KBRN, Jakarta: Apartments in Bali are increasingly marketed not just as places to live but as lifestyle products, offering wellness, leisure, family vacations, and long-stay options for digital nomads. 

This positioning has made the island’s apartment sector a magnet for foreign investors and renters, according to property consultancy Colliers Indonesia.

“Many of the investors currently building are from Russia. That’s the reality we see on the ground,” Head of Research at Colliers Indonesia, Ferry Salanto, said during a virtual media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond development, Russian nationals are also among the most active renters of apartments in Bali, alongside Australians and Singaporeans. Ferry noted that Bali’s proximity makes it particularly appealing for Singaporeans, many of whom work remotely from the island as digital nomads.

Most apartment projects are concentrated in tourist hubs such as Canggu, Ubud, and Nusa Dua, where developers sell not only units but curated experiences. 

“The clearest trend right now is that smaller units remain the top choice, especially studios and one-bedroom apartments, which dominate the market. They are best suited for mid-term tourists and investors,” Ferry explained.

Unlike Jakarta or Surabaya, where apartments often target end-users seeking permanent housing, Bali’s apartment market is designed primarily for tourism rentals. Smaller units are absorbed more quickly, priced more affordably, and align with the lifestyle of residents who spend much of their time outside the property.

From a development perspective, new builds are becoming less common. Developers increasingly pursue redevelopment projects, repurposing existing structures in strategic locations to speed up processes and reduce regulatory risks.

Bali’s property framework also differs from other Indonesian cities. Apartments in Bali are generally offered under leasehold rather than the Right to Build (HGB), as there are regulations, particularly customary laws, that cannot be ignored. This reflects the island’s unique blend of national law and customary regulations. 

“Developers must consider not only national legal requirements but also local customary rules. With stricter regulations now in place for building approvals (PBG) and certificates of occupancy (SLF), legal compliance has become a decisive factor,” Ferry said.

Ownership patterns lean heavily toward leasehold arrangements, with foreign investors forming the bulk of buyers. Looking ahead, Ferry projected the market would remain stable but increasingly selective, with only projects that demonstrate strong legal standing, solid concepts, and alignment with local character expected to perform well.

“In 2026, the projects that will stand out are those with clear legal frameworks and concepts that truly connect with their location. Bali is not a speculative market; it demands precise strategy,” he concluded. ***