TL;DRMalaysia is revolutionizing its real estate sector with 5 major property initiatives in 2026 under the "Madani Housing Reforms." The ultimate goal is to achieve zero abandoned projects by 2030. Key reforms include the introduction of the Real Property Development Bill (protecting commercial buyers), the mandatory use of Electronic Sale & Purchase Agreements (e-SPA), and real-time digital tracking via the HIMS and TEDUH systems. With stricter HDA audits of developer funds and continued affordability incentives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP), the market is shifting toward a safer, tech-driven, and more transparent environment for all homebuyers. Have you ever scrolled through property listings, dreaming of your new home, only to have a nagging voice in the back of your head ask, "What if the developer runs away with my money?" It’s a valid fear. For years, the nightmare of "sick" or abandoned projects has haunted Malaysian homebuyers. But here is the good news: 2026 is shaping up to be the turning point. The government has declared an all-out war on abandoned projects with a bold "Zero Abandonment by 2030" goal. With new digital laws, transparent tracking systems, and stricter audits, the days of flying blind are over. In this guide, we will break down the 5 major reforms designed to protect your wallet and your peace of mind. Key Takeaways: Zero Abandonment Goal: The government aims to eliminate abandoned housing projects by 2030 through incentives and strict reforms. Digital Transparency: New systems such as HIMS and e-SPA will digitize contract and tracking processes, making it harder for funds to be misappropriated. Better Protection: Laws are expanding to protect commercial property buyers and to enforce stricter audits of developers' bank accounts. Affordability First: Initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) and stamp duty exemptions continue to support first-time buyers in 2026. What You Should Know About New Property Reforms in 20261. What Are the 5 New Property Reforms in Malaysia 2026?2. Why Is Malaysia Targeting Zero Abandoned Housing Projects by 2030?3. How Will the Budget 2026 Initiatives Help Your Wallet?4. What Data Technology Is Improving Property Market Transparency?5. Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs) 1. What Are the 5 New Property Reforms in Malaysia 2026? Source: KPKT Facebook If you think property laws are boring, think again! These changes directly affect your bank account safety. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is rolling out what they call the Madani Housing Reforms. These aren't just minor tweaks but a massive upgrade to the housing market's software. Let’s look at the 5 big changes arriving to keep you safe. Real Property Development Bill: A proposed new law expected to replace existing acts. The big win here? It finally extends protection to commercial property buyers (such as those buying SoHo or office units), who previously had a narrower legal safety net than residential buyers. Electronic Sale & Purchase Agreement (e-SPA): Say goodbye to stacks of paper. This moves the signing process online, making it secure, traceable, and tamper-proof. Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS): The digital backbone. It allows the government to monitor a project from start to finish in real-time. National Housing Data Bank (TEDUH): A portal where you can check a developer’s track record before you pay a deposit. Housing Development Account (HDA) Audits: Crucial. It gives authorities the power to review and even freeze developer accounts if they suspect your funds aren't being used for construction. Want to sign e-SPA, but don't know what to do? You might want to read this article! >> What is iDsaya? Malaysia Government’s Digital ID & Guide to eSPA Signing << You might think it's not relevant to you. Let me give you an example to explain why this matters: Let’s say Amir bought a house in 2020. He signed a paper contract, paid his deposit, and hoped for the best. When the developer encountered cash-flow issues, Amir didn't learn of them until construction completely stopped. He was left in the dark. Now, meet Sara, who plans to buy in 2026. Sara checks the TEDUH system to see her developer's track record. She signs an e-SPA, which is instantly logged in the HIMS system. If the developer attempts to misuse the construction funds, the new HDA Audits can flag the issue early and freeze the account to protect the remaining funds. Sara has data on her side; Amir only had hope. For navigating these high-tech changes, it helps to have a guide who speaks the language of data. IQI Global is a PropTech leader that blends traditional real estate with advanced technology. With our IQI Atlas SuperApp and a network of 65,000+ agents, we prioritize transparency and data to help you navigate these new digital systems with confidence. If you want a team that is already future-proofed, join IQI Global today! 2. Why Is Malaysia Targeting Zero Abandoned Housing Projects by 2030? The target is ambitious: Zero abandoned projects by 2030. But why now? The reality is that "sick" projects hurt everyone. They trap homebuyers in debt for homes they can't live in and scare away foreign investors. As of late 2025, the "Sick and Abandoned Private Housing Project Task Force" (TFST) had already revived more than 1,200 projects, but prevention is better than cure. a. The New Strategy: Build-Then-Sell (BTS) To hit that zero target, the government is pushing developers toward a Build-Then-Sell 10:90 concept. This means you pay 10% down, and you don't pay the rest until the house is fully completed. This shifts the risk from you to the developer. Developers who adopt this safer model will likely receive special incentives under the 13th Malaysia Plan. It’s a win-win: you get a guaranteed house, and developers get government perks. 3. How Will the Budget 2026 Initiatives Help Your Wallet? Safety is great, but affordability is king. The Budget 2026, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to keep homes reachable for the rakyat. Here is a simple checklist of the financial perks you can use: ✅ Stamp Duty Waiver: First-time buyers get a full exemption on stamp duty for homes up to RM500,000 (Extended to Dec 2027). ✅ Guaranteed Loans: The Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) has been topped up to RM20 billion. This helps gig workers (such as Grab drivers or freelancers) who lack traditional pay stubs access loans. ✅ Youth Housing: The Youth Housing Financing Scheme is extended to 2026, offering up to RM1 million in financing for young civil servants. a. A Note for Foreign Buyers: If you are a foreign investor, note that the stamp duty on foreign ownership is set to increase from approximately 4% to 8%. While this is a hike, it helps ensure the market remains stable and prioritizes locals, though it may slightly cool high-end speculation. 4. What Data Technology Is Improving Property Market Transparency? Source: KPKT Facebook In the past, determining whether a developer was reliable was like finding a needle in a haystack. You had to rely on word-of-mouth. In 2026, transparency is going digital. The National Housing Data Bank (TEDUH) is being upgraded. It’s essentially a "blacklist checker," and a project tracker rolled into one. You can log on, search for a project, and see if it's delayed ("sick") or abandoned. Combined with HIMS, the entire supply chain, from the moment a developer applies for a license to the moment you get your keys, is recorded online. This significantly reduces the chance of "double-booking" units or developers hiding delays. a. Old Way vs. New Way (2026) FeatureThe Old Way (Pre-2025)The New Way (2026 onwards)AgreementManual paper contracts (hard to track)e-SPA (Digital, secure, instant)Money SafetyHard to verify where money wentHDA Audits (Regulators track funds)Project Status"Wait and see" / Drive by the siteTEDUH Portal (Online real-time status)ProtectionMostly residential onlyIncludes Commercial units too When dealing with such a tech-driven market, you want an agency that moves fast. IQI Global is known for our high-tech approach, using data analytics to match buyers with the right properties across 35+ countries. Whether you are a local buyer or a global investor needing clarity on the Malaysian market, IQI’s tech ecosystem keeps you one step ahead. Contact us to find your safe haven. Source: KPKT Facebook 2026 marks a definitive turning point for Malaysian real estate. The shift toward full transparency through systems such as HIMS, TEDUH, and e-SPA restores vital trust in the market. With the bold goal of zero abandoned projects by 2030 and legal protections finally extending to commercial units, the "Madani Housing Reforms" ensure that homeownership is no longer an unreachable dream. This new ecosystem prioritizes safety and accountability, creating the perfect environment for you to confidently secure your future home. 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the main goal of the Madani Housing Reforms in 2026? The main goal is to create a more transparent, efficient, and trustworthy housing market, with a specific target of achieving "zero abandoned projects" by 2030. How does the electronic Sale & Purchase Agreement (e-SPA) help me? The e-SPA protects you by digitalizing the contract. This prevents tampering, enables remote signing, and ensures the government has an instant record of your purchase to prevent fraud. Will house prices drop because of these new regulations? Likely not. Prices are expected to remain stable or rise slightly, driven by the "quality" focus. However, the compliance costs for developers might prevent prices from dropping significantly. Can foreign investors still buy property in Malaysia in 2026? Yes, but be aware that the stamp duty for foreign buyers is proposed to increase to 8% to prioritize local ownership and stabilize the market. What should I check on the TEDUH portal? You should use TEDUH to check your developer’s background, see if they have any past abandoned projects, and view the real-time progress of the housing project you are interested in. Is it safe to buy "under construction" property now? It is becoming much safer due to stricter HDA audits and monitoring. However, pursuing "Build-Then-Sell" projects remains the safest option, as you only pay full price upon completion. Who can apply for the SJKP Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme? This scheme is designed for people without fixed-income documents, such as freelancers, gig-economy workers (such as e-hailing drivers), and independent business owners. Continue Reading What Is iDsaya? Malaysia Government’s Digital ID & Guide to eSPA Signing Claim Your Tax Reliefs When Filing Your Taxes! | List of Personal Income Tax Relief 2026 Malaysia How to File Income Tax in Malaysia in 2026? (Full Guide) Reference Bernama. (2025, September 23). TFST Revives Sick, Abandoned Housing Projects Worth RM121.44 Billion. Retrieved fromhttps://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2470345 Chew, R. (2025, December 30). Cover Story: Cautious nod for Malaysia’s housing sector overhaul. The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved fromhttps://theedgemalaysia.com/node/786316 Poh, R. (2026, January 13). Prominent land deals on the cards in 2026. The Edge. Retrieved fromhttps://theedgemalaysia.com/node/788166 Raine & Horne. (n.d.). Budget 2026 Malaysia: Impact on real estate & housing. Retrieved fromhttps://raineandhorne.com.my/budget-2026-malaysia-real-estate-housing/ The Sun. (2025, September 12). No more abandoned housing projects by 2030. Retrieved fromhttps://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/no-more-abandoned-housing-projects-by-2030-bf14885576/

TL;DRiDsaya, a secure digital identity platform launched by the Malaysian government to modernize the property acquisition process. This system utilizes biometric facial recognition and public key infrastructure to create a verified "digital IC" for signing legal documents. eSPA (Electronic Sale and Purchase Agreement), on the other hand, is the official online contract framework within the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS). As of January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has made eSPA mandatory, replacing traditional paper contracts. It standardizes housing agreements to prevent data manipulation and creates a transparent, error-free history of your property purchase from signing to stamping. Imagine you’ve finally found your dream home. You are ready to sign the papers, but instead of a thick stack of documents and a cramped hand, you get a notification on your phone. This isn’t sci-fi anymore; this is the new reality in Malaysia. With the government pushing for a fully digital ecosystem, the home-buying process is changing forever. But let's be honest, "digital transformation" can sound scary. Is it safe? Is it legal? And what happens if you don't jump on the bandwagon? Here is the kicker: Starting January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) requires that all housing Sales & Purchase Agreements (SPAs) be signed online. If you are planning to buy a newly launched property, you cannot ignore this. In this guide, we will break down what iDsaya is, how the Housing Integrated Management System (HIMS) eSPA works, and walk you through the process step by step. Key Takeaways iDsaya is your "Digital ID card" required to access government e-services. eSPA reduces human error and fraud by ensuring all contracts follow a standard, legally compliant format. Digital Signatures are legally binding under the Digital Signature Act 1997. Mandatory eSPA adoption is January 1, 2026. Introduction to iDsaya & eSPA1. What is iDsaya?2. The New Normal: eSPA and HIMS3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sign Your eSPA Using iDsaya4. Is iDsaya Safe to Use?5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is iDsaya? Think of iDsaya as your digital passport or NRIC online. In the physical world, to verify your identity, you show your MyKad. In the online world, it’s hard to prove you are who you say you are. That is where iDsaya comes in. It is a secure mobile application that provides you with a verified digital identity. Here is a simple example: The House: The online service you want to use (like signing a housing contract). The Key: iDsaya. You cannot enter "The House" (the signing platform) without "The Key" (your verified iDsaya account). According to Pos Digicert, the authority behind this technology, iDsaya uses PKI (Public Key Infrastructure). This ensures that when you sign something, the system knows 100% it was you, not a hacker or a copycat. 2. The New Normal: eSPA and HIMS You will often hear the term eSPA thrown around. It stands for "Electronic Sales and Purchase Agreement." This isn't just a PDF you sign with an iPad stylus. It is part of a massive system called HIMS (Housing Integrated Management System). a. Why are we switching to eSPA? Historically, buying a house involved piles of paper. This led to problems: Typos in buyer names (big headache for loans). Lost documents. Fake signatures. With HIMS eSPA, the government ensures a "single source of truth." This creates a clean digital history of the transaction. If the data says you own the unit, you own the unit. This means the digital process links everything together: your ID, the signing, and the government stamping (tax). 3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sign Your eSPA Using iDsaya There are 2 Phases to access iDsaya and sign eSPA smoothly. To sign an eSPA, you need to register with iDsaya. Phase 1: Registration for iDsaya Step 1: Download & Set Up iDsaya a) Download iDsaya from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. b) Enter your phone number c) Agree to the terms & conditions, and click "Agree and Continue" d) Add a nickname and profile photo e) Verify your phone number using the 6-digit OTP Note: Each account can be used on only one device. To avoid repeating the eKYC process, select the device you want to use for eSPA signing. Step 2: Complete Identity Verification (eKYC) a) Tap "Identity Verification", and tap "Verify Now" b) Select your ID type (NRIC or Passport) c) Scan your ID (Malaysian citizen: scan front & back of NRIC) d) Complete face verification by positioning your face in the frame Step 3: Secure Your Account a) Set up a 6-digit PIN ( used for login and signing) b) Your username will be auto-generated (Your Ic number without the dash) c) Optional: Enable biometric login (fingerprint / face ID) for faster access Step 4: Verification & Approval a) Your details will be reviewed and validated by the system and Pos Digicert b) Once approved, your iDsaya account is ready for eSPA signing Note: Approval usually takes around 3 working days, depending on verification checks. Step-by-step to Register iDsaya Video https://youtube.com/shorts/KmHa0EwfxYM?si=TObbconqyKkVxUWi Phase 2: Signing the Deal Using HIMS eSPA  Congratulations! You are ready to sign your eSPA! Follow the steps below to sign the eSPA and fully obtain the property in your name. a) The Email Invite: You will receive an email from HIMS notifying you that the SPA is ready. b) Review the Draft: Read the draft. Agree to the eSPA draft. After that, you will receive an email from HIMS and can generate your PIN. for the Digital Certificate. c) Sign It: Sign the eSPA with a digital certificate PIN number and the TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) generated by iDsaya. d) Completion: The sequence usually goes(1) Buyer → (2) Witness of buyer → (3) Landlord → (4) Witness of Landlord → (5) Developer → (6) Witness of the developer e) Stamping: The developer applies for e-Stamping. Once the duty is paid, your eSPA is legally complete! Step to Sign Your eSPA by using the HIMS eSPA Video https://youtu.be/dOJgl7WtnCM?si=uo-P9gZ0uobCVX8D 4. Is iDsaya Safe to Use? This is the number one question most Malaysians ask: “Can someone hack my ID and sell my house?” The short answer is: No, it is actually safer than a handwritten signature. Here is why, based on the Digital Signature Act 1997: Liveness Detection: To use iDsaya, you have to perform facial recognition. The app scans your face in 3D (liveness detection) to verify it's a live human and not a photo of you. Tamper-Evident: Once you digitally sign a document using the Pos Digicert certificate, it becomes "locked." If anyone changes even a single comma in the contract after you sign, the digital seal breaks, and the document becomes invalid. Legally Binding: Under Section 62(2) of the Act, a digital signature is just as powerful in court as a thumbprint or handwritten mark. a. Comparison: Traditional SPA vs. eSPA FeatureTraditional SPAeSPASigning MethodHardcopyDigital SigningVerificationWitness looks at your ICVerify through iDsaya with facial recognitionSecurityPaper can be lost or forgedEncrypted, backed by PKI techProcess SpeedSlow (manual courier)Instant (online)Audit TrailDifficult to trackRecorded timestamps for every step 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is iDsaya a government official app? Yes. It is a trusted platform recognized by the National Digital Identity Initiative. The underlying digital certificates are issued by Pos Digicert, the licensed Certification Authority in Malaysia appointed to support government initiatives such as HIMS. Is it safe to sign property contracts using iDsaya? Absolutely. It uses PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) technology. This is bank-grade security. If someone stole your phone, they would still need your face and your PIN to sign anything. Can I sign an eSPA if I am currently outside Malaysia? Yes! That is the beauty of digital signing. As long as you have your iDsaya app set up and verified (with your ID documents), you can use the Remote Security Measures to sign from anywhere in the world. Can foreigners use iDsaya to sign an eSPA? Yes. The eKYC process supports passport verification. However, to date, it supports only phone numbers from Taiwan (+886), China (+86), and Japan (+81). As a safer alternative, you may purchase a local number (+60) to verify. Is eSPA mandatory for everyone? By January 1, 2026, the full digital signing process will become mandatory. If you purchase a newly launched property after that date, you must use it. Does the eSPA replace the traditional legal lawyer? No. You still need a lawyer to advise you on the terms and act as a witness. The HIMS eSPA simply changes how the document is created and signed, making the process more efficient and secure. The lawyer's role in due diligence remains vital. Ready for a seamless, paperless property purchase? IQI Global leads the way in digital real estate. Our experts guide you effortlessly from finding your dream home to signing your eSPA securely. Start your search with IQI Global today! [custom_blog_form] Continue Reading Claim Your Tax Reliefs When Filing Your Taxes! | List of Personal Income Tax Relief 2026 Malaysia How to File Income Tax in Malaysia in 2026? (Full Guide) IQI Global Wrapped 2025: A Year of Growth, Scale, and Momentum

Version: BM, CN It's tax filing season! We've come to the time of year where everyone in Malaysia is busy filing taxes (or learning how to - we have just the guide for the tax filing process for you!). Even though you have to pay tax on your chargeable income when your annual salary reaches a certain amount, did you know that you can get tax relief benefits from filing your taxes? What's better, the MADANI Government has made an exciting announcement for 2025 Budget Malaysia: first-time home buyers can now enjoy a tax break of up to RM7,000 when buying residential properties that cost up to RM500,000. To qualify for this tax relief, you will need to finalise a home loan agreement from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. So make sure to keep all of your receipts! Let's see what you can claim when filing your taxes with the Inland Revenue Board Malaysia: List of Income Tax Relief for Year of Assessment 2025 1. Individual ItemRelief AmountIndividual & Dependent RelativesRM9,000Disabled IndividualRM7,000Spouse / Alimony PaymentRM4,000Disabled SpouseRM6,000Education FeesRM7,000Skills Enhancement / Self-Development CoursesUp to RM2,000First Home Loan Interest ReliefRM7,000Residential property price up to RM500,000RM7,000Residential property price RM500,001 to RM750,000RM5,000 Key conditions: Sale and Purchase Agreement dated between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2027 Applicable to the first residential property only 2. Medical & Special Needs ItemRelief AmountSelf, Spouse or ChildRM10,000Early diagnosis, intervention & rehabilitation for learning disabilities (children ≤18 years)Up to RM6,000Parents & GrandparentsRM8,000Full medical check-up & vaccination for parentsUp to RM1,000Basic supporting equipment for disabled personsRM6,000 Includes: Serious illnesses Fertility treatment Vaccination (capped at RM1,000) Dental examination and treatment (capped at RM1,000) Mental health screening and consultation Self-test health kits and monitoring equipment 3. Lifestyle ItemRelief AmountLifestyle ExpensesRM2,500Additional Sports ReliefRM1,000Electric Vehicle Charger & Domestic Food Waste Composting MachineRM2,500 a. Lifestyle expenses cover: Books and reading materials Personal computer, smartphone or tablet Internet subscription bills Skills development and self-improvement course fees b. Sports-related expenses include: Sports equipment Facility rental or entrance fees Competition registration fees Gym membership or sports training fees 4. Insurance & Contributions ItemRelief AmountLife Insurance & EPF (KWSP)RM7,000SSPN (National Education Savings Scheme)RM8,000SOCSO (PERKESO) ContributionsRM350Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) & Deferred AnnuityRM3,000Education & Medical InsuranceRM4,000 5. Child Relief ItemRelief AmountChild below 18 years old, unmarriedRM2,000Child aged 18 and above, studying full-time (Diploma and above)RM8,000Child aged 18 and above, studying pre-university / A-LevelRM2,000Disabled child, unmarriedRM8,000Additional relief for disabled child aged 18 and above, studyingRM8,000Registered childcare / kindergarten feesRM3,000Breastfeeding equipmentRM1,000 Important notes: Childcare and kindergarten relief applies to children aged 6 and below Breastfeeding equipment relief is for female taxpayers only Claimable once every two years of assessment If you're thinking of saving more money, remember to fill in these tax deductions when you file your tax - and get additional relief from paying less tax, or no tax at all! IQI is constantly expanding! With a positive working environment that encourages continuous growth, joining us as a real estate negotiator might be your best choice. Drop your details below! [custom_blog_recruit_form] Continue reading: How to File Your Income Tax in Malaysia (2026 ver.) The Ultimate Guide on How to Claim Income Tax Refund Malaysia What is Tax Identification Number Malaysia (TIN) and how can you obtain it?