For primary properties, the strata titles are first issued to the developer or land proprietor. Once issued, the developer will write to inform the purchaser, the purchaser's solicitor as well as the end financier. Normally, the notice will include instructions on the developer's solicitor's information, amounts to be paid or utility deposits to be transferred as well as a copy of the title and accessory parcel (if any).

1. Copies of all present and previous Sale & Purchase Agreements (if you are not the first purchaser, to show proof that you are the last buyer in the chain).
2. Copies of present and previous Loan Agreement, Deed of Assignment, Deed of Receipt and Re-assignment (if any).
3. Strata Title (from the developer)
4. Current year quit rent receipt.
5. Current year assessment receipt.

Normally, the two main cost of the transfer is the stamp duty and the legal fees shown below.

The stamp duty is a revenue payable when an application is made to register changes to a certificate of title or ownership.

1. How stamp duty is calculated

This means if your property value is RM60,000 the stamp duty would be RM600 and for a property valued at RM350,000 the stamp duty would be RM6,000. There usually is a time lapsed from the purchase till the issuance of the strata titles. At the time of transfer, direct purchasers from developers usually pay the consideration value (the purchase price) of the property, whereas subsequent purchasers would have paid the stamp duty based on market value adjudicated by the Valuation Department.

For purchasers who have paid the full duties on the Deed of Assignment in sub-sale agreements, the stamp duty is a nominal sum of RM10.00. This has to be verified by the Stamp Office from the Deed of Assignment bearing the original stamped impression which also carries a serial number.

2. How legal fees for transfer of ownership of strata title is calculated

Note: The table above is compiled from the Solicitors Remuneration Order 2006 under the Legal Profession Act 1976. The fees might change so it is best that you check with your lawyer or the Malaysian Bar Council at www.malaysianbar.org.my on the latest updated Order.

As an example for a property valued at RM350,000 (bought from a housing developer) the legal fees for transfer using the same Sale & Purchase Agreement transaction lawyer would be RM656.25.

You are now the legal owner of the property. The developer will have to call for the First Annual General Meeting when an estimate one-quarter of the total owners have transferred the ownership of strata titles. This meeting marks the day, the developer hand over the ownership of the common property and land to the Management Corporation (MC) as well as relinquish control of the management & maintenance to the MC represented by the Management Council elected from members of the MC.