Abandoned Houses Left Vacant for Years: Is It Safe to Buy?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Prices significantly lower than similar properties often make abandoned houses a target for some potential buyers. Many properties left vacant for years are sold at discounts of tens of percent due to owners’ financial issues, disputes, or failed development. However, is it safe to purchase long-vacant and neglected homes? Bambang Ekajaya, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Real Estate Association (DPP REI), said abandoned properties do present an opportunity for buyers to secure lower prices. However, potential buyers must conduct thorough checks before proceeding with a transaction. ‘If a house has been vacant for a long time, don’t be tempted solely by the low price. First, check the legal status, then the physical condition of the building and surrounding environment,’ Bambang told Kompas.com on Saturday, 30 May 2026. In some cases, long-unoccupied homes also face administrative and legal issues. 1. Verify Property Legality Before deciding to buy, potential buyers must confirm the clear ownership status of the house and land. Under Law No. 5 of 1960 concerning Basic Regulations on Agrarian Affairs (UUPA), land rights must be proven through valid documents. Therefore, buyers should check the land certificate, land rights status, and ensure no ongoing disputes. Certificate verification can be done via local land office or the Sentuh Tanahku app managed by the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN). If purchasing via mortgage, buyers must also confirm whether the certificate is still pledged to a bank or is free from encumbrances. Long-abandoned homes are prone to hidden structural damage. Such damage may include structural cracks, roof leaks, steel corrosion, electrical system faults, and non-functional water pipes.