← All Johor projects · Buyer guide for China · Updated October 2026 · 中文版
Johor Bahru draws buyers from mainland China for freehold homes, international schools and its position next to Singapore. Buying here means following Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers and China’s rules on moving money abroad. This page sets out both, with a cost example and the steps.
Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers in Johor
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Minimum price | Generally RM1 million or more per property in Johor, for both apartments and landed homes. |
| State consent | Johor state approval is needed for every foreign purchase. Your lawyer applies for consent. Since 1 July 2025 Johor’s consent levy for foreign buyers is 3% of the price or RM30,000, whichever is higher (PTG Johor Circular 1/2025), plus application fees. |
| Not open to foreigners | Bumiputera lots, low-cost and affordable units, Malay Reserve land, and single or one-and-a-half-storey terraces. |
| Stamp duty on transfer | 8% of the price for foreign buyers of homes from 1 January 2026. |
| Selling later (RPGT) | 30% of the gain within five years; 10% from the sixth year. |
| Source of funds | Malaysian lawyers and banks must check where the purchase money comes from, so keep clear bank records of every transfer. |
| Residence | Owning property does not give you the right to live in Malaysia. Long-stay programmes such as MM2H are separate applications. |
China’s rules on moving money
- Annual quota. Each mainland Chinese individual can convert up to USD 50,000 a year in foreign currency through banks.
- Property is not a permitted use. Buying property abroad is not an allowed declared purpose for this quota.
- Lawful funding. Buyers typically use money already held lawfully outside mainland China, for example in a Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysian account in their own name.
- Avoid informal channels. Underground transfers break Chinese rules and can stop a Malaysian purchase, because Malaysian lawyers and banks must verify the source of funds.
Jason works with your Malaysian lawyer on the purchase; please confirm the rules in your own country with your bank and tax adviser before you pay.
What it costs: a worked example
| Item | RM1,000,000 unit | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | RM100,000 or more | 10% at the SPA; more if you pay without a Malaysian loan |
| Stamp duty on the transfer | RM80,000 | 8% for foreign home buyers from 2026 |
| Lawyer’s fee, SPA and transfer | About RM11,250 plus SST | 1.25% of the first RM500,000 and 1% of the next RM500,000 |
| State consent fee | Quoted by your lawyer | Varies by district and price |
| Disbursements | About RM2,000 to RM4,000 | Searches, registration, consent application and copying |
Buying remotely: the steps
- Shortlist on a video call. Jason walks you through projects above RM1 million that foreigners can buy, with the fact sheet for each.
- Visit if you can. Chinese passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days per entry and up to 90 days in any 180 days, under the mutual visa exemption in force since 17 July 2025. Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least three days before you travel.
- Book the unit. Pay the booking fee and sign the booking form. Keep the receipt for your bank.
- Sign the SPA. The SPA can be signed in Malaysia or, if your lawyer arranges it, signed and attested abroad.
- Transfer the funds. Pay from an account in your own name to the lawyer’s or developer’s account, with the SPA as the supporting document.
- State consent and completion. Your lawyer obtains Johor state consent, then completes the purchase and the transfer.
- Keys and rental. Jason can arrange handover, defect checks and a tenant if you plan to rent the unit out.
Buying in Johor from China: quick answers
Can a Chinese citizen buy property in Johor Bahru?
Yes. Foreigners, including Chinese citizens, can buy property in Johor priced at RM1 million or more, with state consent and 8% stamp duty on the transfer of a home. Bumiputera, low-cost and certain landed units are not open to foreigners.
Can I use my USD 50,000 quota to buy property in Malaysia?
No. Buying property abroad is not a permitted declared purpose for the annual quota. Most mainland buyers fund the purchase with money already held lawfully outside mainland China.
中国公民可以在新山买房吗？
可以。外国人（包括中国公民）在柔佛购买价格不低于100万令吉的房产，需获得州政府批准，并缴纳8%的住宅产权转让印花税。每年5万美元的个人购汇额度不能用于境外购房，买家通常使用已合法存放在境外的资金。欢迎WhatsApp Jason获取可购买的项目清单和完整费用估算。
Also read: projects for foreign buyers · larger units in the RM500k to RM1 million band · buying a subsale property
Useful tools: buying costs calculator · can a foreigner buy it? · projects for foreign buyers · all Johor projects
Sources: Johor foreign ownership guidelines and Stamp Act 1949 rates as published for 2026; Malaysia Immigration visa arrangements; China–Malaysia Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement (in force 17 July 2025); State Administration of Foreign Exchange individual FX quota rules. General information by a registered agent, not legal, tax or foreign exchange advice; confirm with your lawyer and adviser. By Jason Lim (REN 84424, IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. E (1) 1584/6).
Video
Watch Jason explain
From the Smart Asset with Jason YouTube channel.
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