2026 Family's Guide to Moving to Bali: Housing Strategies & Location Insights

So, you're dreaming of Bali, perhaps with the kids exploring a new kind of education and lifestyle at Green School? It's an exciting prospect, and at Banyan Properties, we understand the unique journey international families undertake when relocating here. You're likely weighing options from afar, so we want to share some insights on how families typically approach housing decisions on the island, particularly around the Green School community. This guide will help you get a feel for what works and how to navigate the Bali rental market.

1. Housing Strategies: Finding Your Home in Paradise

For families still overseas, securing the right long-term home can feel like a leap of faith.

We've observed three main strategies that our international families with school-going kids adopt:

• Strategy 1: The "Landing Pad" Approach (Approx. 1/3 of families)

Many families opt for a short-term rental for their first month. This offers invaluable flexibility to explore different neighborhoods, feel the local vibe, and confirm preferences in person.

However, a key consideration is supply: well-located, quality homes near the school of your choice, especially during high season (June-July), tend to get booked quickly—often within 30 days. 

While Bali is booming with construction, affordable, desirable options remain limited. We can help shortlist short-stay properties, but note that owners often prioritize longer-term tenants, so you might face competition.

• Strategy 2: The "Scouting Trip" (Approx. 1/3 of families)

Around a third of relocating families choose to visit Bali specifically to scout for homes. This might be a quick trip, with or without children, to finalize their location and property. This approach is generally more practical for those already in Asia (like our Australian clients) due to shorter travel times. For families coming from further afield (e.g., the UK), it's a bigger commitment. If this path suits you, we can plan an efficient one-day viewing schedule.

• Strategy 3: The "Upfront Mid-Term Commitment" (Approx. 1/3 of families)

The remaining third prefer to secure a 6-month rental remotely, sight unseen, before landing. This strategy provides stability and ensures a solid base while allowing time to explore long-term options once settled. Typically, a 25% non-refundable deposit secures the property, with the remaining 75% due just before check-in. The exact terms are negotiable with the owner. We specialize in providing honest insights, detailed videos, and shortlisted options to help you make this crucial decision remotely.

2. Location, Location, Location: Where do Families Live?

Bali offers diverse landscapes, and your chosen area will significantly shape your daily life. Broadly, there are four key regions popular with international families:

• The "Greater Canggu" Area (Approx. 40-50% of families)

This expansive region, stretching from Seminyak to Kedungu and inland to areas like Dalung, is known for its vibrant beach life, surf culture, and abundant restaurants. Be prepared for daily traffic challenges, especially during school commutes. 

Most families gravitate towards Pererenan, Kerobokan, or Dalung to be able to escape the crowds, while trading off some immediate beach access. 

Prices here are generally higher than Ubud, Sibang, or Sanur. 
(Please note: Banyan Properties currently does not serve this area).

• Sanur (Approx. 5% of families)

Sanur boasts beautiful beaches, a growing international community, and a more tranquil atmosphere with family-friendly dining. It also boasts several good schools, including Dyatmika, and Bali Island School.

It is generally further away from some of the other famous schools, such as Green School (45min+) and Canggi Community School (45min+).
(Please note: Banyan Properties currently does not serve this area).

• Ubud: The Cultural Heart (Approx. 30% of families)

Bali's spiritual and cultural capital is surrounded by lush nature and often strikes the perfect balance for families. Ubud offers a strong expat community, a fantastic food scene, and diverse after-school activities. Plus, proper supermarkets and easy day-trip access to surfing beaches like Saba, Sanur, and Kedungu add to its appeal. It's ideal for those seeking a slower pace and authentic Balinese immersion. 

Commutes to Green School, British School, Empathy School, Wood School and Taman House campuses typically range from 10-30 minutes. Banyan Properties is an Ubud specialist, representing around 150 villas in the greater Ubud area.

• Sibang: Green School's Village (Significant Green School community)

Sibang is the immediate village surrounding Green School, a calm Balinese village transformed by the influx of global citizens. It fosters a strong community of school families (around 40-50 households) who can walk, bike, or take a short motorbike ride to school. 

The trade-off is its more remote feel: limited cafes, restaurants, and after-school activities, with most errands requiring a drive.

Some families start here then move for more variety. High-end villa complexes like Green Village and Sibang Eco Village exist, but often exceed typical budgets. 

There are also smaller, standalone houses within budget, which we can explore. Banyan Properties also represents properties in the Sibang area.

3. Pricing Guide: What to Expect for Long-Term Rentals

Here's a rough guide to help orient your budget for long-term rentals (per room/month):

• Ubud/Sibang: ~8–16 million IDR
• Sanur: ~10–20 million IDR
• Canggu: ~12–24 million IDR

The lower end generally signifies older, more traditional Balinese homes (often with semi-open living/kitchens) or no pool. The higher end reflects modern designs and desirable features like private pools and lush gardens. 

Keep in mind that "trophy" compounds like Green Village can command significantly higher prices (e.g., a 2-bedroom for $3,000-$4,000 USD), irrespective of the per-room average.

4. Ready to Take the Next Step?

To help us serve you best and provide a tailored shortlist, consider these key decisions:

1. Which housing strategy feels right for your family? (Landing pad, scouting trip, or upfront mid-term commitment?)
2. Which area resonates most with your lifestyle? (Ubud, Sibang, or exploring other regions?)

5. Shortlist your preferred Villas

Begin your search by browsing our extensive listings on

www.banyanproperties.co. 

Utilize our filters and 'favorite' options to curate a list of properties that catch your eye. We can then arrange virtual viewings, complement recorded video tours, or schedule physical viewings for when you arrive in Bali.

6. Relocation Concierge: Extra Support for a Smooth Move

For families desiring more hands-on support for their entire relocation journey, we highly recommend our trusted partner, Simone from “Our Year in Bali”. 
Simone has a wealth of experience, having guided hundreds of families through their move to Bali. Visit her website to learn more:

https://ouryearinbali.com/about-us/

Moving to Bali is an adventure, and finding the right home is a cornerstone of that experience. We're here to guide you every step of the way.