{"id":603,"date":"2019-11-06T15:35:44","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T15:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/7517085520"},"modified":"2026-05-03T15:46:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T07:46:52","slug":"what-types-of-houses-are-there-in-malaysia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/what-types-of-houses-are-there-in-malaysia\/","title":{"rendered":"What Types of Houses Are There In Malaysia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n

Malaysia Has More Property Types Than Most Countries \u2014 Here’s What Each One Means<\/h2>\n

Browsing rental listings in Malaysia, you’ll see terms like “serviced residence”, “SOHO”, “semi-D”, and “cluster home” \u2014 sometimes used interchangeably, often incorrectly. Each type comes with different ownership rules, maintenance structures, and rental implications. This guide breaks down every major property type in Malaysia so you know exactly what you’re getting before you sign.<\/p>\n

Landed Properties<\/h2>\n

Landed properties sit on their own plot of land. The owner controls the building and the land title. They’re more private, typically larger, and tend to attract family tenants with longer lease terms.<\/p>\n

Terraced House (Teres)<\/h3>\n

The most common property type in Malaysia. Rows of houses sharing side walls with neighbours. Come in single-storey (setingkat) and double-storey (dua tingkat) variants. Most residential suburbs in the Klang Valley \u2014 SS2, Kepong, Puchong, Cheras \u2014 are dominated by terraced houses.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM1,200\u2013RM3,500\/month depending on location and furnishing level.<\/p>\n

Semi-Detached House (Semi-D)<\/h3>\n

Two units sharing one common wall. More space and privacy than a terrace, less than a bungalow. Popular in mature suburban townships like Damansara, Bangsar, and Sri Hartamas. Usually 3\u20135 bedrooms.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM2,500\u2013RM6,000\/month.<\/p>\n

Bungalow (Banglo)<\/h3>\n

Fully detached, standalone house on its own land. Maximum privacy. In Malaysia, bungalows are classified as Class A (premium, gated) or standard. Common in Kenny Hills, Ampang Hilir, Bukit Tunku.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM5,000\u2013RM25,000+\/month.<\/p>\n

Cluster Home<\/h3>\n

A newer format \u2014 groups of semi-D or terraced homes within a gated community sharing common facilities (pool, gym, guard post). Combines landed privacy with strata-style amenities. Popular in newer townships like Setia Alam, Bandar Utama, and Eco Grandeur.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM3,500\u2013RM8,000\/month.<\/p>\n

Townhouse<\/h3>\n

Multi-storey, usually 3\u20134 floors, within a gated development. Narrower than a semi-D but with more vertical space. Common in urban fringe areas. Often comes with allocated parking in a basement or podium.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM2,000\u2013RM5,000\/month.<\/p>\n

High-Rise Properties<\/h2>\n

High-rise properties in Malaysia fall under strata title \u2014 individual units within a larger building managed by a Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC). Maintenance fees apply.<\/p>\n

Condominium (Kondominium)<\/h3>\n

The premium tier of high-rise living. Typically 20+ storeys with full facilities \u2014 pool, gym, sauna, BBQ area, 24-hour security, covered parking. Under strata title with a JMB managing common areas. Units are larger than apartments, usually 800\u20132,000 sq ft.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM1,800\u2013RM6,000\/month in KL and Selangor.<\/p>\n

Apartment (Walk-Up & Low-Rise)<\/h3>\n

A broader category covering mid-range and older high-rise units, including walk-up apartments (no lift, typically 4\u20135 storeys). Less facilities than condos, lower maintenance fees. Widely found in older parts of KL \u2014 Bangsar, Chow Kit, Kepong, Ampang.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM800\u2013RM2,500\/month.<\/p>\n

Studio Apartment<\/h3>\n

One open-plan space combining living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. No separate bedroom. Popular with young professionals and students. Common in KLCC fringes, Cyberjaya, and near universities.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM1,000\u2013RM2,800\/month.<\/p>\n

Serviced Residence \/ Serviced Apartment<\/h3>\n

A legally distinct category under Malaysian law. Classified under commercial land title, not residential. Key differences for tenants: (1) utility bills are billed at commercial rates (higher TNB tariff); (2) the unit may be operated hotel-style with short-term rental guests; (3) some serviced residences include hotel services. Common in KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and Cyberjaya.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM1,500\u2013RM5,000\/month. Always confirm TNB billing rate before signing.<\/p>\n

SOHO (Small Office, Home Office)<\/h3>\n

Dual-purpose units built for both residential and light business use. Under commercial title like serviced residences \u2014 higher utility rates apply. Open-plan layout with a mezzanine or sleeping loft. Popular with freelancers and remote workers. Found in KL Sentral, Bangsar South, and i-City Shah Alam.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM1,200\u2013RM3,500\/month.<\/p>\n

Flat \/ Low-Cost Flat (PPR)<\/h3>\n

Subsidised or affordable housing under government schemes \u2014 PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat), PKNS flats, or DBKL flats. Regulated rental rates. Typically 5\u201320 storeys, minimal facilities. Rental requires government approval in most cases for the subsidised units.<\/p>\n

Typical rent (PPR):<\/strong> RM124\u2013RM250\/month (government-regulated).<\/p>\n

Duplex<\/h3>\n

A high-rise unit spanning two floors connected by an internal staircase. Usually larger premium units at the top floors of condominiums. Good for families wanting high-rise living with separation between sleeping and living areas.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM3,000\u2013RM10,000\/month.<\/p>\n

Penthouse<\/h3>\n

Top-floor unit(s) of a high-rise, typically the entire floor or a significant portion. Private lift lobby, large terraces, panoramic views. The premium tier of condo living. Found in KLCC, Mont Kiara, and Bangsar.<\/p>\n

Typical rent:<\/strong> RM8,000\u2013RM50,000+\/month.<\/p>\n

Quick Comparison: Which Property Type Suits You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type<\/th>\nLand title<\/th>\nFacilities<\/th>\nPrivacy<\/th>\nTypical tenant<\/th>\nRent range (KL\/Selangor)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Terrace<\/td>\nIndividual<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nFamilies<\/td>\nRM1,200\u2013RM3,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Semi-D<\/td>\nIndividual<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\nVery high<\/td>\nFamilies<\/td>\nRM2,500\u2013RM6,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bungalow<\/td>\nIndividual<\/td>\nNone (own)<\/td>\nMaximum<\/td>\nExecutives, expats<\/td>\nRM5,000\u2013RM25,000+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cluster home<\/td>\nStrata\/individual<\/td>\nShared (gated)<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\nFamilies<\/td>\nRM3,500\u2013RM8,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Condo<\/td>\nStrata<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nProfessionals, expats<\/td>\nRM1,800\u2013RM6,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Apartment<\/td>\nStrata<\/td>\nMinimal<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nYoung adults, couples<\/td>\nRM800\u2013RM2,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Studio<\/td>\nStrata<\/td>\nVariable<\/td>\nLow\u2013medium<\/td>\nSingles, students<\/td>\nRM1,000\u2013RM2,800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Serviced residence<\/td>\nCommercial<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nProfessionals, expats<\/td>\nRM1,500\u2013RM5,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SOHO<\/td>\nCommercial<\/td>\nPartial<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\nFreelancers, SMEs<\/td>\nRM1,200\u2013RM3,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flat\/PPR<\/td>\nStrata<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\nB40 households<\/td>\nRM124\u2013RM250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Penthouse<\/td>\nStrata<\/td>\nFull<\/td>\nVery high<\/td>\nExecutives, expats<\/td>\nRM8,000+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Most Important Distinction: Residential vs Commercial Title<\/h2>\n

For tenants, the single most important question about any high-rise unit is: what is the land title?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Condominiums and apartments sit on residential title<\/strong> \u2014 your TNB electricity is billed at the cheaper domestic rate (from RM0.218\/kWh for the first 200 units). Serviced residences and SOHOs sit on commercial title<\/strong> \u2014 TNB bills at commercial rates, typically 30\u201350% higher. On a unit drawing 400 units\/month, this can add RM80\u2013RM150 to your monthly bill. Always check the land title before signing.<\/p>\n

Find Your Property Type on SPEEDHOME<\/h2>\n

Whether you’re looking for a terrace house in Subang or a condo studio near KLCC, SPEEDHOME lists rental properties across all types with zero deposit. Browse zero-deposit rentals in KL and Selangor on SPEEDHOME \u2014 filter by property type, location, and budget.<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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What is the difference between a condominium and a serviced residence in Malaysia?<\/h3>\n
\n

The key difference is land title. A condominium sits on residential title \u2014 tenants pay domestic TNB rates (cheaper). A serviced residence sits on commercial title \u2014 TNB bills at commercial rates, which are 30\u201350% higher. Both may have similar facilities, but the utility cost difference matters significantly over a 12-month tenancy.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What does strata title mean for tenants in Malaysia?<\/h3>\n
\n

Strata title means the unit is part of a larger building where common areas are jointly owned by all unit owners. A Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) manages these areas and collects maintenance fees. As a tenant, you benefit from the facilities but the maintenance fee is typically paid by the landlord unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Is a SOHO unit suitable for residential living in Malaysia?<\/h3>\n
\n

Yes, SOHO units are commonly used as residences in Malaysia. The main drawback is commercial land title, which means higher TNB electricity rates. They also cannot be categorised as residential for certain bank loan and government housing scheme purposes. For renting purposes, they function like any other apartment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What is the cheapest type of rental property in Malaysia?<\/h3>\n
\n

Government-subsidised PPR flats are the cheapest at RM124\u2013RM250\/month, but they have strict eligibility requirements. For market-rate rentals, low-rise walk-up apartments and older flat blocks in areas like Kepong, Setapak, Cheras, and Klang offer the lowest rents \u2014 typically RM600\u2013RM1,200\/month for a 2-bedroom unit.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What should I check before renting a serviced residence in Malaysia?<\/h3>\n
\n

Four things: (1) Confirm the land title \u2014 commercial title means higher TNB rates, so ask for a copy of a past utility bill. (2) Check whether the building allows long-term residential tenants. (3) Verify maintenance fee responsibility in your tenancy agreement. (4) Confirm parking allocation and whether it’s included in rent or charged separately.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Related guides<\/h2>\n\n\n
  • 5 Pros and Cons of Wooden Flooring<\/li>
  • What Is A Serviced Residences in Malaysia?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Branded rental guide visual for What Types of Houses Are There In Malaysia? step-by-step image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    Branded rental guide visual for What Types of Houses Are There In Malaysia? summary image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Property types in Malaysia are pretty diverse. Today SPEEDHOME examines the many type of houses in Malaysia, or the types of properties to see which would be suitable for your palette.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":604,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,11],"tags":[55],"class_list":["post-603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-for-tenants","tag-tenant-guide"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/LOGO20-20RECTANGULAR-1-6.png","author_info":{"display_name":"SPEEDHOME Editorial Team","author_link":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/author\/speedhome-editorial\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=603"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56855,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603\/revisions\/56855"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/speedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}