Property Legal & Documents Guide
The right documents are the foundation of a safe deal.
In property, many big problems trace back to documents that weren't checked carefully. Duplicate certificates, mismatched boundaries, or the wrong form of title can lead to disputes that drain time and money. This topic explains property legalities in plain language.
You'll understand the difference between SHM, HGB, and AJB, how to verify a certificate's authenticity with the land office (BPN) or official services, the title-transfer process and the notary's (PPAT) role, and the taxes a transaction triggers — the seller's PPh and the buyer's BPHTB. We also cover the red flags that should make you pause before paying.
An important note: these articles are general education, not legal advice. For specific cases, always involve a licensed notary or PPAT.
All articles in this topic
11 articles
Legal & Documents AJB vs PPJB: The Difference and When Each Is Used
A clear guide to the difference between AJB and PPJB in Indonesian property deals, when each one applies, and the risks of a transaction that never moves past PPJB.
Legal & Documents Understanding Taxes in Property Transactions
A practical guide to the taxes involved in buying and selling property in Indonesia, covering the seller's income tax, the buyer's acquisition duty, and why both must be paid before any deed can be signed.
Legal & Documents The Role of Notaries and PPAT in Property Deals
A clear guide to understanding how notaries and PPAT officers work together in Indonesian property transactions, from drafting the deed of sale to completing the title transfer at BPN.
Legal & Documents Understanding PBG, the Replacement for IMB, and How to Obtain One
A clear guide to PBG, the building approval that replaced Indonesia's old IMB permit: how it differs, why it matters when buying, selling, or applying for a mortgage, and how to apply through SIMBG.
Legal & Documents Understanding the Certificate Transfer Process
A practical guide to transferring a land certificate title after a property purchase in Indonesia, covering the role of a PPAT, required documents, and tax obligations.
Legal & Documents How to Verify a Land Certificate
A practical guide to verifying land certificate authenticity before a property transaction, covering certificate types, online tools, and red flags to watch for.
Legal & Documents Understanding SHM HGB and AJB Documents
A practical guide to three key property documents in Indonesia, SHM, HGB, and AJB, including how to verify certificates and transfer ownership after a sale.
Legal & Documents How to Convert Girik Land into a Freehold Certificate (SHM)
A practical guide to girik land in Indonesia: what it actually is, why converting it to SHM matters, the BPN first-time registration route, required documents, and the risks of buying land that is still girik.
Legal & Documents How to Transfer an Inherited Property Title (Balik Nama Warisan)
A step-by-step guide to transferring an inherited property title in Indonesia: the death certificate, heir statements, inheritance BPHTB, and reaching agreement among heirs before disputes start.
Legal & Documents How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Land Certificate
A practical guide to replacing a lost or damaged Indonesian land certificate: the police report, sworn statement, public announcement, and the documents BPN requires.
Legal & Documents How to Avoid Land Disputes When Buying
A practical guide to understanding land rights, verifying certificates, and completing the right legal steps before buying property in Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between SHM, HGB, and AJB?
SHM (freehold title) is the strongest ownership right, with no time limit. HGB (right to build) grants the right to erect a building for a set term and can be extended. AJB (deed of sale) isn't an ownership certificate but the deed that underpins the title-transfer process.
How do I verify a certificate is genuine?
You can check with the local land office (BPN) or official services like the Sentuh Tanahku app, then match the owner details, number, and boundaries. For extra safety, involve a PPAT during the sale.
What taxes arise when buying or selling a house?
The seller usually pays a final PPh on the transfer of rights, while the buyer pays BPHTB — each a percentage of the transaction value or the NJOP, whichever is higher. There are also notary/PPAT and title-transfer fees.