SJKP First Home Scheme 2026: Eligibility, Financing and How to Apply
Malaysia’s Skim Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP), or Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, helps eligible Malaysians obtain first-home financing through participating financial institutions. It is particularly relevant to self-employed people, freelancers, gig workers and other applicants who may not have conventional monthly salary slips.
The standard SJKP scheme provides financing of up to RM500,000, including specified financing-related costs. SJKP MADANI provides financing of up to RM360,000 and may cover up to 100% of the purchase price plus up to 20% for specified related costs, renovation and home furnishings.
However, SJKP is a government guarantee—not automatic approval, free money or an interest-free loan. The participating bank still assesses the applicant’s income, commitments, credit record and ability to repay.
Prepared & Reviewed ByEdven Ng & Josephine Sia · ENJ Real EstateSJKP Eligibility · Financing Structure · Documents · Application Process · Property Selection · Buyer Readiness
Who Can Use SJKP to Buy a First Home?
SJKP is open to Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, including fixed-income earners, self-employed applicants and people with non-fixed income. The property must be the applicant’s first residential home and intended for owner occupation.
Eligible property categories include new homes, completed or under-construction homes, subsale properties and auction properties. Joint financing is allowed, subject to the participating financial institution’s assessment.
ENJ view: SJKP is most helpful when the buyer has genuine repayment ability but has difficulty presenting conventional income documents. The strongest application combines an affordable property, organised income evidence, manageable existing commitments and a clean recent credit record.
What Is the SJKP First Home Scheme?
GOVERNMENT HOUSING CREDIT GUARANTEESJKP is operated by Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan Berhad, a company wholly owned by Malaysia’s Minister of Finance Incorporated. It supports access to housing finance by providing a government-backed guarantee to participating financial institutions.
The scheme was created to help buyers whose income is real but may be difficult to document through a normal salary-slip format—such as traders, small-business owners, commission earners, e-hailing drivers, freelancers, farmers and other self-employed workers. Fixed-income earners are also eligible.
β What SJKP Does
Supports eligible first-home financing through participating banks.
Accepts fixed and non-fixed income applicants.
Covers qualifying residential purchases for owner occupation.
Allows joint applications and financing of up to 35 years, subject to terms.
β What SJKP Does Not Mean
It does not guarantee that every application will be approved.
It is not a cash grant or house-price discount.
It does not make the financing interest-free.
It does not replace the bank’s affordability and credit assessment.
Budget 2026 GuaranteeRM20 Billion
Target BeneficiariesMore Than 80,000 Buyers
Additional FocusContract Government Staff
Step-Up FinancingAges 21–35*
*Budget 2026 announced expanded SJKP guarantees and Step-Up Financing eligibility for young buyers aged 21–35. Availability and bank implementation should be confirmed with participating institutions.
SJKP vs SJKP MADANI — What Is the Difference?
2026 SCHEME COMPARISONFINANCING-LIMIT ILLUSTRATION
Two Routes for Different First-Home Budgets
STANDARD SJKPUp to RM500,000Includes principal financing amount and specified protection, legal and valuation costs.
SJKP MADANIUp to RM360,000May include purchase price plus specified protection, legal, valuation, renovation and furnishing costs.
The financing limit is not the same as the maximum house price in every case. The total financing and included costs must remain within the applicable scheme limit and bank approval.
| Feature | Standard SJKP | SJKP MADANI |
|---|---|---|
| Financing limit | Up to RM500,000 | Up to RM360,000 |
| Purchase financing | Government guarantee may exceed 100% of financing obtained, subject to total financing not exceeding RM500,000 | Up to 100% of the house purchase price |
| Additional coverage | Specified MRTA/MRTT, LTHO, solicitor’s fee and valuation fee | Up to an additional 20% of purchase price for specified protection, legal, valuation, renovation and furnishing costs |
| Maximum guarantee structure | More than 100% guarantee coverage, within the RM500,000 limit | Up to 120% of the house purchase price, within the RM360,000 limit |
| Financing tenure | Up to 35 years or the financing tenure, whichever is earlier | Up to 35 years or the financing tenure, whichever is earlier |
| Interest/profit rate | Determined by the participating bank | Determined by the participating bank |
ENJ BUYER CHECK
A buyer considering a RM360,000 home should not automatically assume that another RM72,000 will be approved. The maximum SJKP MADANI financing remains RM360,000, including the eligible purchase and additional costs.
SJKP Eligibility Requirements in 2026
OFFICIAL BASIC CONDITIONSELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
Six Checks Before You Apply
1Malaysian CitizenOpen to Malaysians, not only Bumiputera applicants.
2Age 18 or AboveJoint financing is allowed, subject to the bank.
3First Residential HomeNew, subsale or auction property may qualify.
4Owner OccupationThe house is intended for the applicant to occupy.
5Total Repayment ≤65%All loan repayments must not exceed 65% of gross monthly income.
6Acceptable Credit RecordCCRIS arrears and other adverse records must remain within official limits.
Understanding the 65% Repayment Test
Official SJKP eligibility states that total repayment for all of the applicant’s loans must not exceed 65% of gross monthly income. This includes the proposed housing financing together with existing commitments.
The 65% figure is a maximum scheme condition, not a promise that a bank will lend up to that level. Banks may apply stricter affordability standards after considering income stability, dependants, living costs, age and credit profile.
≤65%Total repayment of all loans against gross monthly income
CCRIS Requirement
The official eligibility page states that CCRIS arrears should not exceed two months within a 12-month period.
Other Credit Records
The applicant should have no other adverse credit record within the latest 24 months.
Which Properties Can Be Purchased Under SJKP?
PROPERTY ELIGIBILITYPrivate DeveloperEligible
Government ProjectEligible
Subsale HomeEligible
Auction HomeEligible
SJKP is not limited to government affordable-housing projects. According to the official FAQ, it can cover low- and medium-cost residential homes from private developers, completed or under-construction properties, subsale homes and auction properties.
β Potentially Eligible
Residential terrace houses, apartments and condominiums intended as the buyer’s first owner-occupied home, subject to price, title and bank conditions.
β Not Covered for These Purposes
A business shophouse, land purchased only for building a house, refinancing an existing home, or a property not intended for qualifying residential owner occupation.
PROPERTY-SELECTION TIP
Do not choose a property based only on the maximum financing limit. Include maintenance fees, assessment tax, quit rent, insurance or takaful, commuting costs and future repair expenses when deciding what is genuinely affordable.
Documents Required for an SJKP Application
PREPARE BEFORE VISITING THE BANKπ Property Documents
- Sale and Purchase Agreement; or
- Booking form or booking sheet; or
- Down-payment receipt
π° Income Evidence
- Latest six months’ bank or deposit-account statements, if available
- Latest income-tax return or EPF statement
- Employment confirmation letter
πͺͺ Supporting Documents
- Applicant’s identity-card copy
- Business licence, fisherman’s card or taxi permit, where applicable
- Verified self-employment or income declaration
Applicants without fixed income may provide a declaration of self-employment or income stream confirmed by an authorised party such as a JKKK representative, Category A government officer, Penghulu or Ketua Kampung, or a bank branch manager, subject to the official requirements.
For Salaried Applicants
Keep salary slips, EPF records, bank statements and employment confirmation consistent. Large unexplained differences can delay assessment.
For Self-Employed Applicants
Deposit business income regularly into a bank account, keep invoices or sales records, file taxes where applicable and separate business transactions from unclear personal transfers.
How to Apply for SJKP — Step by Step
APPLICATION PROCESSThe application is submitted through a participating financial institution—not directly at the SJKP office. Different banks may have different internal documentation, rates and approval standards.
ILLUSTRATED APPLICATION JOURNEY
From Budget Check to Bank Decision
01Check Your BudgetReview income, commitments, CCRIS and available monthly cash flow.
02Select a Suitable HomeConfirm price, property type, owner-occupation intention and total ownership cost.
03Prepare DocumentsOrganise property, identity, income, tax, EPF and supporting evidence.
04Apply at a Participating BankAsk specifically about SJKP or SJKP MADANI financing.
05Bank AssessmentThe bank evaluates affordability, credit, valuation and scheme eligibility.
SJKP states that it does not impose a charge or fee directly on the borrower. Normal bank, legal, valuation, protection and property-related costs may still apply.
β Before Paying a Booking Fee
Ask whether the booking is refundable if financing is rejected, and obtain the refund conditions in writing. A property agent cannot guarantee bank approval.
SJKP Monthly Repayment Illustration
AFFORDABILITY EXAMPLEThe examples below use an illustrative rate of 4.5% per year over 35 years. They exclude changes in interest or profit rate, insurance or takaful differences, late charges and other costs. Obtain a bank quotation for the actual amount.
ESTIMATED MONTHLY INSTALMENT
Higher Financing Still Requires Sustainable Cash Flow
Illustration only. Financing approval, rate and tenure depend on the participating financial institution and applicant profile.
ENJ AFFORDABILITY VIEW
Passing a bank assessment does not automatically mean the instalment is comfortable. Keep room for maintenance fees, transport, family expenses, emergencies and possible rate increases.
Why an SJKP Application May Still Be Rejected
COMMON APPLICATION WEAKNESSESCredit & Commitment Problems
Recent repayment issues
CCRIS arrears or adverse credit records may breach eligibility or bank policy.
High existing commitments
Car loans, personal loans and credit-card balances reduce affordability.
Too many applications
Repeated recent credit applications may concern lenders.
Income & Property Problems
Unclear income trail
Cash income without supporting deposits or records is difficult to assess.
Unstable recent earnings
The bank may discount irregular or newly established income.
Valuation shortfall
If the bank values the property below the purchase price, additional cash may be required.
ImproveBanking Records
ReduceUnnecessary Debt
CheckCCRIS Early
SelectAffordable Property
How Johor Bahru First-Home Buyers Should Use SJKP
ENJ PROPERTY-SELECTION METHODFor a first-home buyer in Johor Bahru, the scheme should support a sensible property decision—not encourage the buyer to stretch to the highest possible loan.
| Buyer Priority | What to Compare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly affordability | Instalment, maintenance fee, transport and household expenses | The lowest purchase price may still carry high recurring costs. |
| Own-stay convenience | Workplace, family support, schools, shops and healthcare | SJKP homes are intended for owner occupation. |
| Property condition | Defects, renovation, building management and sinking fund | Subsale and auction homes may require additional cash. |
| Future flexibility | Layout, parking, transport access and resale audience | A practical first home is easier to hold as life changes. |
| Financing safety | Refundable booking terms and bank pre-assessment | Approval is never guaranteed solely because SJKP is available. |
ENJ RECOMMENDATION
Start with the monthly payment you can comfortably sustain, then work backwards to the property price. Compare at least three suitable homes using the same financing assumption before booking.
Find a Suitable First Home in Johor Bahru
E&J Real Estate can help you shortlist residential properties based on your budget, workplace, household size, existing commitments and estimated financing range. Final SJKP approval remains subject to the participating bank.
Browse E&J Properties →Check Official SJKP Eligibility →SJKP First Home Scheme 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skim Rumah Pertamaku still available?
The former Skim Rumah Pertamaku is no longer the current programme buyers should rely on. In 2026, buyers should review the active SJKP and SJKP MADANI government housing-credit guarantee schemes.
Is SJKP only for Bumiputera buyers?
No. The official SJKP FAQ states that it is open to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, subject to eligibility and bank approval.
Can salaried employees apply?
Yes. SJKP eligibility covers both fixed-income and non-fixed-income earners.
Can self-employed or gig workers apply without salary slips?
Yes. Applicants can support their income with bank statements, tax or EPF records, business documents and an appropriately verified income declaration, depending on their circumstances and bank requirements.
What is the maximum SJKP financing?
The standard SJKP financing limit is up to RM500,000, including the principal financing amount and specified related costs. SJKP MADANI has a financing limit of up to RM360,000.
Can I buy a subsale or auction property?
Yes. The scheme can cover qualifying first residential homes that are new, under construction, completed, subsale or auction properties, intended for owner occupation.
Can I use SJKP to buy a shophouse?
No, not for a business shophouse. The official FAQ states that SJKP is specifically for residential houses.
Can I apply directly to SJKP?
No. Applications are made through participating financial institutions.
Does SJKP guarantee loan approval?
No. The bank still assesses eligibility, affordability, income evidence, credit history, property valuation and its own lending policies.
Does SJKP charge the borrower a fee?
The official FAQ states that SJKP itself does not impose a charge or fee on the borrower. Other normal financing and purchase-related costs may still apply.
Can parents and children apply together?
SJKP allows joint and two-generation financing, subject to the participating bank’s terms. The official FAQ notes that the child must be at least 18 at the application date for the stated two-generation example.
Official Sources & Review Method
Prepared & Reviewed By: Edven Ng & Josephine Sia · ENJ Real Estate
Last reviewed: 7 September 2026
Official scheme sources: SJKP scheme features, SJKP MADANI features, official eligibility conditions, required documents and official FAQ.
Budget source: Malaysia Budget 2026 summary.
ENJ original analysis: Scheme comparison, property-selection guidance, document-preparation tips, affordability illustrations, common application weaknesses and Johor Bahru buyer checklist.
Scheme availability, financing limits, participating institutions, interest or profit rates, approval criteria and government policy can change. Confirm the latest terms directly with SJKP, a participating financial institution and relevant professionals before making a property commitment.
Need Help Shortlisting Your First Home?
Tell E&J your preferred area, budget, monthly income, existing commitments and household needs. We can help compare suitable Johor Bahru homes and prepare the property information required for your bank discussion.
Disclaimer: This article is general educational information and does not constitute financing, legal, tax or financial advice. SJKP eligibility and bank approval are not guaranteed. Confirm all current conditions directly with SJKP and the participating financial institution.
