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Accommodation
Bali, Bali, a
So, you’ve been to Bali a few times, fallen in love with the sunsets, the chilled-out vibe, and maybe even the affordable beachfront living—especially compared to Queensland, where beachfront homes are, let’s face it, for the rich and famous. The dream of owning a slice of Bali’s paradise starts bubbling. I mean, who wouldn't want that, right? But then you begin to wonder: how realistic is it to buy a house there as an Aussie? And, more importantly, how do you even start?
Before you get too carried away dreaming about your tropical home, let's get real for a second. Indonesia has some strict rules for foreigners who own land. You can’t just waltz in and buy a villa the way you could back home in Queensland. No, here, it’s all about leasehold and freehold—two words you’ll quickly become very familiar with.
Freehold? That’s a no-go for foreigners, at least technically. It’s reserved for Indonesian citizens only. Leasehold, on the other hand, is where things start to get interesting. You’re not owning the land outright, but you can lease it for, say, 30, 50, or even 99 years. It's not a bad deal when you think about it. But, oh man, it can get tricky, especially with those "renewal" clauses tucked into contracts like they’re hidden Easter eggs.
Now, I can almost hear the scepticism. "So, foreigners can't own land, but they can lease it? What’s the catch?" Good question. There's always a catch. Legally, foreigners can own a building but not the land it sits on. But here’s where it gets murky—people have found loopholes. Some go through the nominee system, where you ‘own’ the property via an Indonesian citizen. Others set up a foreign investment company (known as a PMA), which can, in fact, hold land.
But here's my take—navigating these legal waters? It's not something you want to tackle solo. You need a pro, which brings me to the next point...
Bali is more than just Kuta Beach and tourist-packed hotspots (though, hey, some people love those too). There’s Ubud for the jungle lovers, Seminyak for the trendy café crowd, and Canggu, which, well, is a bit of both. But choosing the right area depends on what kind of lifestyle you're after. Do you want to be in the thick of the action or somewhere a little more zen? Beaches and rice fields might look great on Instagram, but day-to-day living? You’ll want to think about things like access to local markets, transport (or lack thereof), and how close you are to, well, other expats. Because let's be real, having a little expat community is often a lifesaver when you're figuring out a whole new country.
Alright, so let’s say you’ve picked your dream location. What next? It's time to do some serious research. The Bali real estate moves fast. If you’re thinking about a place, someone else probably is, too. I’d start by diving into some of the local property websites—there’s a ton of them, and many cater specifically to expats. Bali Realty, Ray White Bali, and Paradise Property are just a few.
But here’s the catch—you won’t really know the feel of a place until you see it with your own eyes. Trust me, that villa that looks perfect online? It could be next to a 24/7 motorbike repair shop. Yeah, welcome to Bali.
Let’s talk money. One of the main reasons people from places like Queensland flock to Bali is the cost. But Bali isn’t as cheap as it once was, especially in popular areas like Canggu and Seminyak. Villas can range anywhere from AUD 200,000 to well over a million, depending on the size and location. But don’t forget the hidden costs—legal fees, notary fees, taxes, and maintenance. It all adds up quickly.
Leasehold contracts are tricky little things. You’re basically renting the land for a set number of years—anywhere from 25 to 99—and when that period’s up, you renegotiate. Now, you want to pay attention to those renegotiation terms. Some contracts are straightforward; others? Well, let’s say people have ended up spending way more than they expected when the lease came up for renewal.
I remember the first time I saw one of these contracts. Talk about legal jargon overload. Thankfully, I had a lawyer on hand to translate. Which brings me to...
Some people think they can navigate the process without legal help. My advice? Don’t. Bali’s property laws are different from what we’re used to in Australia, and unless you're fluent in Bahasa and Indonesian property law, you’re better off getting a lawyer involved. Sure, it’s an extra expense, but compared to losing a chunk of your investment? It's a small price to pay.
Here’s a bit of a sticking point—getting a mortgage in Bali is pretty much off the table for foreigners. Indonesian banks are unlikely to loan money to non-citizens, and if they do, expect some wild interest rates. So, what’s the alternative? Most expats either pay in cash or find creative ways to finance their dream homes, like borrowing against assets back home or dipping into superannuation (though that comes with its risks).
Some people go all-in and decide to build from scratch. Others, like me, prefer to buy something that’s already standing—less hassle, in theory, but building in Bali? It’s a whole different ball game. Construction standards vary, and dealing with contractors can be an exercise in patience. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s worth considering. Just be prepared for a few surprises along the way. Actually, there are a lot of surprises.
So, after all this talk, you’re probably wondering, “Is it even worth it?” For some, Bali is a dream come true—cheap(ish) living, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life. But it's not without its headaches. The legal stuff is tricky, the language barrier can be frustrating, and maintaining a house from halfway across the world isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But if you love Bali, and I mean really love it, then yeah—it might just be worth the hassle.
Can foreigners buy freehold property in Bali? No, foreigners are not allowed to own freehold property directly. Leasehold and setting up a foreign investment company are common alternatives.
Is it safe for a foreigner to buy property in Bali? With proper legal guidance and due diligence, yes, but it’s crucial to follow the right legal procedures.
How much does a house cost in Bali? Prices vary significantly based on location, size, and condition. Expect to pay anywhere from AUD 200,000 upwards.
Can you get a mortgage in Bali as a foreigner? It’s extremely difficult. Most foreigners pay in cash or use financing options outside of Bali.
What’s the difference between freehold and leasehold? Freehold means owning the land outright, while leasehold is more like a long-term rental, typically ranging from 25 to 99 years.
