Tag: Malaysia

Buying Property in Penang: The Definitive Guide

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Suggestion: Watch the 5 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Malaysia was the only country that qualified into the list “the best countries to retire in as a foreigner”, made by Forbes.

When foreign property buyers look for real estate in Malaysia, Penang is one of the prime options. Here, you have access to newly built condominiums, as well as villas.

Property prices are significantly lower than the major cities in Australia, Mainland China, but also in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Before you buy property in Penang, it’s important that you get your feet wet and learn about local buying regulations, where to buy property, and more.

Topics covered in this article:

  • Minimum Property Investment Requirements in Penang
  • Where should I buy property in Penang?
  • Penang Real Estate Agents

Minimum Property Investment Requirements in Penang

The Malaysian Government has introduced minimum investment requirements as protective measures to protect local property buyers.

As described in my separate article about buying property in Malaysia, foreigners need to pay a minimum amount that differs between states. Continue reading Buying Property in Penang: The Definitive Guide

Buying Condos in Kuala Lumpur: The Definitive Guide

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Suggestion: Watch the 5 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

It’s easy to understand why Kuala Lumpur is ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Southeast Asia.

It’s developed, has great medical care, nice weather, and is one of the best cuisines in Asia. Besides, you have no issues communicating in English, which is an official language.

Most importantly, property is surprisingly cheap with prices incomparable to places like Singapore, Mainland China, and Hong Kong. Prices are on par with Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, at the same time as yields average at around 5%.

In this article, we cover the most important topics for investors who want to buy condominium units in Kuala Lumpur.

Topics covered:

  • Minimum Investment Requirements in Kuala Lumpur
  • Kuala Lumpur’s Property Market
  • Best Areas to Buy Condos in Kuala Lumpur
  • Real Estate Agents in Kuala Lumpur

Minimum Investment Requirements in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia has some of the most preferable foreign ownership regulations in Southeast Asia. Foreigners can buy and own almost any kind of real estate on a freehold basis, including landed houses and commercial property.

With that said, many foreign property buyers look for condominium units in Kuala Lumpur. The projects come with facilities and amenities that suit the needs of buyers, at the same time as the buying process is swift. Continue reading Buying Condos in Kuala Lumpur: The Definitive Guide

Top Airbnb Rental Management Companies in Malaysia

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malaysia-skyline

Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia and attracts travelers from all over the world.

It’s not strange, with its comfortable weather, English-speaking population, cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine.

Here, you can find beautiful islands like Rendang, Langkawi, and Tioman. Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Malacca, and Penang get tens of millions of visits yearly.

Renting units on Airbnb can indeed be lucrative if you work with the right partners that can manage the unit and the listing for you. This is particularly the case if you don’t reside in Malaysia or don’t have the time.

In this article, we review the leading Airbnb management companies. Most of the companies collaborate with similar websites as well, to maximize yields.

1. Cobnb

Cobnb is a leading BnB management provider and separated from Airbnb. It collaborates with many renowned partners, including names like Allianz, Airbnb, Hartamas, Booking, Trivago, and Tan & Tan. Continue reading Top Airbnb Rental Management Companies in Malaysia

Buying Commercial Property in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

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Malaysia is a developed country by Southeast Asian standards and has some of the most favorable foreign ownership regulations. Up until 1997 and before the Asian financial crisis, the economy grew by as much as 8% annually.

Foreign investors poured in with goals to profit from Malaysia’s rapid growth and thanks to its ease of doing business. Having said that, you must learn about the local market and the buying process before going into detailed planning.

In this article, we go into greater detail and review some of the most important topics when you invest in commercial real estate in Malaysia.

Topics covered:

  • Can foreigners buy commercial property in Malaysia?
  • Commercial Property Types Available for Foreigners in Malaysia
  • Getting a Commercial Property Loan in Malaysia
  • Commercial Property Taxes
  • How can I find commercial property in Malaysia?
  • Cities to Invest in Commercial Property

Can foreigners buy commercial property in Malaysia?

Malaysia is known for being one of the most foreign-friendly countries in terms of property ownership regulations. Continue reading Buying Commercial Property in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

Buying Industrial Real Estate in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

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malaysia-industrial-real-estate

Since its independence in 1957, Malaysia has developed from being an economy that relies on agriculture and commodities to attracting manufacturing companies and service providers.

It’s also one of the most open economies globally with a population that speaks English flawlessly. You can find manufacturing of anything from automotive parts, pharmaceutical products, and semiconductors here.

In this article, we review how you can invest in industrial real estate and warehouses in Malaysia, covering the key items.

Topics covered:

  • Can foreigners buy industrial real estate in Malaysia?
  • General Tips and Requirements When Investing in Industrial Properties
  • Malaysia’s Industrial Real Estate Market
  • Industrial Cities in Malaysia
  • Industrial Parks

Can foreigners buy industrial real estate in Malaysia?

Malaysia has some of the least protective property ownership regulations and foreigners can buy commercial real estate on a freehold basis. Continue reading Buying Industrial Real Estate in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

Investing in Malaysia Office Space & Buildings: A Complete Guide

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malaysia-office-space

Malaysia is one of a few Southeast Asian countries that allow direct foreign ownership of real estate and where capital controls are non-existent by comparison.

The ease of doing business, visa options, developed infrastructure, along its English-speaking population has made it a top choice for overseas investors.

Not to forget, it’s considered one of the best places to buy real estate in the world. Besides, residential and commercial real estate costs a fraction in Kuala Lumpur compared to cities like Hong Kong.

The development of commercial areas and economic corridors spur the demand for office buildings in the future. With that said, before you engage in the market, you must understand how healthy it is, about ownership regulations, where to buy, and more.

Topics covered:

  • Can foreigners buy office space in Malaysia?
  • Malaysia’s Office Market
  • Commercial Clusters and Cities in Malaysia
  • Malaysia’s Five Economic Corridors
  • Taxes

Can foreigners buy office space in Malaysia?

Foreigners have no general issues investing in residential or commercial real estate, including land, office space, industrial property, and the list goes on. Continue reading Investing in Malaysia Office Space & Buildings: A Complete Guide

Investing in Malaysia REITs: The Ultimate Guide

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malaysia-reit

Malaysia has one of the most developed REIT markets in Asia where most are centered around Kuala Lumpur.

At the moment, there are 18 REITs listed on the stock exchange in Malaysia that have attracted many local and foreign investors in the past years.

In this article, we review how you can invest in Malaysian REITs and why this type of asset has become increasingly popular. This is not only the case in Malaysia but in Thailand, Australia, and Vietnam.

Topics covered in this article:

  • Can foreigners buy REITs in Malaysia?
  • The Process to Buy REITs in Malaysia
  • What are the benefits of buying REITs in Malaysia?
  • List of REITs in Malaysia

Can foreigners buy REITs in Malaysia?

Foreigners have no particular restrictions on buying REITs or other securities in Malaysia. Continue reading Investing in Malaysia REITs: The Ultimate Guide

How to Buy Land in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

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Suggestion: Watch the 5 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Most property buyers prefer to own a house or an apartment. My personal guess is that it’s due to tradition and that people think that the risks are lower compared to when investing in land.

Of course, people tend to buy houses to live in, or to rent the units to tenants.

The land investment opportunities are often overlooked as the yields can be significantly high when buying land. Land values can increase exponentially over the years and you also have the opportunity to develop and rent out the land.

In this article, I go into deeper detail about how it works when buying land in Malaysia.

Topics covered in this article:

  • Can foreigners buy land in Malaysia?
  • General Conditions when Buying Land
  • Can I reduce the minimum investment requirement?
  • What land categories exist in Malaysia?
  • The process when Buying Land in Malaysia
  • Can I get a loan to buy land?
  • Are there other Asian countries where I can buy land?
  • Land titles in Malaysia

Can foreigners buy land in Malaysia?

Malaysia is the only Southeast Asian country where foreigners can directly buy and own land. I don’t count Sentosa Cove in Singapore as the area is small and land prices obscure. Continue reading How to Buy Land in Malaysia: A Complete Guide

Malaysia Property Market Outlook 2021: A Complete Overview

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malaysia-property-market-outlook

Malaysia is one of the most foreign-friendly countries in Southeast Asia for real estate investors. Here, you have access to almost any kind of property type and you can even buy land.

Having said that, if you plan to buy real estate in Malaysia, you must understand how healthy the market is and what to expect for the coming year.

In this article, I explain what my projection is for Malaysia’s property market in 2021, based on the current climate and historical data.

First, we review how the market performed in the past years and continue with a market outlook for 2021.

Topics covered in this article:

  • Malaysia’s Property Market in Previous Years
  • Why has Malaysia’s property market performed badly?
  • Most Expensive Cities to Buy Property in Malaysia
  • Cheapest Cities to Buy Property in Malaysia
  • Market Outlook for 2021

Malaysia’s Property Market in Previous Years

Malaysia’s property market has been in decline since 2012 and we’ve seen modest price increases. Continue reading Malaysia Property Market Outlook 2021: A Complete Overview

List of Serviced Apartments in Kuala Lumpur: Our Top 8 Picks

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kuala-lumpur-property

Are you looking for a serviced apartment in Kuala Lumpur?

Whether you are planning for a business or leisure trip, a serviced apartment is a flexible solution that offers you a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Read this article to learn more about our top 8 picks serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur. We compare them according to their unit size, rent span, duration of stay, location, amenities, and services.

Overview

Benefits of renting a serviced apartment in Kuala Lumpur

The first benefit is that you don’t have to necessarily commit to a long term contract, let’s say 6 to 12 months. The same also happens in other cities such as Singapore and Bangkok, where serviced apartments companies are open to a shorter rent span.

Second, bills such as electricity, water, and internet are usually included in the rent. Also, most serviced apartment companies offer a free housekeeping service as 2 to 3 times per week.

Finally, a serviced apartment provider usually offers “luxury” facilities and services, such as a swimming pool, gym, spa, business center, transportation service, and babysitting service.

Serviced apartment rents in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, and it is also one of the busiest cities in the world.

Thus, the city has a well-developed hospitality industry; at the same time, accommodation prices are usually higher when compared to other cities in Malaysia, especially when it comes down to hotels.

According to Numbeo, the average rental prices for a “normal” apartment in the city center is around RM 2,300 per month; however, a studio suite in a hotel usually costs RM 200 to 500 per night (that is RM 6,000 to 15,000 per month).

Conversely, a serviced apartment offers a relatively lower rental price that ranges from RM 90 to 350 per night (or RM 2,700 to 10,500 per month) for a studio suite.

Note that, you can get up to a 20-40% discount if you decided to book a room for more than a month. This is common in many Asia countries, while Hong Kong is one of the exceptions.

Continue reading List of Serviced Apartments in Kuala Lumpur: Our Top 8 Picks