Buying property in Malaysia as a foreigner? Yes, you can get a bank loan.
Malaysian banks look at where your income comes from, not just your passport. We help foreigners and expats understand exactly what they can borrow before they commit to a property, then structure the application across 12+ banks. Every case is assessed individually.
Typical margin of finance for foreign buyers
Margin of finance is the share of the property price the bank will lend. For foreign buyers it depends mainly on your income source. These are typical ranges — every case is assessed individually.
| Your situation | Typical margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Income earned outside Malaysia (even if you live here) | Usually 50% | Strong profiles can sometimes get more with selected banks |
| Singapore or Brunei national | Up to 80% | Special approval as close neighbouring countries |
| Expat with Malaysian income (employed or business here) | Up to 80% | A Malaysian income source is what counts, not nationality |
| MM2H holder | More favourable | Local account, deposits and clear intention to stay help |
You don't even need to live in Malaysia
A foreigner who has never been to Malaysia can still buy property and get a bank loan, with income documents from their home country and the required downpayment.
The downpayment is not the only cost
Other purchase costs
Stamp duty, legal fees, state consent and valuation come on top. On a RM2M purchase this can be around RM120,000.
Legal fees may not be financed
Not every bank finances legal fees for borrowers with foreign income, so plan to pay them yourself.
Foreign income counts for less
Banks usually recognise only part of foreign-currency income, often around 70%, when they calculate what you can afford.
What banks will ask for
- Passport and a valid work pass or visa, with at least 3–6 months' validity at submission
- Income documents and payslips
- Tax assessments plus the official tax payment receipts
- Bank statements showing funds held steadily over time, not sudden lump sums
- Overseas credit report, where the bank asks for it
- Proof of funds for the downpayment and purchase costs
Avoid these in the months before submission
Income swings
Sudden salary jumps or drops raise questions.
Big withdrawals
Large withdrawals that leave low balances weaken your proof of funds.
New credit
New loans, hire purchase or big credit purchases add to your commitments.
"My case was trickier because I was purchasing the house with my partner who is not Malaysian, so the case was a lot more complex in terms of obtaining a loan. We got a lot of guidance from the team… Definitely will recommend."
★★★★★ Divyaa S. · Google review
We work with buyers from China, Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Russia and more. Service in English, 中文 and Bahasa Malaysia.
Not your usual loan agent
Most loan agents only look at the loan. We're bank-trained and financial planner-certified, so we look at your whole financial picture — and hold ourselves to that standard.
Registered Financial Planner
RFP-certified under the Malaysian Financial Planning Council programme — trained to plan, not just to sell.
Bank-trained
Banking experience at Maybank and Standard Chartered. We know how credit officers assess your file.
Finance & Investment degree
Formal training in finance and investment behind every recommendation.
Whole-picture advice
Qualified across insurance, unit trusts and estate planning — so your loan fits your protection, investments and long-term plans.
Foreign buyer FAQ
Can a foreigner get a housing loan in Malaysia?
Yes. Malaysian banks lend to foreigners. How much you can borrow depends mainly on where your income comes from: income earned outside Malaysia is usually financed up to 50%, while expats with Malaysian income can get up to 80%.
Why is the margin only 50% for foreign income?
Income earned outside Malaysia is harder for banks to verify and recover against, so they ask for a bigger downpayment. Strong profiles can sometimes get more with selected banks.
I work in Singapore. Do I get 80%?
Singapore and Brunei nationals typically can, with special approval. Other nationals working in Singapore are usually assessed as foreign income, at around 50%.
Do I need to live in Malaysia to buy?
No. A foreigner who has never been to Malaysia can still buy and get a bank loan, with income documents from their home country and the required downpayment.
How much cash do I need in total?
The downpayment plus purchase costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, state consent and valuation. On a RM2M purchase with 50% financing, plan for the RM1M downpayment and around RM120,000 more.
When should I talk to you?
Before you pay a booking fee or sign the sale and purchase agreement. Knowing your realistic margin first protects your deposit.
Know your numbers before you commit
Tell us your nationality, where you earn and the property price. We'll tell you what's realistic.
