What You Need to Know about Selling Overseas Property in Bali
- International Property Alerts
- November 26, 2025
Many people think that selling overseas property in Bali is a good idea because the island is famous, busy, and loved by visitors. Homes and villas can attract buyers from many countries, so owners often hope for a smooth sale. The only problem is that Bali has different rules for who can own land, how documents work, and how you must sell your place.
In this guide, you will learn how to handle the legal steps, set the right price, and market your home to the right buyers. We will also explain taxes, fees, and how to manage your international property.
1. Understand Your Property Ownership in Bali
Freehold (Hak Milik) – Only for Indonesian Citizens
If you own real estate in Bali under a freehold title, it means the land is yours forever. But here’s the thing: freehold (Hak Milik) is only for Indonesian citizens. Foreigners can’t legally hold this type of title. If a foreigner tries to sell a freehold property, they often need to convert or work with an Indonesian partner. That’s why selling overseas property in Bali can be tricky when it’s freehold.
Leasehold (Hak Sewa) – Common for Foreigners
Leasehold is the most common way foreigners own property in Bali. It means you “rent” the land for a long time, usually 25 to 30 years. Sometimes, you can extend the lease. When selling overseas property in Bali that’s leasehold, the buyer will take over the remaining years. You need to check how many years are left and make sure the paperwork is clear.
Right to Use (Hak Pakai) and Right to Build (Hak Guna Bangunan)
These two titles are special. Hak Pakai (Right to Use) lets foreigners live on land for a long time. Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build) is for companies that build on land. If your property has either of these titles, selling overseas property in Bali means showing the buyer that the title is valid and approved by local law.
Why This Matters When Selling
Your property title affects everything. It decides who can buy your place, how long the sale takes, and what taxes you’ll pay. Some buyers want a leasehold, while others want a title under a company name. If you don’t know what title you have, it’s hard to sell. Before you list your international property, check the title type so you can explain it to buyers and agents.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents and Due Diligence
Key Documents You Need
When selling overseas property in Bali, you must have the right papers ready. That is to say, these papers show who owns the property and if it is legal to sell. Make sure you collect:
- Land Certificate
- Lease Agreement
- IMB or Building Permit
- Tax Receipts
- Your ID or passport copy
- Lease extension papers if needed
If one document is missing, buyers may not trust the sale.
Check if Everything Is Clear and Updated
Before selling overseas property in Bali, read all your papers carefully. Make sure names, dates, and property details match. Also, check that taxes are paid and that the IMB or building permit is valid. As a result, buyers will feel safer when they see that everything is correct and updated, just like when buying property in Bali.
Work With a Licensed Notary or Legal Advisor
A licensed notary, called a PPAT, can help you review your documents. They check if the sale follows the law. So, when selling overseas property in Bali, a notary can help prevent mistakes that could stop the sale. A legal advisor can also explain things in simple terms.
Common Problems to Avoid
Some issues can cause long delays or even cancel a sale. Watch out for:
- Zoning problems
- Expired permits
- Wrong names in documents
- Unpaid taxes
- Missing lease details
Fixing these early makes the selling process smoother and faster.
3. Set a Realistic Price and Market Your Property
How to Value Your Property
When selling overseas property in Bali, you need to know how much your place is worth. Therefore, you can check:
- Similar homes in the same area
- How much it would cost to build it again
- What other sellers are asking in the local market
If your price is too high, buyers may ignore it. So, if it is too low, you might lose money.
Choosing the Right Listing Price
When selling overseas property in Bali, the price you choose affects how long your property stays on the market. That is to say, a fair price helps you get more interest and faster offers. On the other hand, a very high price can make buyers wait or look somewhere else, which means your listing may stay online for months.
Marketing Strategies
To reach more buyers, especially people from other countries, try:
- Local real estate agents
- International property websites
- Social media ads and posts
- High-quality photos and videos
Buyers like clear pictures and simple information. So, this helps them feel safe and excited about the property.
Highlight Your Best Features
Show what makes your property special. For example:
- Beach views
- Uluwatu or Canggu location
- Swimming pool and nice rooms
- Strong rental or investment potential
People searching for a property for sale in Bali love seeing these features.
Staging and Presentation Tips
When selling overseas property in Bali, make your place look clean, bright, and ready to use. You can:
- Remove clutter
- Fix small problems
- Add simple decorations
- Take photos during the day
A good presentation helps buyers imagine living there, even if they are far away.
4. Manage Showings, Offers and Negotiations
Handle Showings from Far Away
When selling overseas property in Bali, you might not be in the country. So, this means you need help showing your home. You can:
- Ask a trusted agent to manage viewings
- Use video calls to show the property
- Share clear photos and videos
- Plan visits ahead of time
These steps help buyers see the place even if they live far away.
Handling Offers and Deposits
When selling overseas property in Bali, you will get offers from different buyers. Make sure you:
- Check if the buyer is real and able to pay
- Ask for a deposit to show they are serious
- Keep records of all payments
This helps protect you from problems during the sale.
Negotiation Tips
Talking about price can be harder when the buyer lives in another country. When selling overseas property in Bali, try:
- Staying calm and polite
- Knowing the lowest price you will accept
- Asking your agent for advice
- Being clear about what is included in the sale
People looking for housing in Bali want good deals, so being prepared helps you agree faster.
Clear Contract Terms and Timeline
Make sure the contract explains:
- Who pays fees
- When payments are made
- What documents are needed
- When the handover happens
A clear timeline helps avoid confusion and makes the sale smoother for everyone.
5. Finalise the Sale with a Notary and Legal Transfer
Work With a Notary (PPAT)
When selling overseas property in Bali, the final step is meeting with a notary, called a PPAT. In simple terms, the notary checks all documents and makes sure the sale follows Indonesian law. In addition, they write the official sale papers and guide both sides through the process. So, without a notary, the sale is not legal.
Transfer of Title or Lease Rights
When selling overseas property in Bali, the notary helps transfer the title or lease to the new buyer. This means:
- The buyer becomes the new owner
- The lease changes hands if the property is leasehold
- The documents are updated in the land office
Money is usually sent through:
- Escrow services
- Bank transfers
This keeps the payment safe for both sides. Some buyers who look for rentals in Bali also want ownership later, so clear transfer steps are important.
Who Pays What
When selling overseas property in Bali, it is important to know who pays certain fees. Usually:
- The seller pays income tax
- The buyer pays transfer tax
- Notary fees can be shared or agreed in the contract
- Extra legal costs depend on the title type
Talking about these costs early helps avoid problems and delays.
6. Understand Taxes and Fees When Selling in Bali
Seller Income Tax (PPh)
When you handle selling overseas property in Bali, you must pay a seller income tax called PPh. The government collects this tax. You pay about 2.5% of the sale price for a freehold property. So, you must include this cost when you plan your price. If you forget this tax, you may lose money.
Notary and Transfer Fees
When you continue selling overseas property in Bali, you also pay fees for the notary and the transfer process. These fees usually reach about 1% of the sale price. Also, the notary checks documents and updates records. You and the buyer can talk about who pays what.
Extra Costs for Foreign Sellers
Foreign sellers may face more costs. These costs include:
- Fund repatriation: sending money back to your home country
- Currency exchange: changing money to another currency
- Company ownership: paying fees if a company owns the property
Many people look for a country guide in Bali to understand these rules.
Get Expert Help
When selling overseas property in Bali, you should talk to a tax or legal advisor. These experts explain your exact costs and help you avoid problems. Therefore, this step keeps your sale safe and smooth.
7. Common Challenges and Pitfalls to Avoid
Title Confusion
When selling overseas property in Bali, some sellers think they have freehold, but the title is actually leasehold. This mistake creates big problems. Buyers may feel confused or scared. So, always check your title before you list your property.
Pricing Too High
When selling overseas property in Bali, you may want a high price. If the price is too high, buyers will not make offers. Your property may stay online for a long time, and people may think something is wrong with it. Therefore, a fair price helps you sell faster.
Poor Documents
Missing or incorrect papers stop many sales. Wrong names, expired permits, and unpaid taxes cause delays. To clarify, buyers want clear documents, or they will walk away. Good paperwork helps you build trust.
Marketing Takes Time and Money
Many sellers think marketing will be easy. They forget how much time and money it takes to reach buyers in other countries. Photos, videos, and ads cost money. Also, people compare prices and the cost of living in Bali, so they check many listings before choosing.
Money Transfer Issues
When selling overseas property in Bali, you must plan how to move your money. Some sellers struggle with:
- Bank rules
- Currency changes
- Taxes when sending money home
Good planning helps you avoid stress and big fees.
8. Final Checklist Before Listing
Before selling overseas property in Bali, you need to make sure everything is ready. This helps buyers feel safe and happy about the sale. Use this simple checklist to prepare:
- Ownership title confirmed: you know if it is freehold, leasehold, or another type
- Documents ready: all permits, taxes, and contracts checked and updated
- Property cleaned and staged: rooms look neat, bright, and welcoming
- Marketing plan ready: photos, videos, and listings prepared
- Agent engaged: a trusted person helps show and manage the sale
- Timeline set: clear dates for offers, payments, and handover
- Tax and fees clear: you understand all selling costs
With good preparation, selling overseas property in Bali becomes smoother and faster. You can attract more buyers and earn more money. When you stay organized, selling overseas property in Bali can feel easy and successful.
Key Takeaway
Bali stays a great place for selling overseas property in Bali because many people love the island and want to live or invest there. You can succeed when you understand your property title, set a fair price, show your home well, and handle the legal and money steps with care. Good planning helps you avoid problems and keeps buyers interested.
If you want to sell, talk to a Bali-based real estate agent or notary. They can help you start with a clear valuation or inspection. For more help or questions, you can contact us so you feel safe and ready to begin.
FAQs
1. Can I sell my property in Bali if I am not living in Indonesia?
Yes, you can. Many owners live in other countries while selling. That is to say, you only need a trusted agent, clear documents, and a notary to handle the legal steps for you.
2. How long does it usually take to sell a property in Bali?
The time can be short or long. A fair price, good photos, and complete papers help you sell faster. A very high price or missing documents can make the sale take many months.
3. Do I need a notary to finish the sale in Bali?
Yes, you do. A notary, called a PPAT, checks the documents, writes the sale agreement, and makes the transfer legal for both the buyer and the seller.
4. What papers do buyers want to see before making an offer?
Most buyers ask for the land certificate, lease agreement, building permit, tax receipts, and ID details. Clear and updated papers help buyers feel safe and confident.
5. Do I have to pay taxes when I sell my property in Bali?
Yes, sellers pay a tax called PPh. You may also pay other fees depending on the title and ownership. A tax advisor can explain your exact costs and help you plan ahead.
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
Media Contact:
Phone: +4477 1923 8132
📱 WhatsApp: +63927 073 9530
Email: office@internationalpropertyalerts.com
Services
Related Post
- Best Places To Retire
- Hidden Places Destination
- Best Regions To Retire
- Guide To Global Life
- Affordable Places To Retire
- Elly's Insights
- Business Outlook
Discover Prime Global Opportunities
Elle Resort & Beach Club – Your Prime Beachfront Investment
Elle Resort & Beach Club offers a rare chance to own property in one of the most desirable coastal locations. With limited units, strong capital growth potential, and unmatched resort facilities, this is your opportunity to secure a beachfront lifestyle with long-term value.
Smarter Property Investments Start Here
Thinking about buying property abroad? Don’t make the move without the right knowledge. Our Free Buyers Guide gives you essential insights on legal steps, taxes, financing, and the best markets worldwide. Trusted by international buyers and investors.
Your Perfect Home Awaits at Sudara Residences
Wake up to bright, spacious living with stunning views and modern comforts. Whether for family living, retirement, or a stylish retreat, Sudara Residences makes your dream home a reality
Own a Piece of Cambodia’s Thriving Property Market
Discover curated property listings with IPS—residential, commercial, villas, land—and get expert guidance through every step.
BONUS: FREE Cambodia Buyer’s Guide
Grow Your Business - Advertise in a Prime Spot
High visibility. Targeted audience. Maximum exposure. Rent this space and let your brand shine.
Got Properties to Sell?
Get your properties in front of high-intent investors. Showcase your listings to buyers worldwide.
Exchange Without Borders
From pounds to pesos, yen to dollars. ⚡ Quick. Easy. Secure.