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Total Acquisition Costs
Calculate Stamp Duty (MOT), Agent Fees, Legal Fees, Foreigner Levies etc. for industrial property purchase to get a total picture of the Total Cost of Acquisition.
Compare other different scenarios in a table to see the difference.
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Fee Structures & Calculation Logic
1. Stamp Duty (Memorandum of Transfer) Calculations are based on the standard tiered rates set by the Stamp Act 1949 (as amended):
First RM 100,000: 1%
Next RM 400,000: 2%
Next RM 500,000: 3%
Amount exceeding RM 1,000,000: 4%
2. Penang State Levies & PDC Fees
Foreigner Levy: Non-citizens and foreign-owned companies are subject to a State Consent Fee, typically calculated at 3% of the purchase price (or a minimum fee), or a flat 4% levy depending on the land category.
PDC Consent Fee: For industrial land governed by the Penang Development Corporation, consent fees apply based on the current administration schedule:
Operating Owner (Mainland): RM 5.00 psf
Operating Owner (Island): RM 10.00 psf
Non-Operating/Vacant (Mainland): RM 10.00 psf
Non-Operating/Vacant (Island): RM 20.00 psf
3. Real Estate Agency Fees: Agency fees are regulated by the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) with a maximum prescribed rate of 3.00% of the transaction value. Actual fees are negotiated.
Fees are paid by the party the agent is representing. The buyer’s agent is paid by the buyer, while the seller’s agent is paid by the seller.
In this calculator, the “Buyer Pays” toggle is provided for a scenario where the buyer has engaged an agent to represent the buyer.
All agency fees are subject to 8% Sales & Service Tax (SST).
4. Legal Fees (SRO 2023) Professional legal fees for the Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Loan Agreement are estimated based on the Solicitors Remuneration Order 2023:
First RM 500,000: 1.25%
Next RM 7,000,000: 1.00%
Excess > RM 7.5m: Negotiable (Calculator defaults to ~1.00% for estimation).
Note: All professional fees are subject to 8% Sales & Service Tax (SST).
Data Sources & Regulatory References
1. Stamp Duty (MOT) & Loan Agreement
Authority: Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN)
Regulation: Stamp Act 1949 (Act 378) [Amended 2024/2025]
Source: LHDN Stamp Duty Guidelines
Assumption: Calculations apply the standard ad valorem rates (1% – 4%) for Instruments of Transfer. Foreigner flat rates (4%) apply where gazetted.
2. Legal Fees (SPA & Loan)
Authority: Bar Council Malaysia
Regulation: Solicitors’ Remuneration Order (SRO) 2023 [Gazetted 15 July 2023]
Assumption: Fees are calculated on the “First Schedule” scale (1.25% for first RM500k, 1.00% for next RM7m).
3. Penang State Consent (Foreign Levy)
Authority: Penang Land and Mines Office (PTG Pulau Pinang)
Regulation: Penang Land Rules & State Authority Guidelines.
Assumption: Standard 3% State Consent Fee applies to non-citizen/foreign company purchasers for industrial property transfers.
4. PDC Consent Fees
Authority: Penang Development Corporation (PDC)
Regulation: Industrial Land Lease & Sale Agreements
Assumption: Consent fees are calculated based on the prevailing administrative rates (RM 5.00 – RM 20.00 psf) for sub-sale transactions involving PDC-administered land.
5. Real Estate Agency Fees
Authority: Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP)
Regulation: Seventh Schedule (Rule 48)
Source: LPPEH Scale of Fees
Assumption: Maximum fee cap of 3.00% of the transaction value.
General Disclaimer: The tools and calculators provided on PenangIndustrial.com are designed for preliminary estimation and strategic planning purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy based on current Malaysian standards and guidelines, these results do not constitute official technical or financial advice. Users are strongly advised to consult with qualified professionals (Surveyors, Engineers, Accountants, Valuers or Solicitors) before making final investment or operational decisions. PenangIndustrial.com assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or decisions made based on these estimates.
