Costs & financing
How much cash do you need to buy in JB? Deposit and fees in full
Quick answerOn top of the deposit you need stamp duty, legal fees and loan costs. A Malaysian buying an RM800k home with a 90% loan needs about RM43k beyond the deposit; a foreigner buying an RM1.2m condo with a 70% loan needs about RM160k, because of the 8% stamp duty and Johor's ~3% levy. Developers of new launches sometimes absorb legal fees or offer rebates — read the conditions.
30-second summary
- Deposit: Locals usually 10%; foreigners usually 30%–40%
- Transfer stamp duty: Locals tiered 1%–4%; foreigners flat 8%
- Loan stamp duty: 0.5% of the loan
- Legal fees: 1.25% on the first RM500k, then 1% (+8% SST)
- Foreigner levy: Johor about 3%, min RM30,000
- Others: Valuation, disbursements, renovation, furniture, deposits
Cost overview
| Cost | Malaysian citizen | Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | Usually 10% (30% from the third loan) | Usually 30%–40% |
| Transfer (MOT) stamp duty | Tiered 1% / 2% / 3% / 4%; first-home relief | Flat 8% (residential, from 2026) |
| Loan agreement stamp duty | 0.5% of loan | 0.5% of loan |
| SPA legal fee | Statutory scale | Statutory scale |
| Loan legal fee | Statutory scale | Statutory scale |
| SST on legal fees | 8% of fees | 8% of fees |
| State consent / levy | None | Johor ~3% (min RM30,000) + fees |
| Valuation (subsale) | About RM1,000–RM3,000 | Same |
How legal fees are calculated (statutory scale)
Under the Solicitors' Remuneration Order, SPA and loan agreement fees are generally capped at 1.25% on the first RM500,000 and 1% on the next portion up to RM7.5 million, minimum RM500 — plus 8% SST and disbursements (searches, stamping, courier).
Three examples
| Local first home RM500k (90% loan) | Local RM800k (90% loan) | Foreigner RM1.2m (70% loan) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | RM50,000 | RM80,000 | RM360,000 |
| Transfer stamp duty | RM0 (first-home relief) | RM18,000* | RM96,000 |
| Loan stamp duty | RM0 (first-home relief) | RM3,600 | RM4,200 |
| SPA legal fee | RM6,250 | RM9,250 | RM13,250 |
| Loan legal fee | RM5,625 | RM8,450 | RM9,650 |
| SST + disbursements (approx.) | RM2,500 | RM3,500 | RM4,500 |
| Johor foreigner levy | — | — | RM36,000 |
| Total (approx.) | RM64k | RM123k | RM524k |
*Not a first home, or above the relief cap. RM800k is outside the Budget 2027 proposal (up to RM750k). Estimates only — enter your price in the calculator.
New launch vs subsale
- New launch: developers often offer free SPA / loan legal fees, rebates or furniture packages; transfer stamp duty is paid once the strata title is issued. Check whether rebates affect the bank valuation and the foreigner floor.
- Subsale: costs are paid up front, plus valuation, possible repairs and apportioned maintenance fees.
Don't forget
- Renovation and furniture (condos often RM30k–RM100k+)
- Utility deposits and internet installation
- Advance maintenance fee and sinking fund (condos)
- Fire / home insurance
- Loan insurance MRTA / MLTA (optional or bank-required)
- Moving costs
Infographic — save & share
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Frequently asked questions
How much do I need beyond the deposit to buy in JB?
Local buyers typically need about 3%–5% of the price (depending on first-home relief and legal fee packages); foreigners about 13% because of the 8% stamp duty and ~3% Johor levy.
How are legal fees calculated?
On the statutory scale: 1.25% on the first RM500k, 1% on the next portion, minimum RM500, plus 8% SST and disbursements.
What stamp duty do foreigners pay?
From 2026, a flat 8% transfer stamp duty on residential property, and 0.5% on the loan agreement.
Are 'free legal fees' on new launches real?
Many developers absorb SPA and sometimes loan legal fees, but conditions vary — often only with panel lawyers and banks.