Whether you’re buying your first home, renting a place in KL, or planning to invest in a shop lot, navigating the real estate market in Malaysia can feel confusing.
What’s freehold vs leasehold? What’s an undercon unit? Should you use an agent or go direct?
Don’t worry — we’ve compiled the Ultimate Real Estate Cheat Sheet just for Malaysians. Bookmark this page and refer back anytime you’re making a property move.
🏡 1. Real Estate Terms You Must Know
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Freehold | You own the land indefinitely |
| Leasehold | You own the property for a fixed term (usually 99 years) |
| Subsale | Buying a completed, previously-owned property |
| Undercon | Under construction (not ready yet) |
| SPA | Sales and Purchase Agreement (official contract) |
| MOT | Memorandum of Transfer — transfers ownership, includes stamp duty |
| Quit rent | Yearly land tax paid to state government |
| Maintenance fee | Monthly payment for condo/strata property upkeep |
💸 2. Common Costs in a Property Purchase
| Cost | Approximate Rate |
|---|---|
| Legal Fees | ~1% of property price |
| Stamp Duty (MOT) | Tiered (RM1–RM1 million = 1–3%) |
| Valuation Fee | ~0.25% of property price |
| Loan Agreement Legal Fees | Varies by loan amount |
| Booking Fee | Often 1–3% to “lock” a unit (refundable/adjusted) |
| Agent Commission (if renting) | Usually 1 month + SST |
💡 Tip: Budget 5%–7% extra above the property price to cover hidden costs.
🔍 3. Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Is this property freehold or leasehold?
- What’s the expected rental yield in this area?
- Is the developer reputable? (Check past projects)
- Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects nearby?
- What’s included: airconds, kitchen cabinets, parking?
- Is there any ongoing legal dispute involving the unit or building?
📈 4. Subsale vs Undercon vs Auction
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Subsale | Can view actual unit, faster move-in | Older design, may need renovation |
| Undercon | Lower upfront cost, newer layout/facilities | Risk of delay, can’t view real unit |
| Auction | Below-market prices possible | Sold as-is, no viewing, must pay fast |
💡 5. Tips for Renters in Malaysia
- Always sign a Tenancy Agreement (protects both sides)
- Don’t pay deposit without viewing & verifying landlord identity
- Check what’s included (WiFi, furniture, aircond service)
- Use a registered agent (REN) if you’re unsure
- Save proof of payment & WhatsApp messages for disputes
🏦 6. Home Loan Basics (For Malaysians)
- Most banks offer 90% margin of finance for first home
- Loan tenure: up to 35 years or age 70, whichever is earlier
- You’ll need a good CCRIS/CTOS score
- Consider:
- Conventional vs Islamic loans
- Fixed vs floating interest rates
🔗 Tools:
- Use LoanStreet to compare bank offers
- Download CCRIS report via BNM’s eCCRIS
🧠 7. Real Estate Scams to Avoid
- Fake listings with too-good-to-be-true prices
- Agents without REN tags
- Pressured to pay booking fee before viewing
- “Zero down payment” schemes with hidden risks
✅ Always verify:
- Property title
- Developer/agent registration
- Actual unit availability
📲 8. Tools & Platforms Every Buyer/Renter Should Use
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| PropertyGuru | Search verified listings |
| iProperty | Project comparisons + financing info |
| Brickz.my | View actual transacted prices |
| Mudah.my | Direct listings from owners & agents |
| JPPH e-Tanah | Check property title details (for subsale) |
✅ Final Checklist Before You Buy or Rent
- 🔲 Know your budget (get loan pre-approval)
- 🔲 Visit the actual unit
- 🔲 Check surrounding amenities and traffic
- 🔲 Read every document before signing
- 🔲 Use licensed agents or lawyers
Final Thoughts: Property Decisions = Life Decisions
Whether you’re buying a forever home, renting for a year, or exploring investment, the Malaysian property market offers huge potential — if you stay informed.
This cheat sheet gives you a head start, but the best decisions come from:
✅ Research
✅ Guidance
✅ A clear plan
🏘 Ready to Take the Next Step?
GanProperty helps Malaysians buy, rent, and invest with confidence — no pressure, no hidden fees, just real help.
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