In the immediate vicinity around the resort land prices for bulk purchases have doubled in the last 6 months alone and an estimated 3x what they were 12 months ago. Admitedly theyve come from a low base but they still have a long way to go. The closest comparable land prices in Bali (Jimbarin bay hills) are at least 5x as expensive, with pricing starting at 70 usdm2, so a lot of room for upside.

The number of transactions is steadily increasing also, but mostly on the wholesale level for landbanking purposes, as opposed to building villas or resorts.

Can foreigners legally own property?

Yes. There are 2 titles in Indonesia, one close resembles Freehold (Hak Malik), the other Leasehold (Hak Pakai). There are no material differences in land laws between Bali and Lombok with regard to ownership title.

A non Indonesian citizen cannot legally own freehold in Indonesia. Foreigners who appear to do so (common in Bali) are using a nominee agreement, whereby an Indonesian's name is on the title and they sign all practical ownership to you via a power of attorney. Its a legal loophole very commonly used in Bali. Any lawyer will tell you however there is an inherent legal risk. Especially if something were to happen to your nominee and given it's Indonesia, laws have been known to change. For the less risk adverse and lawyers amongst us. the alternative is to buy leasehold, but leases typically last only 25 years, after which they can be extended for an equal term but for an additional fee. Its 100% legal, however its not a very long time frame for most people.

We can do either freehold or leasehold at Avantara and can structure leasehold purchases with much longer and favorable terms for you the buyer i.e. 50 yrs + additional 50yrs automatically no additional fee. Thats basically freehold without any title risk. No loopholes. 100% legal and by the book. We bought freehold (with Yonas serving as our nominee) and can sell to you freehold or leasehold.

Everyone claims to be a self confessed expert on the subject of property ownership (especially those who dont own property in Indonesia) so dont listen to them or us, speak to the guys at Austrindo and get some good professional legal advise.

You wont get financing from a bank to purchase, its got to be cash. If you already own property in Bali and have a bank history with a local bank they may let you borrow against only. But valuations are hard to come by in Selong. In short no you wont get a bank loan.

We've found CBA (Commonwealth Bank of Australia) the best bank for transferring money re: exchange rates and level of service. The local banks such as BCA aren't exactly user friendly with terrible rates and the foreign banks such as Citi and HSBC have great rates but require a lot red tape. Email us if you have any further questions on banking matters in Indonesia.

Building - how much does it cost?

Its obviously very dependent on your idea, but to give you an indication of labor costs…an unskilled laborer, such as gardner, costs approx 1m rp per month (~100 USD). Skilled laborers such as experienced carpenters, tilers and bricklayers start from twice that. Smoko's, lateness and general laziness aside its still very cheap.

Material costs in Indonesia are cheap as you probably well know from those lovely trinkets you bought in Bali years ago. However it really only applies to local materials which are sourced from within the country such as wood, cement, pottery and textiles. Imported items such as kitchen faucets, cars, computers...etc are expensive as there is a luxury tax imposed ontop of the normal duty tax, transportation costs and relative cost of country itself.

As with everything in Indo in building your dream villa you'd want to carefully manage quality control of both labor and materials. Quality is the issue, not the cost.

Getting there and getting around?

Currently to Lombok domestic via Bali (mostly) or international via Singapore.

From Bali approx 8 flights per day, 25min and 35 USD (pp one way). Note: there are restrictions on buying domestic flights outside of Indonesia so if you're planning a quick trip, ask us and Dylan will book for you and organize.

From Singapore approx 3 flights per week with Silk Air, 3 hours and 200 USD (return). From the current airport to Selong Blanak in the south takes approx 90min and costs 20 USD in a taxi.

Distances around south coast of Lombok are short, but the roads are generally windy and in fairly bad condition. Alot of the beaches are accessed via single lane dirt tracks. Motorbike is the most convinient mode of transport around the immediate vicinity given the number of dirt tracks to beach and small pot holed country roads. The only traffic jam your likely to have is with some goats, cows or sheep.

If youre not comfortable on a motorbike, which is understandable, a small 4WD car is perfect. Something that can handle the humps and bumps and get you down that little dirt road to that pristine deserted beach.

What about my neighbors?

We ask rough building plans be submitted prior to commencing construction so people don't impede on their neighbour's view or privacy.

Its totally up to you what you build as long as its residential, in harmony with the community and doesn't impede on your neighbors view or privacy. No set rules or building restrictions, just be reasonable and considerate. Because we're onsite 24/7, 12months a year we're aware of what everyone is doing at any time, and although the access road is for all to use, the last part is still owned by Avantara to act a deterrent for this very reason. If your neighbor is clearly disrupting your view(s) and privacy, tell us and we'll try to mediate on your behalf much like a body corporate.

As long as everyone is clear from the start about what type of community we're trying to build, we shouldnt encounter too many of these problems we hope. It'll enhance the overall appeal and help make it a well sought after community, driving up property prices for all not just that individual owner.

What has the local property market been doing?

In the immediate vicinity around the resort land prices for bulk purchases have doubled in the last 6 months alone and an estimated 3x what they were 12 months ago. Admitedly theyve come from a low base but they still have a long way to go. The closest comparable land prices in Bali (Jimbarin bay hills) are at least 5x as expensive, with pricing starting at 70 usdm2, so a lot of room for upside.

The number of transactions is steadily increasing also, but mostly on the wholesale level for landbanking purposes, as opposed to building villas or resorts.

Airport - what's the latest?

70% built with the 2750m runway completed and terminals now under construction (see photos). Its due for completion and a soft opening scheduled in H1 2010 (dates vary), with direct flights capable of A300-600 from regional centres such as Singapore, KL and Hong Kong starting thereafter.

Electricity grids are in, roads are being built and the marina is half finished...etc Too much on the infrastructure front to list here. The most relevant project is the road from the airport to Selong which will cut the travel time from 35min down to 15min.

The new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has prioritized infrastructure projects and specifically highlighted the Lombok airport as a top priority for 2010. Courting foreign investment has been this government's popular agenda, and they realize to do this they need to invest heavily in infrastructure and relax foreign investment rules. Bali has reached capacity, its time for Lombok to step up or the excess tourists will favor Thailand, Vietnam...etc

Email us for more info or join our facebook group to receive regular updates via our blog.

EMAAR - what's the latest?

Facts are hard to come by but Dubai is in alot of trouble obviously and this is one of Dubai's largest property developers. They're still building daily but you have to be skeptical moving forward. Good news is regardless of EMAAR, the new government reiterated its airport/infrastructure spend is continuing and infact intensifying into 2010.

So with or without EMAAR other hotel groups and private investors are pouring in. Investment has sped up not slowed down in the last 3 months. Next round of talks between EMAAR and government are scheduled for Jan.

Email us for more info or join our facebook group to receive regular updates via our blog.

Direct beach access?

No. Unfortunately not but this will change. Its exactly 1.7km to beach through the dirt trails, and we’re working on formalizing an access path large enough for motorbikes down the hill infront linking it up. Pretty cool and scenic trip through the fields.

Currently you drive down to beach via the main tar-sealed road behind. Is a bit windy and indirect, so takes approximately 5min.

Electricity, phone, water?

No power from the grid at present time. Numerous grids are being installed around the south coast and electricity lines/poles are being erected from Kuta outward as we speak. Power is expected to be available in Selong sometime in 2010 (dates vary, as does everything in Indo).

Same goes with fixed phone lines and hence high speed Internet. We will be installing a satellite dish from which we can access good reliable high speed Internet connection and Wifi base. Depending on strength of signal and distance from base, it may be possible to connect wirelessly to us or just pop next door to resort.

Diesel generators are noisey and stinky aren’t they?

Used to be 10-15 years ago, but not anymore. Large commercial diesel generators are pretty quiet like the ones we'll be using at the resort and cost 5-10,000 USD – you can connect to ours if you don't want to do it yourself. If youre only concerned with powering a single villa the household versions are dead quiet as are LPG generators and solar is always a cost effective option longer term here. For more info on all power solutions, including solar, contact the guys at Solar Power Indonesia in Bali.

Malaria or dengue fever?

Virtually non existent on the south coast, which is very dry and arid for most of the year. With all the rice fields during wet season there is a small risk, but its classified as very low inline with the highlands in Ubud, Bali.

Can I drink the water?

No. Tapwater is never suitable for drinking anywhere in Indonesia. However provided everyone installs correct septic tanks/ dispersion systems at their villas and adequate treatment/filtration system for your villa would make your tap water completely safe. Great if you have small kids or preparing food but just good in general.

What is the wet season like?

Wet season lasts from Dec to April and is much less pronounced than on Bali. It is of course still subject to the occasional downpour, but days of relentless rain are uncommon. More typical is a heavy downpour, followed by blasting sun, maybe another downpour and then sun with variable winds. The tobacco is replaced by rice and humidity is high and crowds low.

The wind is variable in direction and strength, but predominantly coming out of the south west corner. It is often light and variable for days on end, meaning a lot of the more open facing surf spots like Air Guling start pumping, especially in the smaller swells.

Can I speak English?

Most locals don't speak English, except for in and around Kuta. The universal sign for happiness - a big smile - seems to cut through most language problems. The national language Bahasa Indonesia is commonly spoken, as their local language Sesak, so if you can recall a few key phrases it will probably help and certainly win you many friends.