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Buying property in Jakarta: is it worth it?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Indonesia Property Pack

property investment Jakarta

Yes, the analysis of Jakarta's property market is included in our pack

Jakarta's property market presents solid investment opportunities with rental yields of 5.5-7% and steady capital appreciation of 3-7% annually projected through 2030.

The Indonesian capital offers diverse property options from IDR 22 million per square meter in outer suburbs to IDR 53 million in Central Jakarta's CBD, making it accessible for various investment budgets while foreign ownership rules remain clear and manageable through proper legal structures.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Indonesia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Indonesian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What's the current average price per square meter for apartments and houses in Jakarta?

As of September 2025, Jakarta apartment prices average IDR 35.7 million (USD $2,190) per square meter citywide.

Central Jakarta's CBD commands the highest prices at IDR 52.9 million ($3,240) per sqm, while South Jakarta follows at IDR 40.5 million ($2,480) per sqm. These premium areas attract both local executives and expat professionals seeking modern amenities and proximity to business districts.

More affordable options exist in West Jakarta at IDR 25.0 million ($1,530) per sqm and East Jakarta suburbs at IDR 22.0 million ($1,350) per sqm. These areas offer entry-level opportunities for investors targeting middle-income tenants and local buyers seeking value.

For landed houses, foreign buyers typically face minimum investments starting at IDR 10 billion (about $650,000), though the local market median sits around IDR 2.5 billion ($175,000). This significant price difference reflects legal restrictions and minimum value requirements for foreign ownership.

It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.

How have property prices in Jakarta changed over the past 5 years and what's the forecast for the next 5 to 10 years?

Jakarta residential property prices increased 7.5% cumulatively over the past five years, translating to roughly 1.5% annual growth.

Mid-range apartments experienced stronger performance with 4-6% annual increases over the last three years. Price growth slowed significantly during the pandemic years of 2020-2021 but resumed an upward trajectory from 2023 onwards as economic activity normalized and infrastructure projects resumed.

The forecast for 2025-2035 shows projected annual growth of 3-7%, with major real estate agencies expecting stronger performance in prime districts and emerging areas. Limited supply in desirable locations, ongoing infrastructure upgrades including the Jakarta MRT expansion, and continued urbanization drive this optimistic outlook.

Prime areas like Central Jakarta and South Jakarta are expected to see annual appreciation closer to 5-7%, while outer districts may experience 3-4% growth as they develop better connectivity and amenities. The completion of new toll roads and public transport links should particularly benefit West Jakarta and North Jakarta coastal areas.

Economic fundamentals supporting this growth include Indonesia's expanding middle class, foreign investment in manufacturing, and Jakarta's role as Southeast Asia's second-largest metropolitan economy.

Which neighborhoods in Jakarta are seeing the fastest price growth right now?

Kemang, Cipete, and Tebet are currently experiencing the fastest residential price appreciation in Jakarta.

These South Jakarta neighborhoods benefit from their creative and lifestyle appeal, attracting young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs who drive demand for modern apartments and renovated houses. Kemang specifically has seen 8-12% annual price increases due to its vibrant cafe culture and proximity to international schools.

North Jakarta coastal areas are another growth hotspot, driven by new waterfront developments and improved flood management infrastructure. Areas like Pantai Indah Kapuk and Kelapa Gading have experienced 6-9% annual appreciation as developers launch premium residential projects targeting upper-middle-class buyers.

West Jakarta developing districts, particularly around BSD City and Cengkareng, show rapid growth due to new transportation links and commercial development. The area benefits from proximity to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and new highway connections.

These emerging areas offer the best combination of affordable entry points and strong growth potential, making them attractive for investors seeking capital appreciation over rental yields.

How do property values differ between central Jakarta, South Jakarta, West Jakarta, and the outer suburbs?

Area Price (IDR millions/sqm) Price (USD/sqm) Market Characteristics
Central Jakarta CBD 52.9 $3,240 Premium office district, luxury condos, established market
South Jakarta 40.5 $2,480 Expat hub, international schools, steady appreciation
North Jakarta 32.0 $1,960 Coastal development, new projects, rising values
West Jakarta 25.0 $1,530 Developing infrastructure, high growth potential
East Jakarta suburbs 22.0 $1,350 Affordable entry point, local market focus
Non-prime areas 27.2 $1,670 Mixed development, moderate appreciation
Citywide average 35.7 $2,190 Balanced market with regional variations

What's the typical rental yield for different property types in Jakarta, and how does that compare across areas?

Jakarta rental yields range from 5.5-6.2% citywide for residential properties, with expat-focused areas achieving up to 7%.

SCBD, Kuningan, and Kebayoran Baru deliver the highest yields of 6-7% due to strong demand from multinational companies and expatriate professionals. These areas command premium rents while maintaining high occupancy rates year-round.

Short-term rental properties (Airbnb) can achieve 6-7% yields with 50% average occupancy, though this requires active management and seasonal fluctuations affect performance. December shows particularly strong demand from holiday visitors and business travelers.

Kelapa Gading and North Jakarta areas offer attractive yields of 6-6.5% with lower entry costs, making them popular with yield-focused investors. These areas benefit from proximity to shopping centers and emerging commercial districts.

It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.

How quickly do properties usually rent out in Jakarta, and what's the average vacancy rate?

Well-located Jakarta apartments typically rent out within 1-3 months, with premium properties in SCBD and South Jakarta often securing tenants faster.

The overall market maintains vacancy rates of 35-50% for short-term rentals, while annual lease properties achieve better occupancy at 65-75%. This difference reflects the seasonal nature of short-term accommodation versus stable demand for residential leases.

Larger properties and houses in less central locations require longer marketing periods, sometimes 3-6 months, especially if priced above market rates or lacking modern amenities. Properties with pools, security, and parking rent significantly faster than basic units.

Prime locations like Central Jakarta and established South Jakarta neighborhoods maintain the lowest vacancy rates due to consistent demand from professionals, expatriates, and local executives. Marketing through established property agents and online platforms accelerates rental success.

Seasonal patterns affect rental timing, with January-March and July-August showing peak demand as expatriate families relocate and students seek accommodation near universities and international schools.

What are the transaction costs, taxes, and fees involved in buying property in Jakarta?

Property buyers in Jakarta face total transaction costs of 6.5-9% of the purchase price, excluding mortgage arrangements.

The largest component is the 5% BPHTB (land and building acquisition tax) paid by buyers, followed by notary and PPAT (land deed official) fees of 1-2.5%. Legal fees for due diligence and documentation add another 0.5-1.5% of the transaction value.

New property purchases include 10% VAT, while resale properties avoid this additional cost. Sellers pay 2.5% income tax and up to 5% agent commission, though buyers sometimes negotiate to cover agent fees in competitive markets.

Annual property tax ranges from 0.1-0.5% of assessed value, remaining relatively low compared to other major Asian cities. Foreign buyers should budget additional costs for legal consultation to ensure proper ownership structure and compliance with Indonesian property laws.

Bank mortgage processing, appraisal fees, and insurance add approximately 1-2% to total costs for financed purchases, though most foreign buyers rely on cash transactions due to limited mortgage access.

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investing in real estate in  Jakarta

What legal restrictions exist for foreigners buying property in Jakarta, and how do investors usually navigate them?

Foreign buyers can purchase apartments and condominiums under strata title, plus some landed houses through "Hak Pakai" (Right to Use) arrangements with renewable terms up to 80 years total.

Key requirements include holding KITAS or KITAP (Indonesian residency permits), using properties for residential purposes, and meeting minimum value thresholds of IDR 3-10 billion ($195,000-$650,000) depending on property type and location within Jakarta.

Foreigners cannot obtain "Hak Milik" (freehold ownership) and face restrictions on property flipping or pure rental investment unless operating through an approved PT PMA (foreign investment company) structure. This company route requires significant capital commitment and ongoing compliance obligations.

Due diligence and official registration at BPN (National Land Agency) is essential for securing proper title. Recent regulations have increased reporting requirements for company buyers and layered ownership structures, making legal consultation crucial.

Most foreign investors work with established Indonesian law firms specializing in property transactions to ensure compliance and proper documentation, typically budgeting $2,000-5,000 for comprehensive legal support during purchase.

How much initial budget is needed to buy a property suitable for living versus one aimed at rental income or resale?

Owner-occupiers need minimum budgets of IDR 3-5 billion ($195,000-$325,000) for quality apartments in prime Jakarta areas, while foreign buyers seeking landed houses face IDR 10 billion ($650,000) minimums.

Investment-focused buyers can enter the rental market with studio or 1-bedroom apartments from $29,000 in outer suburbs, though $100,000-$160,000 provides access to well-located units in South Jakarta or Central Jakarta with stronger rental demand and yields.

Resale and value-add investors should budget $200,000-$650,000 to access mid-to-upper-mid market segments with better appreciation potential. This range provides access to modern apartments in emerging areas like Kemang or established properties in premium locations requiring renovation.

Additional costs including transaction fees, legal expenses, and initial furnishing for rental properties add 10-15% to base purchase prices. Foreign buyers should maintain cash reserves for unexpected expenses and property management costs.

Entry-level investment properties under $100,000 typically generate lower yields and appreciation but offer affordable market exposure for first-time Indonesian property investors testing the market before larger commitments.

infographics rental yields citiesJakarta

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Indonesia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What property types are most in demand for buyers and tenants right now?

Modern apartments and townhouses with comprehensive amenities show the strongest buyer and tenant demand in Jakarta's current market.

Essential features driving demand include 24-hour security, swimming pools, fitness centers, proximity to shopping malls, and smart home technology integration. Properties offering these amenities command premium prices and rent faster than basic alternatives.

Traditional landed houses face decreasing demand unless located in premium areas like Menteng or Pondok Indah, where heritage value and exclusivity maintain appeal. Most buyers now prefer gated communities with shared facilities over standalone houses requiring individual maintenance.

Compact apartments (1-2 bedrooms) targeting young professionals and small families show consistent demand, particularly in areas with good public transport connectivity. These units balance affordability with modern living standards expected by Jakarta's growing middle class.

Properties near international schools, hospitals, and business districts maintain premium demand from expatriate families and local executives, making location more important than property size for many buyers and tenants.

What are the short-term, medium-term, and long-term risks of buying property in Jakarta?

Short-term risks (1-2 years) include regulatory changes affecting foreign ownership, oversupply in the premium condominium segment, Indonesian rupiah volatility against the US dollar, and potential macroeconomic shocks affecting employment and purchasing power.

Medium-term risks (3-5 years) encompass interest rate volatility affecting local buyer financing, new supply pipeline in emerging districts potentially depressing prices, infrastructure project delays reducing area attractiveness, and possible tightening of foreign ownership rules as political sentiment shifts.

Long-term risks (10+ years) involve climate change and flooding despite improved infrastructure, evolving zoning laws affecting property use, competition from Nusantara (Indonesia's planned new capital) potentially reducing Jakarta's importance, economic cycles affecting property values, and demographic shifts as Indonesia urbanizes further.

Currency risk affects foreign investors significantly, as property values in Indonesian rupiah may not maintain purchasing power in other currencies during economic volatility. Political stability and regulatory consistency remain key factors for long-term investment success.

Flood risk management improvements have reduced but not eliminated this concern, particularly in North Jakarta and low-lying areas, making location selection and insurance coverage essential considerations for property investors.

If I wanted to position myself today, which area, property type, and budget range would give me the best chance for capital appreciation or rental income?

South Jakarta areas including Kemang, Cipete, and Tebet offer the optimal combination of capital appreciation potential and strong rental yields for investors positioning today.

These neighborhoods benefit from growing appeal among urban professionals, creative industries, and young families while maintaining proximity to Central Jakarta's business districts. Properties here show 8-12% annual appreciation alongside 6-7% rental yields.

Modern apartments and townhouses in residential complexes with amenities represent the ideal property type, targeting the expanding demographic of educated professionals and expatriate workers. These properties rent faster and maintain higher occupancy than traditional alternatives.

Budget ranges of $120,000-$250,000 provide access to premium rental yield properties, while $200,000-$400,000 opens opportunities in central and emerging areas with strong long-term capital appreciation potential. This positioning captures both immediate income and future value growth.

It's something we develop in our Indonesia property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Global Property Guide - Indonesia Price History
  2. BambooRoutes - Average House Price Jakarta
  3. Airbtics - Airbnb Revenue Jakarta
  4. DSG Pay - Buying Property Indonesia Foreigners
  5. Emerhub - Property Laws Indonesia
  6. BambooRoutes - Jakarta Real Estate Trends
  7. Juwai Asia - Jakarta Property News
  8. Cekindo - Buy House Indonesia
  9. BambooRoutes - Jakarta Real Estate Market
  10. Mordor Intelligence - Indonesia Real Estate Market