Moving to Bali seems like a fairy tale, primarily because of the beautiful nature, affordable prices, and peaceful, unhurried lifestyle it offers. The Indonesian island also appeals to investors viewing local real estate as a profitable asset.
If you, too, dream of finding a jungle bungalow or a stunning oceanfront villa, you will need a knowledgeable and trustworthy estate agent. Working with a good professional, you will be able to save a huge amount of time and money as they will protect you from typical mistakes that novice investors make and help you navigate the complex Balinese real estate market. How to find such an expert? Read our recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Content:
- Tip 1. Research the real estate market
- Tip 2. Choose an agent based on relevant experience
- Tip 3. Choose a local agent
- Tip 4. Consider their language skills
- Tip 5. Look for reviews
- Tip 6. Assess their communication style
- Tip 7. Check the cost of services
- Conclusion
Tip 1. Research the real estate market
Before you start your search, it would be a good idea to do at least a little research on the market first. Visit some real estate websites, look at prices for different types of housing, and familiarise yourself with laws and requirements.
The more you know about property in Bali and the differences between the island’s areas, the better your dialogue with agents and owners will be.
Tip 2. Choose an agent based on relevant experience
So, you now have an idea of the local market and are ready to find an agent. Where to begin? It is important to make sure your estate agent has the experience and qualifications to help you with your purchase. The professional should be able to work with the type of property you are looking for, such as villas or resort apartments. It is also important that they have mediation experience in your price segment: buying a low-end property differs from transactions with premium real estate. The Bali housing market is extremely heterogeneous.
Since there is no compulsory licence for estate agents in Indonesia, there are many amateurs and novice professionals who are not qualified enough to close deals. Ask your prospective agent about their portfolio and whether they have certifications abroad or in Indonesia.
To identify a reliable professional, check their competencies with the checklist below. A licensed agent:
- Knows the ins and outs of the property market and legal matters;
- Works in line with the client’s requirements and budget;
- Promotes the client’s property (if you sell or rent out housing);
- Has access to the current database of all listings in the selected location (district or city) with accurate contacts;
- Arranges viewings and meetings with owners;
- Executes a transaction ensuring legal support, which allows you to make sure that the land or real estate can be purchased, is legally owned, and does not have tax or other encumbrances;
- Closes the deal and prepares all paperwork.
Tip 3. Choose a local agent
If you want to buy property in a specific area, it is important to choose someone who knows that particular location well. An estate agent should be knowledgeable about the chosen region, tell you about the potential pros and cons of the property and area, and evaluate how well they suit your lifestyle and needs.
A simple example is Badung and Tabanan, two large regencies in Bali. Badung, home to the famous Canggu, is more flexible in terms of permits but is also more expensive. Tabanan is a green, peaceful, and beautiful region with affordable prices. Residents of this regency cherish their cultural heritage. You may be attracted by inexpensive real estate, and you can easily become the owner of land or property in Tabanan. However, in the end, the purchase will turn out to be illegal, because you will buy housing in an area where real estate transactions are prohibited.
Tip 4. Consider their language skills
If you are working with a private estate agent in Indonesia, make sure they actually understand and speak English (or your native language). Balinese culture is very welcoming and polite, and some locals will simply nod or agree with you, even if they do not quite understand what exactly you mean. However, a misunderstanding or translation error could cost you thousands of dollars.
You may need the help of several professionals. For example, to avoid miscommunication, you can hire a translator.
Tip 5. Look for reviews
If you are still unsure about choosing an agent, ask for recommendations from other buyers. This can give you some idea of the level of service. Do not rely only on specialised real estate resources. You can find a lot of reviews in expat communities online—these can be Facebook groups or Telegram chats. You can even submit a request yourself and ask community members for recommendations or information about a specific estate agent.
Tip 6. Assess their communication style
The way an agent communicates with you, even at the first inquiry stage, can be an indicator of customer centricity. What is their speech like? Does it sound professional and polite? Do they seem interested in helping you find the right property? Do they ask you follow-up questions or immediately try to sell you additional services? Finally, are they quick to respond and respectful of your time? If you have an appointment, did they show up on time or keep you waiting without prior notice?
A good estate agent in Bali should be proactive and energetic, offering you solutions and providing value without creating additional problems or letting you do the work for them.
Tip 7. Check the cost of services
Agents charge different fees, so it is important to ask about the cost of services in advance. Before you decide, make sure you understand all the expenses you will face. It is also important that your agent does not negotiate prices with property owners without consulting you.
There is no fixed fee for real estate services in Indonesia. Even if some forums claim that it is 5% of the property value, it is still important to check with your agent.
Conclusion
After you meet with each of the selected professionals, talk to them, and ask all the questions you have, analyse which of them you liked the most. Sometimes the best solution is to simply follow your gut instinct.
Once you have decided on your choice of professional, be sure to put your contractual relationship in writing. The contract includes the agent’s contact information and detailed terms and conditions of your cooperation. This formality will help protect you if something goes wrong.
Follow the above tips and combine them with your own intuition—and then a real estate transaction in Bali will be not a problem for you but an enjoyable experience.