Home Australia I’m an Aussie and I bought a villa in Bali for $485,000. Groceries, transport and even fancy meals are so much cheaper – but these are the rules you need to be aware of

I’m an Aussie and I bought a villa in Bali for $485,000. Groceries, transport and even fancy meals are so much cheaper – but these are the rules you need to be aware of

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Alexis Withers, 27, and her husband Luke, 28, have always loved visiting this popular tourist destination for its impressive surfing waves, affordable food and friendly local people.

A young couple who travel to Bali every year have bought a luxurious villa on an idyllic island for just $485,000.

Alexis Withers, 27, and her husband Luke, 28, have always loved visiting this popular tourist destination for its impressive surfing waves, affordable food and friendly local people.

Therefore, the natural next step was to invest in a stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pool villa located in the heart of Bingin.

The Queensland couple already own four properties in Australia, but decided to further expand their portfolio with a slice of real estate in Indonesia.

“Given we travel to Indonesia three or four times a year to surf and enjoy the local cuisine, it seemed like a great opportunity,” Alexis told Daily Mail Australia.

The villa will be completed in December 2025; The couple plans to rent it for most of the year at about $495 per night, while setting aside time throughout the year for them and their family to enjoy it.

“We would never move to Bali permanently as we love the Sunshine Coast too much and need to stay in Australia to effectively run our business,” he said.

The couple are co-founders of Bitesoft Clear Aligners, a lucrative at-home teeth straightening business in Australia.

Alexis Withers, 27, and her husband Luke, 28, have always loved visiting this popular tourist destination for its stunning surf spots, affordable food and friendly local people.

The couple decided to invest in an impressive two-bedroom villa, with two bathrooms and a pool, located in the heart of Bingin (a mock-up of what their villa will be like).

The couple decided to invest in an impressive two-bedroom villa, with two bathrooms and a pool, located in the heart of Bingin (a mock-up of what their villa will be like).

How does Balinese real estate work for Australians?

In Bali, only Indonesians can own land.

Australians can buy property but cannot own the land itself.

Foreigners can obtain a long-term lease on the land either from a resident owner or from the government, allowing them to build on the leased land.

‘Hak Pakai’ or ‘Right of Use’ is a type of land ownership in Indonesia that grants a person or entity the right to use and benefit from a plot of land for a certain period of time, usually up to 25 or 30 years. , with the possibility of extension.

“After owning the company for over six years, we have been fortunate to generate significant income, which we have reinvested in real estate,” Alexis said.

“Given the challenge of finding cash flow assets in Australia, we decided to diversify our portfolio and explore new opportunities.”

The couple bought the Balinese villa primarily in cash, with a small portion financed through a personal loan using the equity in one of their properties.

In Bali, only Indonesians can own land. Foreigners can only obtain a long-term lease when purchasing a home.

“You still own the property and rent the land for up to 28 years,” he said.

‘In our specific contract, we have the right to request a 20-year extension around year 26. This extension is based solely on the market value of the land, which is determined by three independent property advisors.

“The average valuation of these consultants will be the price that the owners will have to accept for the expansion.”

Under the property’s lease, the couple has the “full right” to extend the land lease for up to 20 years at the agreed price.

“When you decide to apply for an extension, that’s the time you can negotiate an additional extension period beyond the 48 years you’ve already owned the property,” Alexis said.

The villa will be completed in December 2025; The couple plans to rent it out for most of the year at about $495 per night, while setting aside time throughout the year for them and their family to enjoy (a mockup of what their villa will look like).

The villa will be completed in December 2025; The couple plans to rent it out for most of the year at about $495 per night, while setting aside time throughout the year for them and their family to enjoy (a mockup of what their villa will look like).

The young couple bought a luxurious villa on an idyllic island for only $485,000

The young couple bought a luxurious villa on an idyllic island for only $485,000

“Alternatively, you may choose to value the property and sell it along with the leasehold rights.”

The couple’s property is one of Aluka’s 12 premium private villas located within a gated community, along the southern coast of Uluwatu, Bali.

The villa is located next to one of the largest gyms in Bali and just five minutes from Bingin Beach, famous for its stunning sunsets.

Within a short 100 meter walk, tourists can find some of Bali’s most famous restaurants and bars. It is a privileged location.

‘Overall, it’s definitely more affordable compared to major cities in Australia. “We have found a variety of options, from budget villas to more luxurious accommodations, all at lower prices than similar properties in our country,” said Alexis.

Alexis and her husband travel to Bali up to four times a year and they can't get enough

Alexis and her husband travel to Bali up to four times a year and they can’t get enough

‘However, long-term rental offers even better deals. The variety of home styles and locations allows for flexibility based on individual preferences and budgets.

The villa has on-site property management that takes care of everything for the couple, including check-ins, cleaning after guests’ stays, and 24/7 reception.

The couple primarily reside on the Sunshine Coast, where they run their business, but enjoy taking regular trips to Bali whenever they can.

Alexis said the cost of living in Bali has been significantly lower than many Western countries, particularly Australia.

“You can easily enjoy a meal for between $2 and $10 at local restaurants, but dining at a fine-dining restaurant can cost around $150 per meal,” he said.

“Food, transportation and long-term rentals are generally more affordable in Bali, although prices will depend on your location and your selections.”

For any Australian looking to invest in Balinese real estate, Alexis stressed the importance of hiring a reputable Indonesian lawyer.

For any Australian looking to invest in Balinese real estate, Alexis stressed the importance of hiring a reputable Indonesian lawyer.

For any Australian looking to invest in Balinese real estate, Alexis stressed the importance of hiring a reputable Indonesian lawyer.

‘Communicate clearly what you are looking for and your budget; They can help you find the perfect property,’ he explained.

«It is essential to investigate the hotspots where people are attracted to vacation. While the process may be daunting because it is taking place in a foreign country, I highly recommend hiring a trustworthy Indonesian lawyer.

“They can explain all the details and nuances you need to understand before making a purchase.”

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