Realtors urge government to raise stamp duty exemption ceiling to RM1 million

The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association, led by president Zaini Yusoff, praised the government's new stamp duty relief for first-time buyers on properties priced up to RM750,000, introduced in the 2027 budget. However, the association pressed for an increase of the exemption ceiling to RM1 million, arguing that current house prices require a higher threshold. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a full exemption on the first RM500,000 and a 50% reduction on the remaining amount.

Zaini also called for a broader review of charges imposed by federal and state authorities, including infrastructure, utility, statutory, and compliance fees. He suggested reinstating the home-ownership campaign launched in 2019, which offered additional stamp duty waivers and rebates, to boost sales of completed but unsold homes.