Looking for a new housing development can be exciting and confusing at the same time. Brochures and adverts usually highlight house designs, prices, and promotions, yet many other things decide whether a development is truly worth buying into and comfortable to live in for years to come.
This article sets out 10 things to check before buying a home in a new development, from the developer's track record to the sale agreement.
1. The developer's track record
The developer determines build quality, timely handover, and how the area is managed after residents move in.
For homes from developers, the transaction usually starts with a PPJB (Conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement). Under Government Regulation Number 12 of 2021, a PPJB may be made once certain things are certain, including land ownership status, the PBG, the availability of infrastructure and utilities, and at least 20% construction progress. Also check in the PPJB:
10. Booking fee, promotions, and total cost
If you are still weighing a new development against a resale home, the full comparison is in New Home vs Resale Home.
One way to reduce risk when buying in a new development is to choose a new cluster within an area that is already lived in. That way, you get a new home along with a neighbourhood whose facilities are already up and running.
Damai Putra Group has been developing residential areas since 1981. In Bekasi, its areas include Kota Harapan Indah, Tera Damai, and Segara City. Damai Putra Group's journey is covered in 45 Years of Damai Putra Group, and the areas are compared in Housing Options in Bekasi.
What should I check before buying in a new housing development?
The developer's track record, project legal status, location and access, flood risk, spatial plans, facilities and IPL, construction progress, specifications and floor plan, the PPJB terms, and the total cost.
How do I check a developer's track record?
See how long the developer has operated, visit occupied projects, and ask residents about their experience.
When can a PPJB for a developer home be made?
Under Government Regulation Number 12 of 2021, once there is certainty over land status, the PBG, infrastructure and utilities, and at least 20% construction progress, among other conditions.
How can I check a location's flood risk?
Ask local residents, check the risk map on BNPB's InaRISK, and look at the area's drainage system.
Is a booking fee refundable?
It depends on the developer's policy. Ask from the start and get the terms in writing.
This article is general information. Legal and transaction terms may differ by project, so please confirm the details directly with the developer and relevant parties.
For more information about Damai Putra Group homes, contact the Damai Putra Group Marketing Gallery via WhatsApp Official 0811 4466 888 or visit www.damaiputra.com.
This article sets out 10 things to check before buying a home in a new development, from the developer's track record to the sale agreement.
10 Things to Check Before Buying in a New Development
1. The developer's track record
The developer determines build quality, timely handover, and how the area is managed after residents move in.
- Find out how long the developer has been operating.
- Look at completed, occupied projects.
- Visit the developer's older areas to see how they look after many years.
- Make sure the project land status is clear, such as a master certificate in the developer's name.
- Ask about the building permit or PBG for the unit you plan to buy. This is explained in What Is a PBG?
- Ask which certificate you will receive, SHM or SHGB. The difference is explained in SHM vs SHGB.
- Work out travel times to work, school, and hospitals, especially at peak hours.
- Check access to toll roads and public transport.
- Note everyday facilities nearby, such as markets, minimarkets, and places of worship.
- Ask local residents directly about flooding history.
- Check the disaster risk map on BNPB's InaRISK.
- Look at the drainage and water management system in the area.
- Check land use around the location through the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning's GISTARU, so you are not surprised by disruptive construction later.
- Ask the developer about the area's development plans, such as facilities or access to be built.
- Distinguish between facilities already available and those still planned.
- Ask about the estate management fee (IPL) and what it covers.
- If the development is a cluster, understand its benefits and rules in Housing Clusters.
- For inden homes, ask about the construction schedule and expected handover.
- See the construction progress on site, not just in the brochure.
- Choose a ready-to-occupy home if you need to move in soon.
- Ask for the technical specifications, such as structure, roof, flooring, and electrical capacity.
- Study the floor plan carefully. How to do this is in How to Read a House Floor Plan.
- Visit the show unit if available.
For homes from developers, the transaction usually starts with a PPJB (Conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement). Under Government Regulation Number 12 of 2021, a PPJB may be made once certain things are certain, including land ownership status, the PBG, the availability of infrastructure and utilities, and at least 20% construction progress. Also check in the PPJB:
- The handover schedule and penalties for delays.
- Payment terms and late fees.
- Cancellation and refund terms.
10. Booking fee, promotions, and total cost
- Ask whether the booking fee is refundable if the mortgage is not approved.
- Ask for written details of current promotions and their conditions.
- Calculate the total cost, including the down payment, taxes, and mortgage costs. Guides are in The Cost of Buying a House in 2026 and How Much Is a Home Down Payment?
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Prices far below the market in the same area with no reasonable explanation.
- A developer who cannot show land ownership documents or building permits.
- Being asked to pay in full or a large amount before a PPJB is signed.
- No clear marketing office or developer address.
- Promotions that pressure you to decide quickly without time to read the agreement.
New Home vs Resale Home
If you are still weighing a new development against a resale home, the full comparison is in New Home vs Resale Home.
New Developments in Established Areas
One way to reduce risk when buying in a new development is to choose a new cluster within an area that is already lived in. That way, you get a new home along with a neighbourhood whose facilities are already up and running.
Damai Putra Group has been developing residential areas since 1981. In Bekasi, its areas include Kota Harapan Indah, Tera Damai, and Segara City. Damai Putra Group's journey is covered in 45 Years of Damai Putra Group, and the areas are compared in Housing Options in Bekasi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before buying in a new housing development?
The developer's track record, project legal status, location and access, flood risk, spatial plans, facilities and IPL, construction progress, specifications and floor plan, the PPJB terms, and the total cost.
How do I check a developer's track record?
See how long the developer has operated, visit occupied projects, and ask residents about their experience.
When can a PPJB for a developer home be made?
Under Government Regulation Number 12 of 2021, once there is certainty over land status, the PBG, infrastructure and utilities, and at least 20% construction progress, among other conditions.
How can I check a location's flood risk?
Ask local residents, check the risk map on BNPB's InaRISK, and look at the area's drainage system.
Is a booking fee refundable?
It depends on the developer's policy. Ask from the start and get the terms in writing.
This article is general information. Legal and transaction terms may differ by project, so please confirm the details directly with the developer and relevant parties.
For more information about Damai Putra Group homes, contact the Damai Putra Group Marketing Gallery via WhatsApp Official 0811 4466 888 or visit www.damaiputra.com.
