Hi Friends,
Edwin here to discuss where in Malaysia is a good place to buy or rent and some tips when you intend to purchase or rent a property in Malaysia.
Like any other country, the most important point is the location. A good location makes a whole lot of different. A cheap house at a flood prone area or a ghost town is worth second to nothing. Selling will be a problem.
Nonetheless, expats in Malaysia generally prefer to live within a community of other expats. Kuala Lumpur is one expat community due to close proximity to their workplace. Most of them work in KL on work permits.
On the other hand, other places like Langkawi and Penang are popular destinations for retirees and more expats there settle for vacation lifestyle. Less populated and a slower pace of life suits retirees who wants to enjoy life the fullest. All imported products, tobacco and alcoholic beverages are sold duty free in Langkawi Island. What’s better than this?
For your information, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are highly taxed. Did you know that Malaysia has the second highest excise duty for alcoholic drinks in the world, after Norway, and the highest in Asia Pacific? During my leisure trip to Langkawi in early 2012, I noticed the increasing number of Westerners (mostly elderly) either visitors or expats living there.
Upon conversation with several of them, one retiree expat mentioned that he has flocked from Bali and Phuket to Langkawi. Both being equally magnificent beaches and sceneries but Langkawi reigns in stability and safety.
