreigners.

The standard agency fee in Malaysia is 2% payable by the seller. However, this amount varies between 1% and 3%. Commission rates are on the higher end in Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor when compared to elsewhere in Malaysia, like Penang or Johor.

Normally, a Malaysian property agent will keep half the commission themselves and pay the other half to his or her real estate company.

Malaysia My Second Home Visa (MM2H)

Real estate investors in Malaysia are able to get long-term visas for themselves and their families through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. Those who meet the requirements can get 10-year, multiple entry visas which are renewable indefinitely.

The visa is effectively permanent residency, but there are a few differences. Most notably, you cannot work unless you’re aged 50 or above – then you can work for up to 20 hours per week.

MM2H requirements vary based on age, and the government seems to prefer older retirees. Unless you are above the age of 50 and earning a pension of at least RM10,000 per month, the requirements are as follows.

01. Must have bought a property in Malaysia worth at least RM1,000,000.

02. Need to show evidence of ownership and full payment of the property.

03. Real estate must have been purchased within 5 years within application for MM2H visa.

04. Will need to place a fixed Deposit in a Malaysian bank account valued at least RM150,000 if you’re aged under 50, or RM100,000 if aged over 50.

We should note that the fixed deposit does not have to be placed until after the applicant has received a letter of conditional approval. This letter of approval sets out the steps that you must complete before the MM2H visa is issued.

These steps usually consists of placing the fixed deposit at a Malaysian bank, having a medical examination in Malaysia, and obtaining medical insurance. Once these steps are completed you can collect from the Immigration Department in Putrajaya.

Recently, changes were made to the MM2H program and applicants must meet the new criteria before they’re accepted.

New criteria includes the minimum deposit approximately doubling, along with a requirement that MM2H visa holders must spend at least three months in Malaysia per year to maintain their permit. You now must be aged 35 or older to take part in the MM2H program as well.

Generally, foreign investors in Malaysia are unhappy about the announced changes to MM2H – especially the requirement that current participants must the new criteria.

The government hinted at further changes to MM2H, and we’ll update this section once they’re finalized.

Is Malaysia Property a Good Investment?

Malaysia, while often overlooked among the likes of Thailand and Singapore, enjoys one of Asia’s most business-friendly, unique, and deregulated property markets.

Rental yields are low in Malaysia (and will probably remain so in the foreseeable future) and taxes are high – yet the potential for appreciation is even higher. The Ringgit is now at multi-decade lows, meaning that appreciation will have a multiplying effect on returns.

Not only that, but prices per square meter in Malaysia remain some of Asia’s lowest. That’s despite the fact that Malaysia is more developed than most of its neighbors.

Housing prices in KL, for example, are even lower than in Manila or Jakarta on average!

Furthermore, Malaysia’s strong population growth combined with high urbanization rates (i.e., people moving from rural areas into cities such as Kuala Lumpur) should drive prices up in areas such as central Penang or KLCC.

You shouldn’t expect quick profits with Malaysian real estate. However, the ability to own land combined with potential for price increases makes it worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions