Expanding Indonesia - More apartments being developed in response to demand

With continuing economic growth in Indonesia, giving increase to higher per capita GDP, the property market is still rapidly expanding, particularly in the larger cities including Jakarta (the economic and political centre of Indonesia). By next year, 46 new property projects will add almost 25,000 new apartments in Jakarta (‘strata title’, a term referring to the multi-level apartment blocks and horizontal subdivisions with shared areas), with a combined value of approximately IDR23trillion (almost USD$2billion).

With demand and values on the rise in Jakarta, vertical infrastructure is the most lucrative and efficient strategy to engage in property business. The majority of new apartments currently under construction, target Jakarta’s middle class segment affording to spend approximately IDR200 to 500million (USD$17,000 to 43,000), on an apartment. Analysts claim there are no signs of a property bubble arising in Indonesia. The main argument being that the majority of new apartments (around 70%), is purchased by end-users rather than speculative buyers.

New government will positively rebound property market

The new government is expected to support property growth, as demand for residential properties is on the increase.

Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla’s success in winning the presidential race is believed to be influential towards accelerating the property market during the second half of 2014, as numerous property developers and investors have left speculation mode in terms of investment.

The peaceful political process has also been viewed positively, strengthening market confidence towards the future of the country’s property sector. Additionally, active transactions were viewed during the month of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri, further signalling optimism that the property market is bouncing back.

Hendra Hartono, property consultant and CEO of Leads Property Indonesia, alongside Joyp Rusli, chief marketing officer of Lippohomes, expressed confidence in the property sector for the third quarter this year. 

Plans to enable foreigners to purchase property in Indonesia

Congratulations to Joko Widodo who was yesterday announced as the new president. During his campaign in the lead up to the Indonesia presidential election 2014, Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, announced intentions to allow foreigners to purchase apartments. This is in an attempt to increase tax revenues; and investor demand may begin to rush towards low prices in the luxury market.

If plans are to go forward, foreign investors will be able to purchase apartments worth at least 2.5billion rupiah in the Jakarta capital, as well as other major cities and within Bali island. Foreigners are currently barred from direct purchases of Indonesian property, which has led to illegal transactions via proxies, therefore enabling them would allow a luxury tax to be imposed on sales.

Condominium numbers increasing

Worldwide real estate services firm, Jones Lang LaSalle expects Indonesian condominium sales to see a record-breaking figure this year, signalled by Jakarta’s current trend, where people remain to shift to living in apartments rather than detached or attached single-unit houses. Jones Lang LaSalle’s head of research, have announced both developers and buyers have shown growing interest towards developing and purchasing property.

The real estate firm’s report reveals that Indonesian developers established approximately 4,000 new condominium units between April and June this year (such as West Jakarta’s St. Moritz, developed by Lippo Group, plus Central Jakarta’s Raffles Residence, developed by the Ciputra Group). Furthermore, more than 7,400 units have been sold during the recent six months.

Presidential candidates to improve Indonesia transport

Both Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo of the Indonesian presidential election have pledged to spend big on transport links including roads, railways and ports – Benefiting retailers who struggle to reach customers within remote regions of the island nation. Whilst consumer companies within the fourth most populous country of the world, trailed builders as the benchmark stock index elevated by 18% this year, the Indonesia Food and Beverage Producers Association claim sales could be as much as 50% higher, if only access to rural areas were improved.

Aberdeen Asset Management, which oversees approximately $541billion, view consumer companies in Indonesia as a way of indirectly playing the infrastructure. This is as they claim any pro-infrastructure policy would make the economy more competitive, benefiting consumers.

London based research firm, Kantar Worldpanel forecasts Indonesia to gain 80 million new consumers over the upcoming 15 years. This is as Indonesia’s economy is forecasted to grow by 5.7% each year through 2016.

Indonesia stocks gain following election day

Asian stock markets were mainly higher today, as China's exports showed a slight pickup. This is as Indonesian stocks rocketed, despite contested presidential election results.

South Korea's Kospi rose 0.2% to 2,003.63, despite the central bank lowering this year's growth outlook. Hong Kong's Hang Seng increased by 0.2% to 23,227.91 and China's Shanghai Composite increased 0.1% higher to 2,040.92. Australian, Singaporean and Thai stocks also gained ground.

In Indonesia, the benchmark stock index exceeded by 2% following the first count of the country's presidential election revealing a narrow victory for Joko Widodo. Despite Prabowo Subianto’s refusal to concede, investors seem to believe the result was distinguished.

US congratulates Indonesia on 'historic' election

The US has congratulated Indonesia on a ‘historic’ presidential election. This is as both Indonesian candidates, namely Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo, claimed that unofficial early counts revealed they are winners.

The White House praised Indonesia's high voter turnout - as a spirited election campaign with strong participation - these factors underscored Indonesia as a developing democracy.

The administration of Washington also highlighted the fact that the US and Indonesia are the world's second and third largest democracies respectively.

President Obama is also looking forward to continuing the Comprehensive Partnership, established during 2010 with the new president and the new parliament.

However, it is now unlikely that more will be heard from the White House in regards to the election, this is until after the official results are released later this month. No doubt, there will be congratulations from Washington to the winner.