Case StudiesPropertyWillApril 28, 2025by Chelsia LiewTransferring Property Now vs. Through a Will

Case Analysis:

Alan and Brenda are considering whether to transfer their property to their adult children during their lifetime or via a will. Below is a concise comparison of the differences, potential impacts, and practical considerations under Malaysian law:

Category Lifetime Transfer Transmission via Will
Control & Ownership • Immediate transfer of full ownership to children
• Children gain rights to sell, mortgage or rent the property
• In worst-case scenario, risk of eviction for Alan & Brenda
• Permanent transfer (no reversal possible)
• Maintain full ownership until death
• Can amend will anytime for flexibility
• Complete control over property during lifetime
Financial Implications • Legal fees apply
• Stamp duty exemption for transfers up to RM1,000,000 between parents & children
• 50% duty remission on any amount above RM1,000,000
• Probate fees apply
• Nominal stamp duty(approximately RM10)
• Legal fees apply
Risks & Liabilities • Property removed from estate (protected from creditors) • Inherited property may be used to settle deceased’s outstanding debts

 

Key Takeaway

If you’re thinking about transferring the property, we highly recommend chatting with a legal expert first to guide you through the process.

Stamp duty and other requirements can vary case by case. Please think carefully before proceeding with a lifetime transfer – once done, it can’t be undone, and you’ll permanently lose ownership rights.

With a will, you keep all your options open. You can update it anytime as your circumstances change – whether next month or next year. Since the future is unpredictable, why not choose the flexible option that lets you adjust your plans later?

Our suggestion? Make a will today to protect your interests while keeping your future choices open.

现在转让资产好还是与通过遗嘱转让比较好呢?

案例分析:
Alan 和 Brenda 正忧愁是否在有生之年将资产转让给成年子女,还是通过遗嘱转让。

以下是根据马来西亚法律对于两种方式的简要对比、潜在影响以及实际考量:

考虑事项 现在就转给孩子 通过遗嘱留给孩子
控制权 签完字房子就归孩子了
孩子可以随时决定卖房、贷款或出租
最坏情况:如果关系变差,爸妈可能失去居住权
• 
一旦转出,就不能反悔
房子永远都是您的,想住多久 就住多久
随时可以修改遗嘱
生前完全掌控,不用担心被赶出去
费用支出 需要付律师费

• 100万以内的转名完全免印花税 (父母转让给孩子)
超过100万的部分则享有50%折扣

需要支付遗嘱认证费

象征性印花税(不贵)(大约RM10
律师费

风险提示 一旦去世后,房子再也不是您的  遗产
孩子继承后,这房子是不用用来还清您生前的债务
孩子继承后,可能需要先用房子还清您生前的债务

 

 

温馨提醒
如果您正在考虑转让资产,我们强烈建议您先咨询法律专家,以确保您了解整个过程。

印花税和其他要求因情况而异。在决定进行现时转让之前,请三思——一旦完成,您将无法撤销,并且会永久失去所有权。

通过遗嘱,您可以保持所有选择的灵活性,随时根据变化调整——无论是下个月还是明年。未来充满不确定性,为什么不选择一种能让您后续调整计划的灵活方式呢?
我们的建议是:今天就立下遗嘱,保护您的利益吧!

 

 

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Chelsia Liew

Your Trusted Specialist in Conveyancing, Testamentary Trust, Insurance Trusts & Estate Planning Advisory. Chelsia Liew Yun Xue holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, a Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP), and is admitted to the Malaysian Bar. With a strong legal foundation in real property, wills, and trust-related matters, she brings extensive knowledge and practical experience to her work in estate and property advisory. Chelsia manages a wide range of real property matters and drafts wills and trusts for families with varying needs, ensuring clarity, compliance, and long-term protection. She also provides in-house training for estate planners on real property transactions, insurance and testamentary trusts, and effective estate planning strategies. Her expertise spans conveyancing, testamentary and insurance trusts, and practical estate planning advisory, making her a trusted professional for clients seeking structured and reliable legacy planning solutions.