When Mei Ling bought her cozy terrace house in Petaling Jaya, she never imagined that decades later, a simple question about inheritance would spark so much uncertainty. Mei Ling's daughter, Joanna, had recently become a Singaporean citizen.

Over tea one afternoon, Mei Ling asked herself: "If something happens to me, can Joanna inherit this house?"

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Yes — foreign nationals can inherit property in Malaysia. Under the National Land Code, Joanna can inherit her mother’s house, but the transfer requires state government approval. While not overly complicated, this step is crucial to ensure the inheritance process is smooth.

Navigating the Singaporean Side

For Joanna, inheriting property abroad comes with considerations back home. Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB) requires that applicants for new HDB flats must not own or have interest in foreign property for 30 months before applying — unless the property was inherited. In Joanna’s case, she’d need to submit a property questionnaire to the HDB to declare the inheritance, ensuring her eligibility remains intact.

Weighing the Options: Inherit or Liquidate?

As Mei Ling and Joanna discussed the future, they realized they had two main options: Joanna could keep the house or opt for a cash inheritance. Each option carried its own pros and cons.

Keeping the Property:

• Joanna could retain the house as an investment, renting it out for a steady income.
• However, she’d be responsible for property upkeep, taxes, and navigating cross-border ownership requirements.

Selling the Property:

• Selling the house would simplify things — Joanna would receive liquid assets, free from ongoing property management.
• Mei Ling could specify in her will that the property should be sold upon her passing, ensuring a smooth process and minimizing administrative burden.

Making the Transition Seamless

Mei Ling wanted to ensure Joanna wouldn’t be burdened with lengthy legal procedures after her passing. To streamline the process, she took a few proactive steps:

1. Open Communication: Mei Ling and Joanna discussed the future openly, ensuring they aligned on expectations and preferences.
2. Drafting a Will: Mei Ling wrote a clear will, specifying her wishes for the property’s transfer or sale, reducing ambiguity.
3. Appointing a Trustee: To avoid placing the responsibility on family members, she appointed a trustee company as the executor of her will, ensuring impartial management of her estate.

How DWS Can Help

At DWS, we understand that estate planning isn’t just about writing a will — it’s about creating a legacy that transcends borders. Our online platform simplifies the process, providing expert guidance to ensure your wishes are honored, whether your beneficiaries live next door or across the globe.

If you’re navigating similar cross-border inheritance questions, we’re here to help. Start planning your estate today with DWS and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are taken care of — no matter where life takes them.