Work out your full upfront cost when buying property in Malaysia: MOT stamp duty, loan stamp duty, and conveyancing legal fees under the SRO 2023 — with the first-time buyer exemption applied automatically.
Use the higher of purchase price or market value.
Enter 0 for a cash purchase.
When you buy property in Malaysia, stamp duty is charged on two documents. The Memorandum of Transfer (MOT) attracts tiered ad valorem duty under the Stamp Act 1949, and the loan agreement attracts a flat 0.5% of the loan amount. Since 1 January 2026, foreign buyers pay a flat 8% on residential property transfers instead of the tiered scale.
| Value band (MOT) | Rate |
|---|---|
| First RM100,000 | 1% |
| RM100,001 – RM500,000 | 2% |
| RM500,001 – RM1,000,000 | 3% |
| Above RM1,000,000 | 4% |
| Foreigner (residential) | 8% flat |
Conveyancing legal fees are fixed by law under the Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2023 — 1.25% on the first RM500,000 (minimum RM500) and 1% from RM500,001 to RM7,500,000. The scale applies separately to the Sale and Purchase Agreement (on the property price) and the loan agreement (on the loan amount), plus 8% service tax. Every law firm in Peninsular Malaysia charges by this same scale, so you are choosing your lawyer on competence, not price.
Renting instead of buying? Our online tenancy agreement service prepares a legally sound agreement without a full conveyancing engagement.
This tool gives you the numbers. Our lawyers in Cheras, Selangor can advise on your specific situation. Free legal advice and quote via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Us NowFor a Malaysian citizen buying a RM600,000 property, MOT stamp duty is RM12,000: 1% on the first RM100,000 (RM1,000), 2% on the next RM400,000 (RM8,000), and 3% on the remaining RM100,000 (RM3,000). A 90% loan of RM540,000 adds RM2,700 loan stamp duty.
Malaysian citizens buying their first residential property priced at RM500,000 or below get 100% exemption on both MOT and loan agreement stamp duty, for Sale and Purchase Agreements signed between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2027 under Budget 2026. Properties above RM500,000 get no exemption.
Legal fees are fixed by the Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2023 and firms may offer a discount of up to 25% on scale fees. Any larger discount breaches the Legal Profession Act 1976. Disbursements such as searches and registration fees are charged separately.
Yes. From 1 January 2026, non-citizen individuals and foreign companies pay a flat 8% stamp duty on residential property transfers, doubled from 4% under Budget 2026. Malaysian permanent residents are excluded and continue to pay the normal tiered 1%–4% scale.
Generally no. Stamp duty and legal fees are payable in cash at the legal documentation stage. Some developers or banks run packages absorbing certain fees, but as a rule you should budget these costs on top of your down payment.
This tool provides general information based on current Malaysian legislation and publicly available figures. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Figures may change; verify with the relevant authority or consult a lawyer for your specific circumstances.