← All Johor projects · Buyer guide for Indonesia · Updated October 2026
Indonesian families look at Johor Bahru for freehold homes, private hospitals, international schools and a short ferry ride from Batam. Buying here means following Malaysia’s rules for foreign buyers and Indonesia’s rules on buying foreign currency and reporting assets. This page sets out both, with a cost example and the steps. A full guide in Bahasa Indonesia is also available.
Read the full guide in Bahasa Indonesia: Beli properti Malaysia dari Indonesia · Panduan harga kondominium JB 2026 (gratis) · Properti di Johor Bahru untuk WNI · Buying Malaysian property from Indonesia (all states)
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. |
What to check on the Indonesia side
- Buying foreign currency. Since 1 July 2026, Bank Indonesia requires supporting (underlying) documents for purchases of foreign currency against rupiah above the equivalent of USD 10,000 a month per customer (PADG No. 15/2026). For a property purchase, the booking form, invoice or SPA from the developer or lawyer usually serves; ask your bank which documents it accepts before the transfer day.
- Bank reporting. Indonesian banks report transfers to and from abroad to PPATK. This is routine and not a reason for concern if the funds are your own.
- Tax. Indonesian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. Declare the property in the asset list of your annual tax return (SPT Tahunan) and any rent as income, with credit for Malaysian tax paid.
- Records. Keep proof of every transfer with the rupiah amount, the ringgit amount and the rate used. Malaysian lawyers and banks must check the source of funds, and you will need the same records for your SPT.
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. Indonesian passport holders can visit Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days. Submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before you travel. From Batam, ferries run from Batam Centre and Harbour Bay to Stulang Laut in Johor Bahru in about 90 minutes; there are also direct flights from Jakarta and Surabaya to Senai.
- 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 Indonesia: quick answers
Can an Indonesian citizen buy property in Johor Bahru?
Yes. Indonesians buy as foreigners: property in Johor priced at RM1 million or more, with state consent, a consent levy of 3% of the price (at least RM30,000) and 8% stamp duty on the transfer of a home. Bumiputera, low-cost and certain landed units are not open to foreigners.
Do I need documents from my bank to send the money from Indonesia?
For purchases of foreign currency above USD 10,000 a month, yes: Indonesian banks ask for supporting documents such as the booking form, invoice or SPA. Ask your bank for its list before you transfer.
Apakah WNI boleh membeli properti di Johor Bahru?
Boleh. WNI membeli sebagai orang asing: di Johor umumnya harga minimum RM1 juta per properti, dengan persetujuan pemerintah negara bagian, levy persetujuan 3% dari harga (minimal RM30.000) dan bea meterai 8% untuk pengalihan rumah. Panduan lengkap dalam Bahasa Indonesia juga tersedia di situs ini; hubungi Jason lewat WhatsApp untuk daftar proyek dan perkiraan biaya.
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; Bank Indonesia PADG No. 15/2026 (in force 1 July 2026) as published by Indonesian banks; Directorate General of Taxes guidance on SPT asset reporting; Berjaya Waterfront ferry information (October 2026). 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).