← All Johor projects · Buyer guide for Hong Kong · Updated October 2026 · 中文版（繁體）
Hong Kong buyers look at Johor Bahru for freehold homes at a fraction of Hong Kong prices, a short flight away, and next to Singapore. This page sets out Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers, the Hong Kong side, 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. |
The Hong Kong side
- No exchange controls. Hong Kong residents can remit funds abroad freely through their bank, with the usual anti-money-laundering checks.
- Tax. Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis, so rent from a Malaysian property is generally not taxed in Hong Kong; it is taxed in Malaysia.
- Records. Keep bank statements for each transfer, as 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. Hong Kong SAR passport holders can make short visits to Malaysia without a visa. Check the current length of stay with Malaysian immigration, and 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 Hong Kong: quick answers
Can Hong Kong people buy property in Johor Bahru?
Yes. Foreign buyers, including Hong Kong residents, can buy property in Johor priced at RM1 million or more, with state consent and 8% stamp duty on the transfer of a home.
Is Malaysian rental income taxed in Hong Kong?
Generally no. Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis, so rent from a Malaysian property is taxed in Malaysia rather than Hong Kong.
香港人可以在新山買樓嗎？
可以。外國買家在柔佛購買樓價不低於100萬令吉的物業，須取得州政府批准，並須繳付8%印花稅。香港沒有外匯管制，資金可經銀行正常匯出。歡迎WhatsApp Jason索取可購買的樓盤清單及全部費用估算。
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; Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department territorial source principle. 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).