The logistics we needed to line up before we moved: Securing visas was the first step to make sure we would be able to stay long-term. We worked with a Visa agency to help us with our applications. We are on a Kitas visa, which allows us to be in Bali for an extended time. Once we arrived in Bali, we finalized all our paperwork in person and opened our local bank accounts as well.
Schools were super-important to us—we looked at three and did a deep dive on them all to see which would be perfect for our children. We were so happy with the school we ended up going with; it’s an incredible international school with a beautiful community of families from all over the world, all sharing a similar experience. Our children have friends from Sweden, France, Spain, Brazil, the U.S., Singapore. They are learning so much about the world already.
BY DOMINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY
RUBEN BEERIS
Published Mar 20, 2024 1:30 AM
What if your wanderlust wasn’t limited to a 10-day vacation? In our series My Life Abroad, we ask expats from around the world what it takes to resettle thousands of miles away from home, plus how their new city has influenced their style.
Who I am: Sophie Bell, founder of lifestyle brand Peppa Hart.
Where I used to live: Cabarita Beach, Australia.
Where I moved: Seseh, Bali, Indonesia.
How long my family and I have lived in our current city: Coming up on two years.
Why we moved: We wanted to chase our dreams and needed something new and exciting for our family. We were working so hard and had a house on acreage that was a lot of maintenance, and we also felt like every weekend was the same. We wanted to explore and show our young children there is so much more to the world.
So we put our home on the market and booked our one-way ticket to Bali. Our family and friends were shocked. We hadn’t been planning it for a long time, but once we had made the call, we knew it was exactly the right decision for our family. Bali has always been a special place for us. We were married here in 2013 and have holidayed here several times a year throughout our lives.
We were craving adventure, freedom, and the ability to be on the ground in Bali working on projects we had been dreaming of for so long, like creating our own clothing and homewares, and building exciting businesses that we kept putting off because we were too busy.
We took our personal items and anything that was super-special to us, but overall the bulk of things stayed with the home (we sold it fully furnished, including kitchenware and styling pieces). We booked the maximum baggage allowance, which was around 14 bags between the four of us. People were a little shocked when we turned up to the check-in with 14 suitcases and boxes, but that was our entire life packed up!
We mainly brought clothes, our kids’ favorite toys and books, coffee-table books I had been collecting, and special homeware pieces like ceramics my mum had made for me. (She and my mother-in-law come over regularly to see us, so they have been lugging over anything extra we needed to get settled!)
Rent vs. own: Because we are not Indonesian, we can only do long-term leases or a Freehold. A Freehold is still a lease, but it’s a 99-year lease. We have a 25-year lease with two extensions, so we have the land for 70-plus years. During the term of the lease, the property is completely ours. We can build, renovate, or do whatever we want to that land.
What our house search was like: Before we arrived, we booked a three-month, short-term villa in the area we thought we would most likely end up living. The plan was to look for land and build from scratch and rent during that process, but once we arrived we found that yearly rental prices were going crazy with people flooding back to Bali post-COVID. We couldn’t stomach spending an outrageous amount on rent for 18 months while we built, so we changed tactics and started to look for projects that were around 80 percent finished. That way, we could come in and add our finishing touches but move in ASAP.
We contacted all the main real-estate agents in Bali and told them our requirements, and also signed up for Facebook groups that showcase real estate in each area. We were able to find a property in beautiful Seseh that had two villas, side by side. It has stunning rice-field views and is only 10 minutes from all the best restaurants. We put an offer on it and came to an agreement with the developer to be able to finish the project ourselves and move in within three months. Now we live in one villa and rent the other one out.
My advice for anyone who wants to build in my town: It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of pros, but many hurdles, too. You need to tackle language barriers and completely different building materials, and the rules are very relaxed. But the beauty about building in Bali is you can get absolutely everything custom-made.
My advice would be to definitely be here in person. Things move quickly, and if we hadn’t been coming to the site almost daily, the outcome would not have been as great. (If you can’t be here to oversee the build, then I would invest in a really amazing project manager.)
The biggest challenge with moving abroad: Missing our family and friends. We were so used to having my mum and my mother-in-law around a lot, so to not have them down the road is definitely the hardest thing. Now that we know we are here for the long-term, we’re working on getting them here permanently. Life would be complete!
The biggest joy of moving abroad: The change in our kids has been beyond words. My son, especially, has just transformed being here. He is so happy and confident. And because you are away from your family, your friends here really do become like family. We travel together and help each other with kids and life.
Monday through Friday we are in the school and work rhythm, but once Friday afternoon rolls around, it’s adventures galore. There are so many gorgeous islands nearby that you can duck to for the weekend. We are constantly doing little trips, which we would never usually do in Australia.
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about living in my city since I moved here: How lovely an expat community is. Everyone really looks after each other and is so helpful in sharing information and contacts. We have made lifelong friends here.
Where I found design inspiration for my space: I wanted the space to be pared back and easy to maintain because it was designed to be a holiday rental. (We also rent out our own villa when we travel for long periods of time.) I wanted everything to be sourced locally and custom-made to fit the space perfectly. Most items, from the marble tables to the dining chairs to the brass toilet roll holders, have been custom-made.
If I were to move abroad again and could do anything differently, it would be: Not to rush into anything. Really get to know the area and properties you’re looking at. A lot of things look great online and then you see them in real life and they just aren’t.
The best piece of decorating advice I’ve learned from living in my current city: Work to its strengths. The artisans here are so talented at working with wood, rattan, ceramics, and concrete, so utilize all the amazing skills they have in these methods. But always get a sample done to make sure they can achieve the finish you want, and only pay a deposit initially. Once you’ve seen the finished product and you’re happy with it, then pay the remaining amount.
The item I brought from home that brings me comfort: My mum is a super-talented ceramist, so I had to bring a bunch of her beautiful pieces with me. Each has its own story and meaning for me.
The moment I felt like a local: Last year we did a two-month holiday in Europe, and when we flew back into Bali it really felt like home. It was a real moment where we looked at each other and were so happy, like, this is our life now.
We also flew back to Australia recently for a friend’s 40th birthday and we were wondering if we would miss Australia, but it was the opposite. It really confirmed for us that as much as we miss our family and friends, Bali is the place for us.
"Bali is Hawaii 30 years ago"
Three months ago Lawrence predicted 2024 would be the most explosive year yet for the Bali's real estate market, especially on its popular East Coast in or near the first Resort Area in Bali, Sanur .
"2024 the most explosive year yet"
"Sanur not Snore Anymore"
According to Wikipedia. Sanur pronounced sah-noor) is a coastal stretch of beach east of Denpasar in southeast Bali (about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport)For the 26 years he lived in Sanur it was called "Snore" because it attracted Seniors and Baby Boomers to quiet lifestyle, famous beach and inexpensive cost of living.
Recently Bali has been showered with accolades in 2023 ,& 2024 snagging titles like "Second Best Destination in the World,"
This translates to one thing, a tourism boom, and with it, a surge in rental income.
Remember his saying, "Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand".
"Bali real estate demand is directly proportional to tourist demand"
The fuel for Sanur's coming Real Estate firestorm: 2,000 to 3,000 New Employees:
The massive Bali International Hospital is set to open its doors, bringing with it a wave of medical professionals and support staff seeking comfortable digs.Where will Doctors, Medical Technicians, and Support Staff Live?
5 - Star Hotel 1,000 Staff ?
The swanky new Meru hotel will need a place for its team to call home, injecting further demand into the market.New Icon Mall - 300 to 500 Employees:
Talk about a lucrative demographic!
So, where will all these new residents live? Sanur and its suburbs, of course.
Here are Lawrence's predictions on the three most sought-after areas of the East Coast, perhaps all of Bali in the next 12 -24 months.
#1 Area With Most Demand
This is due to the growing popularity of the area as a tourist destination and the increasing number of businesses and medical facilities moving in.
No Room at the Inn:
Just as Mary and Joesph found in Bethlehem just before Jesus was born recently there is no rooms in any of our inns.Unfortunately, there is not much available housing in these areas, as they are mostly commercial and hotels.
However, there are a few options for those who are looking to buy or lease a home in this sought-after location.
Bali Emerald Apartments:
They are perfect for those who are looking for a modern and stylish home in a great location.
PT. Bali Luxury Villas Start at $228,888.
For those who need more space, we also have a few award-winning Bali Luxury Villas available for sale.
They are perfect for those who are looking for a luxurious and spacious home in a quiet and peaceful location.
Bali Luxury Villas and Apartments are located within a short eight minute walking distance to Sanur's famous white sand beach.
They are also close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars.
If you are interested in buying a home in one of the most sought-after areas in Bali, we encourage you to contact them today.
They will be happy to help you find the perfect home for your needs.
#2 Area - Demand
While many eyes are on Sanur for the upcoming Bali International Hospital, savvy investors might find hidden gems close by.
This area, conveniently located within 1-10 kilometers of the hospital, offers several advantages:
Affordability: Escape the higher property prices of Sanur and capitalize on this area's lower costs.
High-Caliber Community:
Bali Paradise Beach Estates already boasts residents such as major Developers and Hotel owners plus, an A-listed couple, two doctors, and other successful individuals. This creates a desirable and dynamic community for future residents.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations:
Remember: This area provides a unique opportunity to live well, invest wisely, and be part of a thriving community just steps away from the Bally International Hospital. Don't miss out on discovering this hidden gem beyond the borders of Sanur!
Brand New Luxury Retirement Villas:
# 3 Area Most Demand
Beyond the Bypass: Uncovering Renon & East Denpasar's Potential
While past development left some concerns – smaller plots, lower construction standards, and bumpy roads – change is afoot.
Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon, promising a brighter future for the area.
But here's the real draw: prices here are significantly lower than the popular East Side, making it a prime location for savvy investors.
Envision it – owning a sprawling property, hundreds of square meters of opportunity! Build two or three stunning villas, keep one for yourself, and sell the others to recoup your investment, essentially securing your dream home for free.
Intrigued? We'd love to be your guides! Let us unveil hidden gems waiting to be unearthed in Renon & E Denpasar.
This area isn't just about a bargain; it's about embracing potential, about shaping your own Bali paradise.
Ready to ride the Bali East Coast wave?
So, pack your bags, your sense of adventure, and your investment savvy, because Sanur and its suburbs are about to become the real estate El Dorado of Bali.
Remember, this is just the beginning. We will keep you updated on all the sizzling developments in the East Coast real estate scene, so stay tuned for more insider tips and insights.
In the meantime, start browsing Best Bali Real Estate Listings – the future of Bali's real estate is bright, and Sanur is its shining star.
P.S. Don't forget to share this post with your fellow real estate enthusiasts! Let's spread the word about Sanur's golden future.
Schedule Your Personalized Viewing Today.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized viewing.
For information or inspection in English contact the Baby Boomer, President, Lawrence by Telephone or WhatsApp at +628123814014.
For information or inspection in Bahasa Indonesia contact the President's Spouse, a Licensed Indonesian Notaris, Azizah at +62 811-3864-993
ABOUT US:
Together with her partner and spouse Lawrence who has 50 years of Real Estate Experience, 20 Years of which is in Bali they own and operate award-winning 20-year-old Pt. Bali Affordable Lifestyles International ( PT. B.A.L.I. ).
Indulge in the pinnacle of luxury and efficiency with this esteemed team of over 70 professional staff, proudly offering an array of services for Buying, Selling, Leasing, and Renting Asian Real Estate.
For an unprecedented ten years running, they have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence and the Hall of Fame Award from the esteemed TripAdvisor, cementing their place among the top 2% of hotels and villas listed worldwide.
With clients all over the globe singing their praises, they are indisputably one of Asia's most renowned travel and real estate investment experts.
TESTIMONIAL:
"Honesty and professionalism are everything when you're dealing with real estate but when you can also find the most knowledgeable people to advise you and help you with what you need, why go anywhere else...Hands down the best in Bali!"Bo B, UNITED STATES- 2022
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