Juwai IQI: Malaysia remains a destination for property investment for Chinese investors

Malaysia remains a target for Chinese real estate investment as a slowdown in China's own property market pushes more Chinese buyers toward overseas property, particularly in Southeast Asia, according to a report from Juwai IQI Holdings.

The Asian real estate technology group said many Chinese buyers expect Malaysia's property market to recover from its current softness within the year, rewarding early investment. It also pointed to Malaysia's rapid post-pandemic economic recovery, with full-year 2022 GDP growth forecast at 5.5%.

"Malaysia is geographically proximate, affordable and offers an appealing lifestyle to buyers from China, especially the colder north." — Juwai IQI Holdings

The Premium Visa Programme's role

The report, titled "China Property Slowdown Drives SEA Property Investment," described Malaysia's new Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) as opening the door to wealthy migrants seeking to live and work in the country — part of a broader shift in Malaysia's immigration policy from quantity toward quality. Juwai IQI expects the programme to come close to its target of 1,000 participants in its first year, citing undemanding conditions and strong appeal for foreigners wanting long-term residency, access to local international schools, and freedom from repeated visa renewals.

Residency conditions under PVIP

The report outlined PVIP's core requirements: income of RM40,000 a month, a RM1 million deposit in a Malaysian bank, and an upfront participation fee of RM200,000 per applicant plus RM100,000 per dependent. The visa runs for 20 years, with renewal required every five years.

Who's investing

Juwai IQI expects the top PVIP nationalities to include Japanese and other Asian applicants, followed by Europeans, North Americans, and Gulf nationals. Within Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are cited as the other leading destinations for Chinese property investment alongside Malaysia. The report added that it expects China to maintain its zero-Covid stance through at least Q1 2023, with a full reopening unlikely before Q3 2023.

Source: EdgeProp