What kind of Malaysia property can foreigners buy?
High-rise condominiums for residential community in Malaysia
Unlike other Asian countries, Malaysia is generally more lenient when it comes to foreigners buying a Malaysia property. Because of this, some foreigners obtain a 100% foreign-owned company to buy their Malaysia property as their foreign property investment. This makes it easier for them to transfer ownership without the hassle of getting rid of their shares in the company. However, for a foreigner buying a property in Malaysia, the real estate should not exceed the RM10 million limit. All Malaysia properties surpassing the said amount will need approval from the Foreign Investment Committee.
Two categories of land ownership:
Freehold: owners can use the land for any purpose and enjoy free perpetuity.
Leasehold: land is owned by the government usually for 99 years with the Renewal of leases accepted with the payment to the State Government
Property titles:
Both freehold and leasehold Malaysia properties are issued with the following:
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Individual title
Landed properties such as bungalows, terrace houses, semi-detached houses, etc will have separate land holders. Landed properties are owned by a land holder and this is known as individual title. However, a landed property that shares facilities is considered Strata title.
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Strata title
Strata title is only given to sub-divided Malaysia properties such as condominiums, penthouses and apartments. Malaysia properties that are on the same land but have different owners are known to have Strata title.
Both Strata title and Individual title are protected under NLC and have the same legal status.
Properties in Malaysia that foreigners cannot own:
- All properties on Malay reserve lands
- Low and medium cost properties regulated by the State Authority
- Assigned properties by the State Authority to Bumiputera (Malay quota)
- Most agricultural lands in Malaysia
Below are the types of Malaysia property foreigners can purchase:
1.Landed property
A landed property is a type of Malaysia property with land and maybe connected to other houses but is separated by a fence or wall. Landed properties can also be stand-alone units.
2.Bungalow
A type of residential property with open spaces on the sides.
3.Bungalow Land
A bungalow land is located in a gated community that includes facilities.
4.Terraced House
Some of the terraced houses in Malaysia
Terraced houses are Malaysia properties built side by side, sharing a wall and are usually mirror-image houses. This type of Malaysia property has open spaces at the front and back of the property.
5.Semi-detached house
Semi-detached houses are made up of units with a shared party wall. These type of properties are usually designed to mirror each unit and has a rear, front and one side open space.
6.Condominium
A condominium is a type of real estate property in a building that is divided into several units, which are separately owned. Condominiums have common areas and facilities such as gym, swimming pool, recreational areas and many more.
7.Studio Unit
A cozy studio unit
Studio units are apartments that are complete with a living room, kitchen, dining, bedroom and washroom.
8.Penthouse
A penthouse is a unit in a condominium that is usually located at the top level of the building. It also has unique features such as high ceiling, private entrance and outdoor terrace to name a few.
9.Duplex
A single dwelling occupying 2 floors in a condo connected by an indoor staircase. Duplex and penthouse units are usually expensive and are considered luxury property investment.
Read more about overseas property investment on Yazhou Property blog and follow us on Facebook for the latest on Malaysia property news.
Related posts:
Can foreigners buy a Malaysia property?
A foreigner’s guide in buying a property in Malaysia
Why should you invest in real estate Malaysia?
Where are the best places in Kuala Lumpur for a property investment?
