Investing in a Bali villa is thrilling—but before you dive in, there’s a big decision to make: build from the ground up or buy something ready to go?
This choice will shape everything from your budget to your timeline and, ultimately, your returns. Both paths have their perks and pitfalls, but the smart move is choosing the one that fits your goals—not just your gut.
Building a villa in Bali gives you complete control over the design, location, and finishes, allowing you to create a property that perfectly matches your vision. Whether you’re seeking a bespoke investment or planning to live in Bali part-time, this level of customisation can be highly appealing. From the layout to the materials, you have the power to shape every aspect of the property to suit your exact needs.
However, the process of building a villa in Bali is far from simple, especially for foreign investors. Navigating the legal and regulatory requirements—such as zoning laws, permits, and contract negotiations—can be a daunting task, particularly without local experience. The challenges of working with contractors, managing quality control, and ensuring timely construction are even more difficult if you’re not based on the island to oversee the project. Delays, unexpected costs, and poor-quality work are common hurdles for those unfamiliar with the local market.
While building offers the potential for a tailor-made villa, it also carries significant risks. Build timelines often extend beyond the expected 12 to 18 months, and while the cost per square metre may initially seem affordable, unforeseen expenses can quickly add up. Without a solid local team and consistent oversight, the complexities of managing the project can easily erode any savings. It’s a high-reward, high-responsibility approach that requires dedication, expertise, and patience.
If this feels overwhelming, there are more streamlined alternatives that offer smoother investment opportunities.
Buying an existing villa, especially one that’s already earning rental income, provides instant gratification. The process is typically faster, allowing you to start generating returns or enjoying the property for personal use right away.
That said, not all resale properties are created equal. Many villas in Bali were built with short-term gains in mind, using materials and methods that may not withstand the island’s humid climate over time. Buyers also run the risk of inheriting design decisions that don’t appeal to today’s premium rental market—or worse, legal structures that aren’t above board.
While buying may seem simpler on the surface, it’s important to do thorough due diligence, including full title checks, contractor history, and an honest assessment of future maintenance costs. Skipping these steps can lead to costly surprises down the line.
Start by performing full title checks to confirm the property’s legal status and ensure there are no disputes or hidden claims that could complicate ownership. Additionally, researching the contractor’s history is essential—you want to know if they’ve previously delivered high-quality work and met deadlines. This can give you confidence that the villa is built to last and that any repairs or modifications will be less frequent.
Furthermore, it’s important to assess future maintenance costs. While a completed villa might seem low-maintenance at first, the humid Balinese climate can quickly take its toll on materials and infrastructure. From potential wear on the roof to issues with plumbing or air conditioning, these costs can add up over time. Knowing what to expect in terms of upkeep can help you plan your budget and avoid unexpected financial strain.
By taking the time to dive into these details, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals. It’s an upfront effort that pays off in the long run by helping you avoid potential legal issues, unexpected repairs, and costly maintenance.
For those wanting the best of both worlds—the customisation of building and the ease of buying ready-made—off-plan investing offers a compelling middle ground. This approach lets you purchase a villa before construction begins, often at a lower price than a completed property, while still having input on the design, layout, and finishes.
Buying off-plan means you're securing a brand-new villa built to meet the demands of today’s premium rental market. You get the chance to customise key features, lock in your price early, and often enjoy a smoother path to returns—especially as values typically increase as construction progresses.
Of course, no investment is without its risks. The biggest? Delays in construction and the chance that the finished product might differ slightly from your expectations. That’s why it’s crucial to buy from a developer with a proven track record, clear communication, and transparent processes.
If done right, off-plan investing can strike the perfect balance—offering modern design, early-mover pricing, and a faster route to rental income than building from scratch.
Curious how we do it at Akura Villas? Keep reading to see why our off-plan process is designed to minimise risk and maximise returns for investors.
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Ultimately, choosing between building, buying, or going off-plan comes down to your goals, risk appetite, and how hands-on you want to be.
If you’re after total creative control and ready to tackle the complexity, building from scratch can be incredibly rewarding—but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Prefer a faster, plug-and-play option? Buying an existing villa gives you immediate returns, but you’ll need to navigate quality concerns and legal due diligence.
Looking for a balance? Off-plan investing offers a sweet spot—modern design, some room for customisation, and less hassle than managing a build.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just the approach that best suits your lifestyle and investment goals.
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At Akura Villas, we do things differently. We don’t build villas to order—we craft high-quality, off-plan homes designed with the modern investor in mind.
Rather than starting from scratch, you’ll choose from a selection of expertly curated layouts and interior schemes, shaped by years of market insight, guest feedback, and real-world performance in Bali’s luxury rental space. From flow and function to materials and furnishings, every detail is intentional—optimised for durability, guest experience, and long-term returns.
What you get with Akura:
With Akura, you don’t have to choose between building and buying. You get the best of both worlds—a ready-to-perform product, built by a team who cares about your outcome as much as you do.
If you're looking for a stress-free, transparent investment, Akura Villas ensures your journey is seamless from contract signing to property management. Our team is here to help you map your investment goals to the right strategy—and the right villa.
📩 Let’s talk: Please follow link to 👉🏽 book a consultation to explore our available properties and secure a stress-free investment in Bali. Alternatively contact us at hello@akuravillas.com
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