The Mews Kuala Lumpur 【TABINIKO Malaysia Property Tour】 No.1

Do you want to live in a luxury high-rise condo in the Twin Towers area?

You may have often seen or heard about moving to Malaysia and Malaysian real estate in the media.

There is already plenty of analysis and useful information available online.

This time, from the perspective of Aya, a Japanese wife living in Malaysia, we take a closer look:

What are newly built properties in Malaysia really like?

What is the reality of high-rise condominiums in Malaysia developed by Japanese real estate companies?

From here on, under the theme “Malaysian Real Estate,” we will introduce properties across Malaysia and also organize real estate tour programs.

During these property tours, you will visit the properties together with local real estate sales teams or professional property agents, who will introduce each project and answer your questions on the spot.

Jom! (It means “Let’s go” in Malay.)

This time, we feature The Mews Kuala Lumpur.

Follow me! ✨

Before we begin, I’d like to share why I moved to Malaysia and what I’ve felt since making the move.

The reason itself is quite simple. My husband is Malaysian Chinese and a former international student.

(He’s Eric — you’ll be seeing more of him on the blog from now on.)

He lived in Japan for 15 years, and over time, he began to feel what is often called the “boiling frog phenomenon.”

Looking ahead to the growth of Southeast Asia, a region with a population of around 600 million, he wanted to challenge himself in an unknown world while he was still relatively young — to seek a breakthrough.

The word Breakthrough — meaning breaking through limits, making leaps forward, and opening up new possibilities — became the core concept that led us to Malaysia.

When I first moved here, I honestly didn’t know what I should do.

But through meeting many people and trying many different things, two projects were born along the way: E&A Works and TABIINKO, both still ongoing today.

I don’t think I’ve truly achieved a “breakthrough” yet — not even close.

But every day, I find myself excited, wondering, “What else can I do next?”

I’m still in the middle of this journey, still challenging myself.

Thank you very much for being here with me.

Now, I’d like to share just a few things I’ve felt since moving to Malaysia.

The first is the “OK lah” mindset.

“OK lah” means “It’s okay” or “No problem.” When I first arrived, having come from Japan where I always pushed myself hard, I was often told “OK lah,” and my honest reaction was, “Wait… is it really okay?”

But as I continued living here, I began to realize something important:

There are many situations where you don’t have to try so hard, and you don’t always need to worry about how others see you.

In Japan, even the language itself often expresses a sense of urgency or intensity.

For example, the word study (勉強) in Chinese literally means “to force oneself,” and desperately (必死) can be interpreted as “certain death.”

“OK lah” has both good and bad sides, and of course, moderation matters — but there’s no doubt that it helped ease my mind.

The second thing is quality of life.

Malaysia is often said to be one of the countries where the cost of enjoying a luxurious lifestyle is among the lowest in the world.

Since the overall living standards are lower than in Japan, many hurdles feel lighter — but does that mean the quality of life is lower too?

Not necessarily.

Setting service quality aside, I feel that my quality of life has actually improved.

Of course, this varies from person to person, but for me, the change has been a positive one.

Now, regarding “Malaysian Real Estate,” we would like to share our organized thoughts on the topic.

We hope you’ll find them helpful as a reference.

■ First, key points to consider before purchasing property in Malaysia:

A. What is your purpose for buying property?

(a) For your own residence

– Relocation or occasional use as a second home

– Work, business start-up, or children’s education

(b) For investment purposes

– Resale for capital gain, or

– Rental income for income gain

(c) Live in it first, with the possibility of selling later

Summary:

We believe most people fall into category (c).

In other words, the goal is to live in the property initially, while hoping it will retain or increase its value for a potential future sale.

On the other hand, investors often aim for capital gain, buying a property and selling it when the timing is right.

There are many different purposes for purchasing property, but the first step is always to clearly define why you are buying.

B. Knowledge about Malaysia

Why choose overseas property? And why Malaysia specifically?

There is plenty of information online, but here are the key points to keep in mind if you are considering purchasing property in Malaysia.

• In some areas, the cost of living is significantly lower than in major developed countries.
• Malaysia is widely chosen by long-term foreign residents due to its safety, affordability, education options, and quality of life.
• The economy maintains an average growth rate of 4–5%.
• As of 2019, the Malaysian ringgit was relatively weak against several major currencies, creating favorable exchange conditions for foreign buyers.
• Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multicultural country: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other minority groups.
• The MM2H program offers a 10-year visa for eligible foreigners.
• Many opportunities to study English; international schools are widespread. Chinese language education is also available.
• Government mega-projects are ongoing, including:
• Malaysia is generally friendly and welcoming to foreigners.
• Tropical climate: warm year-round, with rainy seasons and occasional heavy downpours.
• The average age is around 28 years.
• Population bonus expected until 2050, reaching approximately 43 million people. Summary:

Having a clear understanding of these basic facts about Malaysia will help you evaluate whether investing your money in the country makes sense.

■ Key Points to Keep in Mind Before Choosing Property in Malaysia

→ Point ① Types of Property in Malaysia:

Detached housing is referred to as “Landed Property”, which includes:

• Link House
• Terrace House (a row of connected houses; higher-end than link houses)
• Semi-Detached House (commonly called Semi-D; two houses sharing a wall, more upscale than terrace houses)
• Bungalow (luxury detached house) For apartment-style properties, the main categories are Condominiums and Serviced Apartments (recently often referred to as Residences).

Basically, both are condominium-style buildings. The main difference is that serviced apartments often have commercial shops or retail spaces on the lower floors.

When simply referred to as an Apartment, it usually means a lower-ranked residential building with fewer floors and units.

A Flat is an even lower-tier residential property, similar to public housing complexes.

Other property types include Office units and Shoplots (commercial retail properties).

Most foreign buyers purchase condominiums or serviced apartments.

In rare cases, some foreigners do purchase landed properties.

From here on, we will mainly focus on introducing condominiums and serviced apartments.

→Point② Local norms and common practices differ from country to country：

What may seem “common sense” in one country does not necessarily apply in Malaysia.

Therefore, it is important to remain flexible and adapt to local practices, customs, methods, and regulations.

→ Point ③ Restrictions for Foreign Buyers and Taxes:

In Malaysia, the minimum property purchase price for foreigners varies by state.

Compared to many other countries, the entry threshold is relatively low.

• Kuala Lumpur city area: RM 1,000,000
• Selangor State: RM 2,000,000
• Medini, Iskandar region (Johor): No minimum purchase price restriction As regulations differ by state, buyers are advised to verify the applicable requirements individually.

When selling property in Malaysia, it is also important to be aware of the Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT).

RPGT is a capital gains tax imposed on the profit, calculated as the selling price minus the purchase price.

The applicable tax rate depends on the holding period of the property, with different rates applied based on the length of ownership.

→ Point ④ Developer Reputation and Branding:

It is important to also check the property developer.

Review the developer’s track record, past projects, and overall financial stability.

Pay attention to the scale, reliability, and quality of the developer.

→ Point ⑤ Property Ownership Type:

There are two main types of ownership in Malaysia:

• Freehold (permanent ownership)
• Leasehold (time-limited ownership, usually 99 years) → Point ⑥ MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home):

MM2H is a long-term residency visa that allows holders to stay in Malaysia for up to 10 years.

While details are not covered here, obtaining an MM2H visa may result in more favorable loan conditions.

MM2H holders are generally regarded as more creditworthy, and therefore may receive preferential mortgage terms compared to non-holders.

→ Point ⑦ Features of Malaysian Condominiums:

Most Malaysian condominiums (or serviced apartments) typically come with:

• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Gated security
• Parking facilities These amenities are considered standard.

→ Point ⑧ On-Site Inspection Is Essential:

Always conduct an on-site inspection.

Whether the property has been completed or is still under development, make sure to visit the sales gallery or the actual site and confirm the details with your own eyes.

→ Point ⑨ Check the Surrounding Area:

Assess the location and surrounding environment carefully.

Consider whether daily living needs are met, access to public transportation such as trains, and overall geographical convenience.

Proximity to large-scale development projects can be an additional advantage.

→ Point ⑩ Flow of Funds:

Consult with a local professional real estate agent to understand and manage the flow of funds properly.

→ Point ⑪ Post-Purchase Support:

After purchasing a property, it is advisable to continue working with a local professional real estate agent for ongoing support and management.

Summary:

The above points are intended as a basic introduction for those considering purchasing property in Malaysia.

We hope this overview serves as a helpful reference when entering the Malaysian real estate market.

■ Moving into Action: What Is Your Strategy When Purchasing Property in Malaysia?

Earlier, we introduced the purpose of purchasing property.

Now, let’s talk about strategy.

For example, if your intention is to resell the property, who is your target buyer?

For high-end properties located in city centers, the target market—whether for resale or rental—is mostly foreign buyers, as most Malaysians do not typically live in central urban areas.

Whether your strategy is investment-oriented

—such as resale for capital gains or rental for income gains—

or for owner-occupation, it is highly recommended to discuss your approach with a local professional real estate agent.

Summary:

Strategies may change over time, but most newly developed properties in Malaysia have shown a steady upward trend in value.

When formulating a strategy, it is important to be able to anticipate surrounding construction activity and urban development projects, as these factors can significantly influence future property values.

Finally, timing is key.

The timing of encountering the right property—and purchasing it at the right moment—can make all the difference.

1. Sale Gallery

As of November 2019:

The property we would like to introduce is The Mews Kuala Lumpur, a condominium located in the prime area of Kuala Lumpur—the KLCC Twin Towers district. In Malaysia, apartment-style properties like this are referred to as condominiums.

Completed in the latter half of 2017, The Mews is already ready for occupancy. The nearest station is KLCC Station on the LRT Kelana Jaya Line, and it takes approximately 10 minutes on foot to both the station and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

The Mews consists of 256 units across multiple towers, with the top floor at 38 stories. The development faces Jalan Yap Kwang Seng, and directly opposite is the newly opened 4-star ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel.

The project is developed jointly by two prominent real estate companies:

1. Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) – a major Malaysian property developer. Those who have traveled to Penang may be familiar with the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, a heritage-style, pure white hotel. E&O is the same company behind The Mews.
2. Mitsui Fudosan Residential, well-known in Japan. Together, these companies have developed a high-end luxury condominium in Kuala Lumpur’s most sought-after area.

At this sales gallery, you can see scale models of some of the projects developed by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). In addition to the company’s profile and brochure materials, the gallery also introduces the condominiums developed by E&O.

The staff provide friendly and detailed explanations, allowing visitors to locate the actual condominium units on the scale models.

By observing the surrounding area on the model, you can see that the property is close to the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and the bustling Bukit Bintang district.

The property is very conveniently located, approximately 10 minutes on foot to the Petronas Twin Towers and about 10 minutes by car to Bukit Bintang, the bustling shopping district often referred to as the “Ginza of Kuala Lumpur.”

The area surrounding the condominium is filled with local banks and commercial buildings, making it a highly valuable location in Malaysia.

「2. Video Presentation Room」

There is a video presentation room where you can watch a brief company introduction video.

「３．Fully Furnished Unit」

The unit comes with kitchen cabinets, appliances, and air conditioning (to be confirmed on site).

It is sold in a fully furnished state with basic furniture included (to be confirmed on site), so there is no need to worry about furnishing or interior setup.

As this property is a joint development between Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) and Mitsui Fudosan Residential, buyers can feel assured of its quality.

Let’s take a look at the chic, high-end furniture provided in the unit.

The kitchen is well-equipped with spacious cabinets for storage, an IH cooktop, an exhaust fan, and a sink. The generous layout provides plenty of space for cooking and movement. There are also several power outlets around the kitchen (may vary by unit), making it very convenient and user-friendly.

The unit comes with a microwave and oven. While microwaves are not commonly used by Malaysians.You might wonder, “If Malaysians rarely use microwaves, how do they heat their food?”

It is said that, in many cases, food is prepared or consumed in a way that does not require reheating, so the act of warming meals is often unnecessary. Of course, this does not apply to everyone.

Wow – a bathtub as well! As expected from Mitsui Fudosan Residential, they clearly understand the preferences of Japanese residents.

Although Malaysia does not have four seasons and the climate is generally warm, it is still nice to enjoy a relaxing bath from time to time.

「４．Unfurnished Unit」

There are also unfurnished units available for sale. It is necessary to check the current availability, and of course,the price will vary accordingly.

Even if the unit is sold unfurnished, it still comes with the basic interior features such as kitchen cabinets, oven, and microwave, which is a nice bonus and adds a sense of value!

Of course, the unit also includes a bathtub.

「５．Pool & Gym」

Most Malaysian condominiums and serviced apartments come with facilities such as a swimming pool and gym, and

The Mews is no exception. Being a higher-end condominium, The Mews not only offers the standard pool and gym but also features a lounge area for relaxation.

You can enjoy swimming in the beautiful pool every day.

The Mews is a property that particularly emphasizes quality of life. Beyond maintaining cleanliness, the developers aim to create a green, garden-like environment, providing residents and guests with a sense of nature right at home.

A good example of this is the hotels developed by E&O, such as E&O Residences, Kuala Lumpur in the city and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.

The E&O Residences in particular is a luxury condominium-style property, which I personally find very appealing.

For reference, TABINIKO handles reservations and inquiries for E&O Residences, so please feel free to contact us.

「６．Lounge」

This lounge is a space where residents can meet guests or friends, chat, and even hold small meetings.

It is well-maintained, keeping the interior clean and tidy, and provides a space to relax at your own pace.

「７．Other Facilities」

A **squash court **(referred to locally as “squash sport”) is available, where you can practice hitting the ball against the wall. You **don’t need a partner **to enjoy it.

Kids’ Playground

Meeting Room

「８．Sky Garden」

Welcome to the Sky Garden on the 38th floor! You can take photos with the Twin Towers as a backdrop. The Sky Garden is located on the top floors of Tower A and Tower B, and it is a lush, green park in the sky!

You can take a walk with your family.

This is the Sky Garden of the tower located across from this one.

You can enjoy panoramic views from the upper floors.

「９．Entrance & Mailbox

Shuttle bus service is also available.

The Mews Kuala Lumpur is a completed property, so you can see the actual units in person. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us—we would be happy to arrange a visit together.