Housing

In BSB: BND 500–800/month ($370–$590) for a 2-BR apartment in Gadong or Kiulap; BND 800–1,500/month ($590–$1,110) for a 3-BR house. In Seria: BND 400–700/month ($295–$520) for a private rental, or free if your oil/gas employer provides Panaga company housing. Brunei is significantly cheaper than Singapore, KL, or Bangkok for comparable quality housing. Budget an additional BND 150–250/month for utilities (electricity is the biggest cost due to year-round air conditioning).

Yes - Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and Total Energies provide company housing for most expatriate employees and their families in the Seria/Panaga area. BSP's Panaga compound features colonial bungalows with gardens, included maintenance, and access to the Panaga Club. In BSB, some government and corporate positions include housing allowances rather than actual housing. If your package doesn't include housing, your employer's HR team can help you find suitable private accommodation.

Foreigners can purchase strata-title properties (apartments/condos) in certain designated areas but cannot own freehold land. Property prices are very affordable - a 2-BR apartment in BSB costs BND 150,000–300,000 ($111,000–$222,000). However, most expats rent rather than buy because: (1) rental costs are already very low; (2) land ownership restrictions limit investment potential; (3) resale market is small; and (4) most expats are on 2–3 year contracts.

Key considerations: (1) Air conditioning quality - essential in Brunei's climate; check units are modern and efficient to manage electricity costs; (2) Flooding risk - avoid low-lying areas prone to flash flooding during monsoon; (3) Proximity to Gadong/Kiulap for shopping and dining; (4) Pest situation - inspect for termite damage and ant trails; (5) Internet connectivity - check if fibre broadband is available at the address; (6) Water pressure - some older properties have weak water pressure; (7) Generator or inverter - power cuts are rare but possible during storms.

Furnished apartments exist but are less common than in cities like Bangkok or Dubai. Most Brunei rentals are unfurnished or semi-furnished (basic kitchen appliances and air conditioning only). Fully furnished options in BSB add BND 200–400/month to rent. Alternatively, budget BND 2,000–5,000 ($1,480–$3,700) to furnish an unfurnished place - IKEA-style furniture is available at Hua Ho and Courts stores in Gadong. Oil/gas company housing in Panaga typically comes furnished.