Between 2024 and 2025, the profile of villa buyers in Bali is shifting. More people from around the world are looking to escape colder climates, enjoy passive income, or take advantage of Indonesia’s visa and residency options.
Curious to know who’s buying villas in Bali today and what’s driving them? In this guide, we’ll break down the latest data, trends, and buyer insights shaping Bali’s real estate market.
Key Takeaways
- Australians lead Bali’s villa market (29%), followed by Indonesians, Europeans, and Americans. Most investors look for villas in hotspots like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu for lifestyle and rental income.
- Villas under $500K are mostly purchased by small investors and couples focused on short-term rentals, especially in Canggu and Pererenan.
- Buying a villa in Bali involves choosing your ownership type (Leasehold or PT PMA), working with a trusted agent, doing due diligence, and securing permits like Pondok Wisata for rentals.
- While Bali remains a strong investment destination, buyers should be aware of challenges such as market competition, maintenance costs, natural risks, and currency fluctuations.
Bali Villa Buyer Breakdown by Nationality
Here’s a closer look at which nationalities are leading the Bali property market now:
| Nationality | Numbers (%) | Top Areas of Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Australians | 29% | Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu |
| Indonesians (Jakarta) | 21% | Ubud, Jimbaran, Tabanan |
| Americans | 15% | Ubud, Canggu, Pererenan |
| Europeans (French, German, Dutch) | 20% | Ubud, North Bali, Lovina |
| South Koreans & Chinese | 8% | Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Sanur |
| Others (Singapore, Malaysia, etc.) | 7% | Mixed |
It appears that most investors in Bali today are Australians. Many Australians are choosing Bali as an alternative place to live because it offers lower property prices and a slower pace of life—perfect for long holidays or retirement.
Read More: How Foreigners Can Buy Land in Bali: Steps, Rules, and Profits
Bali Real Estate Buyer Profile
Bali continues to attract a diverse range of buyers:
| Buyer Type | Typical Budget | Popular Areas | Main Purpose | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investors (Solo investors, couples, or small business owners) | $150K–$400K | Canggu, Pererenan | High rental returns and property growth | Leasehold or PT PMA setup |
| Tourists, Expats, Retirees | $250K–$600K | Ubud, Sanur, Jimbaran | Vacation home (permanent or seasonal) or retirement residence | Long-term leasehold |
| Digital Nomads (Entrepreneurs, freelancers, content creators, tech professionals) | $120K–$350K | Canggu, Ubud | Work-life base and travel convenience | Leasehold, partnership / co-ownership |
| Luxury Buyers (Celebrities, High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), crypto millionaires) | $700K–$5M+ | Uluwatu, Nyanyi | Exclusivity, lifestyle, and resort living | PT PMA or nominee structures |
We also found that more than 60% of villas priced under $500,000 (in hotspot areas like Canggu and Pererenan) are being purchased by small investors focused on short-term rentals.
Data and Market Trends by Location
Each Bali hotspot has a different level of demand for smaller villas, as shown below:
| Area | Demand for Smaller Villas (%) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 40% | Close to cafes, beaches, and yoga spots |
| Uluwatu | 25% | Known for surf culture and ocean views |
| Ubud | 20% | Popular for wellness retreats and cultural atmosphere |
| Seminyak | 15% | Famous for nightlife and shopping |
Smaller villas are especially popular in Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud, with Canggu leading at 40%—thanks to its lively scene and easy access to amenities.
Read More: Invest in Ubud: Best Locations for Profitable Property Investment
How to Buy a Villa in Bali
Interested to buy a villa in Bali? Here’s a simple step-by-step to follow:
1. Choose Your Ownership Setup
- Leasehold: the common path for foreigners. You can lease the property for 25–30 years with options to extend.
- Freehold via PT PMA: set up a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) to hold freehold land and the villa.
2. Find a Trusted Agent and Start the Search
Many expats use reputable local real estate agents and trusted listing sites to help them find their ideal property. Bali Villa Realty is also here to help you.
We offer thousands of Bali villas and land listings for sale in both top and emerging areas across the island. You can browse them here.
Or, if you prefer a simpler search, just ask our agent for free—we’ll give you personalized recommendations right away, along with useful tips to start your investment.
3. Do Legal Checks (Due Diligence)
You can’t skip this part. Due diligence is a must to ensure your chosen villa has no legal issues.
It’s important to hire a local Indonesian lawyer who understands property investment laws in Bali, especially for foreigners.
Your lawyer will verify all necessary permits, such as the IMB/PBG (building permit) and SLF (certificate of building function).
Meanwhile, your agent will work alongside the lawyer to inspect the villa and its surroundings—keeping an eye out for potential issues like nearby construction or noise.
4. Negotiate and Lock the Deal
You can negotiate directly with the seller, or if you’re working with an agent, they’ll handle the negotiation on your behalf. Once both parties are satisfied, your agent and notary will prepare a contract to finalize the purchase.
Don’t forget to review the contract carefully to avoid any future issues. Once everything is clear, you can proceed with the payment.
Read More: Cost of Property in Bali: What You Need to Know (2025)
5. After You Buy
Now your property is ready to use. If you plan to rent it out short-term, make sure to secure a Pondok Wisata rental license.
For easier management (especially if you spend most of your time abroad), consider hiring a property management company to handle maintenance, guests, and protect your property’s long-term value.
Challenges and Risks
Investing in property in Bali can offer lucrative returns, but like any investment, it comes with its own set of challenges and risks:
- Market Fluctuations: Like any property market, the Bali real estate market is subject to fluctuations. Factors like economic downturns, changes in tourism trends, and local demand can affect property values and rental yields.
- High Competition in Popular Areas: Popular areas attract both tourists and investors, but they’re also highly competitive. So, finding villas with strong ROI may take more time and effort.
- Property Maintenance and Upkeep Costs: Owning a villa—especially one you rent out—means ongoing expenses for cleaning, landscaping, pool care, and repairs.
- Natural Disasters: Bali is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding. While Bali’s infrastructure is generally well-prepared for such events, the potential for damage could affect both property value and rental income.
- Currency Fluctuations: For foreign investors, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indonesian Rupiah and their home currency could impact the overall cost of the property and the ROI.
- Dependency on Tourism: Bali’s property market is highly dependent on the tourism industry. A drop in tourism due to global economic factors, natural disasters, or pandemics can significantly affect rental income and property values.
- Local Politics and Government Policy: Changes in local government policies, such as new taxes, zoning laws, or regulations on foreign ownership, could pose risks to investors.
Conclusion: Buying Villa For Sale in Bali is Simple
So, that’s the key data on who’s buying villas in Bali. Australians lead the pack at 29%, with top favorite areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.
Interestingly, more than 60% of villas under $500K are purchased by solo investors, couples, and small business owners.
Bali continues to be a promising destination for many investors. The good news? You can now buy and invest in Bali property easily with Bali Villa Realty by Ilot Property Bali.
Got questions? Just click the button below—let’s have a free chat (no commitment).
FAQ
1. Is buying a villa in Bali worth it?
Yes. Purchasing a villa in Bali remains a smart investment. The rental returns remain strong, with villas in top tourist areas generating 7–15% gross yields through short-term rentals.
2. When should you buy villa in Bali?
The low season is a great time to invest since prices are usually lower and there’s less competition. Many smart investors enter the market then and start earning rental income once the high season begins.
3. How much does a villa cost in Bali?
Bali villa prices range widely—from around $100,000 for a one-bedroom villa in Canggu to several million dollars for luxury properties in prime areas like Nusa Dua. Prices depend on location, size, and amenities
4. How to live in Bali permanently as a foreigner?
Foreigners in Bali can apply for two main types of residence permits: KITAS (temporary stay) and KITAP (permanent stay), depending on your visa status and long-term plans.
