BALI, INDONESIA – A couple from Tasmania, Australia, Rory and Casey Jones, embarked on a unique investment journey by building a villa in Bali for 2.287 billion Indonesian rupiah, roughly equivalent to $143,000. The couple, seeking to have a tangible asset that could generate income and also serve as a retirement home, ventured into a country they had never visited before.
Prior to this endeavor, the Joneses primarily focused on investing in the stock market in pursuit of early retirement. However, they felt dissatisfied with having nothing physical to show for their financial efforts besides numbers on paper. With a desire to secure a property overseas, they ultimately decided on Bali for its potential return on investment and the ease with which foreigners could build there.
Through their research, the couple discovered that Bali offered a 15% annual return on investment for short-term rentals, significantly higher than other markets. After a three-week exploration visit to Bali, during which they connected with legal professionals and builders, the Joneses settled on a location in the Bingin area near Uluwatu for their villa project.
The couple obtained a 30-year lease on the land for 720 million Indonesian rupiah, equivalent to about $44,700. The two-story villa, featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms on a 3,300-square-foot plot, was constructed for a total cost of 2.287 billion Indonesian rupiah.
Embracing a blend of modern industrial, boho, and Balinese influences in the design, the villa showcases black steel window frames, vaulted ceilings, cozy wooden interiors, and locally-crafted furniture. Despite encountering delays due to a rainy season, the Joneses successfully completed the project, opening the villa for rental on Airbnb.
Looking ahead, the couple envisions retiring in Bali within the next five to six years, with plans to build additional investment properties in the future. As they navigate the challenges of building in Bali, Rory Jones also offers advice to future builders, urging them to manage expectations and embrace the unique standards and processes of the region to minimize stress.