Money Can’t Buy Freedom: Why More Foreigners Are Leaving Singapore for Kuala Lumpur
- propertychanwk
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Over the past few years, I’ve met many clients from Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK. They’re financially stable, successful, and comfortable—yet they share one common desire: not to earn more, but to live freer.
In highly developed cities, buying property is no longer a lifestyle choice; it’s a system-driven “eligibility game.” As housing prices, taxes, and living costs rise, they began asking: “Is there a city where I can live with more space and less stress?” For many of them, that city is Kuala Lumpur.
When Housing Prices Take Away Freedom
In Singapore, property remains a safe investment—but the entry barrier keeps getting higher. A two-bedroom suburban apartment can cost over SGD 1 million, and with an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of up to 60%, even middle-class families find themselves tightly restricted.
One client told me:
“You need government approval just to buy a home—I just want to live comfortably.”
In KL, there’s no quota, no lottery. As long as your budget exceeds RM1 million, foreigners can buy legally and transparently. Ownership is truly yours.
What RM1 Million Can Buy in KL
When I ask clients, “What kind of life can RM1 million buy?”
Their answers always change after seeing Kuala Lumpur. Here, that budget gets you a new apartment near TRX with a pool, gym, Sky Lounge, and even concierge service—all within walking distance of malls and public transport.
The same amount in Singapore or Hong Kong might barely cover a down payment. In KL, you own a property that’s livable, rentable, and appreciating. It’s not a compromise—it’s a smarter choice.
Freehold Ownership and Affordable Living
Foreign buyers are often surprised that most KL properties are freehold. In Singapore and Hong Kong, 99-year leases eventually return to the state. In KL, ownership is permanent—you can truly “settle down.”
Cost of living seals the deal: A cup of coffee costs RM10, a private hospital consultation RM80, and international school fees are just one-third of Singapore’s. Many clients tell me they can finally live comfortably in the city centre.
Policies That Welcome Foreign Buyers
Malaysia is one of the most open property markets in Asia. Foreigners can own freehold homes, obtain up to 70% financing, and apply for the MM2H 10-year renewable visa, allowing families to move or retire here with ease.
With a transparent legal system and active rental market, it’s a rare mix of security and freedom.
A Flexible Asset with Real Utility
KL is one of the few cities in the region that still allows Airbnb operations. Foreigners can choose Service Residences or SOHO units to self-occupy or rent out.
Many clients split their time—spending one week a month in KL to work remotely or unwind, while professional teams manage rentals the rest of the time.
“I’m Not Leaving Singapore—Just Learning to Breathe”
One Singaporean tech executive told me,
“After ten years of working there, the problem isn’t money—it’s breathing space.”
He and his wife bought a two-bedroom apartment in KL, where they spend a few days each month to rest and recharge.
“In Singapore, we live inside a system. In KL, we finally live inside life.”
The Real Definition of Wealth
Real wealth isn’t just numbers—it’s the ability to choose your own pace. More foreigners are realising this.
They’re not coming because KL is cheaper, but because it offers something rare: balance and freedom.
Planning to invest in Kuala Lumpur’s growing property market?
Start with insights from our KL Real Estate Guide — your one-stop resource for premium projects, rental returns, and foreign buyer guidance.
Comments