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Buying vs. building a villa in Bali: Which option is best for you?

Whether buying or building a villa in Bali is better depends on several factors and your circumstances. There are several reasons why buying a villa in Bali can be more beneficial than building one. For example, buying an existing house is generally easier and quicker, while building a new property can be cheaper and easier to customize to your preferences. Buying a villa in Bali has several benefits, such as fixed costs and convenience. At the same time, the limited flexibility and dealing with hidden issues are two major disadvantages. Let’s dive deeper into why you should buy a villa in Bali instead of building one.

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Buying a villa in Bali

Let’s look at the reasons for buying a villa instead of building one.

1. Buying a villa in Bali is easier and quicker

Buying a villa in Bali is often easier and quicker than building a new one because buying an existing property eliminates the challenges associated with the construction process. When building, you must navigate land acquisition, apply for various permits, design the property, hire and manage contractors, and often face unpredictable delays due to weather, materials shortage, or labor issues. In contrast, buying a villa involves a more straightforward transaction process, allowing you to move in and generate rental income much faster than waiting for a new build to be completed.

2. You pay a fixed price when buying a villa

The cost is essential when choosing between buying or building a villa in Bali. When you buy a villa in Bali, you usually agree on a fixed purchase price, which makes it easier to predict the total costs. You can plan and budget accordingly without worrying about unexpected price changes. Moreover, buying a villa implies that you do not have to make monthly rent or lease payments, which gives you financial control and stability.

3. It’s easy to renovate and customize the villa

Although you may not have the option to fully customize the villa’s design, layout, and features to your exact preferences, you can still choose to renovate and personalize the villa to your liking. Renovating a villa is generally quicker and more cost-effective than building a new villa in Bali, making it a wise choice for those looking for a personalized home. While the villa’s structure may need to remain the same, you can redesign the interior and exterior to give it a modern feel. It’s wise to work with a local architect or interior designer experienced with villa designs in Bali.

4. Buying a villa in Bali is less risky

The risk plays an important role when deciding between buying or building a villa in Bali. Buying an existing villa in Bali is less risky than building a new one, as it eliminates uncertainties associated with construction and permits. Building a new villa can lead to unexpected costs, delays in construction, disagreements with contractors, and variations in the final quality of the build. Obtaining the right permits and navigating land regulations can add complexity and unpredictability. Established villas have a clear structure, land titles, and history that allow buyers to evaluate the villa’s condition and legal standing transparently, reducing financial and legal risks for the buyer.

buying or building a villa in Bali better

Building a villa in Bali

Although buying a villa in Bali has many known benefits, it might still be better to build a villa in Bali, depending on your personal preferences. For example, building a new villa ensures it’s modern and customized according to your wishes and needs.

1. New villas adhere to modern standards

Since modern villas follow the latest building codes, you will likely be able to avoid significant maintenance issues in the initial years of owning a new villa. You won’t have to deal with problems like leaky roofs, malfunctioning plumbing systems, or fret about uncovering shoddy duct tape repairs from previous owners. Besides that, a newly built villa is energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.

2. Customizing the villa to your needs and preferences

Building a villa in Bali offers the advantage of customization to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the design, layout, and features that align with your vision of a dream home. From selecting the materials, finishes, and colors to deciding on the room sizes and configurations, you have control over every aspect of the villa’s construction. It allows you to create a unique, personalized living space that reflects your lifestyle.

3. There is potential for a larger size

In some areas of Bali, available land plots where you can build a villa may be more spacious than those with existing properties. In areas where larger plots of undeveloped land are accessible, individuals can secure more space than they might get with pre-existing villas, allowing for expansive designs, bigger gardens, or additional amenities.

4. Building a villa in Bali can be cheaper

As said before, the cost plays an important role when choosing between buying or building a villa in Bali. Constructing a villa in Bali could be cheaper than buying an already-built villa. By supervising the construction process, homeowners can control expenses, choose budget-friendly materials, and customize the design to suit their needs, resulting in potential savings compared to buying a pre-built villa that includes amenities or luxuries that may not be necessary or desired.

Is buying or building a villa in Bali better?

Whether buying or building a villa in Bali is better is hard to tell, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each option has pros and cons and always depends on your preferences and budget. If you are still confused between buying or building a villa in Bali, you could consult a local real estate agent who can assess your needs and suggest the best solution.

Customization, budget, and available time should always be considered when choosing between buying or building a villa in Bali. Ultimately, carefully evaluating your preferences and financial capabilities can help determine whether building or buying a villa is the best choice.

Buying or building a villa in Bali compared

Reasons to buy a villa in BaliReasons to build a villa in Bali
Buying a villa in Bali is easier and quickerNew villas adhere to modern standards
You pay a fixed price when buying a villaCustomizing the villa to your needs and preferences
It’s easy to renovate and customize the villaThere is potential for a larger size
Buying a villa in Bali is less riskyBuilding a villa in Bali can be cheaper

Confused about buying or building a villa in Bali? Let us assist you!

Choosing between buying or building a villa in Bali depends on factors like budget, timeline, and customization needs. While buying offers convenience, building allows you to create a villa tailored to your vision. Both options involve navigating legalities and market dynamics. Our team of experts can help you weigh the pros and cons and guide you through the process, ensuring a secure and stress-free experience. You can email us directly at [email protected] for professional advice.

Get a detailed guide to buying property in Bali.

Valuable insights and practical advice, distilled from years of expertise and real-world experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house in Bali?

Generally, building a house in Bali can offer more flexibility in cost management and potentially be cheaper than buying a pre-existing villa in Bali, especially if you can efficiently control construction expenses and design elements.

What is the cheapest way to build in Bali?

The cheapest way to build in Bali involves sourcing local materials, hiring skilled local labor, using simple architectural designs, and minimizing the use of expensive imported materials or luxury amenities. Working directly with a local contractor with a proven transparent pricing track record can also lead to cost savings.

How much does it cost to build a house in Bali?

Building a standard house in Bali has an average cost of IDR 7.6 million ($479) per square meter, while the average cost of building a luxury villa in Bali is around IDR 22.9 million ($1,443) per square meter. It’s essential to factor in the price of land, permits, and additional fees.

How much does it cost to buy a villa in Bali?

The average cost of buying a villa in Bali is IDR 14 million ($882) per square meter, depending on the location. In popular areas like Seminyak or Canggu, villa prices are way higher than in less touristic areas like Amed or Singaraja.

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