The real property gains tax (RPGT) announced during the 2010 Budget will now only apply to property sold less than five years from its purchase, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Prime Minister said the 5% tax would now only be imposed on property sold within five years of the date of purchase.

The Star, 24th December 2009
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

New home buyers are expected to make higher payments for their loans with some banks increasing their mortgage rates early this month.

Lenders like Maybank, Public Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Alliance Bank And EON Bank had revised upward their mortgage rates.

Some have even scrapped the moving-cost element-legal fees, stamp duties and other disbursement fees for loan documentation by the banks - from their home-loan offerings. It is learnt that existing home loans would still be maintained at previous rates depending on the terms and conditions of the contract.
 

StarBiz 04th November 2009
By Daljit Dhesi & Laalitha Hunt
                                                                                                                                                                                              

The proposed reimposition of the real property gains tax (RPGT) come Jan 1 has ruffled feathers among property investors and industry players with calls made for its review before being implemented.

Depending on whether you own just "the roof over your head" or have a nest of property assets, the concern from various quarters largely centres on the fact that a flat rate of 5% will be imposed on all gains from disposal of real property irrespective of the holding period and category of owner.

StarBizweek 31st October 2009
 

The property sector has seen a strong comeback in the third quarter with renewed buying interest for residential property indicating that the economic downturn is "bottoming".

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the country's property and construction sectors,  which were more severely impacted that other sector of the economy, had experienced revisions to their ratings outlook.

The Star 20th October 2009