Sell your property in Bali in 6 easy steps

There is an abundant supply of villas for sale in Bali due to the increasing demand for property on the island. As a result, it makes it a challenging market for those looking to sell. With such fierce competition, knowing how to stand out is essential to make it out of a buyer’s market. To help you, here is how to sell property in Bali in 6 easy steps.

How to sell property in Bali?

Do you want to sell property in Bali? If you wish to sell a villa, apartment, condo, or piece of land, you can follow these steps to ensure a successful property transaction:

1. Find a real estate agent to sell property in Bali
2. Determine the right selling price
3. Research the costs of selling
4. List and promote your property
5. Sign contracts at the notary to transfer the property title
6. Pay the property taxes in Bali

We’ll explain each step in detail below.

Step 1: Find a real estate agent to sell property in Bali

Choosing the right real estate agent is valuable when selling your property in Bali. While working with a real estate agent is not mandatory, they can sell property in Bali. A knowledgeable agent assists you in navigating the complexities of the local real estate market, provides valuable insights and advice, and ultimately helps you achieve a successful sale.

Step 2: Determine the right selling price

Determining the right selling price is a crucial step when you sell property in Bali. A price that is too high may discourage potential buyers, while setting it too low may lead to lower profit margins and a possible loss on your investment. Thus, determining the correct price requires thoroughly evaluating current market trends, location, and property condition.

The average price for Bali villas is IDR 14 million ($910) per square meter. However, to get a more accurate idea of how much you could sell your property, you can look at neighboring properties with a size and style similar to yours. This way, you can at least determine the average selling price, and it won’t look like you are overselling. You read more about villa prices in our article about how much it costs to buy a villa in Bali.

Step 3: Research the costs of selling

Selling your property in Bali means you also have to reach into your pockets sometimes. For instance, when hiring a real estate agent, it is essential to account for the charge of real estate agent fees, which are usually set between 2% and 5%. Additionally, certain documents must be notarized to comply with government regulations, which entails paying notary fees.

Apart from that, there are taxes on selling property that may apply. These are the Corporate Income Tax or Personal Income Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax. Being aware of these costs and factoring them into the selling process can help ensure that you are financially prepared and avoid any surprises that may impact your profit. 

1. Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

If a company owns a property, such as a PT PMA, it must pay corporate income tax on the income and capital gains generated by the property, such as the sale of a property. The income is taxed at a fixed rate of 25%.

2. Personal Income Tax (PIT)

Foreigners who sell property in Bali might have to pay Personal Income Tax if they’re considered an Indonesian resident (when they stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days a year). The table below provides an overview of Indonesia’s Personal Income Tax rates.

Non-tax residents pay a 20% income tax on the property sale price unless a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) exists between Indonesia and the non-resident’s home country. With a DTA, the tax rate for non-resident individuals may be reduced to 10%.

3. Documentary Stamp Tax

In Indonesia, a documentary stamp tax or meterai is applied to documents or agreements that prove the sale or transfer of property. It is a crucial part of any property transfer process and must validate the transaction in most government offices. The tax rate is IDR 10,000 ($0.65) and must be paid when legalizing the paper. Although laws regarding stamp duties for electronic documents have been established, they have not yet been implemented.

Step 4: List and promote your property

To sell property in Bali, it’s essential to list and promote your property the right way. This requires marketing strategies that a real estate agent may be well-versed in. If you work with a real estate agent, you don’t have to do the marketing yourself. The agent will list your property on important real estate platforms and take care of promotion and marketing.

Listing your property on websites such as Own Property Abroad, Dotproperty, Rumah, and even Facebook marketplaces can help increase engagement and build a wider audience, making it easier for property buyers to find your place. You can create targeted ads to reach specific audiences interested in your property’s location, size, or features.

Step 5: Sign contracts at the notary to transfer the property title

Contracts are an essential document in a real estate transaction next to land title. After agreeing on the terms and conditions of the sale, sign the contracts at a notary to have a legal witness so you can notarize them. A notarized contract provides more substantial evidentiary value, making it harder for parties to withdraw from the sale. 

If you intend to sell property in Bali without the help of a real estate agent, it is advisable to work with a local notary. You may ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or acquaintances, or scour the internet for reviews of the notary’s services. On the other hand, if you choose to sell property in Bali with the help of an agent, the agent will usually take care of the contracts involved.

Step 6: Pay the property taxes in Bali

To make sure that the transfer is official and that it complies with government regulations, make sure to pay your property taxes in Bali. You can hire an accountant to make sure all taxes are paid correctly. Ask for recommendations for a trustworthy accountant in your network, and always read online reviews about the accountants’ services before hiring.

Sell property in Bali with Own Property Abroad

Do you want to sell your villa in Bali? Own Property Abroad can assist you and ensure a seamless and hassle-free property journey. Thanks to our extensive knowledge and local experience in the Balinese market, we can help with legal requirements, finding suitable buyers, negotiating the best deals, and conducting due diligence.

With our expert team, you won’t have to navigate the complexities alone. For further information on how we can assist you, kindly drop your details below or email us at hello@ownpropertyabroad.com.

Conclusion

It’s challenging to sell property in Bali. Bureaucracy and a harsh market may make you doubt whether to proceed with selling. Still, with firm commitment, proper planning, and the expertise of real estate agents, it can be a successful and profitable experience. By following the necessary steps and knowing local regulations and market conditions, you can achieve your goals and sell your property at the best price possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)