How property stamp duty works in Malaysia
When you buy a property in Malaysia, you pay two separate stamp duties: one on the Memorandum of Transfer (MOT) — the document that legally transfers ownership to you — and one on the loan agreement, if you're financing the purchase. Both are governed by the Stamp Act 1949 and collected by LHDN.
This is on top of legal fees, valuation fees, and your down payment. Most first-time buyers underestimate the upfront cash needed; this calculator shows the full picture.
The formula
1% on first RM 100,000
2% on RM 100,001 – RM 500,000
3% on RM 500,001 – RM 1,000,000
4% above RM 1,000,000
Loan Agreement: 0.5% × Loan Amount
MOT stamp duty rates
| Property price tier | Rate | Max duty in tier |
|---|---|---|
| First RM 100,000 | 1% | RM 1,000 |
| RM 100,001 – RM 500,000 | 2% | RM 8,000 |
| RM 500,001 – RM 1,000,000 | 3% | RM 15,000 |
| Above RM 1,000,000 | 4% | — |
First-time homebuyer exemptions
Malaysia has historically offered stamp duty exemptions for first-time buyers, with the exact terms changing each Budget. Recent versions include:
- Properties up to RM 500,000: Full exemption on MOT and loan agreement stamp duty
- Properties RM 500,001 – RM 1,000,000: Partial exemption (typically 75% off the duty on the first RM 500,000)
Eligibility usually requires being a Malaysian citizen, never having owned property before (jointly or solely), and the SPA being signed within the eligible window. Always check the latest Budget announcements and confirm with your lawyer.
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Compare home loans →Frequently asked questions
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Other Malaysian calculators
Stamp duty rates and first-time buyer exemptions change with each Budget. This calculator reflects the rate structure under the Stamp Act 1949 as commonly applied. For binding figures, always confirm with your conveyancing lawyer or LHDN. Not legal or financial advice. See methodology for the full formula.