The price on the listing is only part of what you’ll pay when buying property in Malaysia. On top of the purchase price, buyers should budget for stamp duty, legal fees, loan costs, and a few smaller charges. Knowing these early helps you set a realistic budget and avoid last-minute shortfalls.

1. Stamp duty on the transfer (MOT)

When ownership is transferred to you, stamp duty is payable on the Memorandum of Transfer (MOT). This is calculated on a tiered scale based on the property price — the higher the price, the higher the rate on the upper portions. Because the government adjusts these tiers and offers exemptions from time to time (for example, for first-time buyers or certain price ranges), always confirm the current rates on the official LHDN (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) website or with your lawyer before you budget.

2. Stamp duty on the loan agreement

If you’re financing the purchase with a bank loan, stamp duty is also charged on the loan agreement. This is a separate, smaller percentage of the loan amount. First-time buyer schemes sometimes waive or reduce this — worth checking whether you qualify.

3. Legal fees

You’ll need a lawyer to handle the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and the loan documentation. Legal fees follow a regulated scale based on the property price, so they scale up with more expensive properties. Ask for a full quote that includes disbursements, not just the professional fee.

4. Other costs to budget for

• Valuation fee — your bank will value the property before approving the loan.
• Down payment — typically a portion of the purchase price not covered by your loan.
• Moving, renovation & furnishing — easy to forget, but plan for them.
• Maintenance fees & sinking fund — ongoing for condos and gated developments.

Ready to start looking?

Browse homes on our For Sale listings, explore Property for Sale in Mont Kiara, or contact us if you have a question.