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Bali provides a unique island lifestyle, blending both indoor and outdoor living experiences. Before deciding whether to rent short-term or long-term or buy a home in Bali, it’s crucial to consider several factors. Regardless of the villa you choose, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations and recognize that you’ll be residing in a place that operates differently from your home country.

The real estate landscape in Bali has witnessed inflation and increased demand, impacting rental rates. Post-COVID, prices have surged, affecting both Airbnb and long-term rentals. Different areas command varying prices, and understanding the housing market can be confusing for newcomers. It is not what you are used to back home, in the way you find a home, how real estate agents and property owners work, and the requirements of a tenant.

In Bali, the word villa is used for pretty much all accommodations. However, a villa is referred to as a detached house, separate from your neighbors, usually with a pool and garden space. Townhouses, apartments, and local homes are other options, but there tends to be a focus on villas.

Short term accommodation

Before you arrive, it is recommended that you book a landing pad for at least a couple of weeks in an area that you are looking to live in. If you have even more time, perhaps you consider living in a few different locations before making a decision.

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to find your home. Competition can be fierce and villas can get snapped up super quickly and you really need to be on the ground to see it for yourself. You can’t see mould in a photo!

Discovering the perfect home in a location you desire, with a reasonable commute to your frequented places, requires patience.

Partnering with us enables you to craft a housing wishlist, ensuring introduction to our reliable real estate agents. This facilitates the exploration of properties within your budget and the scheduling of inspections upon your arrival.

Housing costs

The diversity of housing available is amazing and there is a style of accommodation to suit every  budget. 

Bali’s rental prices often require upfront payments for the lease duration. Therefore you are looking to rent a place for 12 months, the owner requires you to put a deposit down to secure your agreement, followed by a bond and then the full payment upfront.

Homes range from approximately 75 sqm for a studio to 400-500sqm for 4-5 bedrooms.

Services such as a housekeeper, gardener and a pool cleaner, rubbish collection and Banjar fee contribition are usually advertised as part of the rental price. Additional costs to budget for can include maintenance, additional staff, recycling, internet, electricity an fogging etc.  

There are so many other considerations and our Bronze package breaks down these costs for a clearer understanding and arms you with the right information for when you inspect homes.

Housing considerations

Modern villas often include outdoor living spaces, enclosed bedrooms, and private amenities such as pools. Some may even be part of complexes offering shared pools. The configurations vary, ranging from fully enclosed villas to those with open bathrooms, outdoor dining, kitchens, or a combination of these features. Considerations like baby-proofing are crucial, and it’s common to find pools without fences and bedrooms not interconnected. However, fences can be installed inexpensively or rented initially.

While a villa may appear delightful in the dry season (April to October), challenges may arise during the wet season (November to March) due to continuous rain. It’s essential to factor in considerations like the build quality, open design, and street access.

Understanding housing terminology, overall construction, inclusions, security measures, electricity setup, noise levels, nearby construction activities, pest control, and more is vital for making informed housing decisions.

Choosing the right location

Different areas may demand varying prices for example, Ubud may be cheaper than Canggu, however the style of home and environment will also be very different.

Selecting the right location involves understanding your daily commute preferences and lifestyle priorities. From beachside living to the jungle, each area, from Ubud to Sanur, offers a unique community, different school options, facilities, and natural environment.

It’s crucial to recognize that Google Maps, while indicating seemingly close distances in kilometres, doesn’t accurately reflect the travel time, particularly by car compared to a motorbike or scooter. Bali’s unique traffic conditions, combined with obstacles like rice fields and narrow lanes, can be deceiving, hindering direct access and road crossings. A firsthand experience driving in these areas is essential to truly grasp the challenges involved.

Visit Areas to live 

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