Conveyancing Lawyer in Malaysia: What They Do, Fees & How to Appoint One
Bidang Amalan
Hartanah
A conveyancing lawyer in Malaysia is a licensed solicitor who handles the legal side of buying, selling or transferring property — preparing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), conducting title searches, stamping and registering the transfer, holding funds as stakeholder, and dealing with the bank and Land Office. For a subsale (second-hand) purchase, appointing a conveyancing lawyer early protects your deposit and ensures the title passes to you cleanly.
What does a conveyancing lawyer actually do?
Conducts official land and bankruptcy searches to confirm the true owner and any encumbrances.
Drafts and negotiates the SPA to protect your interests.
Holds the deposit and balance as stakeholder until the transaction completes safely.
Prepares and stamps the Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A) and loan/charge documents.
Obtains transfer or lender consent where required (e.g. Malay reserve land, low-cost units).
Registers the transfer and charge at the Land Office.
How much does a conveyancing lawyer cost?
Legal fees are not random — they follow the statutory scale under the Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2023 (SRO 2023), so every firm charges the same base rate:
Property price | SPA / transfer legal fee (SRO 2023) | With 8% SST |
|---|---|---|
RM250,000 | RM3,125 | RM3,375 |
RM500,000 | RM6,250 | RM6,750 |
RM700,000 | RM8,250 | RM8,910 |
RM1,000,000 | RM11,250 | RM12,150 |
SRO 2023 scale: 1.25% on the first RM500,000 (minimum RM500), then 1.0% on the balance up to RM7.5 million. The same scale is charged separately on the Loan Agreement (on the loan amount). 8% SST applies on professional fees.
On top of legal fees you pay disbursements (searches, registration) and stamp duty on the transfer and loan, which are governed separately by the Stamp Act 1949.
When should you appoint one?
As early as possible — ideally the moment you decide to buy or sell, and before paying any booking deposit directly to a seller or agent. Appointing your own lawyer (with no middleman) ensures the lawyer acts for you, not for the agent.
How to choose a conveyancing lawyer in Malaysia
Check the lawyer holds a valid Practising Certificate (renewed yearly) via the Malaysian Bar.
Confirm they handle conveyancing regularly — subsale, bank and LPPSA financing.
Ask for a written quotation before instructing.
Make sure the engagement is documented in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a conveyancing lawyer the same as a property lawyer?
In Malaysia, yes — the terms are used interchangeably. Whether called a conveyancing lawyer, property lawyer, real estate solicitor or attorney, they perform the same licensed function of handling property transactions.
Do the buyer and seller need different lawyers?
They can use different lawyers, and often do — especially when the seller has a loan to redeem. The same firm cannot act for both sides in a way that creates a conflict of interest.
Can I negotiate the fee?
SRO 2023 allows a discount of up to 25% on the scale fee for certain matters, but fees cannot fall below the statutory minimum. Always get the quote in writing.
Does LPPSA or the bank pay my SPA legal fees?
No. Financing covers the loan documentation. The SPA and transfer legal fees are paid by the buyer.
Need an experienced conveyancing lawyer?
Buying or selling property and want a conveyancing lawyer who handles it end to end? At ASCOLAW (Tetuan Akmal Saufi & Co), our property lawyers have handled thousands of subsale, LPPSA and bank-financed transactions. Start with a short consultation to get a clear cost estimate and a step-by-step plan. Get a quote & speak to a conveyancing lawyer here.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every property transaction is unique. Please obtain specific advice from a licensed lawyer before acting on any part of it.
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Penulis
AKMAL SAUFI MOHAMED KHALED
Managing Partner & Founder
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