There are a lot of factors to consider when you're buying a home in Bali. So the best thing you can do is to make sure you have all the boxes ticked and you give yourself the best chance to get things right. And that means have a plan.

Family Properties

For example, if you are a family with kids, you'll definitely want to consider how close the best schools are because you don't want to be stuck with traffic and long commutes. For example, Kerobokan, Canggu, Sanur and Nusa Dua are the best areas to be looking at if you fit into the family friendly homebuyer category.

Before you start searching it's really worth spending a bit of time in each area to see which one suits you (and the kids) best. Make a note of where the closest medical facility or clinic is. Where's the nearest convenience store, bakers, chemist or local market? Is the area safe for kids to run around?

Legalities

Once you have the location set, you need to understand the legal aspects of owning a property in Bali, especially if you're an expatriate. My suggestion is to consult with a real estate lawyer or a reputable real estate company to give you a preliminary introduction.

Availability

So lets assume you've narrowed down the options to being family friendly, close to a reputable international school and supermarket and with a legal title you are comfortable with … now it's time to search what's available on the market that fits those criteria.

But here's where I want to give you a heads up.

In Indonesia, it is common practice that one property is marketed by multiple agencies. So, to save time I'd suggest working with just one agency. It's less time consuming and way less stressful. There are a few to choose from and one size certainly doesn't fit all, so go with whoever you feel is looking out for your best interests.

Closing the Deal

Lets say you found a home you really love and it's in an area the whole family is crazy about. Now it's time to move forward, so the next question should be how to make sure you close the deal.

We always recommend you make a formal written offer to the owner. It's a powerful tool that shows the owner you're serious. Your agent will be able to guide you with this, especially when it comes to making a reasonable offer that will be taken seriously.

In this offer you should also make it clear how you expect the transaction to flow … step by step all the way to final settlement. It's so much easier when everything is clear and upfront like this.

Have the right Mindset

Stay open-minded. This is an important part of the process and more than anything means you have to have the right mindset. Remember, when you're dealing with government related offices, the process of transferring ownership rights may take a bit longer than you anticipate, especially if transactions happen at the end of the year.

If transactions happen at the beginning of year, the time we learn how much sales and purchase taxes to be paid, you might need to wait until the government's land values are released.

But there is a way around this by using the previous year's government land value as a benchmark. By signing a sales agreement the process of transferring names and titles can done by a notary as soon as the government's land values are released.

It's worth noting that leasehold transactions are more straight forward.

Handover

Once the deal is done and you're ready for handover you want to make sure you can move in comfortably and quickly. If you're buying furnished it's easier, but if you're supplying the furniture make sure delivery dates are set and clear.

Most homes in Bali have swimming pools, so make sure the pool is clean, and pumps, water tanks, pipes and filters are all working, as they should. The best way to do this is to have someone check the house regularly in that handover period, especially if there's a length of time when the property is going to be empty.

Things to make sure you have during or before the handover include everything related to billing like water, garbage collection, Banjar Fees, electricity bills and metre numbers. You'll also need the contact details of the water filter company, a good plumber, a reputable repairman and the Banjar Head.

The bottom line is the more information you get the better. And the best way to remember to get the information you need is to make a plan.

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