By Joseph Wong

As we step into 2025, Malaysia's property market is poised for incremental growth, particularly in the realm of foreign home buyers. Experts predict a modest yet sustainable increase of up to 5% in foreign property purchases, reflecting a steady recovery from the pandemic-driven uncertainties of previous years. This forecast signals not only a vote of confidence in Malaysia’s property sector but also underscores its enduring appeal as an investment destination.

Malaysia has long been a favoured destination for foreign property investors, thanks to its strategic location, political stability and a robust legal framework that facilitates property ownership. For 2025, foreign holders of Malaysian investment visas are expected to spend at least RM166mil on real estate in the country, reinforcing their role as key contributors to the national economy.

Foreign home buyers have historically played a significant part in Malaysia's property market, bringing in capital, driving demand for high-end properties and supporting the development of world-class infrastructure. 

Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said: “The 9,815 holders of an MM2H, PVIP, or Sarawak or Sabah visa have poured a fortune of their own income into the economy of Malaysia by importing and spending locally an estimated RM5.1 billion (US$1.1 billion).

“That means foreign residents have spent as much in Malaysia as it would cost to build approximately 51,000 affordable housing units at a cost of RM100,000 each. I don’t want to suggest that's a perfect comparison, because the RM5.1 billion represents spending rather than government income. Still, the comparison does show the scale and potential benefits of all that foreign capital being transferred from overseas to Malaysian businesses and consumers.”

This year, this trend is expected to continue, with no major shifts anticipated in the top buyer demographics.

Top buyer demographics

The lion's share of foreign investments is likely to come from buyers in mainland China and greater China, markets that have consistently topped the list of foreign home buyers in Malaysia. The interest from these groups stems from several factors:

1. Strategic investment opportunities: Malaysia offers a wealth of investment opportunities, particularly in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. These cities provide high-quality infrastructure, established expatriate communities and excellent connectivity, making them attractive to foreign investors.
2. Affordability compared to regional counterparts: When compared to other major cities in Asia, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, Malaysia’s property prices remain relatively affordable. This affordability, coupled with the potential for high rental yields, makes the Malaysian property market an attractive option for investors seeking value.
3. Favorable visa programmes: Programs like the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa and the newer Premium Visa Program (PViP) have proven instrumental in attracting foreign investors. These initiatives not only encourage long-term residence but also facilitate property investments, particularly among retirees and professionals seeking to relocate.

Economic contributions

The forecasted RM166mil in property investments by foreign buyers highlights their economic significance. Beyond the direct capital injection, foreign property purchases contribute to a ripple effect across related industries, including construction, interior design and property management.

Foreign buyers also drive demand for luxury goods and services, boosting local businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism. Moreover, their investments often catalyse urban development projects, further enhancing the quality of life for local communities and increasing property values in the surrounding areas.

Challenges and opportunities

While the outlook is positive, the market isn’t without its challenges. Stringent property cooling measures, foreign ownership restrictions and fluctuating currency exchange rates can pose hurdles for potential buyers. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and strategic development.

1. Targeted marketing: Developers can focus on tailoring their offerings to meet the specific preferences and requirements of foreign buyers, such as providing multilingual support and highlighting amenities that appeal to expatriates.
2. Sustainability and ESG compliance: As global investors increasingly prioritise environmentally sustainable developments, incorporating green building practices can attract more discerning buyers and align with Malaysia’s broader sustainability goals.
3. Government collaboration: Continued collaboration between property developers and government agencies can help create policies that strike a balance between encouraging foreign investments and protecting local interests.

The road ahead

The 5% growth forecast for foreign home buyers in 2025 reflects a steady, sustainable trajectory that benefits both the property market and the broader economy, Ansari pointed out. As Malaysia positions itself as a global real estate hub, the focus should remain on enhancing its appeal through innovation, infrastructure development and regulatory transparency.

Moreover, the role of foreign buyers extends beyond economic contributions-they also bring cultural diversity and global perspectives that enrich Malaysia’s urban fabric. The country’s ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics while maintaining its unique identity will be key to sustaining its appeal in the years ahead.

By addressing challenges, leveraging opportunities and maintaining a focus on sustainable growth, Malaysia can continue to solidify its position as a preferred choice for global property investors. As the year unfolds, the interplay of economic trends, government policies and market innovation will determine the trajectory of this vital sector, shaping a brighter future for both investors and the nation as a whole, said Ansari.

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