When families consider moving to Bali, the idea often begins with lifestyle — a slower pace, warmer weather, and more time together. But once the move is underway, those lifestyle choices quickly intersect with more practical questions around schooling, housing, community, and long-term stability.
In this conversation, Simone, Founder of Our Year in Bali, speaks with her client Ian from his home in Bali about what life looks like two years after relocating from the UK. Together, they reflect on how the family’s initial decision to move gradually evolved into deeper planning around education, day-to-day realities, and ultimately property — not just as an investment, but as part of building a sustainable life in Bali.
For those who prefer to watch the discussion unfold, the complete conversation is available on YouTube, offering additional context and nuance behind the decisions explored in this article.
From Europe to Bali: Making a Data‑Driven Leap
Ian relocated to Bali from Europe with his wife and two young daughters, Olivia (11) and Winnie (5). The decision wasn’t impulsive. Coming from professional backgrounds in England and Germany, the family approached the move analytically — weighing numbers, lifestyle trade‑offs, and long‑term implications.
Before committing, Ian worked closely with Simone and the team at Our Year in Bali to understand the realities behind the dream: visa pathways, housing options, school availability, and cost‑of‑living choices. That clarity gave them the confidence to take what Ian describes as a “calculated leap of faith.”
Renting First: Why Living in Multiple Areas Matters
Like many families, Ian’s first chapter in Bali involved renting. Over two years, the family lived in several areas, including Canggu‑adjacent villages and later closer to Ubud. Each move helped them better understand what they truly needed — not just as expatriates, but as parents.
School proximity, daily commute times, community feel, and access to green space gradually became more important than trend‑driven locations. Renting multiple homes allowed them to test different lifestyles before making any long‑term commitment — a step Ian strongly believes most relocating families should take.
School Choices and the Reality of Transient Communities
One of the most honest parts of the conversation focuses on education. Ian’s children experienced three very different international school environments, ranging from small, newly established schools to a more established institution near Ubud.
While the academic experience was positive, Ian highlights something many families don’t anticipate: transient school communities. Unlike Europe, where classmates often grow up together for years, Bali schools frequently see students come and go as families relocate again.
Over time, this influenced their decision to prioritise a more established school — one with a proven track record of students successfully transitioning to universities abroad. For Ian and his wife, ensuring their daughters’ future academic opportunities remained open was non‑negotiable.
The Unexpected Shift: From Relocation to Property Development
After months of renting, the family struggled to find a home that truly suited their needs — particularly one designed for family living in Bali’s climate. Instead of compromising, they made an unexpected decision: to build.
What began as a search for a family home evolved into a small villa development just outside Ubud. The project includes their own residence alongside several additional villas, designed with families in mind — enclosed living spaces, practical layouts, pools for children, and features that reduce humidity and mosquitoes.
This shift marked the point where lifestyle and investment became inseparable.
Bali Property: Lifestyle First, Investment Second
Ian is clear that their property decision wasn’t driven purely by returns. Instead, it was about alignment.
High rental costs for quality family homes in Bali made ownership a compelling alternative. Over time, the numbers supported the decision: living in the villa for several years, followed by the option to rent it out, offered both flexibility and long‑term value.
Importantly, Ian stresses that Bali property only works when expectations are realistic. Construction standards, work culture, and timelines differ from Europe — and approaching the process with rigidity often leads to frustration. Adaptability, patience, and local guidance are essential.
Choosing Ubud: Community, Culture, and Long‑Term Value
The family ultimately settled just outside Ubud, prioritising proximity to schools, traditional village life, and long‑term land value. Unlike heavily developed coastal areas, the region still offers a sense of Bali as it once was — with ceremonies, community ties, and quieter daily rhythms.
From an investment perspective, the area also presented stronger long‑term fundamentals: lower land prices, room for growth, and consistent rental demand from families rather than short‑term holidaymakers.
Raising Children in Bali: Freedom with Responsibility
For Ian, the greatest benefit of Bali isn’t financial — it’s perspective. His children are growing up multilingual, culturally aware, and less defined by status or material expectations. Daily life is simpler, slower, and more intentional.
At the same time, he emphasises responsibility. Bali offers freedom, but families must actively plan for education, healthcare, and future transitions. The lifestyle works best when paired with thoughtful structure.
A Realistic Take on Family Life and Investment in Bali
This conversation isn’t about selling a dream. It’s about sharing what happens when families commit to Bali beyond a one‑year experiment — when schools, property, finances, and children’s futures all come into focus.
For families considering relocation, or professionals exploring Bali property as both a lifestyle and investment decision, Ian’s story offers something rare: experience without hype.
Considering a Move to Bali?
If you’re considering a move to Bali — whether in the early planning stages or already on the ground — having clear, experience-led guidance can make all the difference. You can learn more about relocation support, schooling, and property planning through Our Year in Bali, or explore whether a conversation with the team is right for you by booking a free consultation.
