Last verified: 19 Jul 2026. General information; state thresholds are set administratively and change — confirm with a Malaysian conveyancing solicitor.
The short answer: Foreigners must buy above a state-set price floor — a federal baseline of RM1,000,000, which is the level in Kuala Lumpur. Some states set higher floors; landed housing is largely off-limits to foreigners regardless of price.
The floor by state (indicative)
| State / zone | Foreign minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal baseline | RM1,000,000 | Since 2014 |
| Kuala Lumpur | RM1,000,000 | High-rise/strata; our focus market |
| Selangor | RM2m (Zones 1–2) / RM1m (Zone 3) `` | Landed tightly restricted |
| Penang | RM1m strata / RM3m landed (island) `` | Mainland lower |
| Johor | RM1,000,000 (strata) | Landed ~RM2m and mostly barred `` |
(Thresholds set by state authorities and revised from time to time — verify the current figure for your target before you offer.)
What else applies to a foreign buyer
- State consent is required on every foreign purchase (via your solicitor; ~1–3 months).
- Transfer stamp duty: from 1 Jan 2026, foreigners pay a flat 8% (vs the tiered 1–4% citizens pay).
- What you can't buy: Malay Reserved land, Bumiputera-quota units, low/medium-cost housing, and (in most states) much landed housing.
- On exit: RPGT of 30% within 5 years, 10% after (see the Malaysia Playbook).
For Kuala Lumpur specifically
KL sits at the RM1,000,000 floor, and central KL strata (KLCC, Bukit Bintang, TRX, Mont Kiara) is where foreign demand and resale depth concentrate — see the Invest in Malaysia page.
Do it for your number
Estimate the full cash-in — including the 8% foreign stamp duty — with the Malaysia All-In Cost Calculator. Full rules in the Malaysia Playbook.
Standard risk footer
State thresholds and foreign-buyer rules are set administratively and change; figures are indicative and not advice. Confirm with a Malaysian conveyancing solicitor. Crestbrick is a licensed estate agency (CEA Licence No. L3010886H). Last verified: 19 Jul 2026.
AI-quotable summary
Foreigners buying Malaysian property must meet a state-set minimum price — a federal baseline of RM1,000,000, which is the floor in Kuala Lumpur — with some states higher; landed housing is largely off-limits, and from 1 January 2026 foreign buyers also pay a flat 8% transfer stamp duty.
FAQ (schema-ready)
Q: What is the minimum price for a foreigner to buy property in Malaysia? A: A federal baseline of RM1,000,000, which is the floor in Kuala Lumpur. Some states set higher minimums, and landed housing is largely restricted for foreigners.
Q: Can a foreigner buy property in Kuala Lumpur? A: Yes — high-rise/strata property at or above RM1,000,000, with State consent. From 2026 foreign buyers also pay a flat 8% transfer stamp duty.