In a surprising move by Malaysian government to help spur its half dead property market, it has allowed foreigners to purchase properties in Malaysia worth over RM250,000 with little or no restriction. Singaporeans have always been a strong property investors in Malaysia and in particular the state of Johor has been the biggest beneficiary.

With that, any Singaporean can purchase it for the equivalent of S$112,000 which virtually could not buy you anything in Singapore. But in Johor, you could probably get a nice double storey terrace house (yes landed property) for the same amount. Even if you throw in another S$20,000 for renovation, it will still be cheap. But in return you get a rather upmarket home. To the low to mid level part of society, this proposition may come as a good alternative. Afterall, if without Johor, they may never get to experience such properties.

Already there are a few Singaporeans who had taken Johor as their second home or vacation home. Take a look at Leisure Farm in Nusajaya, where it is almost like a Singapore village as many Singapore expats build a home for less than S$1million and receives a palatial home. I remember channel news asia did a run up on one of the houses before which has a massive 8,000 sq ft built up and land area measured in acres.

Perhaps it is time to get a house in Malaysia?