Property Valuation in Malaysia 2026: Complete Guide
1. Why Valuation Matters
The bank does NOT lend based on your purchase price. It lends based on the lower of purchase price or valuation:
- Purchase price: RM 550,000
- Valuation: RM 500,000
- Bank lends: 90% × RM 500,000 = RM 450,000
- You must pay: RM 550,000 - RM 450,000 = RM 100,000 cash (not RM 55,000)
2. Who Does the Valuation?
- Only registered valuers from the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEA/LPPEH)
- Banks appoint their own panel valuers (you don't choose)
- Valuation fee: ~RM 500-1,500 for standard residential; paid by borrower
3. Valuation Methods Used in Malaysia
| Method | Used For | How It Works | |---|---|---| | Comparison Method | Residential (most common) | Compares with recent transactions of similar properties | | Investment Method | Commercial/investment property | Based on rental income capitalization | | Cost Method | Industrial, unique properties | Land value + depreciated building cost |
4. What Affects Valuation
- Recent comparable transactions (brickz.my shows these): Most important factor
- Location: Proximity to MRT/LRT, schools, amenities
- Property condition: Poor maintenance → lower valuation
- Floor level (high-rise): Higher floors generally valued higher
- Renovation: Licensed renovations can increase valuation; unauthorized renovations may not be counted
- Tenure: Freehold > leasehold; short remaining lease → lower valuation
5. Market Context
- National property transactions: RM 232.30 billion record in 2024 (NAPIC)
- H1 2025: RM 107.68 billion (+1.9% YoY)
- Loan applications: RM 605.7 billion in 2025 (42.7% approval ratio)
- Price growth forecast 2026: 2.5-5%
6. How to Get a Good Valuation
- Ensure property is clean and well-maintained before valuer visits
- Provide documentation of any licensed renovations or upgrades
- Know the recent transacted prices of comparable units (check brickz.my)
- If valuation is too low, you can request a second valuation (at your cost)
Key Takeaways
- Bank loans based on LOWER of purchase price or bank valuation — shortfall is your cash
- Comparison method most common for residential; based on recent transacted prices
- Valuation fee RM 500-1,500 paid by borrower; bank chooses the valuer
- Poor maintenance, short leasehold remaining, and unauthorized renovation lower valuation
- Check brickz.my for recent comparable transactions before making an offer