Chinese Buyers Lead Foreign Property Purchases in Malaysia in the First Half of 2025
- Erik & Aya
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
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Chinese Buyers Top Malaysia’s Property Purchases in the First Half of 2025
In the first half of 2025, among foreigners purchasing residential properties in Malaysia, buyers from China were the most active, completing 329 transactions worth approximately RM834.64 million.
This was revealed in a written parliamentary reply by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Following China, Singaporean buyers accounted for 320 transactions worth RM518.27 million, Indian buyers for 47 transactions worth RM87.16 million, and the United Kingdom for 20 transactions worth RM40.26 million.
According to the report from the Department of Valuation and Property Services, foreign residential property transactions in the first half of 2025 totaled 913 deals, with a combined value of RM1.904 billion, representing 0.76% of all transactions and 3.8% of the total transaction value.
The top 10 countries also included Indonesia, Hong Kong, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, each recording roughly 10 to 20 transactions.
Meanwhile, Malaysian citizens accounted for 119,394 property transactions worth RM47.47 billion, indicating that the domestic market remains dominated by local buyers.
Foreigners’ Residential Property Stamp Duty to Be Doubled in 2026
Under the 2026 budget proposal, the government plans to raise the stamp duty on residential property purchases by foreigners and foreign-owned companies from the current 4% to a flat rate of 8%, which is expected to boost revenue.
Regulations and policies regarding foreign property ownership fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, including decisions on whether properties can be sold to foreigners, Bumiputera quotas, and minimum purchase prices for foreign buyers. The minister emphasized the government’s intention to strengthen cooperation with state authorities to protect the interests of Malaysian citizens.
Additionally, ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate housing remains a top priority for the government. In line with the National Housing Policy (2018–2025), efforts will continue to provide affordable, high-quality housing for the population.
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📚 Sources New Straits Times-"Buyers from China top foreign residential property transactions in Malaysia"November 17, 2025 Buyers from China top foreign residential property transactions in Malaysia
