Invest in
Bali

Yes. Foreign nationals can hold property in Bali through two main structures. The most common is a leasehold agreement (Hak Sewa), which grants exclusive use of the property for a fixed term - 30 years initially, with a 30-year extension built into the original contract from day one. The lease is notarised and registered with the local land office. Alternatively, foreigners can acquire property through a PT PMA, a foreign-owned Indonesian company that can hold freehold title. Both structures are legally established, widely used by international investors, and supported by licensed Indonesian legal professionals. Our in-house legal advisor handles the full process.

For cash-flow focused investors, yes. The median house price in Sydney exceeds $1.4 million AUD with rental yields of 3 to 5 percent. In Bali, $250,000 USD builds a fully finished 2-bedroom villa with a private pool that generates 12 to 18 percent gross yields. Ongoing costs are significantly lower: no council rates, no land tax, no strata fees. Full-time villa staff in Bali costs less than a single property manager in Australia. The trade-off is ownership structure - leasehold rather than freehold - and a different regulatory environment. For investors prioritising returns over land title, the numbers strongly favour Bali.

Rental income varies by location, villa size, and management quality. As a guide: a 1-bedroom villa in a prime location generates $25,000 to $40,000 USD annually. A 2-bedroom villa in Uluwatu or Canggu earns $50,000 to $80,000 USD. Larger 3-4 bedroom villas with premium finishes can exceed $80,000 to $150,000 USD per year. These figures assume professional management, strong listing presence across Airbnb and Booking.com, and dynamic pricing. Self-managed properties typically earn 30 to 50 percent less.

Construction costs in Bali start from $1,000 USD per square metre depending on specification. A compact 2-bedroom investment villa costs approximately $250,000 to $350,000 USD all-in (excluding land). A premium 3-bedroom villa with high-end finishes, infinity pool, and designed landscaping ranges from $350,000 to $500,000 USD. These costs are roughly one-third to one-fifth of equivalent construction costs in Australia, Europe, or the United States. Use our build calculator for a personalised estimate.

Annual operating costs for a Bali villa are significantly lower than in Western markets. Expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000 USD per year for staff (housekeeper, gardener, pool maintenance), basic utilities, insurance, and routine upkeep. The Balitecture management fee is 20 percent of booking revenue - performance-based, so you only pay when the villa earns. There is no council rate, no land tax, and no strata levy.

Freehold (Hak Milik) is permanent land ownership, available only to Indonesian citizens. Foreigners cannot hold freehold title in their personal name. Leasehold (Hak Sewa) is a time-limited right to use the property - for our developments, 30 years initially with a 30-year extension written into the original contract from day one, giving 60 years of total control. Leases are notarised, legally binding, and widely used by international investors across Bali. A third option is forming a PT PMA, a foreign-owned Indonesian company that can hold certain property rights. Our legal team advises on the best structure for your situation.

Thailand offers a similar entry price to Bali but with lower rental yields (5 to 8 percent) and more restrictive foreign ownership rules for land. Portugal has attracted investment through its Golden Visa programme, but entry prices are higher ($350,000+ EUR) and rental yields are moderate (4 to 7 percent). Bali's combination of low entry price, high rental yields, low operating costs, and strong tourism demand creates a return profile that is difficult to replicate in either market. The main advantage of Portugal and Thailand is the maturity of their legal frameworks for foreign buyers.

Yes, provided you work with a licensed, established company with a physical presence in Bali. Many of our clients are based in Australia, Europe, or Asia and manage their investments entirely remotely. We provide photo updates during construction, monthly financial reports during management, and our team is reachable via WhatsApp at any time. The key risk for remote investors is working with unlicensed operators - which is why choosing a fully licensed company with a proven track record matters.