If you are thinking about buying a home, you are probably weighing every cost carefully. Prices have gone up, loan approvals feel stricter, and most buyers want to stretch their budget without compromising on a place they can call home. That is why the HOC (Home Ownership Campaign) remains relevant, even years after its introduction.
The Government has extended HOC 2.0 until December 31, 2025, providing eligible buyers with meaningful relief. This includes full stamp duty exemptions for properties priced up to RM500,000 and tax incentives for sale and purchase agreements signed between 2025 and 2027. These measures are designed to reduce the upfront burden and make homeownership more accessible for Malaysians who are ready to take the next step.
Understanding how HOC works today can help you plan your finances more effectively and choose a property that suits both your needs and long-term goals.
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What Is The Home Ownership Campaign, and Why Does It Still Matter?
The Home Ownership Campaign, commonly known as HOC, was introduced to help Malaysians buy homes with fewer upfront costs. It was created at a time when unsold units were rising, and many buyers felt priced out of the market.
Even today, with living costs increasing and loan approvals becoming more selective, the campaign continues to play an important role for home seekers.
Here is why HOC is still relevant in 2025 and beyond:
- It is still active. The Government has extended HOC 2.0 until 31st December 2025, which means eligible buyers can still enjoy meaningful savings.
- Upfront costs remain high. Stamp duty, legal fees, and renovation expenses often stop Malaysians from taking the first step. HOC helps reduce this pressure.
- Affordable projects need support. Many new townships, especially across Johor, the Klang Valley, and the Penang mainland, have a large supply of units that fit first-time buyer budgets.
- Developers are offering more value. Many continue to bundle HOC-style incentives, such as furnished packages or reduced booking fees, to attract genuine homebuyers.
- Younger buyers benefit the most. With many in their 20s and 30s struggling to save while balancing rent, HOC is one of the few schemes that directly cuts early entry costs.
For many Malaysians, HOC matters because it brings home ownership a little closer to reality, especially during a period where affordability is the main concern.
HOC Benefits: How You Can Still Save?
Many Malaysians look into the HOC because it directly reduces the cost of buying a home. With living expenses increasing and loan conditions becoming stricter, any form of financial relief helps buyers stretch their budget further. The 2025 extension of HOC 2.0 means eligible buyers can still enjoy substantial savings.
Here are the key benefits available:
- Full stamp duty exemption for first-time buyers purchasing homes priced up to RM500,000. This remains the biggest cost-saving advantage for new homeowners.
- Partial stamp duty discounts may apply for selected homes above RM500,000, depending on the scheme and developer participation.
- Lower upfront payment pressure, especially when combined with developer incentives such as reduced booking fees or furnishing packages commonly offered in HOC-friendly projects.
- Tax relief opportunities for Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA) signed between 2025 and 2027, which further ease early-stage financial stress.
- Potential access to financing support through schemes aimed at buyers with non-traditional incomes, which were highlighted as part of mid-2025 affordability efforts.
For buyers navigating tight budgets, these benefits make a significant difference, especially when purchasing in high-demand areas or maturing townships.
HOC Eligibility Criteria In 2026
Before starting your home search, it helps to understand whether you and the property you are considering meet the current HOC requirements. Knowing this early can save time and prevent issues during loan applications or SPA signing.
Who Is Eligible?
To begin, here is a quick look at who can benefit from the scheme.
- Malaysian citizens are the primary group eligible for HOC savings.
- First-time buyers enjoy the highest level of exemptions, especially for homes priced up to RM500,000.
- Existing homeowners may still benefit if developers extend HOC-style incentives for selected units.
A simple check on these points will tell you whether you qualify as a buyer.
What Types of Properties Qualify?
Next, it is important to understand which properties fall within the campaign.
- Residential homes only, such as apartments, serviced residences, condominiums, and landed properties.
- New launches or newly completed units offered by developers registered under HOC 2.0.
- Properties priced up to RM500,000, which receive full stamp duty exemption, with partial savings possible for higher price bands.
Once you know what qualifies, the next step is to be aware of what does not.
What Does Not Qualify?
These exclusions help you avoid assuming benefits that may not apply to your chosen unit.
- Subsale or secondary-market properties.
- Commercial units, including shop lots, offices, and SOHOs, are not classified as residential.
- Units from developers not registered under HOC 2.0.
- SPAs signed after 31st December, 2025, which is the final date of the current campaign.
With these guidelines in mind, you can narrow your options to homes that offer genuine HOC savings.
Steps To Take Full Advantage of HOC as a Home Buyer
Once you know that you and your chosen property qualify for HOC, the next step is to understand how to maximise the available savings. Many buyers miss out simply because they are unaware of the correct process or the required documents.
Step One: Confirm That The Developer Is Registered Under HOC 2.0
Start by ensuring the project is officially part of the campaign.
- Please contact the developer’s sales team or visit their official website for more information.
- Look for HOC 2.0 registration with REHDA, SHEDA, or SHAREDA, depending on the project’s state.
- Ask whether the specific unit you are interested in is covered, as not all units in a project are always included.
Confirming this early helps prevent misunderstandings later in the process.
Step Two: Review The Incentives Offered For Your Unit
Once the project is verified, review the exact benefits associated with your chosen unit.
- Ensure that the minimum 10% discount is clearly stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
- Confirm stamp duty exemption eligibility and determine the applicable price tier.
- Ask if any additional perks are included, such as furnishing packages, reduced booking fees, or rebates.
This lets you calculate your actual savings more accurately.
Step Three: Sign The SPA Within The Campaign Period
Timing matters because benefits are tied directly to SPA dates.
- The SPA must be signed on or before 31st December, 2025.
- Delays may cause you to lose exemptions or discounts, even if the booking was made earlier.
- Make sure your loan approval timeline aligns with the SPA deadline.
A clear timeline helps avoid unexpected issues with eligibility.
Step Four: Apply For Financing With Supporting Documents
Your lender will need confirmation that the unit qualifies for HOC benefits.
- Submit the stamped SPA showing the discount and eligibility.
- Include the developer’s HOC registration documents if needed.
- Ask your bank whether the HOC discount affects your loan margin or DSR.
Good preparation ensures a smoother and faster loan process.
Step Five: Focus On Total Cost, Not Just Upfront Savings
HOC lowers early expenses, but long-term affordability remains a concern.
- Consider monthly repayments, maintenance fees, and renovation costs.
- Review location, accessibility, and future development around the project.
- Compare at least three HOC-eligible options before making a decision.
Balancing immediate savings with long-term commitment helps you make a confident purchase.
Projects And Incentives To Watch In 2025-2026
With HOC 2.0 running until 31st December, 2025, many developers are releasing units and packages that appeal to first-time buyers and families looking for more affordable options. While availability changes throughout the year, certain areas and project types stand out for offering better value and accessibility.
Where Buyers Can Expect More HOC-Friendly Options?
These locations continue to see strong supply and developer participation.
- Klang Valley: Areas such as Puchong, Cyberjaya, Bukit Jalil, Rawang, and Kajang often feature new residential launches with HOC-style incentives due to ongoing township growth and healthy competition among developers.
- Johor Bahru and Iskandar Puteri: A large pipeline of new high-rise and landed homes continues to create opportunities for buyers seeking spacious layouts at more competitive price points.
- Penang Mainland (Seberang Perai): Offers more affordable landed and high-rise property options compared to Penang Island, making it a common target for first-time buyers.
- Emerging suburbs in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka: New integrated townships and upgraded connectivity attract buyers looking for more space at lower entry prices.
These regions remain strong candidates for value-focused home seekers.
Common Incentives Buyers May See In 2026
Many developers bundle extra perks to make the purchase easier on your budget.
- Reduced booking or deposit fees
- Free or subsidised legal fees for SPA and loan documentation
- Partial furnishing, kitchen packages, or air-conditioning units
- Rebate structures to help with the down payment
- Early-bird discounts for selected units
- Limited-time promotions tied to property fairs or launch events
It is worth comparing incentives across several projects, as these add up to significant savings.
How To Spot HOC-Aligned Projects Faster?
These simple checks help narrow your search more efficiently.
- Look for the “HOC 2.0”, “stamp duty exemption”, or “rebate” labels on developer websites or at sales galleries.
- Compare price bands to see whether the unit falls within the RM500,000 exemption tier.
- Ask the sales team whether your specific unit is eligible, as participation may vary by block or phase.
- Use PropertyGuru filters to shortlist units that match your preferred budget, location, and home type.
Staying aware of ongoing incentives helps you move quickly when the right property appears.
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Rent-to-Own (RTO) Scheme: An Option If HOC Is Not The Right Fit
Not every buyer can commit to a full down payment or secure a loan immediately, even with HOC benefits. If you are still working on your finances or need more time before taking on a long-term commitment, the Rent-to-Own (RTO) scheme can be a practical alternative.
How RTO Works?
The concept is simple and designed for buyers who need flexibility.
- You rent the property first and move in as a tenant.
- A portion of your monthly rental goes towards your future purchase.
- You have the option to purchase the home after a specified number of years.
- The purchase price is usually locked in at the start, which protects you from market increases.
This structure helps buyers ease into home ownership without rushing into a loan.
Who Should Consider RTO?
This scheme is beneficial for buyers in specific situations.
- Young Malaysians who lack sufficient savings for a down payment.
- Families who want to test a neighbourhood before committing long-term.
- Buyers with non-traditional income (freelancers, gig workers, or self-employed individuals) may need more time to strengthen their financial profile.
- Anyone unsure about market conditions but still wants to secure a home today.
RTO gives you time to stabilise your finances while keeping your future home within reach.
Things To Keep In Mind
Before choosing RTO, consider these points carefully.
- Monthly payments may be higher than regular rent.
- Not all developers or banks offer RTO programmes.
- You must meet the purchase deadline to convert your tenancy into ownership.
- Renovation or modification rights may be limited during the rental period.
Understanding these details ensures that the scheme fits your long-term plans.
If you feel that HOC benefits alone are not enough for your current financial situation, RTO can offer a more flexible path toward owning a home when you are ready.
Is HOC 2.0 the Opportunity You Have Been Waiting For?
If you are planning to buy a home in 2026, the HOC 2.0 incentives can make a meaningful difference to your upfront costs.
With full stamp duty exemptions for eligible homes and a range of developer-supported incentives, this is an ideal time for buyers who want to secure a place without straining their finances.
Be sure to check your eligibility, confirm the developer’s HOC registration, and understand all the terms before signing your SPA.
For more property news, affordability tips, and home-buying insights, explore the PropertyGuru Malaysia Guides section. Still searching for the right place? Visit PropertyGuru to browse sales listings that match your budget and location preferences.
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