Is It Hard to Sell Property in Malaysia? 3 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

“Wendy, my unit has been on the market for six months — why hasn’t it sold yet?” 

“I’ve changed several agents, but not a single serious buyer showed up.”

Many owners assume the market is bad, but in most cases, the real reason their property doesn’t sell is that they’ve fallen into three common traps.

In today’s transparent, buyer-driven market, pricing and presentation matter more than ever. If you want your property to sell fast and at the right price, you need the right strategy, preparation, and exposure.

Let’s go through the three most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.

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1. Overpricing – Buyers Skip Your Listing Instantly

Many owners list their units at prices 10–20% above market value, thinking they can “try their luck.” The result? No viewings, no calls, and very few online clicks.

The reality is simple: buyers always compare prices before deciding which units to visit. On popular platforms like PropertyGuru, iProperty, or Mudah.my, if there’s a cheaper unit nearby, your listing — no matter how beautiful or renovated — will get pushed down in the rankings.

Case Study: 

I once represented an owner in Bangsar South who insisted on listing at RM1.1 million when market value was RM950,000. For six months, not a single buyer inquired. After adjusting the price to RM980,000 based on my advice, the unit was sold within two weeks.

Selling Tips:

• Ask your agent for actual transacted prices, not just asking prices.

• Keep your listing within ±5% of market value to stay competitive.

• Start with a target price plus small negotiation room to test market response.

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2. Incomplete Documents – Even Serious Buyers Can’t Proceed

Some owners believe they can “find a buyer first, fix the paperwork later.” But when the sale reaches the legal stage, everything gets stuck — missing SPA copies, strata title not transferred, outdated Quit Rent or Assessment receipts. Every delay kills buyer confidence.

Case Study: 

One of my clients at TRX Residences had not yet received his title from the developer. We prepared an authorization letter and a developer consent letter in advance — the buyer’s lawyer cleared all documents within a day. Meanwhile, other sellers in the same project waited up to two months.

Selling Tips: 

Having all documents ready can cut transaction time by half. Before listing, get your lawyer to pre-check everything to avoid losing buyers due to administrative delays.

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3. Choosing the Wrong Agent – Low Exposure, No Serious Buyers

“I asked a friend’s friend to sell my unit, but after a month, I realized they never even posted the listing.” This is one of the most common mistakes — working with the wrong agent.

A professional, licensed agent doesn’t just upload listing, they create a complete sales strategy that includes pricing analysis and comprehensive marketing plan.

Case Study: 

I once took over a Mont Kiara condo from another agent who only listed it on Mudah. I re-shot the photos, rewrote the description in both English and Chinese, and advertised it across Singapore and Hong Kong buyer platforms. Within two weeks, I secured a Singaporean buyer who made an offer.

Selling Tips:

• Choose experienced agents familiar with foreign buyer markets.

• Ask for a clear marketing plan, ad report, and viewing feedback.

• Consider signing an exclusive listing, so the agent can fully commit to your sale.

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How I Helped an Owner Sell an Agile Bukit Bintang Unit

An overseas owner approached me to sell a two-bedroom Agile Bukit Bintang unit originally meant for long-term rental. With market prices between RM1.45–1.6 million and slow activity, their goal was to liquidate quickly without major loss.

I approached the project from three key angles:

Step 1: Pricing Strategy

I analyzed six months of transactions and positioned the unit at RM1.5 million — below top-tier listings but above unfurnished ones, striking the right balance between appeal and profit.

Step 2: Marketing

Professional photos, bilingual listings, and a short video highlighted key points: move-in ready, tenanted unit, walking distance to TRX and Pavilion. The campaign targeted local and overseas buyers.

Step 3: Negotiation & Closing

Within three weeks, a Singaporean investor reached out. After a virtual tour and review of the tenancy records, he submitted an offer at RM1.48 million. After negotiation, we closed at full price — RM1.5 million.

From listing to signing, the sale was completed in just two months.

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Wendy's Summary

Selling property in Malaysia isn’t difficult — the challenge lies in whether you have the right approach. Most units don’t sell because of overpricing, incomplete paperwork, or poor marketing exposure.

To sell faster and at the right price, every seller needs three essentials: accurate pricing, complete documentation, and professional marketing.

Selling isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy, preparation, and execution.

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.

High-quality, well-presented images can make a big difference in how quickly a property sells.