Chinese demand for Malaysian residential property has climbed to its highest level in a decade, with buyers estimated to be investing more than RM1.6 billion a year as Malaysia rises to become their fourth-most popular overseas property destination.
Juwai IQI co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer Kashif Ansari said Malaysia accounted for 7.3% of all Chinese overseas homebuyer enquiries in the first half of 2026 (1H26), up sharply from 4.5% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2024. Malaysia now trails only Thailand, Australia and the UK.
The profile of Chinese buyers is also shifting from offshore investors towards expatriates and families seeking homes for their own use, with education and lifestyle becoming key drivers. Popular locations include Mont Kiara, Desa ParkCity and Penang, where international schools and established expatriate communities are concentrated.
Market data also points to stronger demand at the higher end. Homes priced above RM1 million were the only segment to record transaction growth in the first quarter, rising 1.8% year-on-year, while their share of total transactions increased to 9.2%.
Chinese nationals invested RM835 million in Malaysian residential property in 1H25, accounting for about 51% of total foreign residential investment. Annualised, that translates into more than RM1.6 billion.
Demand is also being supported by the Malaysia My Second Home programme, with Chinese applicants making up more than half of applications. Ansari expects the momentum to continue, citing Malaysia’s schools, lifestyle, culture and clearer residency pathway as key attractions for Chinese families and investors.
