Malaysia

Foreigners can buy property in Malaysia with the state authority's consent. • Each state sets a minimum price for foreign buyers (the federal guideline is RM1 million; some states and areas set higher or lower figures). • Foreigners generally cannot buy Malay Reserve land, Bumiputera-quota units, low- and medium-cost homes, or agricultural land. • Land matters are run by each state's land office under the National Land Code; Sabah and Sarawak have their own land laws. • Strata titles for condominiums can take time to be issued. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.jkptg.gov.my/
• https://www.kpkt.gov.my/
• https://lom.agc.gov.my/

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Main costs when buying: • Stamp duty on the transfer: 1% on the first RM100,000, 2% on the next RM400,000, 3% on the next RM500,000 and 4% above RM1 million. Since 2024, foreign individuals and foreign companies pay a flat 4%. Check LHDN (Inland Revenue Board). • Stamp duty on a loan agreement: 0.5%. • State consent fees for foreign buyers. • Yearly: quit rent (to the state) and assessment rates (to the local council). • When selling, Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) for foreigners is 30% within five years, then 10%. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/stamp-duty/
• https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/real-property-gains-tax/
• https://www.cleartax.com/my/en/stamp-duty-malaysia

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Renting out property: • Rental income is taxable in Malaysia. Non-residents are taxed at a flat 30% on rental income. • Tenancy agreements are stamped through LHDN's e-Stamp system. • Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style) face rules set by local councils and building management; some buildings ban them. • Owners pay maintenance and sinking fund charges for strata properties. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/individual/
• https://stamps.hasil.gov.my/

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Buying property does not by itself give residence, but there is a long-stay programme: • Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) offers long-term visas with tiers that require fixed deposits and, in some tiers, buying property above a minimum price. Terms changed in 2024; check the official MM2H site. • Some states (for example Sarawak) run their own versions. • Work and business residence are separate permits. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://mm2h.gov.my/
• https://www.imi.gov.my/

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Commercial investment: • Foreigners can buy commercial property with state consent, usually above a minimum price. • Purchases of property worth RM20 million or more involving a dilution of Bumiputera or government interest may need Economic Planning Unit approval. • Stamp duty, RPGT and corporate tax apply; commercial leases may attract Sales and Service Tax. • MIDA is the government agency for investment incentives. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.mida.gov.my/
• https://www.ekonomi.gov.my/
• https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/real-property-gains-tax/

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Checks before you buy: • Do a land title search at the state land office (owner, encumbrances, restrictions such as Malay Reserve or "not for foreigners"). • For new projects, check the developer's licence and advertising permit with the Ministry of Housing (KPKT). • Confirm state consent rules and timing before paying a deposit. • Use a registered lawyer and a registered estate agent (BOVAEA). Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.kpkt.gov.my/
• https://www.lppeh.gov.my/
• https://www.jkptg.gov.my/

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Inheritance: • Malaysia has no estate duty (abolished in 1991). • Muslims' estates follow Islamic inheritance (faraid) under state Syariah law; a will can only cover up to one third. • Non-Muslims can make a will under the Wills Act 1959; without one, the Distribution Act 1958 decides shares. • Estates are administered through the High Court, Amanah Raya Berhad or the Land Office for small estates. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.jkptg.gov.my/
• https://www.amanahraya.my/
• https://lom.agc.gov.my/

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People you will usually need: • Malaysian lawyer (Malaysian Bar) for conveyancing and state consent. • Registered estate agent (check the BOVAEA register). • Tax adviser for RPGT and rental income. • Bank or mortgage adviser; foreigners usually get lower loan limits. No professionals on this site are verified for Malaysia yet. Researched 14 Oct 2026 from official sources. Not professionally reviewed.

• https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/
• https://www.lppeh.gov.my/

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