Buying Guide
Can Foreigners Buy at Twin Tower? Johor’s Rules Explained
Quick answer
Yes. Foreigners can buy at Twin Tower Residence if the price is at least Johor's RM1 million threshold, which in practice means 2-bedroom and larger units. Each purchase needs Johor state consent (usually one to three months), a 3% approval fee (minimum RM30,000) and, from January 2026, 8% stamp duty on residential transfers.
In this guide
- Key takeaways
- Can foreigners buy property in Johor?
- What is the minimum price for foreigners in Johor?
- How does Johor state consent work?
- What does a foreign buyer pay in Johor fees and taxes?
- Can foreigners get a home loan in Malaysia?
- What taxes apply when a foreigner rents out or sells?
- Scenarios: which route fits you?
- Other questions foreign buyers often ask
- Foreign buyer checklist before you make an offer
- Conclusion
- Sources
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Johor, including at Twin Tower Residence, but they must meet the state’s minimum price, obtain state consent and budget for higher taxes than Malaysians. This guide explains Johor’s rules as they stand in November 2026 and, just as importantly, what they mean unit by unit at Twin Tower.
Rules for foreign buyers change from time to time and are applied case by case by the state, so treat this as a planning guide and always confirm the current position with a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer before you commit.
Key takeaways
- Johor generally requires foreigners to buy residential property priced at RM1 million or above; designated zones such as Medini have their own exemptions, which do not apply in Bukit Chagar.
- At Twin Tower, 2-bedroom units with indicative asking prices of RM1.00m–1.15m sit at or above the threshold; studios (RM720k–780k asking) sit below it.
- Every foreign purchase needs prior written consent from the Johor State Authority under Section 433B of the National Land Code, which usually takes one to three months.
- Since 1 July 2025 the Johor approval fee for a subsale is 3% of the price or valuation, minimum RM30,000; since 1 January 2026 foreigners pay a flat 8% stamp duty on residential transfers.
- RPGT for non-citizen, non-PR sellers is 30% within five years and 10% from the sixth year, so most foreign buyers plan for a long hold.
Can foreigners buy property in Johor?
Yes. Malaysia is one of the more open property markets in the region for foreign buyers, and Johor in particular attracts Singaporeans, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and other international buyers. Freehold strata titles such as Twin Tower Residence can be owned outright by foreign individuals, with your name on the title once the transfer is registered.
What makes Johor different is that land matters are a state responsibility. Johor sets its own minimum price for foreign buyers, decides whether to grant consent for each transaction, and charges its own approval fee. Federal rules then add stamp duty, RPGT and income tax on top.
What is the minimum price for foreigners in Johor?
As reported by the New Straits Times in April 2026, foreigners in Johor can buy residential property priced at RM1 million or above. The same report notes that developers can obtain special approval to sell sub-RM1 million units to foreigners, that designated zones such as Medini in Iskandar Puteri are exempt from the threshold, and that foreign owners of sub-RM1 million units can generally resell only to Malaysians.
Some categories are closed to foreigners regardless of price, commonly including Bumiputera-allocated units, Malay Reserve land and low- and medium-cost housing.
What this means at Twin Tower Residence
| Unit type | Built-up | Indicative asking price (Oct–Nov 2026) | Relative to RM1m threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | ~559–599 sq ft | RM720k–780k | Below – generally not open to foreign subsale buyers |
| 2 Bedroom | 882 sq ft | RM1.00m–1.15m | At or above – the main option for foreigners |
| 2+1 Bedroom | 1,054 sq ft | About RM1.02m | Around the threshold – check the agreed price |
| 3 Bedroom | 1,216 sq ft | Rarely listed | Likely above – ask for availability |
In practice, foreign buyers at Twin Tower focus on 2-bedroom, 2+1 and 3-bedroom units where the agreed price meets the threshold. The 2-bedroom is also the building’s most-rented layout, so it suits both own-stay and investment. See our 2-bedroom guide for layout details.
How does Johor state consent work?
Under Section 433B of the National Land Code, foreign individuals and foreign-controlled companies need prior written approval from the State Authority before acquiring land or property. In Johor the application is handled through the Land and Mines Office (PTG) with your lawyer’s help. Key points:
- Sign the offer and SPA with consent as a condition of the transaction.
- Your lawyer submits the consent application with the required documents, including identity documents and the stamped agreement.
- The state reviews the application and, if approved, issues consent subject to payment of the approval fee.
- Once consent and other conditions are met, the standard completion period runs and the transfer is registered.
Consent typically takes one to three months, which is why foreign purchases often take five to six months overall versus three to four for Malaysians. Our step-by-step buying guide shows where consent fits in the timeline.
What does a foreign buyer pay in Johor fees and taxes?
Johor state approval fee
Johor revised its fees for foreign acquisitions with effect from 1 July 2025 (PTG Johor Circular No. 1/2025, as summarised by legal and industry sources). For subsale residential purchases the fee is 3% of the JPPH valuation or purchase price, whichever is higher, with a minimum of RM30,000. Commercial subsales are also 3% with a RM30,000 minimum. Purchases from developers of serviced apartments priced below RM1 million carry a minimum fee of RM50,000, subject to state approval. Previously, the levy was 2%.
Stamp duty
From 1 January 2026, transfers of residential property to non-citizens (other than permanent residents) and foreign companies attract a flat 8% stamp duty. The amended Stamp Act defines residential property to include a serviced apartment used solely as a dwelling. Non-residential property remains at a flat 4% for foreigners. Your lawyer will confirm which rate applies to your unit. The loan agreement carries 0.5% stamp duty.
Worked example: 2-bedroom at RM1,100,000
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Johor approval fee | 3% × RM1,100,000 (above RM30,000 minimum) | RM33,000 |
| Transfer stamp duty | 8% × RM1,100,000 | RM88,000 |
| SPA legal fee (SRO 2023) | 1.25% × 500k + 1% × 600k = RM12,250, plus 8% SST | RM13,230 |
| Taxes and fees (cash buyer) | about RM134,000 |
That is roughly 12% on top of the price for a cash purchase, before disbursements. If you borrow, add 0.5% loan stamp duty and loan legal fees. The full breakdown is in our buying costs guide.
Can foreigners get a home loan in Malaysia?
Yes, but on stricter terms than Malaysians. Published guides indicate that non-MM2H foreign buyers are generally offered margins of around 70%, with higher margins possible for MM2H holders or foreigners married to Malaysians who join the loan. Banks will look at your income documents, credit record and the currency you earn in. Apply early, because approvals for foreigners can take longer. Our home loan guide explains margins, DSR and documents.
What taxes apply when a foreigner rents out or sells?
Rental income
Rental income from a Malaysian property is Malaysian-sourced income. Individuals who are not Malaysian tax residents (broadly, present in Malaysia for fewer than 182 days a year) are taxed at a flat 30% on that income, without personal reliefs, though allowable expenses can be deducted. Many foreign landlords appoint a local agent or tax agent to handle filings.
RPGT when you sell
| Year of disposal | Non-citizen, non-PR individual | Malaysian citizen or PR |
|---|---|---|
| Within 3 years | 30% | 30% |
| 4th year | 30% | 20% |
| 5th year | 30% | 15% |
| 6th year onwards | 10% | 0% |
When a foreigner sells, the buyer’s lawyer retains 7% of the price and remits it to LHDN; any excess over the actual RPGT is refundable. Resale is also shaped by the threshold: a unit bought at or above RM1 million can be sold to other foreigners subject to consent, while sub-RM1 million units generally resell only to Malaysians.
Scenarios: which route fits you?
If you are a Singapore commuter buying to live in
A 2-bedroom at or above RM1 million gives you a home beside the Bukit Chagar RTS station and a layout that is easy to rent out later. Read our Singaporean buyer’s guide for HDB and CPF points.
If you are an overseas investor
Focus on the 2-bedroom, the most-listed rental layout, and plan to hold for at least five years to reach the lower 10% RPGT rate. Factor the 30% non-resident tax on net rent into your yield.
If you have MM2H status
The MM2H programme has its own property-related conditions, and lenders may offer better margins. Johor’s consent process still applies, so confirm with your lawyer how your status affects the threshold and fees for your specific unit.
Not sure which units currently meet the threshold? WhatsApp Darren and he will share the latest available 2-bedroom and larger units with floor plans.
Other questions foreign buyers often ask
Can I buy through a company?
Foreign-controlled companies also need state consent and pay the 8% residential stamp duty. Company ownership brings different RPGT treatment, annual compliance and running costs compared with holding in your own name. Unless you have a clear tax or estate-planning reason, most individual buyers hold in their personal name. Take advice from a lawyer and accountant before choosing a company structure.
Can I buy jointly with a Malaysian?
A foreigner buying jointly with a Malaysian citizen is still treated as a foreign purchaser for their share, so state consent is generally still required, and your lawyer will confirm how fees and duties apply. If you buy with a Malaysian spouse who joins the loan, some banks may offer a higher margin.
What if consent is refused?
The SPA normally makes state consent a condition precedent and sets out how the agreement ends and how deposits are refunded if consent is not granted. Ask your lawyer to make this clause clear before signing. Choosing a unit priced clearly above the threshold with a clean title reduces the risk.
Foreign buyer checklist before you make an offer
- Confirm the agreed price meets the RM1 million threshold, and ask how the valuation compares.
- Get a loan pre-assessment from a bank that lends to your nationality and income currency.
- Budget around 12% of the price for the approval fee, stamp duty and legal fees on a cash purchase.
- Appoint a lawyer experienced in Johor foreign-consent applications.
- Make consent a condition in the offer and SPA, with clear refund terms.
- Plan for a hold of at least five years if you want the lower RPGT rate on resale.
Conclusion
Foreigners can buy at Twin Tower Residence, and many do. The key is to choose a unit priced at or above Johor’s RM1 million threshold (in practice, the 2-bedroom and larger layouts), allow one to three months for state consent, and budget around 12% of the price for the approval fee, 8% stamp duty and legal fees. In return you own a completed, freehold home beside the RTS Link terminus, in the heart of JB.
Sources
- New Straits Times – Foreigners hit Johor property resale wall (Apr 2026)
- HHQ – Johor’s new legal and tax framework for foreign acquisitions (Oct 2025)
- Landco – Johor approval fees for foreigners, citing PTG Johor Circular 1/2025
- Skrine – Stamp Act amendments: 8% on residential transfers to foreigners
- PwC Malaysian Tax Booklet – Stamp duty
- LHDN – Real Property Gains Tax rates
- LHDN – RPGT retention by the acquirer
- Loanstreet – Buying property in Malaysia as a foreigner (loan margins)
- ASEAN Briefing – Personal income tax in Malaysia (non-resident rate)
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy a Twin Tower studio?
Generally not on the subsale market. Studios have indicative asking prices of RM720,000–780,000 (Oct–Nov 2026), below Johor's RM1 million minimum for foreign buyers. Units below the threshold can usually be resold only to Malaysians. Foreign buyers therefore focus on 2-bedroom, 2+1 and 3-bedroom units whose agreed price meets the threshold. Rent a studio instead if a smaller home suits you.
Does a Malaysian permanent resident pay the 8% stamp duty?
No. The flat 8% rate introduced on 1 January 2026 applies to residential transfers to non-citizens who are not permanent residents, and to foreign companies. Malaysian permanent residents and citizens pay the tiered scale of 1% to 4%. PRs should still confirm with their lawyer whether state consent or other Johor requirements apply to their purchase.
How long does Johor state consent take?
Usually about one to three months after your lawyer submits a complete application, though timing varies with the Land Office's workload and the completeness of documents. Because the completion period typically starts only once consent is obtained, foreign purchases often take five to six months overall. Build this into your move-in or tenancy plans.
Can I sell my Twin Tower unit to another foreigner later?
If you bought at or above the RM1 million threshold, you can generally sell to another foreigner, who will need their own state consent. Units bought below the threshold are generally restricted to Malaysian buyers on resale. When you sell, the buyer's lawyer retains 7% of the price for RPGT, and the tax rate falls to 10% from the sixth year.
Are Johor's foreign-buyer rules likely to change?
They can. Johor revised its approval fees in July 2025, federal stamp duty for foreign residential buyers rose to 8% in January 2026, and industry groups have floated proposals on the resale threshold. Any change is decided by the state or federal government, so ask your lawyer for the position on the date you sign, not what applied last year.
