Built on Patience,
Guided by Principle
lumarila was founded with one straightforward belief — that finding the right home should never be a pressured process.
← Back to HomeA Firm Shaped by Sabah
lumarila came together in Kota Kinabalu in 2017, when two advisors with backgrounds in property management and international relocation saw that the upper end of the rental market was being served inconsistently. What was available tended toward volume — large agencies processing enquiries at pace — without adequate attention to the individual circumstances of each client.
Starting with a small portfolio of carefully selected residences and a deliberate approach to matching, the practice grew through word of mouth among Sabah's professional and expatriate communities. Over the years, we have deepened our understanding of the local property landscape — its seasonal rhythms, its newer smart-equipped developments, and the specific needs of international arrivals navigating an unfamiliar system.
Today, lumarila remains a small, focused team. We have no interest in expanding beyond what allows us to give each client the attention their search deserves. That is a choice we have made deliberately — and one we intend to keep.
Our Mission
To connect people with homes that genuinely suit how they live — through thorough research, unhurried guidance, and a standard of care that reflects well on Sabah's property community.
Our Values
Discretion, patience, and honesty. We will tell you when a property is not right for you, even if it is available and convenient. Our measure of success is whether you are still happy six months into your tenancy.
The People Behind Your Search
A small, experienced group with complementary backgrounds across property, relocation, and technology advisory.
Nadia Rashid
Lead Property Advisor
With over twelve years in Sabah's property sector, Nadia oversees client matching and maintains lumarila's portfolio relationships. She specialises in privacy-focused searches and high-specification residences.
Daniel Tan
Smart Home & Technology Consultant
Daniel evaluates properties for their technology infrastructure and advises on compatible systems for tenants. His background is in building management systems and residential automation.
Sofia Hassan
Expatriate Transition Coordinator
Sofia supports international arrivals from first contact through to settlement. She has direct experience navigating Malaysia's registration processes and has assisted clients from over twenty countries.
How We Hold Ourselves Accountable
These are the principles that govern every engagement, regardless of budget or complexity.
Data & Privacy Protection
Client information is stored securely and shared only with explicit consent. We follow Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in all aspects of our operations.
Property Verification Process
Every property we present has been personally inspected. We check structural condition, technology readiness, tenancy history, and neighbourhood character before making a recommendation.
Transparent Fee Structure
Our fees are fixed and disclosed before any work begins. There are no referral arrangements with landlords or developers that could influence our recommendations.
Board of Estate Agents Compliance
lumarila operates in full accordance with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) guidelines applicable in Malaysia.
Conflict of Interest Policy
We maintain a clear policy on conflicts of interest. If we have any prior relationship with a landlord or developer involved in a search, this is disclosed to the client before proceeding.
Post-Placement Communication
We check in with clients following placement to confirm that the transition has gone smoothly. Any concerns in the early tenancy period are addressed directly and without additional charge.
Luxury Rental Advisory in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu has grown considerably as a residential destination for both Malaysian professionals and international residents. The city's waterfront developments, hillside compounds, and technology-equipped apartment towers now offer a range of options that would have been difficult to find a decade ago. Navigating this market well requires local knowledge that goes beyond listings — it requires understanding which buildings are well-managed, which neighbourhoods suit different working patterns, and which landlords maintain their properties with genuine care.
lumarila's advisory practice sits within this knowledge-intensive space. We work with a small number of clients at any one time, which allows us to invest properly in understanding each person's circumstances. For those arriving from abroad, we combine property search with practical orientation — helping to reduce the time and stress that typically accompanies a move to an unfamiliar city.
Our long-term relationships with building management teams, legal professionals, and utility providers in Sabah allow us to handle many of the administrative aspects of a tenancy that often catch new arrivals off guard. The result, in most cases, is a smoother and more informed start to life in Kota Kinabalu.
Talk to Us About Your Search
An initial conversation carries no obligation. We simply want to understand what you are looking for.
Get in Touch