In Conversation with the Elite: Melvin Koh on Navigating Global Markets with Clarity and Care

At Berkeley Group, we take immense pride in our Premier Club — an esteemed cohort of our most distinguished agents, celebrated for their unwavering excellence and leadership in the real estate industry.

Today, we turn our spotlight to Melvin Koh, Country Director of Benham & Reeves Malaysia. A trailblazer in the international property space, Melvin’s journey spans across continents,  from Penang to Dubai, Mumbai, Jakarta, and now Kuala Lumpur, where he established Benham & Reeves’ Malaysian presence back in 2013.

With quiet determination and deep industry insight, Melvin has built Benham & Reeves Malaysia into a market leader, guiding Malaysian investors with clarity, honesty, and strategic acumen. We caught up with him for a candid 10-question conversation on his journey, philosophy, and insights into the ever-evolving UK property market.

1. Tell us a little about yourself,  how did this journey begin?

I’m originally from Penang, and my career has taken me through Dubai, Mumbai, and Jakarta before I returned to Kuala Lumpur to build Benham & Reeves Malaysia in 2013. While I lead from the front in sales and seminars, I’m someone who prefers to let results speak. If grit is a talent, then it’s grit that built our presence in Malaysia. We’ve grown from the ground up to become a trusted name in UK property  and I’m proud of that journey.

2. Outside of real estate, what’s something that has shaped who you are today  and what do people often find surprising about you?

Becoming a father has been the most incredible experience,  it truly feels like having your heart living outside your body. It’s changed the way I view responsibility, legacy, and connection.

Something people might not know is that I’m an avid amateur pianist. Music, particularly performing arts, has been a creative outlet for me. It’s also shaped how I engage with people.  Performing teaches presence, empathy, and storytelling, all of which help me connect better with clients.

3. How did you get started in international property?

The 2008 global financial crisis was a turning point. I had just left my international postings and needed to rebuild. I’ve always been passionate about sales, so I pivoted into international real estate,  starting with Australian property, then expanding to UK, Singapore, and New Zealand. It’s been a learning curve, but an incredibly fulfilling one.

4. Your global experience spans five major markets. What has that taught you?

It’s taught me the power of cultural sensitivity and clear communication. At Benham & Reeves Malaysia, we manage over 500 landlords from diverse nationalities many of whom don’t speak English. Being able to bridge those gaps and understand nuances is one of our team’s greatest strengths.

5. What makes Benham & Reeves Malaysia different?

We don’t just sell property, we manage the entire investment lifecycle. That includes lettings, furnishing with InStyle, tax filings, and even exit strategies. What truly sets us apart is our depth of knowledge and our ability to solve problems that others may not. From BREXIT to COVID, we’ve weathered major shifts  and today, we’re recognised as the go-to UK property specialist in Malaysia.

6. What are you most proud of in building Benham & Reeves Malaysia?

Becoming a Berkeley Premier Agent, of course! But beyond the recognition, it’s the trust of our long-term clients and the resilience of our team that fills me with pride.

7. How do you keep your team sharp in a challenging market?

A business is only as strong as its people. My role is to ensure our team stays updated,  on regulations, markets, and client service. I also share lessons from my own experience, including mistakes, to help the team navigate complexity more efficiently. We’re a well-oiled operation because we invest in our people.   

8. What are the biggest misconceptions Malaysian investors have about London property?

Many think it’s difficult to manage from afar or deal with non-performing tenants but that’s far from true. With our roots going back to 1958, Benham & Reeves offers robust lettings and management services. Investors don’t just buy with us,  they stay with us.

9. What makes a great London buy-to-let investment today?

Look for connectivity, strong rental yields (5–6%), fair service charges, and professionally managed buildings. Today’s tenants also want open spaces, co-working areas, and high-speed broadband. Developments that cater to this lifestyle are future-proof.

10. Which Berkeley Group projects are you most excited about?

Twelve Trees Park stands out,  a Zone 2 gem with doorstep access to five train lines and priced at approximately £780 psf. It’s undervalued for its connectivity and future capital appreciation.

Reading Riverworks is another favorite. With river and park views, Elizabeth Line access in minutes, and a walkable town centre, it blends countryside charm with urban convenience. It’s been our current bestseller for good reason.

As our conversation with Melvin wraps up, we’re reminded of the power of quiet leadership, deep expertise, and genuine client care. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and results,  a testament to what it means to be a Berkeley Premier Club agent.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or exploring your first London property, Melvin and the Benham & Reeves Malaysia team are here to guide you every step of the way.

📌 Connect with Benham & Reeves Malaysia: https://www.benhams.com.my/contact  

Read more about our featured agents:

• Doris Tan: From Banking to Becoming a London Real Estate Veteran
• Widya Lestaluhu: Leadership, Investment, and the Future of Women in Real Estate

Stay tuned for our next spotlight on another extraordinary Berkeley Premier Club agent.