Looking for a new home in a different location, miles away from home can be both a liberating, and nerve-wracking adventure. It can also be difficult to know where to begin looking for information about property prices, legal restrictions, real estate market behaviour, and local customs. All these factors will all be a huge learning curve to overcome when planning for a move abroad.
If you have landed a new job on foreign soil, are looking to retire abroad, or simply looking to travel to a new country it is important to undertake some research before you land in your new home.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the logistics of moving to Malaysia.
Malaysia, in central Southeast Asia, occupies the Malay Peninsula, south of Thailand, and north of Singapore, and is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and ex-colonial cities with modern busy shopping and commerce districts, and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in the capital city of Kuala Lumper. Townships such as Alam Impian are highly prized as areas for expats to relocate to. The infrastructure is solid throughout the country with a good road network and train line running the length of the peninsular.
You will probably be entering Malaysia as a non-resident. If you’re looking to work and live in Malaysia permanently you can apply for residency in Malaysia, and it is easier to do so here, than in, say, Thailand. If you fit into certain categories, such as being a high-net-worth investor, possessing exceptional skills, being married to a Malaysian, or qualifying under a points-based system a residency status can be obtained and property ownership is more straightforward with less bureaucratic paperwork to attend to.
Landlords would generally require assurance that you will meet the full terms of the tenancy contract with a letter of employment or a passport photocopy. Some property owners may become hesitant to let out their properties to foreigners who are non-residents, so be prepared to have some limitations in your search for the perfect new home. After you are in the country for over 182 days in a year, or can demonstrate that you have paid tax for a year then you be considered a tax-paying resident and things will become easier.
Short-term and long-term stay?
There are two types of tenancy agreements in Malaysia – short-term and long-term. If you hold a tourist visa or term visa and will be staying in Malaysia for less than 12 months, it is considered a short-term stay. Landlords are usually more interested in long-term stayers in Malaysia, as the minimum tenancy period is at least 1 year, and up to a maximum of 3 years. The longer you choose to stay, your landlord will feel more inclined to negotiate a better rental rate and more favourable terms and conditions will be included in the deal.
Where to Search?
Most of us nowadays begin our search for property online. The internet has websites with listings for property all over the world, including Malaysia – searches can be narrowed down to budget, property type, number of rooms, and amenities. Be aware that some of these sites are not updated on a regular basis and some might contain properties that are used as bait by unscrupulous agents to have you look at other properties that are more realistically priced. Social media sites are also a good place to look for recent property listings on Facebook groups and pages. Firsthand knowledge is never to be overlooked so if you know somebody who is already on the ground ask for their advice and experiences. It makes sense to spend the initial few days or weeks in a hotel in your desired location to get a feel for the area. Be sure to do your due diligence and research the area thoroughly including any nearby amenities that your lifestyle requires.
Popular Areas.
Most expats are likely to look for a property close to the city or within close proximity to their workplace. Accessibility and amenities are an important to factor into the equation, and if you are choosing to use public transportation or use your own transport is an important consideration. Besides the larger cities, smaller townships are becoming increasingly popular among expats and locals alike. River Park Residences is a stunning condominium that gives you an idea of all the amenities you can have with a great property. If you are relocating for employment, your job location will restrict your search. Try to find out as much information as possible about the area before committing to a rental agreement.
Rentals do come with certain responsibilities. You have to be mindful of not doing any irreparable damage to the house and to keep it in the best condition possible. To maintain the trust and goodwill between you and the owner, you can take the following measures:
Things to Remember.
Make sure you have a copy of your tenancy agreement document before paying your property deposit and moving in, so that you can refer back to it if there are any problems with the owner. Read the contract carefully and if there are any concerning clauses or conditions, you should be able to negotiate them with the property owner, or via agent, if you decide to use one.
Once you move in take photographs of all rooms in the house or apartment and document the condition of the furniture and fittings. When you leave the property in the same condition, with photographic proof there should be no difficulty in getting your deposit back.
Inform the owner of any letters addressed to them, and always keep the owner/property agent informed on any changes or minor renovations you make to the property to avoid any misunderstandings later on when it comes to returning the deposit. Make sure monthly rent payments are paid on the due date. There is usually no flexibility on this in Malaysia.
The electricity bill, water bill, internet bill and also gas bill need to be paid on time. If you are renting a condo unit – the condo maintenance fees are usually the responsibility of the owner not the tenant. Before you move in, if you find that the property requires some work doing be sure to request the owner do so well ahead of time. It’s best if you can include such special requests as one of the terms and conditions in your tenancy agreement so that you can ensure that they are met when you move into the house and all parties understand the changes required.