Bali is one of the most attractive destinations for investment and capital appreciation. But which areas of the island are the most popular, and what makes them special? Aleksandr Guliaiev, the owner of Legion Real Estate, the largest real estate agency in Bali, shares his insights. The expert shared valuable information that will help to make the right choice for capital investment.
Photo from the Legion Real Estate team award ceremony
An important player in the Bali property market is Legion Real Estate agency. Its founder, Aleksandr Guliaiev, is originally from Ukraine. He started his career while he was still a student, actively studying different areas.
‘I lived most of my life in Kyiv. I studied in the best gymnasium, which was among the TOP schools in Ukraine. It was there that I received a strong humanities education, which helped me become fluent in several languages. I entered the Hetman National Economic University, planning to become a financier. After the second year I went to the USA under the Work and Travel programme to earn some money. I worked in a car park, cleaned hotel rooms, all to achieve my goal. It was important for me to return to Kyiv financially secure.’, says Aleksandr Guliaiev in an interview.
Aleksandr Guliaiev in one of his interviews
Aleksandr Guliaiev's determination became apparent in his younger years and became his faithful companion in life. Upon his return from the USA, he started looking for intellectual projects. He worked in a bank, resold telephones, opened his first shop with a partner, sold tickets to football matches and worked in the car business. While gaining diverse experience, Aleksandr Guliaiev learnt how to properly build system management processes and scale profitability.
The desire to create an autonomous project without partnership led Aleksandr to the property market. He got acquainted with property developers, assembled a team, made financial investments in marketing, and the business began to work. Plans for its further development broke down in 2022, when war broke out in Ukraine. Since then, Aleksandr Guliaiev has been searching for new opportunities. He successfully entered the property market in Alanya (Turkey), but did not want to stop. In search of new locations to expand his business, he discovered Bali.
‘Once on this paradise island, I realised - these are real opportunities. I saw that Bali has a bunch of property developers, but no serious real estate agency. And yet here is a real investment paradise! And at the beginning of 2023, the first advert for Legion Real Estate was launched. I believed in a successful story, and now I realise that it was not in vain,’ Aleksandr Guliaiev shared.
Aleksandr Guliaiev on one of the beaches of Bali
Today Legion Real Estate is the largest real estate agency in Bali with an ideal reputation, according to reviews. For its database, the company selects proven developers, collects real data on prices in each region of the island, providing investors with reliable analytics. In the base there are objects for every budget:
Each client who applies to the agency receives full legal support.
Legion Real Estate is trusted by major developers of the island, as well as investors from all over the world. The agency ranks first in terms of sales, and its turnover for the last year and a half is 50 million dollars.
Screenshot from Legion Real Estate website
The exotic island of Indonesia is on the lips of investors thinking about investing in real estate. The reason for Bali's popularity is the static data that says the following: the average rental yield is 12-15% per annum, and the resale strategy brings 20-30%. But in order for investments to be as profitable as possible, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of area for the purchase of property.
Aleksandr Guliaiev from the Legion Real Estate Agency spoke in detail about the key locations of Bali, mentioning all the features, the level of profitability and growth prospects of each region. Such a detailed investment analysis from the words of an expert is a great guide for investors who want their investments to be as profitable as possible.
Aleksandr Guliaiev on choosing a neighbourhood in Bali
‘A peninsula for connoisseurs of comfort and luxury. Bukit is one of the most favourable areas for investment. Infrastructure is being built here and prices are not so high. In a few years, the location will attract even more tourists, and the demand for property will increase many times over. There are five-star hotels, premium villas, and the beaches are real ‘pearls’ with gorgeous views and white sand,’ says the founder of Legion Real Estate.
Bukit does not skimp on comfort. Property occupancy rates are 57-80 per cent and hotel prices and rental rates are superior to other regions of Bali. Thanks to the unique landscapes of Melasti Beach, bloggers from all over the world are drawn here.
‘On Bukit, 2 neighbourhoods stand out. Uluwatu Resort, located on the cliffs and with unique ocean views, but so far the infrastructure is modest. The second area is Nusa Dua with kilometres of white-sand beaches and plenty of water sports. I consider it an ideal place for family holidays,’ says Aleksandr Guliaiev.
Photo of Aleksandr Guliaiev with his wife
The fashionable centre of Bali with a unique energy and party atmosphere. Want to enjoy life to the fullest? Changgu is the place to choose! There are endless rice paddies, green hills and volcanic black beaches, and the famous ocean waves attract surfers from all over the world.
‘Changgu is bustling with life 24/7 - what does that tell you? Cafes, restaurants, boutiques, beach clubs are non-stop. The infrastructure is filled with everything you need for a comfortable life, work and leisure.
Changu is conditionally divided into 3 districts, each of them has its own peculiarities. Berawa is the epicentre of party life: there are a lot of clubs, bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. Demand for property in Berava remains consistently high all year round. Pererenan is more peaceful and the infrastructure is gradually developing. There is a large number of villas and premium class apartments. In terms of investment, Pererenan is one of the most promising areas. Umalas is located between these two neighbourhoods and is most often chosen by families with children and comfort lovers,’ says the founder of Legion Real Estate.
Photo of Aleksandr Guliaiev's family
A quiet and secluded neighbourhood with stunning beaches. It is in demand among couples who prefer a relaxed holiday.
‘The area has great potential for eco-tourism development. It has preserved rice paddies and an atmosphere of tranquillity. There has been a recent demand for exclusive villas and the expected active development of Seseh in the coming years suggests that property values will increase,’ says Aleksandr.
Located a few minutes drive from the airport. It is calm and quiet, there are cosy cafes and restaurants with live music.
‘Sanur is famous for its landscaped coastline and wide roads. There are comfortable areas for hiking and cycling. Sanur has a favorable location in terms of accessibility. From here it is convenient to reach all the attractions of the island. There are properties to suit every budget, from luxury villas to modest and cosy guest houses,’ says Legion Real Estate.
Aleksandr Guliaiev in Bali photo
The location is famous for its black volcanic beaches and rice fields. It attracts tourists who are tired of the active and noisy city and dream of a quiet and peaceful holiday. The beaches are not suitable for bathing, but for contemplation and spectacular photo shoots - that's what you need.
‘Tabanan is about Bali's true nature and its ancient history. Waterfalls, jungles, parks. The traditional measured way of life still reigns here. There are cockfights, temple ceremonies and dances. There are many comfortable hotels, villas are right on the ocean, and there are 3 surfing schools in the area, where you can learn to conquer the waves’, - from the words of Aleksandr Guliaiev.
The small village attracts with its natural beauty, authentic Balinese culture and relative quietness. Ecotourism and hiking are popular around Chemagi. The area is suitable for romantic getaways and for families with children who prefer a peaceful holiday.
‘Want to maximise your short-term rental income? Take a closer look at neighbourhoods such as: Changu, Bukit, Pererenan, Seseh and Cemagi. Planning to capitalise on long-term rentals? Ubud is ideal for this purpose,’ says Aleksandr Guliaiev, Legion Real Estate.
Legion Real Estate founder at work
Bali’s stable economy, limited property supply, and year-round tourist season make it an attractive destination for investors worldwide. Property rental yields are 12-15%, well above the global rates of 5-8%. The investment opportunities in Bali are truly exciting, the main thing is to choose the right area to invest in. Whether you do it yourself or trust the professionals from Legion Real Estate is up to you!