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We (Malaysia ) welcome outside buyers into our property market, whether as an expat looking for a great new home, or an investor looking for a fantastic investment opportunity.

What Properties Can Foreigners Buy?

Given the rules vary by state, there is no single definition that covers all of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

It’s worth noting that Malaysia works on a federal system, so the rules in states of Peninsular Malaysia differ from those of Sabah and Sarawak, which are empowered to introduce their own ownership legislation.

While there isn’t a nationwide definition of properties you can buy, there are three important types of property that foreigners are not eligible to purchase:

1)Properties built on Malay reserved land

2)Properties defined as low-cost or medium-cost affordable units as defined by the state

3)Properties allocated to Bumiputera groups as part of a development project

Don’t worry though, there are a huge range of property types you can still buy, from outstanding condominiums to luxury townhouses.

Cheers,

Jeff Yeo

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@Jeffyeo8281 property is the worst passive investment, simple fact long term real returns are zero. Same with gold and commodities. As houses are commodities. This is a simple fact.

Bonds typically yield 1-2% real returns and stocks internationally 7% real returns.

Property only works as a business, when you look at 100s if not 1,000s to find that one undervalued one that you can eitehr flip or keep for a few years as a rental then sell.

Sensible expats invest in stocks for long-term via home markets or an IB type account - USA markets the best.

Long term returns on stocks average 7% real rate of return (after costs and inflation).

Bonds are an alternative that traditionally yielded about 1-2% (real) , but are more cyclical in nature, but used properly good for medium term known commitments.

Property as passive investment is the worst choice, long term returns are zero in real terms, especially in a third world country such as Malaysia where you run extra risks, but if you have the cash and intend to retire in Malaysia buying a house (NOT a condo - generally speaking) is a good idea. Property is only profitable as a business, knowledge and effort pay off. Of course many scummy property salesman around promising fake returns!

If you don't know much about sticks, don't worry use Warren Buffet's advice - use trackers. Or use them and BRB.b stocks (his investment company).

The nain area for paid advice is tax, but be careful. Good ones cost money. Also beware of scumbags selling expat pension transfers. Nearly all are thieves and liars. Indeed the expat financial advice world is full of scumbags!

My advice is simple rule of thumb. Treat a third of your salary (or at least a quarter if you have kids) as NOT salary but deferred salary for old age. Invest that for retirement!

Also have an emergency cash fund = 3 to 6 months salary.

Avoid crypto, FX tradung and gold. For ***only.