International Buyers
Your Guide to Buying Property in Malaysia
Foreign ownership is legal and well-established. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 regulatory framework for KL and Selangor.
Last updated: May 2026 · Covers the 2026 regulatory framework for KL and Selangor
Eligibility
What Can Foreigners Buy?
Permitted
- ✓ Condominiums & high-rise strata titles (KL & Selangor)
- ✓ Landed strata / gated communities (Selangor)
- ✓ Individual landed titles — terrace, semi-D, bungalow (KL only)
- ✓ Properties above state minimum threshold (RM 1M in KL, RM 2M in Selangor)
Prohibited
- ✗ Malay Reserved Land
- ✗ Bumiputera lots (reserved for indigenous buyers)
- ✗ Low-cost and medium-cost housing
- ✗ Agricultural land (unless gazetted for development)
- ✗ Individual landed titles in Selangor (strata only)
Thresholds
Minimum Purchase Price Thresholds
Prices represent the absolute floor at which a property can be legally sold to a non-citizen. State thresholds override MM2H minimums.
| Jurisdiction | Min Price (Strata) | Min Price (Landed) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | RM 1,000,000 | RM 1,000,000 | Uniform threshold. Individual landed titles permitted. |
| Selangor Zone 1 | RM 2,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 | Petaling, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Klang. Individual landed prohibited. |
| Selangor Zone 2 | RM 2,000,000 | RM 2,000,000 | Kuala Selangor & Kuala Langat. Same restrictions as Zone 1. |
| Selangor Zone 3 | RM 1M – 2M | RM 1M – 2M | Hulu Selangor & Sabak Bernam. Verify directly with PTG. |
Residency
MM2H Visa Program (2026)
All MM2H holders must purchase property within 1 year of visa endorsement. Properties are subject to a 10-year lock-in period.
Platinum
20-Year Visa
- Fixed Deposit: USD 1,000,000
- Min Property: RM 2,000,000
- Employment: Permitted
- PR Pathway: Yes
Gold
15-Year Visa
- Fixed Deposit: USD 500,000
- Min Property: RM 1,000,000
- Employment: Not Permitted
- PR Pathway: No
Silver
5-Year Visa
- Fixed Deposit: USD 150,000
- Min Property: RM 600,000
- Employment: Not Permitted
- PR Pathway: No
In KL/Selangor, state minimums override — effectively RM 1M+ required.
SEZ
10-Year Visa
- Fixed Deposit: USD 32K – 65K
- Min Property: RM 500,000
- Employment: Not Permitted
- Zone-restricted: SEZ areas only
Not applicable to KL/Selangor. Limited to designated economic zones.
The "higher of the two" rule applies: state thresholds override MM2H minimums. KL and Selangor offer no MM2H discounts.
Costs
Upfront Costs Breakdown
As of January 2026, foreigners pay a flat 8% stamp duty on all property transfers — doubled from the previous 4% rate.
Example: RM 1M Property in KL
With 70% bank financing
Example: RM 2M Property in Selangor
With 60% bank financing
Financing
Mortgage & Financing
Malaysian banks offer robust financing to non-citizens in MYR. Interest rates are pegged to the Standard Base Rate (SBR) plus a bank margin.
Loan-to-Value
60% – 70%
Standard for foreign buyers. Up to 85% with MM2H visa.
Interest Rates
3.9% – 4.6%
Per annum, daily rest basis. Pegged to Standard Base Rate + margin.
Key Banks
CIMB · HSBC · UOB
Plus Bank Rakyat and Alliance Bank. CIMB recommended for MM2H.
Required Documents for Mortgage Application
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa proof (MM2H / Employment Pass)
- 3–6 months payslips or business income
- Tax receipts from home country
- 3–6 months bank statements
- Credit report from home country
Process
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
Step 1
Financial Preparation & Property Search
Organise offshore credit reports and income statements. Identify a property that meets the relevant state threshold. Apply for loan pre-approval with multiple banks.
Step 2
Booking & Earnest Deposit
Execute a Letter of Offer and pay 2–3% earnest deposit. This locks the property and triggers a 14–21 day window for contract drafting.
Step 3
SPA Execution & Down Payment
Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement. Pay the balance to bring total paid capital to 10% of purchase price. Legal fees are invoiced at this stage.
Step 4
State Consent Application
Your solicitor submits the application under Section 433B of the National Land Code. Approval typically takes 1–3 months in KL and Selangor. The transaction is suspended until consent is granted.
Step 5
Stamp Duty & Loan Disbursement
Once consent is approved, pay the 8% stamp duty on the Memorandum of Transfer. The bank disburses the remaining loan amount within 3 months of consent date.
Step 6
Vacant Possession & Keys
For sub-sale properties, the vendor hands over keys upon full settlement. For new developments, the developer must deliver within 36 months of SPA with a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).
Exit Strategy
Capital Gains Tax (RPGT)
Non-citizens face higher capital gains taxation. Plan your exit strategy accordingly.
Within 5 Years
30%
Highly punitive rate on capital gains
After 5 Years
10%
Perpetual flat rate for non-citizens
Withholding at Sale
7%
Buyer withholds and remits to IRBM within 60 days
For You
Foreigner-Friendly Properties
Browse properties that welcome international buyers
Aricia Residences
Sungai Besi
From RM500,000
Armani Hallson KLCC
KLCC
From RM 1,030,830
Armani Lofthill
KLCC
From RM 795,000
Armani Prestige
KLCC
From RM 819,000
Arte Solaris
Mont Kiara
From RM 480,000
Aster Hill Sri Petaling
Sri Petaling
From RM518,000
Ayanna Resort Residences
Bukit Jalil
From RM911,000
Bangsar Hill Park
Bangsar
From RM 388,000
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions international buyers ask about purchasing property in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Can foreigners buy property in Malaysia?
What is the minimum price for foreigners to buy property in KL?
How much stamp duty do foreigners pay in Malaysia in 2026?
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Malaysia?
What is MM2H and how does it affect property purchase?
What is the capital gains tax (RPGT) for foreigners in Malaysia?
How long does the property purchase process take for foreigners?
What types of property are foreigners prohibited from buying?
Get Started
Ready to Invest?
Let our team guide you through State Consent, legal coordination, and financing introductions.
References
Sources & Further Reading
Information on this page is sourced from the following authorities and publications, accessed May 2026.
Legal & Regulatory
Thresholds & Market Data
MM2H & Visa Programs
Taxation & Stamp Duty
Financing & Mortgages
Peter Lau
KL Property Specialist
With over 8 years in KL property, Peter is an active investor and owner in Bangsar South and Mont Kiara. He has guided 100+ foreign buyers across 6 countries through the purchase process — from eligibility checks to SPA signing. He specialises in homestay-yield properties and speaks English, Mandarin, and Malay.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Regulations may change. Always consult a qualified Malaysian conveyancing solicitor before making any purchase decisions.