When choosing a property in Indonesia, many people wonder, “what is a condo” and “what is an apartment?” The terms "apartment" and "condo" are often used interchangeably, but there are some important differences between them. Let's take a closer look.
Content:
- Apartment meaning
- Condominiums definition
- Ownership: Key differences
- How apartments differ from condos in terms of service levels and utilities
- Apartment or condo: Pros and cons
- How do I decide between an apartment and a condominium?
Apartment meaning
Classic apartments in Indonesia are typically owned by a single entity, such as a developer or a company. In contrast, individual units in a condo are usually rented out. Residents cannot purchase flats as private real estate but instead, they pay rent to the owner or management company.
The maintenance and management of the block is usually the responsibility of the developer or management company. They take care of repairs and maintenance of the common areas. In return, the tenants pay rent, including the cost of all management services.
Condominiums definition
What is a condominium? A condo is also a flat within a residential complex. However, upon purchase, you become a full owner of the real estate and share in the common areas and facilities of the complex.
The difference between a condo and vs apartment is that a condo is located in a building that does not belong to a single owner. The building is divided into units, each owned by a specific owner. Simultaneously, the common non-residential areas are jointly owned by all the individual owners.
In condos, the owners of individual units have greater control over the management of their real estate and common areas. They often form an association or council to make decisions about maintenance, security and other issues. Condo owners are responsible for paying for maintenance.
Ownership: Key differences
Apartment tenants do not own the property; they live based on a lease with the owner or management company.
A condo is privately owned by the buyer. The buyer can sell, rent or mortgage the real estate at his or her discretion, subject to the rules and regulations of the owners' association.
The transfer of ownership typically entails the sale of the entire building or complex from one person to another.
The process of transferring ownership of a condo is much more flexible, as individual units can be bought and sold without affecting the entire complex.
It’s important to note that ownership is only granted to citizens of the country. Until recently, foreigners could only buy flats and villas in Indonesia with the right of long-term ownership, with a maximum term of 80 years, including extensions. Starting in 2021, the Indonesian government will allow foreigners to buy real estate on a private basis, but only in certain residential projects in areas classified as free economic zones. Additionally, property will only be transferred to full ownership if its value exceeds the threshold set by law. For the popular island of Bali, this threshold is USD 140,000.
It’s also important to note that the legal framework for flats and condominiums may vary from one Indonesian city or region to another. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult local property specialists for detailed information.
How apartments differ from condos in terms of service levels and utilities
The level of services and utilities in condominiums and apartments varies depending on the specific property, its location and its management. However, the following differences can be highlighted between these two types of housing:
- In Indonesia, condos typically feature individual water, electricity and gas meters. The owner is responsible for setting up and paying utility bills directly to the service provider. This allows for better control over consumption and billing amounts. Conversely, in flats, utilities are often included in the monthly rent. Tenants do not need to set up separate accounts in their name with utility companies as the cost of utilities is usually covered by the property owner or management company.
- Condominiums usually offer a wider range of services. These complexes often feature 24-hour security, common area maintenance, landscaping, garbage collection, pest control and more. The level of service in flats varies greatly. Some upscale ones offer residents high-quality services, while more affordable or older buildings may not have such services at all.
- Condominiums typically offer a wider range of amenities than flats. They often have gyms, swimming pools, roof gardens, playgrounds, meeting rooms and more.
Apartment or condo: Pros and cons
So which one is better? Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of each.
Pros of classic apartments:
- More budget-friendly costs.
- Management companies handle all technical maintenance, repairs and upkeep of common areas, relieving tenants of these responsibilities.
- Utilities are included in the rent, simplifying monthly payments.
- Flexible rental terms: You can rent it for a short period while you decide on a permanent area or city.
Disadvantages:
- No ownership rights.
- Tenants have less say in property management decisions.
- Fewer amenities and may lack quality services.
Advantages of condominiums:
- Ownership rights that allow property to be used as an investment.
- Presence of pools, gyms, spas and other amenities for residents' leisure and recreation in condominium complexes.
- Control over the management of the property through an association or condominium council. Owners have voting rights in the allocation of maintenance funds, the selection of service providers and the establishment of rules and regulations of the association.
Disadvantages of condominiums:
- Owners are responsible for paying their utility bills.
- Strict rules set by the condominium association, which may include restrictions on letting, pet ownership, renovations, etc.
- Selling a property is more difficult than simply moving out of a rented property, e.g. if you decide to move to another area or city.
How do I decide between an apartment and a condominium?
If your budget is not limited, choosing a condominium is advisable. You will have the freedom to use the property as you please. Additionally, condos often feature swimming pools, children's playgrounds, gyms and other amenities. For investors aiming to generate rental income, a condo-hotel format is suitable, where you can purchase several units and rent them out through a management company.
Apartments in buildings without amenities are suitable for those seeking a more budget-friendly property option or those who have not yet decided which area or city they want to settle in permanently.
If you are looking for a place to live in Indonesia, it’s worth considering both rental apartments and condominiums. You can find examples of properties in both categories with photos, complete with detailed features and prices on our website. For your convenience, we have compiled various property options in one catalogue, ranging from condominiums under construction to apartments on the secondary market. You can sort properties by price, location, total area and several other parameters. It’s also easy to compare costs using real examples and choose the best option for your future purchase.