Menu
Expat.com

Buying property in Indonesia

Post new topic

Christine

Hi,

can a foreigner buy property in Indonesia?

If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Indonesia?

Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ?

Thanks in advance for participating!

Christine

See also

Real estate listingsAccommodation in IndonesiaAccommodation in BaliBuying property in JakartaAccommodation in Surabaya
Fred

Christine wrote:

Hi,

can a foreigner buy property in Indonesia?


Privately, Not legally.
But...If you're married to an Indonesian, and have a prenup stating all property is in the name of your spouse, you can.


Christine wrote:

If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Indonesia?


The simple way, and common in villages, is to have a simple letter stating you have bought the land. It's a receipt with a stamp called a "materai" to legalise it.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT44G2wBQYxNDE_NyHIpASj0EGnDVN61BnKNQcA0NlYzlb3NJNmzRiVTQ

Using a lawyer would be better but that's not always the case here.

Christine wrote:

Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ?


All houses in Indonesia must have two things:
A building permit
A green book saying who the owner is.

If the seller can't produce both, you could be in trouble.
When you buy, keep both in a very safe place. Safety deposit box would be good. In effect, whoever has that book, has the house and can sell it.

There are a lot of agents out there who sell property to foreigners. Be very careful.
Most use a scheme that leaves the property in the name of an Indonesian national but it's dodgy at best. Easy to lose a lot of cash with pretty much no chance of getting it back.

Armand

Thanks for your help mas fred ;)

Armand

BeLare

Halo everyone

Halo, mas Fred..

What happens if I don't have a prenup? Can we do it long after the wedding?
What happens if we buy a property but we don't have a prenup?

Thx in advance... :D

Fred

BeLare wrote:

Halo everyone

Halo, mas Fred..

What happens if I don't have a prenup? Can we do it long after the wedding?
What happens if we buy a property but we don't have a prenup?

Thx in advance... :D


You can't get a prenup after marriage. Has to be done PRE marriage.
Of course this is Indonesia and you may well find a bent lawyer, willing to backdate a document.
I wouldn't suggest it but I've every confidence it's possible.

I'm told this has never happened but that may be wrong.
It's illegal for a foreigner to own land in Indonesia.
All property in marriage is owned 50/50.
The land could be taken from you without compensation.

frendyhoras

Follow with the new rules is allowed to buy property in Indonesia but after you use its and you decide to back to Indonesia you only can sell to Indonesian Citizen Only

Fred

frendyhoras wrote:

Follow with the new rules is allowed to buy property in Indonesia but after you use its and you decide to back to Indonesia you only can sell to Indonesian Citizen Only


I understand this may be correct BUT, the new law is yet to be enforced.
I'm unsure who will be able to buy but it may only be those covered by the new law. eg - People married to an Indonesian for more than two years.

This must be checked as I'm unsure.;

Articles to help you in your expat project in Indonesia

  • Accommodation in Medan
    Accommodation in Medan

    Located on the island of Sumatra, in the Port of Belawan, Medan is recognized as the gateway to the wilds ...

  • Accommodation in Jakarta
    Accommodation in Jakarta

    The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is a dynamic city in many ways. Beyond its busy streets and heavy ...

  • Buying property in Bali
    Buying property in Bali

    Should your experience as an expatriate in Bali make you want to settle down permanently, you might want ...

  • Popular neighbourhoods in Bali
    Popular neighbourhoods in Bali

    Bali is regarded as one of Indonesia's smallest islands with a large population but is home to ...

  • Choosing your neighbourhood in Jakarta
    Choosing your neighbourhood in Jakarta

    Jakarta is a large city made up of exciting and thriving districts. Some are upmarket and well-known for their ...

  • Renting, my experience
    Renting, my experience

    I  have been  renting an apartment for the past 9 months and the contract is due for renewal in March. ...

  • Working in Bali
    Working in Bali

    The multi-faceted island of Bali offers many opportunities for those who wish to move from tourist to ...

  • Driving in Indonesia
    Driving in Indonesia

    Traffic in Indonesia can be very overwhelming, particularly since the discipline and road conditions can ...

All of Indonesia's guide articles