Buying property in Malaysia
Discussion
Berw said:
As Nick said decide it it is right, some people love it, lke me, but I know loads of people who leave gone back after 6 months.
I think it's an acceptance of the fact that living somewhere permanently is different to being somewhere for a certain period of time - you can make excuses and justifications about not bothering to really embrace the way of life here if you know it's only a temporary thing. Also means you can brush aside some of the more frustrating aspects which, if you're here longer term, you would need to learn to live with...I, personally, haven't 'clicked' with Malaysia in the way I did with Arizona when we lived there (and neither have my wife and daughter). It's not any one thing I can put my finger on, but it's just not for us long term.
And some Malaysians I know who have come back here after being away for a period of time have expressed some frustrations or reservations about some aspects of life in modern Malaysia.
Just go into it objectively and without rose-tinted glasses, accept (maybe even embrace) the differences and take it as you find it (add any other cliches you'd like to at this point
) and that's about the best advice I can offer.Plus sides are that the food is awesome, the driving is gloriously 'free style' and there are some genuinely beautiful bits of the country to go and see.
Berw said:
Nick and I disagree on the price I think KL is cheaper than the UK, but then I don't have to buy business wear, and if I do I get it made, Places like M and S are expensive.
And to labour the point... 
I think, when you look at things overall, the two countries are broadly comparable in terms of the overall cost of living. Fuel is cheap, cars aren't. Eating out is reasonable, some things in supermarkets definitely aren't. Some clothes can be cheap in the sales, but are expensive at other times (and that's assuming you can find stuff that fits...). TVs seem expensive, but iPads are cheap.
And on-line shopping, which accounts for the majority of my clothes and other purchases in the UK (usually when one of the myriad sales is on), isn't as well developed here so there is less price competition on bigger ticket items like TVs, etc.
Then there's the oddities like decent watches which are definitely cheaper here once you've done a bit of negotiation. The current absence of VAT makes a big difference there.
I guess it's the eternal trade off between how much effort you're prepared to spend shopping around vs the price you pay. Is it worth spending an hour driving to a cheaper supermarket to reduce the cost of the weekly shopping, or do you just head to the nearest store and accept the slightly higher prices ??? No right or wrong, just different - but worth being aware of.
Berw said:
Commuting is bad
Although in fairness it's less bad once you're away from the city centre. I live in Mont Kiara and work near Bangsar and Bandar Utama, so don't have to fight into KLCC, and generally the traffic is bearable. But if I was working in KLCC I would think long and hard about trying to be based near public transport (and accepting the stares 
) or living close to the city centre like Berw.Berw said:
Cars are expensive, but you can get pick ups, I've just bought a 3 L Hilux, fully built n Japan not the local one and it cost 21K pounds new, I've also bought the wife a Myvi exterme, which is th sporty top of the range, 1.5, full leather etc for 12k pounds.
http://www.peroduamyvi.co.uk/page26.htmStill haven't worked out how a locally built car is *more* expensive in Malaysia than it is in the UK, where it will have been subjected to VAT, import taxes and shipping costs...
Have to say, Berw has a knack for sniffing out bargains and the Hilux sounds like a veritable one at that !!
Berw said:
Forget bringing in expensive new German cars you can not get the maintained, there are so few that that they do not invest in the tools. training and software, older cars are easy and cheap to maintain.
Absolutely - and if you buy locally then you need to try and find the history of the car. Don't necessarily expect cars to have full dealer histories for example - they may have been taken to 'their' mechanic because they're a lot cheaper than the dealer. But there are an awful lot of mechanics out there who don't appear to have a clue, or who might fit cheap pattern parts rather than OEM ones.Lease deals seem to be reasonable though, so maybe worth looking at.
Berw said:
The guys are right forget where the inlaws live...
I've tried, but SWMBO keeps reminding me where they live... Edited by Nick M on Thursday 23 August 07:22
You sound more mixed up than me, a QS who got into construction tax! I am an accountant who got into Commerical/Contract Management. I did construction tax for Costain Oil and Gas for a while, so there a coincidence.
There are loads of good Commercial/Contract manager roles at the moment, (We want 20+ all for 1Billion US projects). If you are interested send me a CV, and I'll get it to the right man. 800US$ a day net is a minimum that is 1000US gross, up to around 1900US gross a day is available. There is a problem that Aussi's work cheap and have destroyed some rates in SE Asia, but QSing is a particuler British thing so it hasn't effected commercial rates the way it has others. Rates in the civil industry are not as good, there are also several good roles around on the new mass transit line.
My advice is get ACIrb, either in the UK or on arrival here, the course here is around 100 pound two day reidential, it is around 2000 in the UK as I understand it, it is really looked on well here, but is just an easy 2 day course with a 3 hour exam.
Law is a bit different here, but not a lot, get a copy of the new Malaysian Contract Act and Arbitration Act, they are available in English from most book sellers here for about 5 pound, get the inlaws to send you one. Most contracts are in English and English case law is binding up to 1957, and advisory after that, but usually followed, (In Borneo it is binding to 1963) so working here is easy, and contractual relationships are not as confrentational as in the UK.
There are loads of good Commercial/Contract manager roles at the moment, (We want 20+ all for 1Billion US projects). If you are interested send me a CV, and I'll get it to the right man. 800US$ a day net is a minimum that is 1000US gross, up to around 1900US gross a day is available. There is a problem that Aussi's work cheap and have destroyed some rates in SE Asia, but QSing is a particuler British thing so it hasn't effected commercial rates the way it has others. Rates in the civil industry are not as good, there are also several good roles around on the new mass transit line.
My advice is get ACIrb, either in the UK or on arrival here, the course here is around 100 pound two day reidential, it is around 2000 in the UK as I understand it, it is really looked on well here, but is just an easy 2 day course with a 3 hour exam.
Law is a bit different here, but not a lot, get a copy of the new Malaysian Contract Act and Arbitration Act, they are available in English from most book sellers here for about 5 pound, get the inlaws to send you one. Most contracts are in English and English case law is binding up to 1957, and advisory after that, but usually followed, (In Borneo it is binding to 1963) so working here is easy, and contractual relationships are not as confrentational as in the UK.
XJSJohn said:
Plenty of work for you in JB too then, have a look at the Iskandar project, quite a few mates are involved in the building of the hospitals, schools universities and pharmaceutical labs there.
Also, don't undersell your rate, it is very hard to climb up if you start off too low.
Initially the thread was regarding me moving with my current job, but that project does look good and a way back into QSingAlso, don't undersell your rate, it is very hard to climb up if you start off too low.
Not really underselling, I am more than happy to speak up for myself, just the $800/day astounds me. Forgive me if my maths is incorrect as its early here, but $800/day equates to very crudely £12k/month (And this was after tax?)
The ceiling here for a QS with less than 5 years is £40k pre tax so circa £28k after tax, as shown by the RICS survey, compared to £144k a year for the O&G mentioned here... staggering!
Thanks Nick, agree with most of your points about prices and understand the car mechanic thing. The local mechanic we went to last time had a sideline of selling durian and spent more time trying to sell us some than he did diagnosing theproblem (His answer was literally "dunno lah"!)
Its hard to say whether working there will suit me, but I do know I would enjoy the lifestyle, the food is amazing and things being open past 7pm is great compared tohere in UK where your only option is cinema or pub after this time (Mid Valley bowling at 3am is recommended!)
Lots of things to consider, but if nothing else I can get 6 months of ikan bakar and roti tissue then it will be worth it.
Its hard to say whether working there will suit me, but I do know I would enjoy the lifestyle, the food is amazing and things being open past 7pm is great compared tohere in UK where your only option is cinema or pub after this time (Mid Valley bowling at 3am is recommended!)
Lots of things to consider, but if nothing else I can get 6 months of ikan bakar and roti tissue then it will be worth it.
Wow Berw, sound like you have crossed the many boundaries I have. I worked as a QS for 5 years and have now been working for over a year in a Big 4 doing Construction Tax and Capital Allowances.
Very interesting though, thanks. I may give you an email tonight when I am back home if that's ok for a bit more info as I'm not sure my background will fit a contract manager role (But the definition may be slightly different than over here)
Really appreciate the replies, although we have slightly gone off the original topic!
Very interesting though, thanks. I may give you an email tonight when I am back home if that's ok for a bit more info as I'm not sure my background will fit a contract manager role (But the definition may be slightly different than over here)
Really appreciate the replies, although we have slightly gone off the original topic!
[quote=3sixtyNot really underselling, I am more than happy to speak up for myself, just the $800/day astounds me. Forgive me if my maths is incorrect as its early here, but $800/day equates to very crudely £12k/month (And this was after tax?)
[/quote]
That would be daily contract rate, so tax, health etc would come out of it usually (i would assume). It works out to about GBP10k per month if you factor in some holiday time etc.
However remember that the Ringett is strong against GBP (i assume) as it has stayed level with SGD and SGD is 30% stronger to GBP than it was in 2008) so in real world cash ballance its more like GBP7k a month - if my bass akwards logic males sense?
[/quote]
That would be daily contract rate, so tax, health etc would come out of it usually (i would assume). It works out to about GBP10k per month if you factor in some holiday time etc.
However remember that the Ringett is strong against GBP (i assume) as it has stayed level with SGD and SGD is 30% stronger to GBP than it was in 2008) so in real world cash ballance its more like GBP7k a month - if my bass akwards logic males sense?
Current rate for a good experienced contract manager with Oil and Gas background is starting at 160,000 pounds a year before tax (Tax is 24%), with 4 weeks holiday and weeks of 'bank holidays.
We need 20+ people in theose sort of roles and that would be aminimum rate, if you asked for less they would worry.
I'll pm you with my email.
We need 20+ people in theose sort of roles and that would be aminimum rate, if you asked for less they would worry.
I'll pm you with my email.
i stayed in Desa Sri Hartamas, house was RM2.5m to buy, but we rented.
MKIS would be my school choice, my kids went to GIS which also very good. To be hoest they are lightyears ahead of UK in terms approach. My kids are missing the schooling (cue Berw) and the food! Schooling isnt cheapo, you will need a years deposit up front per child. I have three, one not in school yet. For two in GIS and one in nursery was 50kRM per term. + 100kRM deposit.
KL traffic is hellish, but i never minded it to be honest, its just part of the KL mentalness. I loved driving there, not agressive just nuts, keeps you amused!
MKIS would be my school choice, my kids went to GIS which also very good. To be hoest they are lightyears ahead of UK in terms approach. My kids are missing the schooling (cue Berw) and the food! Schooling isnt cheapo, you will need a years deposit up front per child. I have three, one not in school yet. For two in GIS and one in nursery was 50kRM per term. + 100kRM deposit.
KL traffic is hellish, but i never minded it to be honest, its just part of the KL mentalness. I loved driving there, not agressive just nuts, keeps you amused!
3sixty said:
Thanks Berw, very helpful.
I didn't realise the private schools went up as high as £20k/year. My wifes aunt lives at Mount Kiara and recommended the international schools there, any ideas how good they are?
Also, is the mortgage situation the same for commercial property? I was offered an office near the Tesco at Old Kent Road last time we were there and thought better of it so didn't explore the money situation.
Everyone says it, but I have yet to be caught in a KL traffic jam i the 4 times we have been over. I once got stuck outside Low Yat for about 10mins but that was because there was a huge downpour and half the bikes were skidding to the ground.
In terms of other stuff, I have been told the income tax is lower and I can bring two cars imported tax free. This was by the marriage certificate admin staff, so I am not wholly believing it (Especially as she said the penalty for not registering marriage in Malaysia was "big" and turned out to be 50RM)
I didn't realise the private schools went up as high as £20k/year. My wifes aunt lives at Mount Kiara and recommended the international schools there, any ideas how good they are?
Also, is the mortgage situation the same for commercial property? I was offered an office near the Tesco at Old Kent Road last time we were there and thought better of it so didn't explore the money situation.
Everyone says it, but I have yet to be caught in a KL traffic jam i the 4 times we have been over. I once got stuck outside Low Yat for about 10mins but that was because there was a huge downpour and half the bikes were skidding to the ground.
In terms of other stuff, I have been told the income tax is lower and I can bring two cars imported tax free. This was by the marriage certificate admin staff, so I am not wholly believing it (Especially as she said the penalty for not registering marriage in Malaysia was "big" and turned out to be 50RM)
Holy thread resurrection batman!
Just got back from 3 weeks for CNY and now more determined than ever to buy over there and possibly relocate if I can find a job
We spoke to a few agents and visited a few developments and we were told by all we need to pay 30k RM for a government permission as a foreign buyer and we can also buy nothing for less than 500k RM I'm Malaysia or 1mil in Penang. I guess this is to prevent foreign investors taking all the cheap houses, which seems fair
Is the above true? Has anyone done this? Could I kopi money my way out of the 30k permission or do I even need it as I could buy it in my wifes name who is Malaysian?
One final question, what is the equivalent Malaysia site of jobsearch etc? I am trying to look for Quantity Surveying jobs out there
OT: Berw sorry we missed each other when I was out there, I sent you a few mails but no reply? Not sure if they got through or you are just snowed under at work
Just got back from 3 weeks for CNY and now more determined than ever to buy over there and possibly relocate if I can find a job
We spoke to a few agents and visited a few developments and we were told by all we need to pay 30k RM for a government permission as a foreign buyer and we can also buy nothing for less than 500k RM I'm Malaysia or 1mil in Penang. I guess this is to prevent foreign investors taking all the cheap houses, which seems fair
Is the above true? Has anyone done this? Could I kopi money my way out of the 30k permission or do I even need it as I could buy it in my wifes name who is Malaysian?
One final question, what is the equivalent Malaysia site of jobsearch etc? I am trying to look for Quantity Surveying jobs out there
OT: Berw sorry we missed each other when I was out there, I sent you a few mails but no reply? Not sure if they got through or you are just snowed under at work
Unlikely to get over the RM30k payment coffee-style unless someone has indicated to you it is possible. But even if given the opportunity, please don't contribute to corruption here. Corruption and greed has led to the turd-like government and wayward spending the country enjoys. A 50 note for speeding for a copper who earns pennies is one thing; an official who sells his signature for multiple times his salary is another matter.
Lecture over. Sorry.
Surely you can buy the house in the Mrs' name and show proof of payment ability using your history? If you do this you can complete the sale no slower than any other Malaysian, particularly if you put down a healthy deposit and have strong financials.
Most popular jobs site here is Jobstreet. But I would expect QS roles for expats would be thin on the ground in the web portals (if even advertised at all). Think specialist agencies and working the network (Berw seems to be particularly well connected!).
In any case, welcome to the madhouse.
As for getting around, a combination of knowing how all the main arteries connect, forward planning with real-time traffic on Google Maps and sometimes using Waze all mean I generally avoid jams most of the time (though pay through the nose for tolls).
Lecture over. Sorry.
Surely you can buy the house in the Mrs' name and show proof of payment ability using your history? If you do this you can complete the sale no slower than any other Malaysian, particularly if you put down a healthy deposit and have strong financials.
Most popular jobs site here is Jobstreet. But I would expect QS roles for expats would be thin on the ground in the web portals (if even advertised at all). Think specialist agencies and working the network (Berw seems to be particularly well connected!).
In any case, welcome to the madhouse.
As for getting around, a combination of knowing how all the main arteries connect, forward planning with real-time traffic on Google Maps and sometimes using Waze all mean I generally avoid jams most of the time (though pay through the nose for tolls).
Thanks Deadlock, apologies for the kopi mention, was more in jest rather than a serious point.
I am not sure on the criteria for the "being foreign" when buying the homes. My wife is Malaysia, but hasnt lived or worked there for 10 years now, do they expect a Malaysian income to avoid the limits on property prices?
Will look on the job site, thanks. Berw is indeed very connected and has helped me immensely so far, but my experience in his field is hindering me, hence why I need to broaden my search to QS'ing in general
I am not sure on the criteria for the "being foreign" when buying the homes. My wife is Malaysia, but hasnt lived or worked there for 10 years now, do they expect a Malaysian income to avoid the limits on property prices?
Will look on the job site, thanks. Berw is indeed very connected and has helped me immensely so far, but my experience in his field is hindering me, hence why I need to broaden my search to QS'ing in general
HI, sorry did not get an eamil. give me a Pm again. I have aproperty here, as does XJS, so know a bit about it, but my info is old.
I think the 500 is a figure they are talking about for the future, I believe the number today is 380K, it was 280000 when I bougth, this is so you can not but 'low cost' housing ment for locals.
Never heard of the 30K, my lawyer got my permission to buy and it was free, may be anew thing but talk to a lawyer I'll PM you mine in KL if you want, local firm but UK qualified.
When I bought there were 22million dwelling properties in Malaysia, but only 13M family units looking for accomadation, so you need to be in the right location if you want the price to be driven bt demand
I think the 500 is a figure they are talking about for the future, I believe the number today is 380K, it was 280000 when I bougth, this is so you can not but 'low cost' housing ment for locals.
Never heard of the 30K, my lawyer got my permission to buy and it was free, may be anew thing but talk to a lawyer I'll PM you mine in KL if you want, local firm but UK qualified.
When I bought there were 22million dwelling properties in Malaysia, but only 13M family units looking for accomadation, so you need to be in the right location if you want the price to be driven bt demand
Berw said:
HI, sorry did not get an eamil. give me a Pm again. I have aproperty here, as does XJS, so know a bit about it, but my info is old.
I think the 500 is a figure they are talking about for the future, I believe the number today is 380K, it was 280000 when I bougth, this is so you can not but 'low cost' housing ment for locals.
Never heard of the 30K, my lawyer got my permission to buy and it was free, may be anew thing but talk to a lawyer I'll PM you mine in KL if you want, local firm but UK qualified.
When I bought there were 22million dwelling properties in Malaysia, but only 13M family units looking for accomadation, so you need to be in the right location if you want the price to be driven bt demand
Sorry, a bit O/T but I might just send you my CV as well - Contracts Manager here. Worked in HK and now in UAE. Sadly no O&G experience though.I think the 500 is a figure they are talking about for the future, I believe the number today is 380K, it was 280000 when I bougth, this is so you can not but 'low cost' housing ment for locals.
Never heard of the 30K, my lawyer got my permission to buy and it was free, may be anew thing but talk to a lawyer I'll PM you mine in KL if you want, local firm but UK qualified.
When I bought there were 22million dwelling properties in Malaysia, but only 13M family units looking for accomadation, so you need to be in the right location if you want the price to be driven bt demand
3sixty said:
I am not sure on the criteria for the "being foreign" when buying the homes. My wife is Malaysia, but hasnt lived or worked there for 10 years now, do they expect a Malaysian income to avoid the limits on property prices?
I am not a lawyer, but would be very surprised if her absence from the country affects her right to purchase at all.The banks can be quite flexible with proof of income. If you can prove marriage (easy) and prove your income (hopefully easy), my educated guess is that they can make it happen. A relatively large down payment (30%??) would help make it easier as well.
Many people here pay no income tax at all and get mortgages with no issue, even though in theory (if you go by what is written on the bank websites) your calculated earning is based on how much income you declare in your tax return...
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