Buying a Bali Villa Sight Unseen: Was It a Mistake or a Smart Investment?

Have you ever thought about buying a property without ever seeing it in person? It’s a nerve-wracking idea, but that’s exactly what my wife and I did when we purchased a villa in Bali sight unseen. This blog shares our journey, the lessons we learnt, and the final verdict on whether this gamble paid off.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to buy property in Bali, watch our video documenting the entire experience: Watch the Full Video Here.

The Initial Decision: Taking the Leap

It all started with the allure of owning a villa in Bali—a dream shared by many. However, the logistics of traveling to Bali to inspect properties in person didn’t fit into our schedule, so we decided to take a bold step and buy the property based solely on photos, videos, and trusted recommendations.

But was it a smart move? As we embarked on this journey, we knew the risks were high, but so was the potential reward.

Navigating the Legal Process

The legal process of purchasing property in Bali is unique and can be daunting for foreigners. In our video, we detail every step, including:

• Finding a trusted lawyer in Bali to guide us through the process.
• Understanding the differences between leasehold and freehold property ownership.
• Signing contracts and ensuring all legal requirements were met.

Visiting the lawyer’s office was a pivotal moment. The paperwork was extensive, but we’re grateful to have worked with a professional who explained everything clearly.

The Big Reveal: Seeing the Villa for the First Time

After completing all the legal formalities, it was time to see the villa in person for the very first time. This was the moment of truth. Would it match our expectations, or would it turn out to be a massive disappointment?

The drive to the villa was filled with anticipation. When we finally arrived and stepped inside, the experience was unforgettable. The villa’s design, layout, and surroundings exceeded our expectations, but there were still some surprises we had to contend with.

You can see the full reveal and our raw reactions in the video: The Big Villa Reveal.

Was It Worth the Risk?

In the end, we’re thrilled with our decision, but the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Here’s what we learned:

1. Do Your Research: Work with a trusted real estate agent and lawyer who understand the Bali market.
2. Trust, But Verify: While we didn’t see the villa in person, we relied on detailed video walkthroughs and testimonials.
3. Be Prepared for Surprises: Even with careful planning, there were a few unexpected issues that we had to address after purchasing.

For our full thoughts on the experience, check out the verdict in our video: Watch the Verdict.

Key Takeaways for Buying Property in Bali

If you’re considering buying property in Bali, here are some tips based on our experience:

• Understand Ownership Laws: Foreigners can’t directly own land in Bali, so explore options like leasehold or setting up a local company.
• Visit If Possible: If you can, visit the property in person. If not, ensure you have reliable on-the-ground support.
• Budget for Unexpected Costs: Renovations, furnishing, and other expenses can add up quickly.

Buying a villa sight unseen was a thrilling adventure, and we hope our story inspires you to chase your dreams while making informed decisions. Ready to dive into the details? Watch the full video here: Buying a Bali Villa Sight Unseen.

Let us know in the comments if you would take the leap and buy a property sight unseen, or if you’ve had a similar experience!