Do you plan to buy property in Malaysia?
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Malaysia is one of the prime spots when foreigners decide to buy property in Southeast Asia, it’s not strange as it’s probably the most foreign-friendly country in the region, when it comes to buying property.
Even if you’re not legally required to hire a property solicitor, also referred to as conveyancing lawyer, it’s highly recommended to assure that the process works smoothly and to avoid unforeseen issues later.
But it’s virtually impossible to find summarized information about conveyancing lawyers in Malaysia, therefore I’ve written this article where I present some of the biggest and most popular firms.
Introductory remark
The firms are listed in a random order.
Kuala Lumpur
Below I’ve listed conveyancing lawyers located in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Azman Davidson & Co
In 1981, in Ipoh, Perak, Azman & Co., and the Ipoh office of Lewis & Co. merged to form Azman, Davidson & Co. Lewis & Co. was named after its original senior partner JMM Lewis. The firm was known for representing the major players in the mining industry. On the other hand, the firm of Azman & Co was named after its founder, Dato’ Syed Azman bin Syed Mohamed.
Right after the merger, the firm opened the branch in Kuala Lumpur. Over time, Azman Davidson & Co in Kuala Lumpur emerged from a one-person company to one of the biggest mid-size firm in the country with 40 lawyers and 50 supporting staffs. Most of the partners in the firm are from Southeast Asia.
The current managing partner is HY Chong, who has been with Azman Davidson & Co since 1991. He specializes in real estate, corporate, commercial, and insolvency.
Services offered
Azman Davidson & Co advises on every aspect in property transactions, including sale of commercial and residential properties, leasing and tenancies, and property projects.
Address
Suite 13.03, 13th Floor
Menara Tan & Tan
207 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
2. Christopher & Lee Ong
Christopher & Lee Ong was formed in 2013 as the results of a merger of three firms. The team consists of a group of experienced senior lawyers.
The current managing director is Lee Hock Chye who had over 28 years of experience in real estate, banking, finance and corporate law. He represented many high-value properties.
With their team of 50 lawyers, the firm has a global connection through a strategic alliance with Rajah & Tann Asia. This alliance allows Christopher & Lee Ong established partnerships with the best local law firms in over 10 countries.
The real estate division won praises for its innovative solutions to complex property-related instructions in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific award 2018.
Services offered
The team also handles all aspects of real estate ranging from acquisitions and disposals, leasing, financing, and development. They can help you in negotiating and preparing sale and purchase agreements and lease/tenancy agreement and advising on risk as well.
Address
Level 22, Axiata Tower No. 9,
Jalan Stesen Sentral 5,
Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Shearn Delamore & Co
Established more than a century ago, Shearn Delamore & Co is one of the oldest law firm with full service. After many decades, with over 100 layers and 300 staff, the firm has evolved into one of the biggest agencies in Malaysia with an international network from being a member of the World Law Group, the World Services Group and the Employment Law Alliance.
The managing partner, Dalton, Grace Yeoh, who has been a partner since 1997, specializes in the field of banking and green energy. She was awarded the Managing Partner of the Year by Asian Legal Business Malaysia Law Awards this year.
Along with the managing partner, the real estate division also received awards such as Outstanding Firm in Construction and Real Estate by Asialaw Profiles and was placed top tier firm in real estate and construction by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
Services offered
The firm provides a full range of real estate services ranging from assisting clients in applying the regulatory approvals required from Government, advising, mergers and acquisition, property-related joint ventures and more.
Address
7th Floor, Wisma Hamzah-Kwong Hing
No.1, Leboh Ampang
50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Shook Lin & Bok (Malaysia)
Founded in 1918 by Yong Shook Lin, Shook Lin & Bok is one of the largest and the oldest Malaysia-origin law firm in the country. They have 94 lawyers, 120 staffs and 14 departments. The new managing partner is Nagarajah Muttiah who headed the International and Domestic Arbitration Department, General & Civil Litigation Department and Insurance & Shipping Department and has been with the firm since 1980.
The team was ranked as silver brand by WTR1000 in 2017. They also have received other awards in dispute resolution and intellectual property.
Services offered
The conveyancing department represents clients in transactions in sales and purchase of a property, joint venture agreement over properties, tenancies and leases of commercial buildings, government concession, employment and management contract and document application for government approval.
Address
20th Floor, AmBank Group Building
55, Jalan Raja Chulan
50200 Kuala Lumpur
5. Wong & Partners
Since its establishment in 1999, Wong & Partners now have 18 partners and more than 50 associates. The managing partner, Andre Gan, has more than 23 years of experience with exercising laws and has been with Wong & Partners for almost 10 years. His practice areas cover real estate, mergers and acquisitions and more.
In order to bring their local expertise to the wider global market, they are one of the member firms in Baker Mckenzie International. This year, Wong & Partners’ firm’s excellent performances have brought a couple of awards. They were rewarded 7 awards from ALB Law Awards, including the law firm of the year. Chambers Asia Pacific Awards also crowned them as the law firm of the year.
Services offered
The Wong & Partners firm can provide you critical insight into every stage of property investment in Malaysia. They will assist you with all steps for the acquisition and divestiture of real property. The firm can also provide legal and tax advice.
Address
Level 21, The Gardens South Tower
Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
Kuala Lumpur 59200
Malaysia
6. Zul Rafique & Partners
Zul Rafique & Partners is a commercial law practice established in 1999. The firm is led by its founder and managing partner, Dato’ Zulkifly Rafique, who has 38 years of law practice experience. They were named ALB Employer of Choice 2017 by Asian Legal Business.
Services offered
Zul Rafique & Partners firm is an expert in corporate real estate. They have extensive knowledge in sales and purchase of land, handling agreement to lease and financing. But they focus on corporate clients.
Address
D3-3-8 Solaris Dutamas
No 1 Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
7. Jeff Leong, Poon & Wong
Founded in 1999 during the depth of the Asian Financial Crisis, Jeff Leong, Poon & Wong grew from a three founders agency to a mid-size, full-service law firm with 47 lawyers that we see these days.
In 2009, the firm was awarded the best law firm in Malaysia for real estate legal work by the UK based publication, CorporateINTL magazine.
Services offered
As a full-service firm, they offer complete services regarding real estate transactions. One of the specialties about Jeff Leong, Poon & Wong is their connection with Islamic banks. They will be able to help you to obtain financing from Islamic banks.
Address
B-11-8, Level 11, Megan Avenue II
Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8. Donovan & Ho Advocates and Solicitors
Donovan & Ho is a boutique agency founded in 2014. Under the leadership of Donovan Cheah and Shawn Ho, they have already been recognized by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2017 and 2018 in their area of practice. The vibrant and young team of 10 strives to be known for its vibrancy, innovation, and excellent service standards. Young but experienced, both Cheah and Ho have more than 10 years of experience in practices.
Services offered
As a small agency, their service offered only limited to property taxes such as real property gains tax, stamp duty, goods & services taxes, and more.
Address
15-2, Oval Damansara, 685,
Jalan Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Skrine
Founded in 1914 by Walter Skrine, Skrine is a leading full-service law firm in Malaysia. Led by 3 managing partners: Janet Looi, Khoo Guan Huat and Lim Chee Wee, the firm now has 43 partners and 112 lawyers and 3 divisions. The firm also has won many awards in 2018 but most importantly, their real estate division was placed on Tier 1 by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2018.
Services offered
Skrine mainly focuses on corporate and commercial real estate. They handle every aspect of real estate transactions on day-to-day business. From tax duties to environmental issues, Skrine has solutions.
Address
Unit 50-8-1, 8th Floor,
Wisma UOA Damansara
50 Jalan Dungun
Damansara Heights
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Penang
Below I’ve listed conveyancing lawyers located in Penang.
1. Low & Partners
Headquartered in Damansara, Low & Partners is a full-service law firm established in 2009 by Dato’ Andy Low Hann Yong. He has won young lawyer of the year and managing partner of the year earlier this year. In 2018, Low & Partners were awarded with a couple awards such as boutique law firm of the year and Malaysia law firm of the year by ALB.
Services offered
They can assist you in the sale and purchase agreement, financing, and real estate dispute.
Address
48, Jalan Irrawaddi,
off Jalan Burma,
Georgetown, 10050,
Penang, Malaysia
3. Quah & Yeap
Alfred Yeap Dah Long established in 1995 as a sole proprietor agency, subsequently Mary Lim Hooi joined in 2012 as a partner. The firm now has 23 staff members. In order to accommodate the needs of their clients, their practice concentrates on conveyance matters.
Services offered
This law firm specializes in conveyance. They can prepare banks’ securities loan documentation and commercial agreement.
Address
18-27-A, Gurney Tower,
Persiaran Gurney,
10250 Penang, Malaysia.
4. Chung Chambers
Founded in 2014 by Patricia Chung, Chung Chambers strive to be an unconventional firm that provides personalized service to everywhere in the world. They aim to prevent clients from attending unnecessary court hearings. The firm specializes in IP protection, patents, and other intangible assets. However, they also provide services such as a conveyance.
Services offered
Chung Chambers offer conveyancing services so that they can help you to transfer the ownership of the legal title of the land (property). They will walk through with you in every step of a real estate transaction.
Address
B303-4-15, Krystal Point 1,
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,
MK12, 11900 Bayan Lepas,
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
5. Ramesh & Loo
Founded by two lawyers that have more than 10 years of experience in dealing with property transactions, Ramesh Sivakumar Ramaveloo and Loo Kean Siew, Ramesh & Loo strives to provide customer-centric experience to their clients. The firm has under 10 staffs and is divided into two divisions: litigation and dispute resolution and real estate.
Services offered
Ramesh& Loo provides services including negotiation and preparation of sale and purchase contracts, lease agreements, commercial agreements, wills, security documentation and advice on other issues relating to agreements, property search, land search, and more.
Address
No. 8-2 (2nd Flr.)
Pusat Niaga Metro Prima
Jalan Prima 2, Kepong
52100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Johor Bahru
Below I’ve listed conveyancing lawyers located in Johor Bahru.
1. Roger Tan & Partners
Roger Tan & Partners is, in fact, the old branch office of Kuala Lumpur based firm Messrs Nik Saghir & Ismail, established in Johor Bahru since 1993 and was taken over by senior partners of Roger Tan & Partners in 2010.
Every senior partner has more than 10 years of legal experience. The current managing partner, Roger Tan, has been the managing partner since 1995 before senior partners have taken over the firm. The firm is staffed with around 11-50 people.
Services offered
As their clients are mostly property developers, commercial and financial organizations, and statutory bodies, they provide conveyancing services. With their years of legal experience, they will make sure the whole transferring process runs smoothly.
Address
28th Floor, Public Bank Tower
19 Jalan Wong Ah Fook
80000 Johor Bahru
Malaysia
2. S K Song Advocates & Solicitors
Founded in 1980, S.K. Song is both a conveyancing and litigation based legal firm. The managing partner Song Sing Kwee has more than 30 years of legal experience. The firm has 4 lawyers that specialize in dispute, public & administrative law, defaming, family law and property law.
Services offered
S. K. Song can represent individuals and corporate matters involving land acquisition. They can also provide perfection, discharge of charge, removal of caveat, transfer of land, boundary disputes, nuisance, trespass, related fraud, negligence and breach of contract regarding property.
Address
No. 7A, Jalan Kuning Dua
Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Johor
Johor Bahru 80400
Malaysia
3. William Florence & Partners
Formerly known as the Chamber of Lim, William Florence & Partners was open 3 years ago and just recently opened its second branch. Started with only the two founding lawyers, William Lim Wei Loo and Florence Toh Teng Teng, the firm has grown to have 4 lawyers. The firm provides a wide range of services and they are capable to call for resources for complex transactions and assignments.
Services offered
For conveyancing matters, they are able to hold auctions, obtain Islamic or corporate loans, financing, transfer, sub-sale with or without title and more.
Address
34-01, Jalan Idaman 2, Taman Larkin Idaman
Larkin, Johor, Malaysia
4. Nora S.W. Lam & Associates
Nora S. W. Lam & Associates is a sole practice firm with 4 supporting staff founded by Nora Lam in 1998. She has practiced law for more than 35 years in areas such as trading, commercial financing, and more. Most of the legal assistants are trained to practice conveyance.
Services offered
Nora S. W. Lam & Associates offer various real estate services such as issuance of a new title, partitioning or subdivision orders for co-owners of lands, drafting, approvals for change of land use and conditions on the title.
Office address
Suite 18.01 Level 18,
Johor Bahru City Square
(Office Tower)
106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook,
80000 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia.
How much does it cost to hire a Conveyancing lawyer in Malaysia?
Legal fees change on a continuous basis in Malaysia and are calculated based on the purchase price, the same as it goes with stamp duty, for example. For 2018, the legal fees for Sales & Purchase Agreements (SPA’s) are charged as follows, in relation to the property value:
First RM 500,000: 1%
Next RM 500,000: 0.8%
Next RM 2,000,000: 0.7%
Next RM 2,000,000: 0.6%
After: 0.5%
On top of that, you also need to add different costs, for example, traveling costs, GST 6% (Goods and Services Tax), Registration fees and more.
All in all, the fee normally lands at 0.8 – 1.2%, depending on the purchase price.
