Johor property buying costs in 2026 (Malaysians vs foreigners)
Quick answer: On top of the price, expect roughly 3–5% for Malaysians and 11–14% for foreign buyers in extra costs. The biggest items are stamp duty on the transfer (tiered 1–4% for Malaysians; 8% flat for foreigners from 2026), 0.5% stamp duty on the loan, legal fees, and for foreigners the Johor state consent levy.
Key facts
| Malaysians — total extras | Roughly 3–5% of price |
|---|---|
| Foreigners — total extras | Roughly 11–14% of price |
| Foreign stamp duty | 8% flat (from 1 Jan 2026) |
| Loan stamp duty | 0.5% |
Stamp duty on the transfer (MOT)
| Property value portion | Malaysian citizen | Foreigner (from 1 Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First RM100,000 | 1% | 8% flat on full value |
| RM100,001 – RM500,000 | 2% | |
| RM500,001 – RM1,000,000 | 3% | |
| Above RM1,000,000 | 4% |
Malaysian first-home buyers can get a full stamp duty exemption on homes up to RM500,000 — see the first-home buyer guide.
Other costs
- Loan agreement stamp duty: 0.5% of the loan.
- Legal fees: separate fees for the SPA and the loan agreement, set by the Solicitors' Remuneration Order scale, plus disbursements and 8% SST. New launches sometimes include free SPA legal fees.
- Valuation fee: for subsale purchases with a loan.
- State consent levy (foreigners): reported at 3% of the price with a RM30,000 minimum from July 2025.
- Moving-in costs: renovation, furniture, utility deposits, maintenance fee deposits.
Worked example: RM1,000,000 condo, 70% loan
| Cost | Malaysian | Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| MOT stamp duty | RM24,000 | RM80,000 |
| Loan stamp duty (RM700k) | RM3,500 | RM3,500 |
| State consent levy | — | RM30,000 |
| Legal fees (approx., SPA + loan, before SST) | ~RM19,500 | ~RM19,500 |
Estimates only. Use the calculator for your own numbers and confirm with your lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
How much is stamp duty for a RM500,000 house in Johor?
For a Malaysian citizen it is RM9,000 (1% on the first RM100,000 and 2% on the next RM400,000). First-time buyers may be fully exempt for homes up to RM500,000. A foreigner would pay 8% (RM40,000), but foreigners generally cannot buy below RM1 million in Johor.
What is the stamp duty for foreigners buying property in Malaysia in 2026?
A flat 8% of the property price or market value for residential property, effective 1 January 2026, plus 0.5% on any loan agreement.
Who pays legal fees when buying property in Malaysia?
The buyer pays the legal fees for the Sale and Purchase Agreement and the loan agreement. Developers sometimes absorb the SPA legal fee as a promotion for new launches.