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Can Singaporeans buy property in Indonesia? A 2026 guide
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With great connections back to Singapore and relatively low housing costs, Indonesian destinations like Batam and Bali are popular places to buy property. Investors or people working abroad may also look at cities like Jakarta, where apartment prices can be accessible, and are just a short flight from loved ones in Singapore.
So, can Singaporeans buy property in Indonesia and what rules apply? This guide walks through all you need to know. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.
This guide is for information only and isn’t legal, tax or immigration advice. Property rules can change, and your eligibility may depend on the property type, location, visa status and purchase structure. Get advice from a qualified Indonesian legal advisor before buying.
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Can Singaporeans buy property in Indonesia?
Yes. Singaporeans can buy property in Indonesia, but there are limits on the type of property you can purchase.
When it comes to buying property in Indonesia, foreigners generally do not get the same rights as Indonesian citizens. Property ownership is split into different legal structures, and foreigners are usually entitled to own only under some of these, with others restricted to Indonesian citizens¹.
Generally, foreigners can buy Indonesian property under the Hak Pakai (Right to Use) structure. This is similar to a leasehold, and allows foreigners to own a property but not the land it sits on, subject to meeting other qualifying conditions.
Do Singaporeans need residency in Indonesia to buy property?
Some Indonesian real estate sources report that foreign buyers may be able to buy certain property types with a valid passport, without needing residency first.²
However, eligibility can depend on the property type, location, minimum price thresholds and how the purchase is structured. Check this with a qualified Indonesian legal advisor before making an offer.
Can Singaporeans own land in Indonesia?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to buy land in Indonesia as a Singaporean. Foreigners generally cannot hold the Hak Milik freehold title needed to own land outright.
What property rights can foreigners have in Indonesia?
It’s helpful to understand the Indonesian system of property ownership rights, so you can know what to search for when you’re looking for a new home in Indonesia. Here’s an overview:
| Property right | What it means | Can foreigners usually use it? |
|---|---|---|
| Hak Milik | Freehold ownership of land | No |
| Hak Pakai | Right to use property, similar to leasehold | Yes, usually |
| Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) | Right to build, often through a company structure | Sometimes |
| Nominee ownership | Indonesian nominee holds title on behalf of a foreigner | High risk |
What is Hak Pakai?
Hak Pakai confers the right to use a property - much like a leasehold. You’ll usually get the right to use a property for 30 years, which could be extended depending on the situation.
This is the most common route to Indonesian property ownership for Singaporeans.
What is HGB and when does it apply?
Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build), more commonly known as HGB, is another option open to foreigners looking to buy a place in Indonesia. As the name suggests, this confers the right to build - which makes this a more common choice for people looking to construct a business property in Indonesia.
HGB ownership can be managed through a foreign owned Indonesian company, and as HGB agreements usually last for 30 years, with the option to extend for up to a further 50 years, this is a popular choice for businesses looking for long term security of their assets overseas.
Indonesian Nominee Ownership
Indonesian Nominee Ownership involves a foreigner using an Indonesian to legally hold the Hak Milik freehold title of a place. This is done to get around the law which prevents foreigners from owning land.
Indonesian Nominee Ownership is a risky and legally dubious approach to owning property in Indonesia. While it does happen, buyers have few rights - if any - under law, as they’re using a workaround to avoid the legal ban on owning land. This can leave you vulnerable to scams and fraud, which can be a costly mistake.
How to buy property in Indonesia as a Singaporean
Buying a property overseas won’t work in the same way as you may expect when buying a place in Singapore.
Here are some outline steps to know about - but remember that having a professional guide you through the process is the safest option to avoid surprises and make sure you buy in a legally compliant and lower-risk way.
Step 1: Find an agent and legal advisor
Buying a property in Indonesia can be complicated and risky, so having a good local team on hand is essential.
There are plenty of agents who are used to supporting expat buyers in popular areas - search for support based on the location you intend to buy in, so you have someone on the ground to help.
Step 2: Make an offer and negotiate the final sale price
After viewing properties and finding the right place for your needs, you can work with your agent to make an offer and negotiate the details with the seller.
Step 3: Property inspections and due diligence
Before any money changes hands, there are some preliminary checks to work through, which your legal advisor can help with. You’ll need to check if the seller is legally entitled to sell the property, and have your lawyer carry out checks on building permissions, zoning laws and other important factors.
These checks are to ensure the sale is legally allowable and that there are no outstanding debts or issues you may inherit with the home when you buy it.
Step 4: Sign the preliminary agreement and pay a deposit
You’ll now need to sign the sale and purchase agreement (Perjanjian Pengikatan Jual Beli), often in front of a notary.
At this stage, you can also pay a deposit, which may be 10% or more, depending on the details you’ve negotiated with the seller as part of the sale agreement.
Step 5: Calculate and pay purchase taxes
Buying a property in Indonesia means paying purchase tax, which should be done in advance of completion.
Your agent and legal advisor can help with this step to calculate your dues correctly and ensure secure payment.
Step 6: Complete the purchase and pay the remaining money to the seller
You’ll need to go to a notary with the seller and take along your ID. Here, the notary will read out the agreement to ensure understanding, and you can sign alongside the seller to confirm the deal.
At this point, you must also pay any remaining monies to the seller.
Step 7: Register the sale with the local authorities
The final step is to have the purchase properly registered at the land office. This may take a little time, but your legal advisor can help.
How much does it cost to buy property in Indonesia?
The costs of properties in Indonesia depend on the property type, age, size and location among other things.
One good way to get a feel for the likely prices you’ll pay can be to compare the prices for apartments on Numbeo. Numbeo aggregates cost of living data on a city level, from users around the world. This can be a handy way to compare relative costs of different cities in Indonesia if you’re unsure of where to look.
Here are the costs of buying a city apartment in a couple of key destinations, as an example. As data is live and changes all the time, you’ll want to check the latest before deciding where it can suit your needs.
| Location | Price per square meter (city center) | Price per square meter (outside city center) |
|---|---|---|
| Jakarta³ | 3,619.01 SGD | 1,805.47 SGD |
| Denpasar (Bali) ⁴ | 2,830.89 SGD | 1,060.54 SGD |
| Yogyakarta⁵ | 2,224.04 SGD | 296.54 SGD |
*Details correct at time of research - 21st April 2026
Upfront costs
As well as the costs of your new home in Indonesia, you may also incur some additional fees and charges. These may vary depending on how you arrange the purchase and how you make the required payments. Consider budgeting for things like:
- Luxury Goods Sales Tax if your property is priced above the threshold for this tax
- Standard property purchase tax and legal fees (more on that next)
- Currency conversion and transfer costs - sending money from SGD to IDR can mean paying fees, including costs rolled into the exchange rates used to convert your payments. Providers like Wise can help reduce these additional charges by offering the mid-market rate
Taxes and legal fees
Taxes and legal fees can depend on the specific property and how you arrange your purchase. Common costs to consider include⁶:
- Property Transfer Tax - Usually 5% of property price
- Legal Fees - Can be from 0.5% - 1.5% of property price
- Notary Fees - 1% - 2.5% of property price
As tax on property purchases can be complex, you’ll need to get individual advice if you consider buying property in Indonesia to make sure you comply with all the relevant rules.
Can Singaporeans buy property in Batam?
Singaporeans can buy property in Batam or Bintan under the sale rules as elsewhere in Indonesia. Buying a place in Batam is popular thanks to the close proximity to Singapore and the ease of access by ferry in under 45 minutes on many routes.
Can Singaporeans buy property in Bali?
Yes. Property in Bali follows Indonesia’s national foreign ownership rules, and as such Singaporeans can buy subject to the rules set out in this guide. Bali is popular with Singaporeans as a nearby holiday destination with both beaches and countryside, and a laidback lifestyle.
What else should Singaporeans buying property in Indonesia know?
Can I take a home loan in Indonesia?
Some banks in Indonesia do offer loans to foreigners, but you may find you need to be a resident to take advantage of this. Look at global banks like HSBC⁷ which have a presence in Indonesia, or work with a local broker to find the best deal for your needs.
How easily can a Singaporean live in Indonesia?
Singapore passport holders can enter Indonesia for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism purposes. This visa-free stay can’t be extended. If you’re staying longer, working, studying or living in Indonesia, you’ll need the right visa or stay permit. Owning property in Indonesia does not automatically give you the right to live there.
Planning a viewing trip before buying? Read the Wise guide to travelling to Indonesia from Singapore for more on visa options, entry rules and ways to travel between Singapore and Indonesia.
Cheapest places to buy property in Indonesia
Indonesia has a huge range of housing options - and therefore prices. If you’re thinking of Bali, good deals can be had on the south coast - or for a cheaper city compared to Jakarta, consider Yogyakarta instead.
Paying in Indonesian Rupiah? Save money by making a secure transfer with Wise
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Singaporeans can buy property in Indonesia, but foreign buyers are usually limited to certain ownership structures, such as Hak Pakai. You generally can’t own freehold land under Hak Milik, and nominee ownership can be legally risky.
Before buying in Indonesia, get local legal advice, check the title and zoning rules, and budget for taxes, notary fees, legal fees and currency conversion costs.
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Sources used:
- Lawzana legal website
- Balitecture realty
- Numbeo - Jakarta
- Numbeo - Denpasar
- Numbeo - Yogyakarta
- Global Property Guide - Indonesia
- HSBC Indonesia
- MFA - Indonesia
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
