by Steven Stebbins 
As Southeast Asia property investment continues to attract global property investors, three destinations dominate the spotlight: Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each offers a unique combination of lifestyle, potential returns, and entry barriers. But when it comes to long-term value and lifestyle synergy, the Bali real estate trends stands apart.
In this article, we compare key investment factors across the region to help you decide where your capital should go in 2025.
1. Foreign Ownership Regulations: Clarity Matters
Let’s start with one of the most important concerns: ownership laws. Each country handles foreign property ownership differently, and understanding the legal landscape can protect your investment.
- Bali (Indonesia): Foreigners cannot directly own freehold land but can purchase under leasehold titles (up to 25-30 years, extendable). Foreigners can also use a PMA company to secure longer-term control and build equity over time.
- Thailand: Foreigners can own condominiums (up to 49% of the building) but not land. Many investors use complex leasehold structures or Thai nominee companies, though the latter carries risk.
- Vietnam: Since 2015, foreigners can own condominiums for 50 years (renewable) and land-use rights in select projects. However, the process is heavily state-regulated and still evolving.
✅ Advantage: Bali — While Thailand and Vietnam offer limited condo ownership, Bali provides more creative flexibility through leaseholds and corporate structures.
2. ROI Potential: Where Are the Profits?
Whether you’re buying to flip or earn passive income, return on investment (ROI) is king.
- Bali: Tourism rebounded strongly post-COVID, with 2024 seeing record arrivals. Villas and short-term rentals near hotspots like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Pererenan are delivering 8–12% rental yields annually.
- Thailand: Phuket and Chiang Mai offer modest returns of 5–7%, but oversupply in some markets has dampened appreciation.
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are growing rapidly. However, rental yields are typically in the 4–6% range, and government restrictions limit Airbnb-like operations.
✅ Advantage: Bali — Higher yields, growing tourism, and a booming digital nomad community position Bali as a top performer in 2025.
3. Lifestyle & Liveability: Not Just an Investment
Investment isn’t only about numbers—quality of life matters too.
- Bali: A rich blend of beach culture, spirituality, and upscale lifestyle options. Ideal for those seeking work-life balance with fast-growing infrastructure, organic cafes, international schools, and a massive expat network.
- Thailand: Offers excellent healthcare and infrastructure in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but less “island luxury” appeal unless you’re in Phuket or Koh Samui.
- Vietnam: Energetic cities and low cost of living are attractive, but language barriers and bureaucracy may pose challenges.
✅ Advantage: Bali — For digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and lifestyle investors, Bali is the undisputed gem.
4. Property Types & Demand
- Bali: Dominated by villas, boutique resorts, and land investments, with ongoing demand in beachfront and hillside areas.
- Thailand: A mix of condos and townhomes, though saturation in urban zones limits uniqueness.
- Vietnam: Strong demand for modern condos in urban developments, but the local resale market is still maturing.
✅ Advantage: Bali — Unique villa culture and strong design-forward development trends appeal to both renters and buyers.
5. Entry Prices and Value in Southeast Asia Property Investments
- Bali: Entry-level villas start at USD 150,000, while luxury properties in Uluwatu or beachfront zones can range from USD 500,000–1M+.
- Thailand: Condos in Bangkok start as low as USD 80,000, but limited long-term land rights reduce value appreciation.
- Vietnam: Offers some of the lowest prices for condos (USD 70,000–150,000), though project reliability varies.
✅ Advantage: Depends on your goal — For pure price entry, Vietnam or Thailand may be cheaper. For value growth + lifestyle + rental returns, Bali leads.
Final Verdict: Why the Bali Real Estate Trends are Winning in 2025
Thailand and Vietnam both offer attractive propositions for certain types of investors. However, when we weigh ownership flexibility, rental yields, quality of life, and property uniqueness, the Bali real estate trends in the Southeast Asia property investment sector, consistently comes out ahead.
With Indonesia’s continued investment in infrastructure and Bali’s rising status as a global remote work and lifestyle destination, the island offers both stability and upside.
Ready to Invest in Bali?
Whether you’re looking for a luxury villa, development land, or a high-yield rental, our expert team at Own Bali Real Estate is here to guide you.
Book a viewing or contact us today to find your perfect investment in the Bali real estate market.
