Some latest information as well as clarifications to share:
1. Tightening of loans - All banks are starting to tighten the loans given out, either through lesser loan amount or shorter number of years
2. MRTA versus MLTA - One pays a reducing amount for the loan balance while the other pays a pre-determined amount over a period of time.
Again, this is normally not mandatory typically UNLESS the bank gives you a high loan. Where possible, pay your MRTA through cash rather than
through the bank loan if you want to save on compounding interest.
3. Commercial loans for commercial property typically can still get a higher loan quantum and are not restricted by the number of properties one
already has. This of course assumes that you already have a local company set up here. You can get loans for residential properties but at very low quantum
and slightly higher interest rates.
4. Some banks are offering, on top of their commercial loans, a facility to receive SGD cheques directly. Its a pay per use system and typically charges at 20 USD per use. Also available in USD.
5. Restriction on the types of properties still applies unless shareholding of locals are higher in the company. Minimum of 3 storey shophouses and 2 storey residential houses (regardless of terrace, cluster, villa/semi-d or bungalow) - Still at minimum of 500k RM currently.
Points to note:
Even with just 1 foreigner name, any purchase will still be liable for the levy.
Think twice if a developer wants you to sign an SPA that is non standard in which they have to apply exception for. This is especially more so if its leasehold.
Relaxation of MM2H ruling, especially if you have a paid up property valued at at least 1m RM -
MM2H here:
http://www.mm2h.gov.my/
Latest just in:
Certain banks like OCBC are going to implement a new loan where one can actually borrow from banks like OCBC for commercial properties here in SGD
WITH prevailing SG interest rates. Only for commercial/industrial properties though.