Calculate Malaysian stamp duty (MOT), legal fees, and total upfront property purchase costs. Includes first-time buyer stamp duty exemption for properties up to RM500,000.
Itemised upfront costs based on Malaysian stamp duty and legal fee schedules. Calculated automatically from your inputs above.
| Cost Item | Basis / Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Enter a property price above to see the full breakdown. | ||
| Property Price Band | Rate | Duty on That Band |
|---|---|---|
| First RM100,000 | 1% | RM 1,000 |
| RM100,001 – RM500,000 | 2% | Up to RM 8,000 |
| RM500,001 – RM1,000,000 | 3% | Up to RM 15,000 |
| Above RM1,000,000 | 4% | 4% on excess |
Stamp duty is tiered (progressive), not flat — a RM700,000 property is taxed 1% on the first RM100k, 2% on the next RM400k, and 3% on the remaining RM200k.
Who qualifies for the first-time buyer stamp duty exemption?
Malaysian citizens purchasing their first residential property priced at or below RM500,000 qualify for a full stamp duty exemption on the MOT (Memorandum of Transfer). This exemption applies to the transfer instrument only — not the loan agreement stamp duty. The exemption has been extended through Budget 2025.
What is the difference between stamp duty and legal fees?
Stamp duty is a government tax collected by LHDN. Legal fees are professional charges paid to your solicitor for preparing and filing the SPA and loan agreement. Both are upfront costs, but legal fees go to your lawyer, not the government. Legal fees are regulated by the Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2005.
What legal fees apply in Malaysia?
Legal fees for property transactions follow a tiered scale: 1% on the first RM500,000; 0.8% on RM500,001 to RM1,000,000; 0.5% above RM1,000,000. A minimum fee of RM500 applies. In practice, some lawyers charge slightly different rates — confirm with your solicitor before engaging.
Is stamp duty the same for all property types?
The tiered rate structure applies to residential and commercial properties. However, Bumiputera and government housing schemes, affordable housing, or properties under certain HOC (Home Ownership Campaign) periods may attract additional exemptions. Verify with your lawyer or LHDN.
When do I pay stamp duty?
Stamp duty is typically paid within 30 days of signing the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA). Late payment incurs a penalty. Your lawyer will usually handle payment on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process.
Does stamp duty apply to new developer properties?
Yes — stamp duty applies whether you buy from a developer (primary market) or a previous owner (sub-sale). For primary purchases, developers sometimes offer to absorb stamp duty as part of a promotion — always verify in writing what is included.
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