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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2019
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
Since 2012, Brunei Darussalam has effectively
restricted the purchase of properties through
a power of attorney (PoA) or trust deed with
the aim to safeguard the interests of Bruneian
citizens and to ensure that land ownership here
are fully owned by those who are eligible.
In an effort to encourage more investments in
the local real estate market, the Strata Title
ownership is however available for Brunei cit-
izens, permanent residents and also foreigners
since 2009, this allows prospective land buy-
ers including non-Bruneians to own properties
through a lease not exceeding 99 years.
A strata title is the title issued in respect of units
in a multi-storey building where permission to
subdivide the building is approved such as flats,
shop and office units.
The Land Code (Strata) Act (Chapter 189)
was introduced by His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien
Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-
Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in 1999 and has
been fully implemented since July 1, 2009.
The move to introduce the act aimed to create
open opportunities and encourage investment in
the property market. This will in turn contribute
towards the development of the economy. In
addition, it provides a guarantee of rights to the
land and strata title owner.
Although the Land Code (Strata) Chapter 189 has
come into force since July 1, 2009, applications
for strata titles are not yet as enthusiastic as
the neighbouring countries, according to the
Land Department. This is mainly attributed to
the lack of awareness of its advantages and
its processes. The Department has since been
active in organising awareness campaigns
through roadshows across the country and
other mediums to ensure that it can be fully
utilised by stakeholders.