You want to be a pro in the Malaysian property market but don't know where to start?
First, learn the basics. How? By reading.
If you want to live happily in your dream home and have high returns from your investments, you'll love this blog.
Here's a list of 16 books for you to understand how the real estate and property world works:
1. Strata Management Handbook
2. 40 Soalan Yang Anda Patut Tanya Kepada Peguam Anda
3. How To Be A Landlord
4. Strata OMG 2.0
5. 100 Ways to Save Tax
6. Property Buying for Gen Y
7. Rental Property Investing
8. WTF? 23 Properties By 30
9. Tolong Luluskan
10. Pemburu Hartanah
11. Diari Hartanah #ladybossproperty
12. Hipster Hartanah
13. Sewa Perjanjian Sewa Rumah (E-Book)
14. Nota Hartanah Sentap
15. Mudahnya Beli Rumah
16. Gaji RM2500 Boleh Beli 6 Rumah
1. Strata Management Handbook by Rehda Institute
Since everyone today is still hyped when imagining living in high-rise residences, I bet a lot of landlords, investors and agencies are hunting for units and lots in apartments and condos alike.
This Strata Management Handbook can exactly be the thing you need - it's a guide that gives you a clear-cut understanding of strata management processes and related legal issues.
Also, if you're planning to invest in any condo units, you'd know you'll be a strata unit owner - yes, an alien term that nobody understands.
Well, don't let that stop you from your plans though!
If you want to own any unit of a condo, you must understand good strata maintenance and management practices to guarantee a well-maintained living environment.
This is very essential if you want the investment value of your property to be secured.
Did you know, a strata property MUST be maintained and managed by the Developer after delivery of vacant possession? This is referred to as the Developer’s Management Period.
"Good strata management begins with the developer who thinks long-term and puts the customer first" - Rehda Institute
This handbook gives you a great experience and a head-start to grasp the idea of strata property ownership.
It details all the obligations, duties, responsibilities, powers vested, rights, procedures, expectations, limitations, and liabilities that are needed to have a good strata management.
2. 40 Soalan Yang Anda Patut Tanya Kepada Peguam Anda Sebelum Membeli Rumah di Malaysia by Khairul Anuar
First-time homebuyers in Malaysia, this book is for you.
Anyone who has bought properties in Malaysia knows how complicated property-related laws are. At times, it seems too complex that you need a lawyer by your side to understand things.
This book helps anyone grasp the idea of what you'll face when you buy a property in Malaysia.
40 Soalan Yang Anda Patut Tanya Kepada Peguam Anda Sebelum Membeli Rumah di Malaysia or its English version, 40 Questions You Should Ask Your Lawyer Before Buying A Residential Property in Malaysia, is a comprehensive guide that has all the answers you homebuyers need.
Instead of having a lawyer by your side (which admittedly costs you some ringgits), you can have this book as a cheaper alternative.
And the best part?
It's written by a lawyer who specializes in real estate, Islamic finance, intellectual property, as well as estate planning.
Yup, the author is a property lawyer and property investor himself. It is indeed a superb deal, I can tell you that.
This book is simply a documented FAQ - it lists the most common questions homebuyers would've asked their respective lawyers before buying a house.
It also gives you an idea of what's to happen in the process of property purchase.
In essence, if you're tired of hearing general answers on property or real estate purchases, you should try getting this one.
All useful answers that you're looking for are here as this book includes and elaborates on the purchase of real estate especially about real estate development law, land law, and legal profession law.
3. How To Be A Landlord: The Definitive Guide to Letting and Managing Your Rental Property by Rob Dix
Judging from the title, we all know who this book is for - if you're already a landlord or want to become one, this one is a must-have!
This UK's most popular property book, How To Be A Landlord, uncovers the reality of renting out your property and how to manage it properly.
Did you know, for example, that if you forget to provide a certain piece of paper you might be unable to evict a tenant - even if they don't pay the rent? Or that you could be fined for not checking your tenant's immigration status?
So, if you're an accidental landlord or an enthusiastic investor, this book can give you what you're looking for. It's a straightforward guide that includes:
Important steps in preparing the property to rent out
How to do advertising for tenants
Checklist when conducting viewings
How to do all the paperwork and managing the tenancy agreement
How to deal with the most common maintenance issues and repairs
The proper legal processes to follow when you have troublesome tenants
Top tips from experienced landlords for how to look after your tenants
With personal contributions from over 50 experienced landlords, this is absolutely an essential reading for anyone who wants a simple, profitable life as a landlord.
Some may point out that UK's and Malaysia's laws are not the same.
Although some of the common laws overlap, this is true.
Still, the insights are very valuable and effective for those who want to keep their tenants happy, keep their rental properties safe, and keep the rent rolling in.
4. Strata OMG 2.0 - Owner's Manual & Guidebook by EdgeProp.my & Chur Associates
Condo and apartment lovers, here's another great guide for you.
This detailed strata management book is special for those who:
Live or operate in Peninsular Malaysia
Stay or operate in a property with common property, common facility, and a functional guardhouse with security guards
Pay a service charge and sinking fund
Deal with a management office (Developer, JMB, or MC)
Own or rent or am about to buy/rent a property like that
This handbook collects key lessons from 4 years of real experience coming from strata owners, property managers, and developers.
These thought-provoking tips have everything you need to know about strata living and management.
If you're encountering problems managing your condo, well, all of the solutions and answers are here too. The issues listed down here are all included in this one small book:
Sinking funds
Services charges
Management office
Common properties and facilities
Access cards
Water leaking
Visitors' car park
Parcel
Lift maintenance
Keeping pets
Strata title and the power of strata tribunal
Commission of buildings
Power of property management
Transition from developer to Joint Management Body (JMB)
YES, whatever you can list down about strata living, everything's here. All of which can help you to manage your high-rise property the better way.
5. 100 Ways to Save Tax in Malaysia for SMEs by Richard Thornton
You're a rental agency and have been struggling with managing taxes?
Yup, this book might be your lifesaver.
100 Ways to Save Tax in Malaysia for SMEs presents clear explanations on key points about taxation of small and medium companies (SMEs) in Malaysia.
You'll also get valuable tax-saving ideas to enable your business to fully use available tax breaks and incentives.
This edition provides basic tax information to help owners better understand their tax liabilities and minimize their tax exposure.
Plus, it supplies practical guidance on how taxpayers can meet compliance requirements to avoid penalties and tax audits.
It's an excellent resource for business owners, tax practitioners, and consultants.
What this book does:
Describes and illustrates the use of the reduced tax rate for SMEs
Considers tax implications of major business initiatives from promoters and investors perspective
Discusses sales tax and service tax
Provides guidance on the upcoming goods and services tax
Contains useful guidance for businesses to ensure compliance under self-assessment
Fully up-to-date containing new changes brought in by the Finance Act 2014
So, do you want to stop that tax burden from keep falling onto your shoulders?
Give this book a go - everything is clearly explained in simple language. You'll also get one simple tax planning done for you at the end.
6. Property Buying for Gen Y by Khalil Adis
Purchasing property can be like a faraway dream for millennials and youngsters today.
Some of these next-gen youth hesitate when it comes to buying properties because they don't know how to.
Well, that's why Property Buying for Gen Y is written.
So, if you're a young Malaysian and unsure to navigate the complex Malaysian property market, don't stress it.
This book is specially crafted by its author to make property buying less intimidating for Gen Ys. You can also see how there are still many homes within your budget.
Some of the chapters include:
Asset or liability
Different types of property
Your first property residential of commercial?
Financing 101
Hot types of property (right now)
Buying your first property
Areas you should target
Renovation 101
Investing in property
From basic financial calculations to home renovation, this book contains the best tips and strategies from the author's first-time experience when buying his first home.
It's an introductory guide every Gen Y needs to buy a property and start investing in one.
So, to all youngsters out there, who says you can't get rich at an early age? All it takes is knowledge and you can get that by doing some reading, so grab this book now!
7. Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner
Real estate investing isn't an easy topic to talk about.
Many struggle to understand how property investment works too. We know too, many people have tight financial situations.
So my question is: do you want to break free from that?
Then get this book to fast-track your way to financial freedom with rental properties!
With nearly 400 pages of in-depth advice, The Book on Rental Property Investing tells practical and exciting strategies that real estate investors use to build significant cash flow with rental properties.
This awe-inspiring book breaks down the time-tested strategies the author used to build his own wealth in real estate (yes, he is an active real estate investor).
Inside, you’ll discover:
Why many real estate investors fail, and how you can ensure you don’t!
Four unique, easy-to-follow strategies you can begin implementing today
Creative tips for finding incredible deals―even in competitive markets
How to achieve success without touching a toilet, paintbrush, or broom
Actionable ideas for financing rentals, no matter how much cash you have
Advice on keeping your wealth by deferring (and eliminating) taxes
How cool is that?
Whether you are just getting started or already own hundreds of units, learn how to create an achievable plan, find incredible deals, analyze properties, build a team, and finance rentals properly with this page-turner.
Yep, everything you need to become a millionaire rental property investor is here in the book.
8. WTF? 23 Properties By 30 by Faizul Ridzuan
You want an inspirational storytelling instead of a dry, factual read?
Of course we have that on the list!
Here's a fascinating book about how an ambition like owning 23 properties by 30 is possible if you take the first big step.
This book makes property investing look too easy - it tells a story of how a regular employee turned RM2,000 in seed capital into a multi-million property portfolio in just five years.
In that five years, the hero in the story owns 23 properties already!
No way! Is this some sort of fairy tale? Nope, not a fairy tale, not fictional. It's a real-life experience of the author himself!
Inside, you'll explore how the author:
Purchase properties using zero or little money
Made over 1000% returns on capital in less than three years
Identified properties that give double-digit rental yields
Made RM100,000 profits over 18 months without putting a single sen
Created a million-dollar portfolio
Created an investment framework for investors to invest systematically
Saved thousands in seminar and education fees
Yes, his successes are phenomenal! Who wouldn't want to follow his steps? We all would.
But remember, all this would never happen if you don't understand the property market first.
So, try to learn from the expert (like this book author right here).
9. Tolong Luluskan: Strategi Pinjaman Rumah Yang Anda Belum Tahu by Kenny Lee
In Malaysia, let's just say that sometimes, it's not that easy to get your loans approved.
And that, can totally ruin your entire plan to live in your dream home. What to do? Who should you ask?
Well, this book is perfect for first-time homebuyers, those whose loans were rejected, or agents who want to better qualify prospects and close more deals.
Yup, it's an excellent resource for property agents too - especially those who want to understand, apply, and qualify prospects.
Tolong Luluskan Strategi Pinjaman Rumah Yang Anda Belum Tahu is a great introduction to those who need a solid housing loan strategy.
It reveals all the inside tactics you must know before paying any down payments or making any bookings.
So, if you've been wanting to buy your own house but aren't sure where to start with your loan, try getting your hands on this book and learn why.
Some of the topics discussed in this book:
Basics and ethics of banking
Acceptable properties vs non-target properties (properties banks aren't really keen to finance)
Age factor, career, and existing loan records
How bank assess your income when processing loan applications
Loan approval strategies for business owners and self-employed individuals
By having this book at your service, your life can change 360 - from a loan applicant who's bound to be rejected to an all-time potential borrower of all banks. Check out more from this author's Youtube channel for more property insights!
10. Pemburu Hartanah by Abe Nazz
You're an avid property investor who's fired up about investing but don't know how?
Here's worth of 15 years of experience investing in under construction properties (worth of million ringgits) in one book.
It contains some of the latest property tips and strategies as well as the true story of the author's experience in property investment.
Inside, you'll come across these topics:
Looking for your ‘Big why’
Get to Know Real Estate Investing
Let's Invest in Undercons Real Estate
Undercons Investment Flows and Capital
Understanding Undercons Discounts And Rebates
Progressive Payments During Construction
Banking Techniques
So, if you have been eyeing some properties under construction, give the book a go to get the spiciest hints and tips.
At the end of the day, investing in undercons properties is easy as it starts with very minimal capital.
You just need to be aggressive enough so that the million ringgit returns will be yours!
11. Diari Hartanah #ladybossproperty by Adlina MN
If you're wondering - any books for the ladies? Yes, we do have it here just for you!
Who says being a female stops you from being a pro in the property atmosphere? No one.
Diari Hartanah, like the name suggests, is the author's journal - a real estate investor who's become a lady boss in the local property universe.
With over 11 years of experience, this book covers everything you need to know about property investments.
It includes the personal experiences of the author, Adlina MN, in the form of a story, notes, as well as tips and strategies.
Plus, if you have a thing for auction properties in Malaysia, this is the perfect guide for you.
Inside, you'll discover the do's and don'ts in investing, rentals, selection of locations, and real estate auction bidding.
Is this book suitable for beginners? It's excellent for beginners - you'll find snippets of interpretation of the real estate and financial terms in the book, all made easier for you to understand.
See ladies? Nothing's stopping you from becoming a property tycoon. If you like it, go for it.
Pick up this book, get some inspiration, and use all the ideas given. If you are interested in going further in real estate investing, you might as well start reading about what the experts have gone through today.
12. Hipster Hartanah by Harith Faisal
Now, this one, is for the young cool hipsters out there.
You have plans to buy your own house but just don't know how?
Well, that's probably because you never read this book before!
It's actually made for youngsters who dream of purchasing their own houses in their 20's.
This book wants to make young people see that buying houses and having real estate at a young age is actually possible.
Just so you know, the book is living evidence that if you've got your knowledge and practice, you'll certainly see the results, just like how the author did, since all included in the book is his personal experience. Hipster Hartanah reveals some of the easy-to-follow tips and guidelines in the process of buying a house and real estate.
So, either you want to live in the house on your own or make it your side income, it's the perfect guide.
Apart from proving how young people can generate income through real estate investing, this book stands by this fact - there's no such thing as 'young people can't afford to buy a house just because of the low standard salary range'. We also know that knowledge of real estate investment and knowledge of financial management must go hand in hand. Both are necessary to own a home.
Also mentioned in the book:
Tips on how to buy 3 properties within 12 months after graduation
Awesome financial tips for young people
Advice for first-time homebuyers
How to create your CCRIS record
Mistakes fresh graduates always make
How to purchase 2 properties within 10 months of working
5 obstacles of home purchase
The perfect time to buy a house
The idea of purchasing a property with RM1500 salary
Yes, a list of very interesting topics there, I agree.
The best part about this book is also about how it redefines the term "hipster".
In the property segment, you're not cool if you have some crazy expensive outfits, classy cars, and exclusive fashion brands - no.
What you need is a lot of properties under your sleeves at an early age to be the real real estate hipster.
Yup, having great management and investment in all that will absolutely give you a new level of the successful next-gen vibe.
So there you go. What are you waiting for youngsters? Be bold. It's time to start profiting from the home purchase and invest in real estate. Give this book a go and see how it can change your life.
13. Sewa Perjanjian Sewa Rumah (E-Book) by Hafiz Mansor
Many beginner landlords must have searched for 'tenancy agreement template' on Google.
Yes, it's extremely important, I totally understand. But a lot of what you found isn't really reliable.
What if I tell you your lives will become easier as there is the exact step-by-step guide made just for your needs? Do we have something like that? We definitely do.
This e-book of Surat Perjanjian Rumah Sewa was carefully created to make it easier for many people out there to produce rental agreements, especially those who don't have their own lawyers or property agents.
So, either you're operating rental rooms or rental houses, this is exactly what you need.
Inside, you'll find a comprehensive, ready-to-use tenancy agreement template.
Since it's in the softcopy version, you can edit and re-edit whichever part you like all the time. And since it is yours (if you get your hands on it), feel free to add as many additional clauses or conditions as you like. Plus, there's no need to rewrite the sentences because everything is ready in the agreement format. Also included:
Ebook 1 - A full guide and info on how to write a letter of agreement
Ebook 2 - An sample of a complete tenancy agreement with how-to edit guides.
LHDN payment form for relevant agreement letter
Tenancy agreement template in Microsoft Word, easy to edit
So, if you are really out of time and don't have the budget to get a lawyer or a property agent, just get this e-book.
It's easy to understand, it's quick and all-in-one, specially made for you.
14. Nota Hartanah Sentap by Harith Faisal
Ever thought that buying a property is expensive? Well, many people said that, no doubt.
But stating that home purchase is costly while paying RM1000 for a car is something that definitely needs checking, don't you think?
In fact, the main reason why it's difficult to own a first home is the failure to manage finances well. People also fail to make home ownership their top priority.
This book by Harith Faisal explores the key insights for everyone who wants to buy properties the smart way. It's divided into three main sections that include:
Wise money management
Reasons why young people go bankrupt
5 things to complete before 35
Buy property using cash VS loan
Rental house vs landlords
10 tips to avoid being deceived by a rental house owner
How to purchase a property
Reasons why loan applications are rejected
Tips to buy 6 houses for civil servants
House price 10 years ago and 10 years to come
Auction house risks
Clearly, this book is written for young people who are looking for a way to get a first home, financial direction, and a better life.
So, if you've been looking for financial and investment ideas, guides, and tips, let the contents of this book be an inspiration to guide your way.
15. Mudahnya Beli Rumah by Azizul Azli
Another great book worth checking out is this!
Mudahnya Beli Rumah: Bagaimana Membeli 6 Rumah Setahun might sound too ambitious and unrealistic to you.
But hey, we don't judge a book by its cover right?
This book by Azizul Azli Ahmad is all about how easy it is to purchase a house. He has all the secret sauce on how to start a real estate investment with only RM1,600 in savings. I know, how cool is that?
You'll also explore how to:
Buy 6 properties in a year
Investment tips and strategies for newbies who want to start as investors
What properties are suitable to purchase
Purpose of buying a home
How to flip a purchased home into a great rental property
Just so you know, this book was once the Best Popular Choice of 2015 and has been reprinted 15 times.
It's truly an exciting read because it's the author's personal experience in real estate buying and his own investment strategy. So, if you're looking for someone with real estate adventure and know-how, you have a winner right here.
This book is a great roller coaster ride - it exposes how the author started buying real estate with a capital of only RM1450. It's also mindblowing to read how he ends up buying 6 houses in a year with only RM1800 in savings.
Feel inspired? Definitely. Want to be as successful like that? Who wouldn't want to be? Get a grasp on this book and start investing today!
16. Gaji RM2500 Boleh Beli 6 Rumah by Anis Hafiza
Buying 6 houses with less than RM3000 - how is that possible?
For a person who's never involved in real estate, this can sound ridiculous. Well, surprise surprise, everything is here in this book - the secret sauce, the magical potion, the secret to success.
The secret to buying 6 properties with RM2500 salary? It's all covered by the author, Anis Hafiza in her writing. Find the answers yourself by getting yourself this book.
This book aims at finance and real estate. Inside, you'll find all the required steps to:
How a RM2500 salary can buy you 6 houses
How to manage a rental house
Tips on housekeeping
How to buy an auction house and auction-related knowledge
Writing experience in real estate industry
Introduction to individual taxes
Rental house management
Tips on rental properties, sublets as well as rental agreements
You can also find out more about everything related to rental rooms, rental units, property investments and financial tips by going through the 'Q&A for newbies' section in the pages of this book. Good luck!
Be More Informative & Help Yourself Become Richer
Becoming rich and financially stable does not happen overnight, as we have seen in these recommended books.
So, if you have been looking for trusted tips and strategies to invest in properties, try out any of these 16 must-read property books. Becoming successful is impossible without vast knowledge, so start gaining some today.
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest" - Ben Franklin
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