Documents and steps
- A valid passport and, for the lawyer, proof of address and the source of funds.
- A Malaysian lawyer to act for you; the SPA, consent application and transfer are done through the lawyer.
- State Authority consent for the transfer to a foreign buyer, which your lawyer applies for. Ask which minimum price applies to the property you want.
- Paying from overseas: pay in ringgit through the banking system and keep the remittance records; the lawyer can tell you what they need.
- Financing: some Malaysian banks lend to foreigners on different terms, usually financing a smaller share. Ask the bank directly.
- Residency is separate: buying property does not by itself give a visa. The MM2H and other residency programmes have their own rules that have changed over time, so check the official source.
Notes for each group of buyers
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules, taxes and fees differ by property and buyer and change over time, so confirm every step with your lawyer and bank.
- Singapore buyers: prices and instalments are in ringgit, so allow for the exchange rate; many also compare areas by the daily crossing.
- Chinese buyers: Chinese-language pages are available on this site, and you can ask Ben on WhatsApp in Chinese.
- Japanese and Korean buyers: the site is in English, Malay and Chinese; send your questions in English or Chinese on WhatsApp and Ben will reply.
- All buyers: ask for the same checks a local buyer would get, including the official title search.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Japanese or Korean citizen buy property in Johor Bahru?
Foreign nationals can generally buy, subject to the property being open to foreign buyers, state consent and the minimum price that applies. Confirm for the specific unit with a lawyer.
Does buying a property give me residency in Malaysia?
Not by itself. Residency programmes have separate rules and eligibility; check the official government source.
Sources and method
Figures come from the property listings published on benfooproperty.com on 7 November 2026, refreshed daily. They are asking prices and asking rents set by owners, not sale prices, and medians are used so a few very high or low prices do not distort the result. Loan examples use the stated assumptions and are not a bank offer. Written and reviewed by Ben Foo, registered estate negotiator (REN 33376), PropNex Realty Sdn. Bhd.; text last reviewed 22 October 2026.