When it comes to investing in overseas property, Bali has long been on the radar of Australians. The island’s close proximity, relaxed lifestyle, and strong holiday rental market make it an attractive option for both lifestyle seekers and investors. But just how many Australians actually own property in Bali?

The answer may surprise you.

The Reality: No Official Registry

Indonesia does not publish ownership figures by nationality. This is because foreigners cannot directly hold freehold land (Hak Milik) in Bali. Instead, Australians and other overseas buyers typically use different structures such as:

• Hak Pakai (Right to Use)

• Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build) via a PT PMA (a foreign-owned company)

• Long leasehold agreements

• Strata title apartments, in limited zones under GR 18/2021

Because these methods blur the line of “ownership”, there’s no single government statistic that tells us exactly how many Australians own property in Bali. Instead, we look to reliable market data for insights.

The Estimate: Around 29% of Buyers

Recent industry data from a Bali property brokerage shows Australians accounted for about 29% of villa buyers in 2025. This makes them the largest foreign buyer group, ahead of:

• Indonesians from Jakarta – 21%

• Europeans – around 20%

• Americans – 15%

• Korean and Chinese buyers – 8%

• Other nationalities – 7%

While this percentage comes from agency sales data rather than official government records, it’s one of the clearest indicators available—and it confirms what many in the market already know: Australians are leading the charge when it comes to Bali property investment.

Why Australians Lead the Pack

There are several reasons why Australians remain so active in Bali’s property market:

1. Travel demand: Australians are consistently Bali’s largest visitor group. In the month of July 2025 alone, more than 161,000 Australians visited Bali—far ahead of any other nationality. This steady flow of visitors underpins both lifestyle purchases and investment in short-term rental properties.

2. Proximity: With direct flights from most major cities, Bali is one of the most accessible international destinations for Australians.

3. Value and yield: Leasehold arrangements often provide higher rental yields compared to equivalent investments in Australia, particularly in popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.

4. Lifestyle appeal: For many buyers, Bali offers not just an investment, but a lifestyle upgrade—surf, yoga, dining, and a slower pace of life.
   

What Australians Can—and Can’t—Buy

It’s important to be clear about the rules:

• Australians cannot buy freehold land (Hak Milik). This title is reserved for Indonesian citizens only.

• Hak Pakai (Right to Use): An Australian individual can hold property under this title, provided it meets minimum price thresholds (commonly around IDR 5 billion in Bali). It usually applies to one property per person and can be renewed in multi-decade terms.

• PT PMA company ownership: A foreign-owned company can acquire Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build), which allows ownership of buildings and long-term use of land.

• Leasehold: Still the most common structure for villas, leaseholds are typically 25–30 years with options to extend.

• Strata title apartments: Since GR 18/2021, foreigners may purchase strata apartments in designated areas, subject to minimum investment values.
  

Trends to Watch

• Foreign demand is climbing: In 2024 and 2025, Badung Regency (which includes Canggu and Seminyak) saw nearly double the foreign buyer demand compared to 2022.

• Rental markets are shifting: With Bali’s booming return of international tourists, yields have been strong, but competition is growing as more villas hit the market, whereas hotel accommodations are in hot demand.
  

The Bottom Line

While there is no official government figure, available data suggests Australians make up nearly a third of foreign buyers in Bali—far more than any other nationality. That dominance reflects more than just holiday love; it’s a sign of strong lifestyle ties, a booming tourism pipeline, and growing investment appetite.

For Australians, the opportunity is real.

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