More About Malaysia

Increased air services as well as the abolishment of capital gains tax and other incentives are creating a realistic opportunity for overseas investors to achieve good solid gains. With prices still at an amazing low, discerning property investors regard this strong Asian economy as a lucrative one for low risk and potential high return investments. This should be a serious consideration for anyone creating a new or expanding a current property or real estate investment portfolio.

Already a major international tourist destination Malaysia is predicted to see some 20 million tourist arrivals in 2007. With the increase of low cost airlines servicing the island from 2007, the Malaysian property market is set to benefit further from a strong tourism market, opening the floodgates of opportunity for strong buy-to-let investments in coastal resorts such as Port Dickson.

Investors Fact File

• English is widely spoken by a multi-lingual, experienced and qualified workforce
• There is high demand for quality new property and real estate is high from an affluent expatriate market
• The value the ringgit (RM), the local Malaysian currency, is far lower than its euro, dollar and pound sterling counterparts, allowing foreign investors to see great value for their money when investing in Malaysian property or real estate
• Property and real estate prices per square metre in all major Malaysian towns and cities are a fraction of the cost of comparable property or real estate investments in London or New York
• Government incentives are actively encouraging foreign property investment through a number of tax incentives and the relaxation of laws governing real estate purchase by foreigners
• Through its "Ninth Plan", the Malaysian government aims to improve the general economic development of the country and its infrastructure. Analysts indicate this will impact positively on the Malaysian property and real estate markets
• Malaysia boasts both a stable and growing economy and stable government. Malaysia already has world-class infrastructure, industry and support, along with a modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle
• According to the World Tourism Organisation, Malaysia is among the top three, out of the 53 Commonwealth countries for the largest number of tourist arrivals, tourist arrivals in Malaysia increased by over 160% between 2000 and 2005 - an astonishing increase in tourism
• Being located close to the Equator, Malaysia has a year-round tropical climate, perfect for tourism
• Malaysia is not known to not suffer from natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes or tornados
• An abundance of flowing white sandy beaches, continue to attract holidaymakers
• The Port Dickson resort has long been a favourite amongst visitors from Kuala Lumpur and other neighbouring towns who seek an escape from hectic life
• Property buying costs are extremely low in Malaysia at between 3.4 to 6.75% of the property value, inclusive of a 2.75% agent’s commission (for first MYR 500,000)

 Key Facts - Malaysia

	Climate - Kuala Lumpur has a hot, tropical climate with heavy rain storms occurring throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings. Day time temperatures can reach around 95°F (35°C).
	Cost of Living - Bottle of wine: £3.50 loaf of bread: 47 pence
	Currency - The unit of currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) £ 1 = 6.30464 Malaysian ringgits
	Getting There - Most visitors arriving from the UK travel on one of the 3 daily direct flights from London or from the twice weekly flight from Manchester. Malaysia has five international airports, giving travelers good flight options and the ability to reduce transfer times.
	Time - GMT +8
	Population - 24.8 million