Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has a number of accommodation options available to expats. The main question most expats ask themselves when moving to Kuala Lumpur is whether they would prefer to live in a serviced apartment or in a normal apartment. Obviously each option comes with its list of pros and cons and at the end of the day your individual needs and budget will be the determining factor.
Serviced apartments are significantly more expensive than a normal apartment and depending on the area you choose the monthly rental can be anything from RM5000 up to RM50 000. Many expats choose to live in KL Central because of the ease of access to public transport. Apartment prices in this area generally start at US $500 for a small apartment and up to US $3000 for a five-bedroom apartment.
Expats tend to be scattered throughout the city but the more popular areas include Jalan Ampang (the city end) which is home to a number of the embassies and consulates and the areas of KLCC, Taman Tan Dr. Ismail and Damansara Heights to the west of the city centre. Bangsar Bahru, south of the city centre, is also popular for its pleasant setting, while the Golden Triangle area is where most of the city’s international schools can be found. Jalan Ampang and Damansara Heights areas are the priciest on that list but shopping around does have its rewards.
Most apartments will come unfurnished while serviced condominiums are furnished. Rental terms are negotiable however most leases are set for a period of two years. It is possible to include a clause in the lease agreement allowing for early termination if you give at least two month's notice or pay a no-notice fine.
Many expats choose to use a rental agent to help them in their property search and in negotiating the terms of their lease agreements. Some expats who choose to stay in KL for a long time have even gone as far as to invest in property, again with the help of an agent. Renting or buying a property in Malaysia is an easy procedure and there are no hidden cultural nuances that hinder the process of finding and moving into your new home.
Serviced apartments are significantly more expensive than a normal apartment and depending on the area you choose the monthly rental can be anything from RM5000 up to RM50 000. Many expats choose to live in KL Central because of the ease of access to public transport. Apartment prices in this area generally start at US $500 for a small apartment and up to US $3000 for a five-bedroom apartment.
Expats tend to be scattered throughout the city but the more popular areas include Jalan Ampang (the city end) which is home to a number of the embassies and consulates and the areas of KLCC, Taman Tan Dr. Ismail and Damansara Heights to the west of the city centre. Bangsar Bahru, south of the city centre, is also popular for its pleasant setting, while the Golden Triangle area is where most of the city’s international schools can be found. Jalan Ampang and Damansara Heights areas are the priciest on that list but shopping around does have its rewards.Most apartments will come unfurnished while serviced condominiums are furnished. Rental terms are negotiable however most leases are set for a period of two years. It is possible to include a clause in the lease agreement allowing for early termination if you give at least two month's notice or pay a no-notice fine.
Many expats choose to use a rental agent to help them in their property search and in negotiating the terms of their lease agreements. Some expats who choose to stay in KL for a long time have even gone as far as to invest in property, again with the help of an agent. Renting or buying a property in Malaysia is an easy procedure and there are no hidden cultural nuances that hinder the process of finding and moving into your new home.
