Are you soon to be a lucky owner of a property in Bali?
Looking for a Bali property for sale is challenging yet satisfying once you’ve found a perfect place to live, work, come for holidays, or rent out.
To ensure minimal risks for you in this process, here are 11 things to remember before buying any property in Bali.

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- Personalized strategy to maximize returns and meet your financial goals.
Step #1 Make Smart Choices with the Right Information
Are you dreaming of buying property in Bali but unsure where to start?
Market knowledge is critical to making smart choices and getting the best deals.
Working with an experienced real estate agent is a great first step. These professionals know the ins and outs of the Bali property market. They can guide you to the best areas and help you avoid common pitfalls.
But don’t stop there.
Do your research, too. Browse online listings to get a feel for prices and what’s available.
This will give you a better understanding of the market and what to expect.
Engage in real estate-focused forums and social media groups where you can ask questions and learn from others who have bought property in Bali.
These communities are full of valuable tips and experiences to help you make informed decisions.
Combining expert advice with your research, you’ll be well-prepared to find the perfect property and negotiate better deals.
Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about the market, the more confident you’ll be in your investment.
So take the time to learn and connect with others, and soon, you’ll be on your way to owning a beautiful property in Bali.
Step #2 Legal Ownership
Are you excited about buying property in Bali but worried about doing it the right way?
Many people share your concerns about understanding the rules.
You don’t have to spend your hard-earned money and see you’re losing the property because of the legal problems.
To legally own property in Bali, you have two main options:
1. One way is to set up a PT PMA – a company owned by foreigners in Bali.
This lets you own property legally, but it takes a certain amount of capital and a longer time.
2. Another way is through a long-term leasehold agreement.
This lets you lease the property for many years, giving you security and peace of mind.
It’s crucial not to buy property through local nominees. This means having a local person buy the property in their name for you.
This is illegal and can result in losing your money and property. The law does not protect such deals, leaving you at risk.
By following legal methods like setting up a PT PMA or using a leasehold agreement, you ensure that your investment is safe and recognized by the law.
This way, you can enjoy your new property in Bali without any worries, knowing that your ownership is secure.
Step #3 Choosing Your Property
Location is very important when buying property in Bali.
Property prices and rental income can vary greatly depending on where the property is.
High-demand areas like Canggu and Seminyak have higher land prices and better rental income.
These places are popular with tourists, so many people want to stay there. This demand drives up both the price of the property and the rent you can charge.
In Seminyak, land prices can range from $52,800 to $165,000 for 100 square meters.
Canggu, a similarly popular area, also commands high prices. Despite the high initial cost, these areas offer around 13% to 16% rental yields, making them attractive for investors seeking quick returns.
These returns are driven by the constant flow of tourists looking for luxury accommodations, including private pools and stunning views.
Source: Luxurious 6-bedroom villa in Umalas
In contrast, more remote areas have lower land prices and rental yields.
For example, the land cost might be significantly lower in less developed regions, but so is the rental income due to fewer tourists visiting these areas.
However, these locations can still offer good opportunities for those looking for a quieter place with a different appeal, such as cultural experiences or natural beauty.
Source: Stunning 2-bedroom off-plan project in Kedungu
To make a smart investment, consider what you want from the property.
If you are looking for a high rental income, it might be worth paying more for land in a busy area like Seminyak or Canggu.
If you prefer a quieter place and are okay with a lower rental income, a remote area might be better for you.
By choosing the right location, you can ensure your property in Bali meets your needs and investment goals.
For more details on land prices and investment opportunities in different areas of Bali, you can visit our website on Bali Villa Realty.
Step #4 Reliable road access
When purchasing property in Bali, ensuring reliable road access is crucial.
Many beautiful properties may be located in remote or developing areas with underdeveloped road infrastructure.
Poor road access can significantly impact the value of your property and its attractiveness to potential renters or buyers. Reliable road access is essential for:
- Accessibility: Ensures that you and your guests can easily reach the property without hassle.
- Emergency Services: Facilitates access to emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks.
- Maintenance and Deliveries: This makes it more accessible for maintenance crews, deliveries, and other essential services to reach the property without delays.
Check the condition of the roads leading to the property, particularly during the rainy season, as some roads can become impassable due to flooding or landslides.
Work with a local real estate agent, like Bali Villa Realty, to verify the property has good road access and inquire about any planned infrastructure improvements.
Step #5 Verify water supply and quality
Access to a reliable and clean water supply is fundamental when buying property in Bali.
Water supply issues can affect daily living and the overall enjoyment of your property. Essential factors to consider include:
- Water Source: Determine whether the property can access municipal water, a private well, or another water source. Municipal water is generally more reliable, but well water may be necessary in some areas.
- Water Quality: Test the water quality for contaminants, mainly if the property relies on a well or other non-municipal sources. Poor water quality can affect health and may require investment in filtration systems.
- Water Pressure: Ensure adequate water pressure for daily use, particularly in properties with multiple bathrooms or extensive irrigation needs.
Reliable water access is essential for daily living, maintaining property value, and ensuring tenant satisfaction if you plan to rent out the property.
Step #6 Protecting Your Investment in Bali
When buying property in Bali, ensuring everything is done correctly can be a bit stressful.
One crucial step to ensure the safety of your investment is involving a notary.
A notary is a legal professional appointed by the government to oversee and certify legal documents and transactions.
Think of a notary as a referee in a sports game. They make sure everyone follows the rules so the game is fair.
They ensure that all the paperwork is correct and that the transaction follows the law. They check that the property title is clear, that all taxes are paid, and that the property has no legal issues.
Without a notary, your property deal could be risky and not recognized by the government.
So, when you’re ready to buy property in Bali, have a notary involved.
It’s a simple step that provides significant protection for your investment.
With their help, you can confidently move forward, knowing your property deal is safe and sound.
Step #7 Due Diligence
Before buying property in Bali, you must do something called due diligence.
This means you have to check everything about the property.
You need to know:
- Who owns it?
- Are all taxes paid?
- Are there any legal problems with it?
- If the land is zoned for what you want to use it for, like building a house or renting it out?
This step is super important because it helps you avoid big problems later.
Imagine buying a house and finding out someone else also claims to own it…
Or maybe you discover that the land can’t be used the way you want because of zoning laws.
These issues can cost you a lot of money and stress.
To do due diligence right, you should hire a local real estate agent.
Apart from having a deep knowledge of the property in Bali, they often have a legal team that checks for you.
They ensure the property follows all the laws and is safe to buy.
This way, you can feel confident that your investment is safe and sound. Taking the time to do this now can save you from headaches and financial troubles in the future.
Step #8 Secure Financing and Budgeting
Buying property in Bali is exciting, but you must be prepared for all the costs. Many people forget about the extra expenses of purchasing a home, which can cause surprises later.
Here’s a guide to what you should expect:
1. Legal Fees:
Hiring a lawyer to check the property and handle the legal aspects usually costs between IDR 10 million and IDR 20 million (about $650 and $1,300).
2. Notary Fees:
You must pay a notary to register the property. This fee is about 1.5% of the property price or a fixed amount of IDR 10 million to IDR 15 million (around $650 to $1,000).
3. Building Permits:
If you’re building or renovating, you’ll need permits. These costs can vary widely, but depending on the size and scope of the project, expect to pay between IDR 10 million and IDR 30 million (about $650 to $2,000).
4. Taxes:
- Purchase Tax: A 5% tax is added to the purchase price, known as the Acquisition of Land and Building Rights (BPHTB).
- Annual Land and Building Tax: This tax varies based on the property’s value and can be about 0.1% of the property’s assessed value. For a property worth IDR 1 billion (about $65,000), this tax might be around IDR 1 million (about $65) per year.
- Administrative Fees: Additional fees might apply, varying by location and specific transaction details.
Including these costs in your budget will make you better prepared to buy property in Bali. Planning helps ensure no surprises and that your investment is safe and secure.
Step #9 What to Watch Out For in Bali
When thinking about buying property in Bali, it’s easy to get excited about beautiful views and tropical living.
But it’s also important to be aware of some common property issues with the tropical climate.
- Mold
- Termites
- Leaking roofs are problems you might face.
These issues can cause much trouble and cost you money if not dealt with properly.
Mold grows easily in Bali’s humid climate, damaging property and affecting health. Termites are another big problem; they can destroy wooden structures if not controlled. Leaking roofs can cause water damage, leading to expensive repairs.
To avoid these problems, ensure the property is well-maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
If you want to be extra cautious, consider building your own home.
This way, you can ensure high-quality construction materials and methods are used, reducing the risk of these common problems.
Step #10 ROI and Rental Income
On average, property investments in Bali yield a return of about 10%.
However, if you choose high-performing properties and work with professional management agencies, you can see returns of 13% to 16% per year.
Ensuring high occupancy rates is crucial to achieving these higher returns.
Properties in popular areas like Seminyak and Canggu typically have high demand due to their prime locations.
These areas attract many tourists, which helps maintain high occupancy rates and steady rental income.
Step #11 Effective Property Management
Good property management is very important for making your Bali property a success.
Professional management agencies take care of everything. They do marketing and bookings, fix things that break, and help guests.
This makes sure your property looks great and is always ready for renters.
One of the great property managers in Bali is TJM.
These managers know how to keep your property full of happy guests.
They handle problems quickly and keep everything in top shape.
By choosing a good property and working with a great management team, you can earn more money and make your investment in Bali very profitable.
Conclusion
Are you ready to invest in Bali’s booming real estate market? Following the right steps could be your key to success.
Partnering with experienced real estate agents helps you avoid common pitfalls and make smart decisions.
Ensuring legal ownership and understanding local regulations protect your investment. Verifying road and water access ensures convenience and attractiveness. Proper budgeting and professional property management maximize your profitability.
Choosing a high-demand location like Seminyak or Canggu can yield significant returns. So, take the time to research and select a property that fits your goals.
The same careful approach applies to all aspects of your investment.
Choose your partners wisely; you could see remarkable growth and a rewarding investment in Bali!