Commercial property · Penang
Commercial property in Penang: shop offices, offices and factories
Buying or renting a shop lot, office or factory in Penang works differently from buying a home: the land use, the financing, the tax on rent and the foreign-buyer rules all change. This guide sets out what to check, and Jason can send current units for sale or rent.
Before you offer
Six checks on a commercial property
- Land use and express condition. The title shows whether the land is for commercial, industrial or residential use. A shop on residential land, or a factory outside an approved industrial zone, limits what you can do and who will lend.
- Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Confirm the building has its CCC and any change of use has been approved by the local council.
- Business licence fit. Check with the local council that your trade can be licensed at that address before you commit.
- Existing tenancy. A tenanted shop or factory comes with its lease; read the rent, term, renewal option and who pays for repairs.
- Financing. Banks lend on commercial property on different terms from homes; get a pre-assessment before the offer.
- Holding costs. Assessment and quit rent are higher on commercial land; budget for them with the service charge.
Penang rules
What applies to foreign buyers and sellers in Penang
State rules as summarised on the Penang property page; confirm the current position with your lawyer before you sign.
Minimum price, island strata: RM1 million
Foreign individuals and companies may buy a condominium or serviced apartment on Penang Island only at RM1 million or more (state guideline, in force since 1 July 2012).
Minimum price, island landed: RM3 million
Landed homes and landed strata on the island need a price of RM3 million or more, for sale agreements from 1 April 2017.
Minimum price, Seberang Perai strata: RM500,000
On the mainland the strata minimum for foreign buyers is RM500,000 from 28 April 2017. For mainland landed homes, press reports (2017–2019) give RM1 million; confirm with your lawyer.
MM2H and permanent residents
Under the state guideline, MM2H participants may buy from RM500,000 (residential only, up to two units) and permanent residents from RM250,000.
State consent from PTG Pulau Pinang
Every purchase by a foreigner needs State Authority consent, applied for through your lawyer at the Penang Land and Mines Office (Pejabat Tanah dan Galian).
State levy: 3% of the price
The approval levy is 3% of the purchase price, except island strata homes priced from RM1 million to RM1.5 million, which pay 1.5%. It must be paid within 30 days of the approval letter.
Tax
Stamp duty, RPGT and service tax
- Stamp duty on the transfer uses the same scale as homes: 1% of the first RM100,000, 2% of the next RM400,000, 3% to RM1 million and 4% above.
- RPGT applies on sale at the same rates as residential property.
- Service tax on rent. Rental and leasing of commercial property became a taxable service from 1 July 2025 (8%), reduced to 6% from 1 January 2026, for landlords whose commercial rental turnover exceeds RM1 million in 12 months. Residential rentals are outside the scope.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy commercial property in Penang?
Generally yes, with state consent, but states set their own minimum prices and conditions for commercial and industrial property, which can differ from the residential minimum shown above. Your lawyer confirms the current figure for the specific title.
Is there service tax on shop or office rent?
From 1 January 2026, 6% service tax applies to commercial rental for landlords whose commercial rental turnover exceeds RM1 million in 12 months; it was 8% from July to December 2025. Residential rent is not taxed this way.
Shop office or factory: which rents better?
It depends on the location and demand; ask Jason for recorded rents and occupancy in the specific area.
Can Jason find a shop, office or factory for me?
Yes. Send the type, size, area and budget, and whether you want to buy or rent.
General information by a registered agent, not legal or tax advice. Rates as published for 2026; your lawyer and LHDN have the final figure. Checked October 2026.
Looking for a shop, office or factory in Penang?
Send the type, size, area and budget, buy or rent. I reply with current units and the checks that matter.