Jack and Ellie's Exciting Move to sun-kissed Malaysia with MM2H
Jack and Ellie MacQuoid want to use the MM2H golden visa to move from Gateshead to the southern tip of Malaysia, a town called Johor Bahru. Once there, they'll enjoy modern comforts, low living costs, but a high standard of living
and proximity to Singapore. Will you find inspiration in their quest to live life as expats?
Brits Abroad: Their Story
Jack, a civil engineer and Ellie, a dentist, are in their mid-60s and own a fully-paid maisonette in Gateshead. Their solid financial foundation—bolstered by pensions and bank savings—makes the
MM2H visa,
Malaysia My Second Home, the ideal choice for moving to sun-kissed Johor Bahru. They can't wait to start a new chapter in life.
Property Opportunities
Malaysia offers attractive property options for MM2H participants. With much lower prices for homes and a reduced property purchase threshold for MM2H holders, Jack and Ellie will be able to afford quite a fancy home in this lively city. Johor Bahru lies conveniently close to Singapore, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy both easy living and proximity to this fascinating metropolis.
Renting First
MM2H also provides the flexibility to rent a property in Johor Bahru for up to a year, allowing Jack and Ellie to explore different residential areas in Johor Bahru before committing to a purchase. This grace period, which is optional, by the way, is ample time to find a home that suits their needs and lifestyle, a dream home in a leafy suburb.
Forward-Thinking: Enjoy the GBP Advantage in Malaysia
Thanks to the really rather favourable exchange rate and lower cost of living, Jack and Ellie can stretch their rental income from the UK by a factor of up to five. Whether it's daily expenses, dining, or travel, Malaysia offers a high standard of living at a much lower cost than in the UK.
Indeed, the couple can look forward to the kind of lifestyle akin to expatriates. And all of this goodness is courtesy of this lifestyle arbitrage opportunity between the UK and Malaysia, in combination with MM2H. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the current cohort of retirees and retirees-to-be in the UK and the other developed countries.
Resort-Living
Johor Bahru is home to many expats, including a good-sized British community. Jack and Ellie can indulge in a variety of recreational activities, from golf to shopping to going on road trips to visiting local festivals, whilst also enjoying Malaysia's diverse culinary offerings. The tropical climate ensures that outdoor living is a year-round experience.
Malaysia's Natural Wonders
Johor Bahru's location makes it an ideal base for exploring Malaysia's stunning natural beauty, from idyllic beaches to national parks. Malaysia's southern region also offers easy access to Singapore, opening up a whole new range of cultural experiences and opportunities for travel.
Thriving Expat Community
The UK expat community in Johor Bahru is welcoming and well-established. Jack and Ellie will find it easy to socialise, whether through social groups, clubs, or casual meet-ups. The widespread use of English in Malaysia, furthermore, means they can engage with locals effortlessly, particularly in the more urbanised parts of Malaysia.
Access to Modern Amenities
In Johor Bahru, Jack and Ellie can enjoy the best of both worlds—affordable living with access to modern amenities and exclusive recreational venues, like Johor Bahru's swimming clubs and yacht clubs. The city blends local culture with the conveniences of urban life.
Affordable Healthcare and Low Crime Rates
Healthcare in Malaysia is top-notch and affordable, offering access to excellent medical facilities. Additionally, Johor Bahru's peaceful social environment and low crime rates provide an added layer of security and comfort for retirees, both local and from overseas.
Convenient and Cheap Travel
Transportation in Malaysia is affordable and convenient, whether by public transport or the cheap Grab taxi service. Then again, with Malaysia's low petrol costs and the option of cheap car ownership, Jack and Ellie can also opt for own their own transport, enabling them to enjoy an active lifestyle with full mobility.
Retain Flexibility with UK Travel
If Jack and Ellie prefer to retain their UK home, it's no problem as far as MM2H is concerned. That way, they can always go back to Blighty and pick up right where they left off. Mind you, with a number of airlines and frequent flights between Malaysia and the UK, the couple can visit the UK pretty much whenever they wish.
MM2H: Next Chapter
Johor Bahru offers Jack and Ellie an exciting and convenient place to retire under the MM2H visa, along with financial independence. With plenty of scope for relaxation, adventure and an altogether pleasant expat lifestyle, their reboot in Malaysia promises to be nothing short of fulfilling.
Discover how you can start your own new chapter in Malaysia—check out
MM2H.co.uk for further insights.
