GOOD NEWS!

Jakarta has an oversupply of luxury apartments and condominiums! Having lived in Europe for most of my life, where high-rise apartment buildings are often associated with lower-income housing, I was surprised to find that this is not the case in Jakarta.

 I was amazed by the skyscrapers and the high quality of what are considered luxury condos in Jakarta. All luxury apartments come with 24-hour concierge service, and the building amenities are next level!!.  You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools—some even offer heated pools (which, in this climate, seems a bit unnecessary, right?). Private Gyms, Children’s playgrounds, Barbecue areas, Basketball courts, Tennis courts, Squash courts, Jacuzzis, Saunas, and Spas are common features.

Some buildings even have their own supermarket, hair salon, pharmacy, small zoo and even atm centre! How crazy is that?

CONVENIENCE AND PRIVACY

Many of these high-rise apartments compete to offer residents the most convenient living experience. Naturally, the more you’re willing to spend, the better the facilities, location, and modern comforts you’ll enjoy. Most of these apartments are located in the city centre, providing easy access to offices, MRT stations, and even private connections to upscale shopping malls.

However, as I mentioned before, Indonesians are accustomed to having live-in helpers, and this extends to apartment living as well. For this reason, most apartments don’t come equipped with dishwashers, as it’s typical for household staff to handle tasks like washing dishes. It can be frustrating to discover that a dishwasher, something we in the West consider essential, is not a common feature in many apartments. In Indonesia, dishwashers are seen as luxury appliances and are typically found only in the most upscale buildings or newer developments. If having a dishwasher is important to you, I recommend asking your agent to prioritize showing you units that have one, though they may be limited. Alternatively, ask if it’s possible to install one, especially if you prefer not to hire household help.

Due to Jakarta’s notorious traffic, many people choose to live in apartments connected to shopping malls. While this may seem unusual if you come from Western Europe, it offers significant convenience in Jakarta. Having a mall within easy reach makes it simpler to grab groceries, dine out when you don’t feel like cooking, or do some last-minute shopping.

Additionally, many luxury apartments here feature private elevators that lead directly to your unit— a popular trend in the Asian property market. These condominiums emphasize privacy, with some even offering private swimming pools, or “sky pools,” that aren’t shared with other residents. After all, if it’s not private and convenient, can it really be considered luxury?

APARTMENT SIZE AND COST

One major difference I noticed compared to where I’m from is how apartment sizes are measured. Here, unit sizes are listed in “semi-gross” measurements, meaning the actual living space is about 10-15% smaller than what’s advertised. So, while the units may seem spacious on paper, the reality can be a bit different.

Rental prices for apartments range from as low as USD 500 to as much as USD 20,000 per month, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. The smaller and older the apartment, the cheaper it tends to be. If you don’t need to live in Central Jakarta, there are plenty of more affordable options that still offer decent living spaces with good access to public transportation.

Similar to renting a house, apartment rentals in Jakarta typically require upfront payment. However, due to the large supply of apartments, many owners are more flexible with rental terms. You can often secure a 12-month lease instead of the usual 24 months, and some owners even offer shorter terms, such as 6 months. The rent usually includes the monthly apartment service charge, which covers maintenance of public areas and facilities. However, utilities such as internet, cable TV, AC maintenance, water, and electricity are not included.

Keep in mind, electricity in Jakarta isn’t cheap. It’s a good idea to budget at least USD 300 or more per month for utilities, depending on the size of your unit.

FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED?

Most apartment units come fully furnished, so you won’t have to worry about sourcing or importing furniture from your home country. In fact, it’s more challenging to find an unfurnished unit, as most owners furnish their apartments before putting them on the market. The interior design might not match what you’re used to back home, so my advice is to first focus on finding the right building that meets your needs. Once you’ve got that, you can then look for a layout and interior style that suits your taste.

Another important thing to know is that renting furniture in Indonesia is a viable option, with several providers offering a wide range of styles to suit your taste. From American classic and contemporary designs to Scandinavian-style furniture, these rental services cover a variety of preferences. If you’re looking for flexibility, renting furniture can be an ideal solution, especially for shorter-term stays.

Indonesia is also renowned for its high-quality teak wood furniture. Local craftsmen produce world-class pieces known for their durability, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Whether you prefer traditional or modern designs, the range of locally made furniture is impressive and often comes at a more affordable price than you’d expect.

If you have specific requirements, custom-made furniture is widely available. You can have pieces tailored to your exact preferences at a reasonable cost, thanks to the skilled artisans across the country. For more immediate needs—especially for families with children—IKEA has several locations, offering quick and affordable solutions for functional furniture.

Whether you choose to rent or buy, rest assured, Indonesia provides a wide variety of furniture options to suit your needs and style preferences.

SERVICED VS NON-SERVICED APARTMENTS

Jakarta offers both serviced and non-serviced apartments, primarily in the central and southern parts of the city. While the options may not be as numerous as those in Europe or North America, they are still diverse and can accommodate a range of preferences and budgets.

Serviced apartments, typically operated by well-established companies across Asia, provide a hotel-like atmosphere with more space than a standard hotel room. These are often intended for temporary stays until you find permanent accommodation. Many serviced apartments also offer breakfast, making them ideal for business travellers. Although serviced apartments tend to be smaller than non-serviced ones, they still offer ample space for a comfortable stay.

BRINGING YOUR PET TO JAKARTA : CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

If you’re planning to bring your pet with you, I suggest reconsidering. Jakarta is not a particularly pet-friendly city. First off, pet-friendly apartments are very limited, and even if you find one, your furry friend’s movement will still be restricted due to the lack of parks and open spaces. Pets are not allowed in most malls—about 90% prohibit them—and they’re also banned from restaurants and public transportation. Given the city’s layout, there aren’t many places to take your pet for outings. If you’re set on bringing your pet, I highly recommend opting for a house rather than an apartment for more space and flexibility.

Do your research before deciding to bring your pets into the country. The complexities of quarantine, finding pet-friendly accommodation, and ensuring enough outdoor activities for your pets can be overwhelming. On the flip side, while pet-friendly spaces are limited, it has become easier to find good veterinarians, pet shops, and even pet hotels. However, be prepared—these services can be quite expensive.