Malaysia Now A Top Pick Among China's Ultra-Rich Buyers Looking For Luxury Homes
For China's elite, the combination of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle is proving to be a winning formula.
Cover image via Malaysia has climbed the ranks to become one of the most sought-after destinations for China's ultra-rich seeking luxury homes valued at RM66.2 million and above, breaking into the top five for the first time
According to property group Juwai IQI, Malaysia is now the fourth most enquired-about location among Chinese high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) searching for homes abroad — trailing only Thailand, Australia, and Canada. This marks a sharp rise from 2023, when Malaysia didn't even make the top 10.
Juwai IQI co-founder and group CEO Kashif Ansari said the country's growing appeal lies in its strong value, improving visa flexibility, and lifestyle offerings that rival pricier markets — without the red tape or exorbitant prices seen elsewhere.
"Malaysia is quietly emerging as an Asian luxury market sweet spot," said Kashif.
"It offers comfort and quality — without the visa headaches, capital controls, or steep price tags."
Image via Business Today
Key drivers include a spike in Chinese tourism, with nearly 1.2 million arrivals in the first five months of 2024, and a 35% increase in Chinese student enrolment at local universities between 2021 and 2023
Popular property hotspots include Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang.
Kashif also highlighted that Malaysia's revamped Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has also boosted its attractiveness, allowing participants to use part of their fixed deposits to buy property while offering clearer pathways for long-term stays, reported Malay Mail.
Data from global property consultancy Savills shows that prime residential property in KL averages RM,1060 per square foot — a fraction of the price in Singapore (RM7,992) or Bangkok (RM4,813).
For China's elite, the combination of affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle is proving to be a winning formula.
Image via New Straits Times
