Bali Long-Term Lease for Mature Travellers
- Desmond Breau
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 2
Understanding a Long-Term Lease Bali: Leaseholds, Villa Rentals, and Flexible Options
For many travellers over 40, the dream of living in Bali begins with a simple question:
How do long-term leases in Bali actually work?
What’s the difference between a “leasehold,” a “Bali long-term lease,”
and a “monthly rental”?
For foreigners, these terms can be confusing - but understanding the distinctions is key before making a commitment.
In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step, from multi-decade leaseholds to traditional long-term leases, and finally to short-term suite rentals at Gilded Palms – a flexible option designed especially for mature travellers.
Leasehold Property in Bali (25–30 Years)
When foreigners talk about “buying” property in Bali, what they really mean is a leasehold. Foreigners can’t own land in Bali, so a leasehold becomes the next best thing:
Length: Usually 20–30 years, with options for 1–2 renewals (up to ~90 years).
Ownership: You own the building and improvements, but not the land.
Renewal: At the end of the leasehold, you must negotiate an extension (“re-purchase” or “re-lease” the land).
This route is popular with expats who are certain about retiring in Bali or investing long-term. But it’s not for everyone — the financial and legal commitments are big, and the land ultimately never belongs to you.
Long-Term Lease in Bali (1–5 Years)
A step down from a leasehold is the long-term lease in Bali, which most Westerners would think of a “standard “rental.”
Length: Typically 1–2 years, sometimes up to 5.
Payment: Expect to pay the entire lease upfront. For example:
o 1-year lease = Rp 300–400 million (paid at once).
o 5-year lease = Rp 250 million per year, but Rp 1.25 billion all upfront.
Responsibilities: Once you’ve paid, the landlord usually disappears. Maintenance, repairs, and day-to-day issues are on you — unless something major (like a roof collapse) occurs.
The good news: landlords don’t bother you. The bad news: you can’t call them if the air conditioner breaks down.
This type of lease is suitable for people confident they want to stay for a few years and are comfortable handling staff, bills, and upkeep.
Monthly Rentals in Bali (Rare for Villas)
A true month-to-month lease for a villa is almost impossible to find. If you’re paying monthly, it’s usually a holiday rental priced far above local long-term rates.
The unique exception is “co-living / co-working spaces”- a booming new concept among young people in Bali. These accommodations allow monthly payments, but most are geared toward young digital nomads — with shared kitchens, shared co-working areas, and a social, party-leaning vibe. Not exactly ideal for the 40+ traveller seeking peace
Gilded Palms: A Flexible Long-Term Rental for Mature Travellers
That brings us to a rare option: Gilded Palms Co-Living Residence ↗
This is the only property in Bali that combines the flexibility of monthly rentals with the structure of a long-term lease, whilst being designed exclusively for mature adults.
Suites: Four elegant private suites in a luxury villa (max 8 guests).
Flexibility: Stay month-to-month at Rp 15,000,000 (€780 / USD $914), or sign 3, 6, or 12-month leases for lower rates (down to Rp 10,000,000 / €520 / USD $609 per month for a year, paid upfront).
Services: Everything under one roof - chef, driver, barista, laundry, massage, concierge, gym, pool.
Community: No children, no parties - just like-minded 40+ adults. Privacy when you need it, and grown-up connection when you want it.
Why Gilded Palms is Different
For retirees or those testing a move to Bali, Gilded Palms offers something unique: short leases that qualify for retirement visa requirements.
To get a Retirement Visa in Indonesia, you must:
Be 60+ years old;
Show $3,000 USD/month in income;
Provide a lease agreement; and
Employ at least one Indonesian staff member.
A 6-month lease at Gilded Palms meets these requirements — making it the perfect “soft landing” for mature travellers who want to try life in Bali without committing to a multi-year, multi-million-rupiah lease.
Final Thoughts: Which Lease Is Right for You?
Bali Leasehold (25–30 years)Ideal for long-term settlers or investors ready to put down permanent roots.
Bali Long-Term Lease (1–5 years)A good fit for those comfortable with large upfront paymentsand handling their own upkeep.
Monthly RentalsRare for villas — usually limited to holiday rates or youth-focused co-living spaces.
Gilded Palms (1–12 months)The only flexible long-term rental in Bali designed exclusively for 40+ adults,offering month-to-month stays and short leases of 3–12 months.
Whichever option you choose, the best long-term rental in Bali is the one that gives you peace of mind while supporting the lifestyle you truly want to create. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What is a Bali long-term lease?
A : A Bali long-term lease is typically a 1–5 year rental agreement, paid upfront in full. The tenant manages upkeep, while landlords rarely intervene unless major repairs are needed.
Q : What is the difference between a leasehold and a long-term lease in Bali?
A : A leasehold is like “buying” property, usually 20–30 years with renewals. A long-term lease is shorter (1–5 years) and works more like renting a villa.
Q : Can I rent monthly in Bali?
A : Monthly rentals for villas are rare and usually priced as holiday lets. Flexible monthly options exist only in co-living spaces, such as Gilded Palms for 40+ travellers.
Q : Why is Gilded Palms unique for long-term rentals in Bali?
A : It’s the only residence designed for mature travellers. Guests can rent suites from 1–12 months, enjoy full services, and even meet retirement visa lease requirements.
Comments