Why Expats Prefer Landed Houses over Apartments
When relocating to a bustling metropolis like Jakarta, choosing the right type of housing is crucial for comfort, convenience, and lifestyle compatibility. While apartments may seem like the default choice in major cities, many expatriates in South Jakarta actively seek out landed houses—and for good reason.
🏡 More Space, More Comfort
Landed houses typically offer significantly more space compared to apartments. With larger indoor areas, multiple living rooms, and expansive outdoor spaces, these homes are ideal for families, especially those with young children or pets. Many landed houses in Jakarta come with 3 to 5 bedrooms, separate maid quarters, and private gardens or yards—luxuries rarely available in vertical housing.
🌳 Greater Privacy and Tranquility
Apartments often come with shared walls, elevators, and common areas, which can limit privacy. In contrast, landed homes provide a more private and quiet environment. With your own entrance, backyard, and no upstairs or downstairs neighbors, you can enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle—something highly valued by expats seeking rest and balance after busy workdays.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Oriented Living
Many expatriates move to Jakarta with their families, and landed houses naturally cater to their needs. Children have the freedom to play in safe outdoor areas, while parents benefit from having separate spaces for work, rest, and leisure. The proximity to international schools like Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), Lycee Français, or Nord Anglia also makes these homes a practical option.
🛠️ Customization and Flexibility
Unlike apartments where renovation and design changes are restricted by building regulations, landed house tenants often have more freedom to modify the interiors. Whether you want to repaint, install a small playground, or rearrange the garden layout, the flexibility that comes with landed living is highly attractive to long-term residents.
🌐 Better Connection to the Local Community
Landed homes—especially those in low-rise neighborhoods like Kemang or Cipete—allow expats to engage more with the local community. Whether it’s joining neighborhood gatherings or simply interacting with your neighbors over the garden fence, living in a landed house helps create a deeper sense of belonging and cultural immersion.
🚗 Dedicated Parking and Easier Access
Parking can be a hassle in apartment buildings, especially when dealing with limited slots or tight spaces. Most landed houses in Jakarta offer private garages or carports, making daily commuting more convenient—especially for expats with personal drivers or families with multiple vehicles.
🔐 Secure Compounds and Gated Clusters
While some may worry about security, many landed houses in South Jakarta are located in gated clusters or exclusive compounds that offer 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, and controlled access points. These provide the same peace of mind offered by high-rise apartments, with the added benefits of space and freedom.
Looking for a private villa with a garden?
→ Browse our landed houses for rent in Kemang area
Types of Landed Houses Available in South Jakarta
South Jakarta offers a diverse selection of landed properties to suit various expat preferences:
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Modern Townhouses: Usually located in secure compounds with shared facilities like playgrounds and swimming pools.
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Tropical Villas: Spacious, open-concept homes with lush gardens, private pools, and natural airflow.
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Colonial-style Homes: Elegant properties with classic European design, high ceilings, and generous land plots.
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Contemporary Minimalist Homes: Clean architecture, open layouts, and smart-home integration.
Popular neighborhoods for these homes include Cipete, Kemang, Cilandak, Pondok Indah, and Dharmawangsa, where many expat families live.
Advantages of Living in a Landed House
Living in a landed house provides a variety of benefits, especially for expats:
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Privacy and Space: Ideal for working from home or entertaining guests.
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Family-Friendly: Great for families with children, offering safe play areas and pet-friendly environments.
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Flexibility: You can renovate, redesign, or landscape according to your taste.
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Outdoor Living: Enjoy barbecues, small gardening, or simply relax by the pool in your private backyard.
These advantages make landed homes not only more comfortable but also more personal than most apartment units.
Prefer a compound home with security and facilities?
→ Explore houses for rent in Executive Paradise Complex, Cilandak
Things to Consider Before Renting a Landed House
Before signing a rental agreement for a landed house in Jakarta, expats should keep the following in mind:
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Legal Documents: Ensure the property has proper certificates (IMB, PBB, etc.).
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Maintenance Responsibility: Unlike apartments, maintenance is usually the tenant’s responsibility unless stated otherwise.
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Rental Terms: Most landlords require at least a 1–2 year lease paid in advance.
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Security and Location: Look for properties in secure neighborhoods with 24/7 guards or compounds with controlled access.
Working with a trusted local agent can help you navigate these concerns more efficiently.
Need a home near international schools?
→ View family-friendly homes near Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
How to Find the Perfect Landed House in South Jakarta
Finding the right landed house begins with understanding your family’s lifestyle. Do you need to be near an international school? Is a swimming pool a must? How many bedrooms are ideal?
Working with a property expert like Putu Rahmawati can simplify the process. She specializes in expat-friendly homes in areas like Kemang and Cipete and can guide you through viewings, negotiations, and contracts.
📞 Ready to Rent a Landed House in South Jakarta?
Contact Putu Rahmawati at +62 812 9156 4018 for exclusive listings of tropical villas, family homes, and secure townhouses in prime expat neighborhoods