How to Buy and Sell Land Correctly to Avoid Disputes

JAKARTA — The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has reminded citizens to understand land sale procedures in accordance with legal requirements to avoid future issues.

Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations and Protocol Bureau, Shamy Ardian, said the public must verify land status from the outset, including document validity and ensuring the land is not involved in disputes.

“Citizens must ensure clear land status from the start, including valid documents and confirmation that it is not entangled in disputes, so the sale process can proceed safely and avoid future problems,” Ardian stated, as quoted on the ATR/BPN website on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Generally, the land sale process begins with an agreement between seller and buyer on the land parcel, price, and transaction terms.

For buyers, required documents include Identity Card (KTP), Family Card (KK), Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP), and payment of Land and Building Acquisition Tax (BPHTB).

Sellers must prepare the original land certificate, KTP, KK, NPWP, proof of payment for Land and Building Tax (PBB), spousal consent if married, and proof of Income Tax (PPh) payment.

After documents are complete, the next step is creating a Deed of Sale (AJB) through a Land Deed Official (PPAT).

In this stage, the PPAT checks document completeness and verifies certificate data before formalising the agreement in the AJB as the basis for transferring ownership.

Following the AJB signing, the subsequent step is applying for a title transfer at the local land office.

This process updates the ownership records in the land register and certificate from the seller’s to the buyer’s name.

For the title transfer application, buyers must prepare several requirements, including a completed and stamped application form, power of attorney if applicable, and certified copies of the applicant’s and attorney’s identification.

Additionally, the original land certificate, AJB from the PPAT, copies of the Tax Notification Letter (SPPT) and current year’s PBB, proof of BPHTB payment, and registration fee payment receipts.

Citizens can access the “Service Information” menu, select “Ownership Transfer” and “Sale” options.

Through the app, users can also view cost simulations based on land value per square metre and total area.

“For PNBP tariff simulations, citizens can check directly on the Sentuh Tanahku app,” Ardian said.