The Secret Risks of Buying Property in Bali: Why an Honest Agent Matters
Buying a villa in Bali is meant to be a dream come true.
But for some, it is a legal and financial nightmare.
From shady middlemen to fake ownership documents and illegal green zone builds, there’s no shortage of horror stories. If you’ve been researching Bali property, you’ve likely come across confusing terms like “leasehold,” “PMA,” or “IMB” and heard rumors of fake agents vanishing after taking a hefty deposit.
Unfortunately, those aren’t just rumors. They happen — a lot.
Here are the 4 Common Pitfalls on Buying Properties in Bali:
1. The Rise of Fake Agents
The property market in Bali is booming, and that attracts opportunists. Anyone can proclaim themselves as an “agent” – including those with no experience, legal acumen, or office.
Many clients come to us after they’ve had experience with other who:
- Were not correctly licensed
- Were making offers that did not exist
- Had vanished as soon as they’d received a deposit
It’s unfortunate, and it’s why we started Sunshine Properties Bali.
2. The Minefield of Zoning: Green Zones & Building Permits
You might be suprised to learn that there are areas of Bali which are closed to development. They’re green zones. But that doesn’t stop some agents from selling land in them under false pretenses.
Others sell villas with no legitimate IMB or PBG building permits, which can mean you are actually in a building that can be knocked down, or worse seized.
3. Fake or Faulty Contracts
Even if the villa looks flawless, the contract might not be.
We’ve seen:
- Contracts that are unenforceable
- Ownership in someone else’s name (not yours!)
- Missing provisions on renovations, exit provisions, or extension rights
Without proper legal advice, your “dream home” could belong to someone else, even after you’ve paid.
4. What Makes a Property Agent You Can Trust?
A good agent should:
- Be registered and transparent about their credentials
- Understand Indonesian property law
- Offer complete legal support through validated notaries
- Work with experienced land surveyors
- Adhere your budget and investment goals
At Sunshine Properties Bali, we don’t just open doors — we walk alongside you, every step by step. We only sell legally validated properties, provide zoning details, and have full transparency on every transaction.
Final Thoughts
Bali is a dream place to live, lease, or invest in, but only if you do it right.
Don’t gamble with your savings on an unqualified agent or handshake deal.
Deal with agents who honor your trust as much as you value your future.
Looking for safe, legal, and exciting property opportunities?
Get in touch with Sunshine Properties Bali and let’s hunt down your paradise home the right way.
