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Buying a Property in Malaysia

Investment potential

Malaysia is one of the most stable and economically successful places in South East Asia, and on this basis, it is also a great place to invest in property overseas. There are two main markets for investors to target – international business and tourists. The international business community is attracted to Kuala Lumpur and its members look for the more ‘executive’ types of property that are available. Proximity to the business districts, as well as good quality property in exclusive developments are what attract the best rental rates and the fewest void periods.

On the other hand, the tourist market tends to concentrate itself on the coastal areas to the south of the mainland, as well as the north west regions of the country around the island of Penang. This would be an ideal place to look into the condo-hotel market as there developments are extensive and well-managed.

The economy and government of Malaysia are stable and well-respected internationally, and unlike many of the so-called ‘tiger’ economies of the region, managed to survive the fall in the technology markets in the 1990s that affected many other countries so badly. Like Singapore, Malaysia’s economy has not been reliant on just one industry for prosperity.

The major indicators of economic health are also good – GDP growth is strong at around seven per cent, inflation is low as is unemployment, and crime is rare.

Health services

Both health and education systems in Malaysia are efficient, well-run and inexpensive. Medical services are among the best in the region, with many doctors and healthcare professionals having training in the West. Pharmacists are well-trained in dispensing the plentiful medicines in the larger towns and cities, and many people go straight to a pharmacy for minor ailments. In addition, most healthcare professionals will speak English, making things even more reassuring.

Malaysian residents have free access to healthcare, but most refer themselves directly to private clinics and practices, most of which require payment up front. For this reason, joining a health insurance scheme before you set off for Malaysia will save you paying out of your own pocket for some expensive treatments.

Another medical consideration to take into account is the prevalence of tropical illnesses, and you may wish to consult your GP on which jabs to have done before you leave the UK.

Transport

Kuala Lumpur has been one of the major stopping-off points for long-haul flights for some years now, so flying to Malaysia should present no significant problems with plenty of flights and airlines to choose from. Once in the capital, the preferred mode of transport is the car. KL is more spread out than many cities in the region, and the road system is well-developed and well-maintained. To make life even easier for drivers from the UK, Malaysians drive on the left side of the road.

In addition, both bus and rail systems are extensive in Kuala Lumpur, and allow ease of movement around the city. This continues for rail transport across the rest of the country, with major town and cites served by clean, cheap, air-conditioned trains.

And finally...

Malaysia is often overlooked by overseas property investors looking to head into the markets of South East Asia, at times being ignored ahead of Thailand and China for the impressive capital gains and social development. However, Malaysia offers a lot more in the way of stability for the overseas property buyer, and will make a welcoming destination for expats and retires looking to settle there permanently.

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More pages

Page 1: Why Malaysia?
Page 2: The buying process
Page 3: Investment potential

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