Our home finder in Bali will help you find your ideal home

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Rent at real local prices

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Why choose a home finder ?

Home finder Cara (Bali)

Cara or another of our home finders will handle your search.

Reliability of listings
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Your home finder is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
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Your home finder can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and he knows the local agencies and landlords
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Scam risk
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At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our home finder.
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Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time goes into searching and 15% into viewings. With a home finder, you only do the viewings
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Application accepted
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In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your home finder will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
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Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

Total
Total
Weak
Very likely
95%
Bali

Bali has established itself as one of the world's leading destinations for long-term expat living, attracting families and retirees from across the globe. The island offers a wide range of rental options — from compact studios to spacious multi-bedroom villas — across neighbourhoods with very different characters and price points.

However, the Bali rental market is complex. Listings are fragmented across multiple channels, landlords typically require rent paid annually in advance, lease contracts are governed by Indonesian law with limited tenant protections, and rental scams are a documented risk. Foreign nationals must also hold the appropriate visa or stay permit to legally sign a long-term lease.

Working with a knowledgeable rental search specialist significantly reduces these risks. A specialist knows the local market, verifies landlord and contract legitimacy, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through the administrative steps — from visa requirements to notarised lease agreements — so you can focus on settling into your new life in Bali.

In short: Bali is an exceptional long-term rental destination, but the market is complex for foreign nationals. Leases are typically paid annually in advance, contracts are governed by Indonesian law with limited tenant protections, and the appropriate visa is required to rent legally. Popular areas like Canggu and Seminyak command premium rents, while Ubud and Sanur offer more affordable alternatives. Working with a knowledgeable rental search specialist helps you avoid scams, widen your search, negotiate better terms, and navigate the administrative steps — making your move to Bali significantly smoother and safer.

The Bali long-term rental market presents a number of practical challenges for newcomers and expats:

  • Opaque and fragmented listings: There is no single centralised rental platform in Bali. Properties are advertised across Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, local agencies, and international portals, making it difficult to get a complete picture of available stock and fair market prices.
  • High demand in popular areas: Neighbourhoods such as Canggu, Seminyak, and central Ubud have seen sustained demand from expats, particularly since 2022–2023. Quality long-term rentals in these areas are often taken quickly, sometimes before they are publicly listed.
  • Rental scams: Unverified listings, fake properties, and requests for deposits without a formal contract are documented risks in the Bali market. In 2024, Bali's Real Estate Brokers Association (AREBI) recorded more than 180 formal complaints related to property fraud.
  • Advance payment norms: The local practice of requiring one year's rent upfront is unfamiliar to many Western tenants and can create cash-flow difficulties.
  • Price inflation in tourist corridors: Rents in Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak have risen significantly due to tourism pressure, making it harder to find affordable long-term accommodation in these zones.
  • Limited tenant protections: Without a robust national tenancy law, tenants have limited recourse if a landlord fails to honour the lease terms.

Navigating the administrative side of renting long-term in Bali presents several challenges for foreign nationals:

  • Visa requirements: Holders of a tourist visa (Visa on Arrival or C1, formerly B211A) are generally not permitted to sign long-term lease agreements in Indonesia. A valid stay permit such as a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) or the newer Second Home Visa is typically required for extended residency.
  • Notarised lease agreements: For stronger legal protection, long-term leases should be formalised as a notarised deed (Akta Sewa Menyewa). Finding a reputable notary (notaris) and understanding the process can be daunting without local guidance.
  • Language barrier: Lease contracts are often drafted in Bahasa Indonesia. Having a bilingual legal review is strongly advisable before signing.
  • No standardised rental framework: Unlike many European countries, Indonesia does not have a comprehensive national tenancy law protecting renters. Tenant rights depend almost entirely on what is written in the individual lease contract.
  • Utility registration: Setting up electricity and water accounts as a foreigner can require additional documentation and, in some cases, the landlord's cooperation.
  • Local registration: Expatriates may be required to register with the local village administration (banjar), adding another administrative step to the settling-in process.

Engaging a rental search specialist in Bali offers concrete advantages for anyone planning a long-term stay:

  • Local network: Many of the best long-term rentals in Bali are let through local agents and landlords. A well-connected local specialist has access to properties through landlord networks and agency relationships that are not visible on public platforms.
  • Time savings: Searching independently across fragmented channels — Facebook groups, WhatsApp, local agencies, and international portals — is extremely time-consuming. A specialist consolidates this search on your behalf.
  • Scam protection: A specialist can verify landlord identity, property titles, and contract legitimacy, significantly reducing the risk of fraud in a market where rental scams are a documented concern.
  • Contract negotiation: Experienced rental advisors know local market rates and can negotiate rent levels, payment schedules, and lease terms more effectively than a newcomer acting alone.
  • Legal and administrative guidance: From understanding which visa is required to sign a lease, to recommending a bilingual notary for contract formalisation, a specialist helps you navigate Indonesia's administrative requirements.
  • Neighbourhood matching: A good advisor will match your lifestyle, budget, and daily routine to the right area — whether that is the creative energy of Canggu, the calm of Sanur, or the cultural immersion of Ubud.

A rental search specialist working in Bali will carry out a thorough set of checks before recommending any property for a long-term lease. These typically include:

  • Landlord legitimacy: Verifying that the person or entity offering the rental is the actual legal owner or an authorised representative, and that the property title (certificate of ownership) is genuine and unencumbered.
  • Zoning compliance: Confirming that the property is zoned for residential use and that operating a home office or hosting guests does not violate local regulations.
  • Lease contract review: Scrutinising the lease agreement (ideally a notarised Akta Sewa Menyewa) for clauses on rent increases, renewal rights, early termination, and maintenance responsibilities.
  • Utility connections: Checking that electricity, water, and internet connections are functional and that accounts can be transferred or set up in the tenant's name.
  • Structural and safety condition: Inspecting the property for water damage, mould, plumbing issues, and the condition of electrical installations.
  • Neighbourhood infrastructure: Assessing proximity to co-working spaces, international schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and reliable road access.
  • Visa compatibility: Advising on which visa or stay permit (such as a KITAS) is required to legally sign a long-term lease in Indonesia.

A typical rental search process in Bali, when supported by a specialist, follows these steps:

  1. Initial briefing: You share your requirements — budget, preferred area, property type, lease duration, and lifestyle priorities. The specialist also advises on visa compatibility for your planned length of stay.
  2. Market search: The advisor searches their network of landlords, local agencies, and listings to compile a shortlist of properties matching your criteria.
  3. Property visits: You visit a curated selection of properties in person. The specialist accompanies you and highlights points to check — condition, utilities, neighbourhood noise, and access.
  4. Due diligence: For shortlisted properties, the advisor verifies the landlord's identity, the property's legal status, and the absence of existing disputes or encumbrances.
  5. Negotiation: The specialist negotiates rent, payment schedule (monthly vs. annual), deposit amount, and key lease clauses on your behalf.
  6. Contract review: The lease agreement is reviewed — ideally by a bilingual legal professional — before signing. A notarised deed (Akta Sewa Menyewa) is recommended for leases of one year or more.
  7. Handover: A formal property handover is conducted, with an inventory of furnishings and a record of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy.
  8. Post-move support: The advisor can assist with utility setup, local registration, and connecting you with reliable service providers.

Rental search support in Bali is particularly valuable for the following profiles:

  • International professionals on long stays: Professionals relocating to Bali for several months or more who need a reliable, well-connected home base and want to avoid the time cost of searching independently in an unfamiliar market.
  • Expat families: Families relocating to Bali who need to balance proximity to international schools, healthcare facilities, and family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Sanur or Nusa Dua with a realistic long-term rental budget.
  • Professionals on assignment: Employees or entrepreneurs setting up operations in Bali who need a suitable residence quickly and cannot afford to spend weeks searching.
  • Retirees: Individuals planning an extended stay in Bali under a retirement or long-stay visa who want a comfortable, low-hassle rental arrangement with clear contractual protections.
  • First-time arrivals: Anyone moving to Bali for the first time who is unfamiliar with local rental norms, neighbourhood differences, and the administrative requirements for signing a lease as a foreign national.
  • Tenants with specific requirements: Those needing pet-friendly properties, home offices, garden space, or proximity to specific amenities who benefit from a targeted, expert-led search.

Bali offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods for long-term renters, each with a distinct character and rental market:

  • Canggu: The most popular area for younger expats. Known for its surf culture, dense co-working space network, cafés, and active social scene. Rents are among the highest on the island, reflecting strong demand. Traffic congestion is a notable drawback.
  • Seminyak: A more upscale, lifestyle-oriented neighbourhood with high-end restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs. Suited to those with a larger budget who prioritise dining and nightlife. Monthly rents for villas are at the premium end of the Bali market.
  • Ubud: Bali's cultural and spiritual heartland, set inland among rice terraces and jungle. Quieter and more affordable than the coastal tourist corridors, with monthly rents for furnished villas generally lower than in Canggu or Seminyak. Less suited to those who need frequent beach access or fast internet for video calls, though connectivity has improved.
  • Sanur: A calm, established expat community on the east coast. Well-equipped with international schools, hospitals, and supermarkets. Popular with families and retirees. Rents offer good value relative to Canggu and Seminyak.
  • Umalas / Kerobokan: Quieter residential areas between Seminyak and Canggu, popular with families seeking more space and a calmer environment while remaining close to the main amenities of the south.
  • Uluwatu / Bukit Peninsula: A clifftop surf destination in the south of the island. Spectacular scenery and a growing expat community, but more remote from central Bali's services. Best suited to surfers and those who prioritise lifestyle over convenience.
  • Nusa Dua: A planned resort area with strong infrastructure, international schools, and hospitals. Quieter and more family-oriented, though less vibrant socially than Canggu or Seminyak.

Renting long-term in Bali involves several budget considerations that go beyond the headline monthly rent. Here are the key points to watch:

  • Rent payment structure: Many Balinese landlords require rent to be paid annually or semi-annually in advance rather than monthly. This means you may need to have a significant lump sum available before signing a lease.
  • Utilities are rarely included: Electricity, water, and internet are almost always billed separately. Electricity costs in Bali can be notably higher than in many Western countries, especially if you use air conditioning frequently.
  • Security deposit: Landlords typically request a security deposit equivalent to one to two months' rent, which should always be documented in writing.
  • Currency fluctuation: Many long-term rental prices in Bali are quoted in USD, while day-to-day costs are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange rate movements can affect your effective monthly outgoings.
  • Maintenance and repairs: Clarify in the lease who is responsible for maintenance costs. In some contracts, minor repairs fall to the tenant.
  • Price variation by area: Monthly rents for a furnished 2-bedroom villa range from approximately IDR 14,000,000/month in Ubud to IDR 24,000,000/month or more in Seminyak (based on listings observed in 2024). Canggu sits in a similar premium bracket.

Expats searching for long-term rentals in Bali frequently make the following mistakes:

  • Signing a lease on a tourist visa: Committing to a long-term rental contract without holding the appropriate stay permit can create legal complications. Always confirm your visa status before signing.
  • Skipping a contract review: Accepting a verbal agreement or a poorly drafted lease without independent legal review is one of the most common and costly errors. Always insist on a written, bilingual contract.
  • Paying a large deposit without documentation: Handing over a deposit without a signed receipt or formal agreement is a significant risk. Any payment should be documented before funds are transferred.
  • Renting remotely without a visit: Booking a long-term rental based solely on photos or online listings, without visiting the property in person, frequently leads to disappointment regarding condition, noise levels, or neighbourhood fit.
  • Ignoring utility costs: Underestimating electricity bills — particularly with heavy air-conditioning use — can significantly inflate the true monthly cost of living.
  • Choosing a neighbourhood without research: Each area of Bali has a very different character, infrastructure level, and community. Choosing based on reputation alone, without considering daily commute, noise, or lifestyle fit, is a frequent regret.
  • Not negotiating: Many landlords in Bali are open to negotiation, especially for longer lease terms. Failing to negotiate can mean paying above-market rates.
  • Arrive before you commit: Spend at least two to four weeks in Bali exploring different neighbourhoods before signing a long-term lease. What looks ideal online can feel very different in person.
  • Get the right visa first: Confirm that your visa or stay permit allows you to sign a long-term lease in Indonesia before entering into any agreement. A KITAS or Second Home Visa is typically required for extended stays.
  • Always use a written, bilingual contract: Insist on a formal lease agreement in both Bahasa Indonesia and English. For leases of one year or more, a notarised deed (Akta Sewa Menyewa) provides stronger legal protection.
  • Budget for upfront payments: Many landlords in Bali require one year's rent paid in advance. Factor this into your financial planning before you start your search.
  • Verify the landlord and the property: Ask to see the property certificate and confirm the landlord's identity. Never pay a deposit without a signed receipt and a formal contract in place.
  • Negotiate: Rental prices in Bali are often negotiable, particularly for longer lease terms or off-peak periods. Don't accept the first price quoted.
  • Clarify what is included: Confirm in writing whether utilities, pool maintenance, garden upkeep, and internet are included in the rent or billed separately.
  • Use a trusted local specialist or agency: Working with a reputable rental advisor or agency significantly reduces the risk of scams and helps you access properties that are never publicly listed.

Remoters connects you with vetted rental search specialists who know the Bali market in depth. Whether you are relocating for three months or planning a multi-year stay, Remoters can help you:

  • Define your rental brief and match it to the right neighbourhood and property type
  • Access trusted local agency networks
  • Navigate the administrative and legal steps specific to renting as a foreign national in Indonesia
  • Negotiate lease terms and protect your interests before signing any contract
  • Settle in smoothly with post-move support for utilities, local registration, and day-to-day practicalities

Submit your search brief on Remoters to be connected with a specialist who can guide your long-term rental search in Bali from start to finish.

They search on your behalf in a market with no central platform: Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, local agencies and international portals. They shortlist properties in Canggu, Ubud, Sanur or elsewhere to fit your budget, then view them with photos or video.

They check the condition of the home, the utilities and the area, support your application and review the lease before you sign.

A free, no-obligation first conversation with a Home Finder based in Bali who speaks English sets your budget, area, type of home and length of lease. The exact price comes from the quote.

Depending on the quote, they shortlist properties, view them with photos or video, help with your application and stay with you until signing. You pay online; the funds are released to the Home Finder once the search is over.

Fake listings and deposit requests without a formal contract are documented risks in Bali: more than 180 formal fraud complaints were recorded in 2024. The Home Finder makes sure the person offering the property is the owner or their representative, reads the lease clauses and refuses any payment without a signed receipt.

They also check the utilities and the condition of the home.

Holders of a tourist visa are generally not allowed to sign a long-term lease: a KITAS or the "Second Home" visa is in principle required. Prepare a written, bilingual contract, as the lease is often drafted in Bahasa Indonesia.

Also plan for extra documents to open electricity and water accounts, and a possible registration with the banjar, the village administration.

What are you looking for in Bali?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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Frequently asked questions

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What exactly does a Home Finder do to find you a villa or flat in Bali?

They search on your behalf in a market with no central platform: Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, local agencies and international portals. They shortlist properties in Canggu, Ubud, Sanur or elsewhere to fit your budget, then view them with photos or video.

They check the condition of the home, the utilities and the area, support your application and review the lease before you sign.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
How does a search in Bali work while you are preparing your move from abroad?

A free, no-obligation first conversation with a Home Finder based in Bali who speaks English sets your budget, area, type of home and length of lease. The exact price comes from the quote.

Depending on the quote, they shortlist properties, view them with photos or video, help with your application and stay with you until signing. You pay online; the funds are released to the Home Finder once the search is over.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which listing and lease traps does a Home Finder check before you rent in Bali?

Fake listings and deposit requests without a formal contract are documented risks in Bali: more than 180 formal fraud complaints were recorded in 2024. The Home Finder makes sure the person offering the property is the owner or their representative, reads the lease clauses and refuses any payment without a signed receipt.

They also check the utilities and the condition of the home.

A hand pointing at a laptop screen while the other types.
Which formalities and visa should a foreigner plan for to rent in Bali?

Holders of a tourist visa are generally not allowed to sign a long-term lease: a KITAS or the "Second Home" visa is in principle required. Prepare a written, bilingual contract, as the lease is often drafted in Bahasa Indonesia.

Also plan for extra documents to open electricity and water accounts, and a possible registration with the banjar, the village administration.