Finding Housing in Indonesia
Indonesia offers diverse housing options at significantly lower costs than most Western countries. The rental market is well-established for expats, especially in Bali.
Housing Types
Kos (Boarding Room): Basic room, often shared facilities. $100-300/month. Common for students and budget travelers.
Apartment: Modern units in buildings, more common in Jakarta. $400-1,500/month depending on location and amenities.
House (Rumah): Traditional houses, often with garden. $300-1,000/month.
Villa: The Bali specialty - standalone properties, often with pool. $600-5,000+/month.
Bali Rental Market
Canggu (Digital Nomad Hub):
- Studio/1BR: $500-1,000/month
- 2BR villa with pool: $1,200-2,500/month
- Premium villa: $3,000-6,000/month
Ubud (Culture/Nature):
- Basic: $300-500/month
- Nice villa: $600-1,500/month
Seminyak (Upscale/Nightlife):
- 1BR: $600-1,200/month
- Premium: $2,000-5,000/month
Uluwatu (Surf/Cliffs):
- Budget: $400-700/month
- Villa: $800-2,000/month
Jakarta Rental Market
| Area | 1BR Apartment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Central (SCBD/Sudirman) | $800-1,500 | Business district |
| South Jakarta | $500-1,000 | Expat area, good facilities |
| North/East | $300-600 | More affordable |
Where to Search
Online platforms:
- Facebook groups ("Bali Housing", "Jakarta Apartments")
- Rumah.com
- OLX Indonesia
- Airbnb (for initial stays, then negotiate monthly)
On the ground: Often better deals walking/driving around areas with "Disewakan" (for rent) signs.
Lease Terms & Negotiation
Standard terms:
- Monthly: Available but 20-40% more expensive
- 6-month: Moderate discount
- Annual: Best rates (negotiate 20-40% off monthly rate)
- Payment: Usually full upfront for discounted rates
What to negotiate:
- Price (always negotiate)
- Utilities included (electricity, water, wifi)
- Cleaning/pool service
- Scooter/motorbike included
- Furniture additions
Legal Considerations
Foreigners cannot own land in Indonesia. Options:
- Hak Pakai (Right to Use): 25-30 years, extendable
- Nominee arrangement: Indonesian holds title - risky, not legally protected
- PT PMA (Foreign company): Can hold Hak Guna Bangunan for commercial use
For most expats, long-term renting is simpler and lower risk than buying.
Utilities
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $30-100 (depends on AC use) |
| Water | $5-15 |
| Internet (fiber) | $25-50 |
| Gas | $5-10 |
| Cleaning service | $50-150 (2-3x/week) |
Tips for Housing
- Book Airbnb for first week, then search in person
- Dry season (May-Sep) has more inventory and negotiating power
- Check water pressure, wifi speed, and AC before committing
- Ask about generator for power outages (common in some areas)
- Confirm what happens if you leave early
Pro Tips
- •Always negotiate - first price is rarely final
- •Annual lease upfront payment gets the best rates
- •Check AC and wifi quality before signing
- •Facebook groups have the best Bali housing deals
- •Don't buy property - foreigner ownership is complex and risky
Have questions about housing in Indonesia?