10 Things to Check Before You Buy
A simple pre-purchase checklist that catches the costly surprises most buyers only discover after signing.
Most buyer regrets are avoidable. They come from skipping basic checks in the excitement of a nice showroom. Run through these ten before you pay a single ringgit of deposit.
The 10-point pre-purchase checklist
- 1. Title & ownership — confirm the seller is the registered owner and the title is clean (no caveats or encumbrances beyond the known loan).
- 2. Land status — freehold or leasehold, and any Bumi or restriction-in-interest on the title.
- 3. Remaining lease — for leasehold, how many years are left (affects financing and resale).
- 4. Loan eligibility — get a pre-assessment so you know your real budget and DSR before committing.
- 5. Total costs — down payment plus legal fees, stamp duties, valuation and moving-in — the full cash picture.
- 6. Unit condition — for subsale, inspect for leaks, cracks, wiring and plumbing; for new, check the delivery standard.
- 7. Neighbourhood — visit at different times, check traffic, flood history, amenities, schools and future developments.
- 8. Developer track record — for new projects, their delivery history, quality and financial standing.
- 9. Maintenance & management — the fee level, sinking fund health, and how well the building is run.
- 10. Resale & rental potential — who would buy or rent this next, and at what price.
Want a second pair of eyes before you commit?
Send me the unit or project and I will run these checks with you — title, lease, developer, the lot — before you pay a deposit. I am Louis Koh, over a decade in Johor Bahru property.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying a house in Malaysia?
Verify the title and ownership, land status and remaining lease, your loan eligibility, the full costs, the unit’s condition, the neighbourhood, the developer, the building management and the resale potential.
How do I check if an area floods?
Visit after heavy rain, ask existing residents and neighbours, and check local news or drainage department records. Sellers may not volunteer this, so ask directly.
Should I get a loan pre-assessment before choosing a property?
Yes. Knowing your realistic loan amount and DSR first means you shop in the right price band and avoid losing a deposit if financing falls short.
Want to see actual projects?
From Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, I keep a documented list of what is selling now.