Property

For a size-based 2025 market comparison, serviced apartments averaged about RM814 per sq ft in Kuala Lumpur (RM759,000 per unit, roughly 930 sq ft), RM585 per sq ft in Johor Bahru (RM461,000 per unit, roughly 790 sq ft) and RM611 per sq ft on Penang Island (RM900,000 per unit, roughly 1,470 sq ft).

These are broad market averages, not a guide to the quality or price of a particular development. Newer projects, larger homes and prime neighbourhoods can cost substantially more. Foreign purchasers also follow separate state minimum-price and property-type rules, so their permitted purchase floor may be higher than the market average.

There is no single nationwide minimum for foreign buyers. Each state sets its own price floor and may restrict the property types a foreign purchaser can acquire.

As a practical guide, the foreign-buyer floor in Kuala Lumpur is generally RM1 million. Selangor's published policy sets RM2 million for residential property in Zones 1 and 2, and RM1 million in Zone 3, with additional property-type restrictions.

An MM2H property must satisfy both the state rule and the programme minimum: currently RM2 million for Platinum, RM1 million for Gold and RM600,000 for Silver. The higher applicable amount wins. Confirm the current state consent and eligible property type before paying a booking fee.

For federal MM2H Platinum, Gold and Silver, yes. For PVIP, no compulsory property purchase is currently listed.

SEZ/SFZ applicants must purchase an eligible property in the relevant special zone after approval. Confirm the property and purchase timing before paying a non-refundable deposit.

Usually yes. MM2H requires one qualifying residence; it does not create a general one-property limit.

Every additional purchase must still satisfy the relevant state-consent, foreign-ownership, financing and tax rules.

For a condominium, plan around RM0.30–RM0.60 per sq ft each month for maintenance and sinking fund. A 1,200 sq ft unit would therefore cost roughly RM360–RM720 per month before utilities.

Also budget for assessment tax (cukai taksiran), quit rent (cukai tanah), insurance and repairs. For an older or humidity-prone property, a repair reserve of around 0.5%–1% of the property value per year is a practical planning estimate.

Not during the current 10-year holding period for the compulsory MM2H property. The rules do allow an upgrade to a higher-value property, subject to the required approval and replacement process.

Ask an independent lawyer to confirm the programme, state-consent, tax and sale conditions before committing to a purchase or upgrade.