by Fahra Rizwari
By Fahra Rizwari
CEO, Noble Properties Asia
Relocating to Indonesia can feel like stepping into a new adventure—exotic culture, exciting food, warm weather, and friendly faces. But there’s one thing that expats are rarely warned about: navigating Indonesia’s chaotic, unregulated property market without falling into a trap.
If you’re fortunate to have a company-sponsored relocation package, then you’re likely working with professionals—destination service providers who offer a comprehensive experience: school searches, driving license support, settling-in services, neighborhood tours, and a personalized home search. Yes, it’s a premium service. But it’s also what sets you up for success—both professionally and personally.
But what happens when you don’t have that support? You turn to Google, Facebook expat groups, WhatsApp threads, or a friend’s contact. And that’s when things start to get messy.
The Illusion of “Free” and the Real Price You Pay
In Indonesia, real estate agents do not require a license to operate. There’s no central regulation, no verified database, and no official code of conduct. Anyone can call themselves an “agent,” and many do.
Because landlords typically pay the agent’s commission upon signing, many expats believe they’re receiving a free service—and while technically true, this mindset has created an ecosystem where agents are expected to give their all, while being treated with little to no respect.
Imagine this: an agent spends several days preparing listings, driving an expat around, negotiating with landlords, translating documents, and following up tirelessly—only for the expat to go silent, or worse, sign with another agent or directly with a landlord. No explanation. No appreciation. Nothing.
Unfortunately, this behavior is not uncommon.
Let’s Talk About Expat Behavior: Entitlement vs. Professionalism
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: some expats come to Indonesia with a mindset that’s deeply entitled.
They assume that because they’re the ones bringing the budget, they are automatically in charge of how agents work, when they work, and how far they should go. They request late-night viewings. They demand ten property visits in one day. They cancel last minute or change plans without informing anyone. And worst of all—they treat their agents as if they are beneath them, simply because they’re not paying for the service.
Let’s pause right there.
Just because you’re not paying doesn’t mean the service has no value. It is paid—just not by you. Someone is investing time, energy, fuel, expertise, and emotional labor into making sure you don’t end up in a neighborhood you hate or with a contract you can’t understand.
That kind of value deserves at least professional courtesy and human respect.
Being kind, being responsive, and being transparent costs you nothing. But it builds trust and ensures you’re treated with equal professionalism in return. The dynamic between agent and client should be collaborative—not transactional and certainly not hierarchical.
When Trust is Abused: A Real Scam Story
Let’s talk about the flip side—what happens when expats don’t work with a real professional.
A few months ago, a European couple relocated to Jakarta. They were independent, adventurous, and confident they could figure things out themselves. They found an agent on Facebook, received a few listings, and were told they had to act fast or risk losing a beautiful unit in South Jakarta.
Without verifying the agent’s credentials or viewing the property in person, they transferred USD $3,000 to “secure” the lease.
The agent disappeared. The property never existed. The landlord had never heard of the agent. Their entire housing budget? Gone.
The worst part? After being scammed, they refused to trust any agent again. They became hostile, cynical, and angry with anyone offering assistance—even the genuine ones. They had been burned, yes—but they also chose to bypass the professionals because they didn’t want to pay or follow proper procedure.
Why You Should Stick With One Agent — And How to Do It Right
Unlike in many developed countries, exclusive listings are rare in Indonesia. Landlords often give access to multiple agents at once. This doesn’t mean you should shop agents like you’re browsing Airbnb. It means you need to choose one agent you trust—and be clear and honest with them.
If you see a property online, send it to your agent. Ask them to verify it. Don’t go behind their back thinking you’re being clever—chances are, your agent already knows the listing, or will find a safer, better deal for you.
Play smart. Not smug.
What Real Professionalism Looks Like
At Noble Properties Asia, we take pride in being honest, experienced, and ethical. We don’t just show houses—we help expats find a place where they feel secure, welcomed, and supported.
Our team includes skilled, multilingual professionals who understand both the local landscape and the expectations of international clients. We provide guidance not just during the house hunt—but throughout your integration into life in Indonesia.
And while our commission may be paid by the landlord, our loyalty is to you, the client.
All we ask in return is this:
- Treat us like professionals.
- Respect the time we invest.
- Communicate openly.
- Don’t take advantage of a “free” service.
Because free doesn’t mean limitless. And it certainly doesn’t mean disposable. We’re not just here to open doors—we’re here to help you find your place
Welcome to Indonesia.
Let’s build your life here—with trust, respect, and the right guidance.
Noble Properties Asia is here to help you do just that.
