Malaysia
South & Southeast Asia29 independent articlesFreehold title, mortgages and the MM2H visa — the region's most buyer-friendly market.
Malaysia is Southeast Asia's most institutionally friendly market for foreigners: genuine freehold title, the region's most developed foreign-mortgage market (up to 70% LTV), and the 'Malaysia My Second Home' (MM2H) long-stay visa. The catch is state-set minimum purchase prices (typically ~RM1m in KL/Penang island). Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi lead.
Can foreigners buy?
Open (freehold) above state minimums: typically ~RM1m in KL and Penang island (lower on the mainland/other states). MM2H visa for long stays; mortgages available to foreigners.
Taxes & buying costs
Memorandum of Transfer stamp duty ~1–4%; Real Property Gains Tax on resale (sliding); rental income taxed; relatively low holding costs.
What makes it unique
Freehold ownership, foreign mortgages and a long-stay visa — the most turnkey market in SE Asia.
1
Most prestigious places to own
KLCC & Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Twin-Towers-view towers and the expat-favourite enclave.
RM1.5m–15m
Luxury condo
Georgetown & Batu Ferringhi, Penang
UNESCO heritage shophouses and beachfront condos.
RM1m–6m
Heritage shophouse / beach condo
2
Best income potential from vacation renting
Kuala Lumpur (KLCC, Bangsar)
Deep long-let + serviced-apartment demand.
RM800k–3m
4–6% gross
City condo
Penang island
Tourism + tech-worker demand; better yields.
RM700k–2.5m
5–7% gross
Sea-view condo
Langkawi
Duty-free resort island; holiday-let demand.
RM600k–2m
5–7% gross
Resort condo / villa
3
Picturesque farms & rural tourism properties
Cameron Highlands
Cool-climate tea and strawberry farms; agritourism.
RM500k–2.5m
Tea / agritourism
Tea/strawberry farm
Langkawi & Sabah interiors
Plantation and rainforest-eco acreage (leasehold common).
RM400k–2m
Agritourism / eco
Plantation / eco-lodge
Thinking of living there?
Malaysia residency and citizenship guide
Visas, work permits and the routes to a passport — separate from buying.
Everything on Malaysia
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Indicative 2025–26 planning bands for screening only, not quotes and not advice. Holiday-let licensing, tax and foreign-buyer rules change frequently — confirm locally with a lawyer and tax adviser before buying.