Buying Property in Malaysia as a Foreigner (2026)

Stamp duty: a flat 8% on homes

From 1 January 2026, foreign individuals who are not Malaysian permanent residents, and foreign companies, pay a flat 8% stamp duty on the transfer of residential property (non-residential property stays at 4%). On a RM1,000,000 home that is RM80,000, compared with RM24,000 for a Malaysian buyer. Loan agreements are stamped at the usual 0.5%.

State consent and minimum prices

Every purchase by a foreigner needs prior written consent from the state authority where the property sits. Each state sets its own minimum purchase price for foreigners, which can differ between landed and strata homes and between areas, and may charge a consent fee or levy. Because these rules change, we confirm the current threshold and fees for the exact unit you're interested in before you book.

Financing

Banks set their own terms for non-resident borrowers, including the margin and the documents they need. We introduce you to panel bankers who can tell you what you qualify for before you commit.

When you sell: RPGT

Real Property Gains Tax for individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents is 30% on gains when you sell within five years, and 10% from the sixth year. When the seller is a foreigner, the buyer must retain up to 7% of the price and pay it to LHDN; see our RPGT guide.

MM2H participants

Malaysia My Second Home participants must buy and own a residence after approval and may not sell it for 10 years, although upgrading to a higher-value home is allowed. The minimum purchase value depends on your MM2H tier.

Close to Singapore

For buyers working in Singapore, Causewayz Square in Johor Bahru city centre (Axis, Brixton and Dover towers) is about 600 m from the JB customs complex and about 900 m from the Bukit Chagar RTS Link station, which links to Woodlands North in Singapore.

Sources

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and budget proposals change; confirm your own position with your lawyer, banker or tax adviser before you commit.

Buying property in Malaysia as a foreigner