Hi, I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, here to unpack another sharp insight from the Bali Business Review, guided by Jing Cho Yang about Real Estate Marketing Fallacy. Today, we’re discussing into a critical mindset shift every property owner, developer, or investor needs to make in 2025: you’re not selling a structure—you’re selling time.
This subtle but powerful shift in thinking can mean the difference between a lagging listing and a thriving investment portfolio. While many in the real estate industry are focused on tangible assets—square footage, materials, or location—Jing argues that the most compelling properties are selling something far more valuable: how people experience time.
Why “Time” Is the Most Valuable Asset in Real Estate Experience
Picture this: A traveler looking to book a villa in Bali isn’t shopping for bricks and mortar. They’re trying to buy a magical two-week escape from the stress of life. A digital nomad needs a space that helps them stay productive and inspired—they’re buying time to focus. A retired couple looks for a peaceful haven for meaningful moments—they’re investing in time well spent.
What do all these guests have in common? They’re not focused on thread count, pool size, or garden landscaping. They’re buying the feeling of time well lived, moments well captured, and memories well created.
The Cost of the Wrong Mindset in Real Estate Marketing
According to Jing, the #1 mistake property owners continue to make in 2025 is treating their properties as commodities rather than experiences. Many focus on transactional features: number of beds, price per night, or “modern design.” But without a strategic narrative behind the property—one that sells time—owners are left competing in a saturated market, racing to the bottom on price.
This mindset trap places focus on the tangible, missing the emotional connection. And in the age of experience-driven travel, emotional value is everything.
Smart Strategies for 2025 Property Owners
So, how do smart property investors adapt to this shift? Jing lays out several practical takeaways:
Craft a story, not a spec sheet: Lead your listings with lifestyle—highlight how staying at your property fits into the guest’s ideal vision of time. Is it peaceful mornings, fast Wi-Fi work sessions, sunset cocktails?
- Shift focus from amenities to experiences: Replace “3 bedrooms and a pool” with “A serene family haven for unforgettable reunions.”
- Think like a guest: What kind of time are they trying to buy? Adventure? Relaxation? Focused productivity? Cater your offering accordingly.
- Optimize for purpose-driven travelers: The highest-converting guests in 2025 are intentional. Whether it’s wellness, work, or reconnection, properties that resonate with purpose will outperform generic listings.
What This Means for Real Estate Strategy in 2025
The real estate market is shifting toward a future where stories—not structures—sell properties. This doesn’t mean architecture or aesthetics don’t matter. But it does mean that real estate marketing, pricing, and product development must align with the idea that time is the true commodity.
Property owners who embrace this new lens position themselves to create deeper engagement, increase booking velocity, and ultimately command higher value because they’re addressing something guests care deeply about: what they do with their time.
Conclusion: Sell an Experience, Not Just a Place
This elegant shift—from structure to time—is simple, but transformational. By adopting this perspective, property owners can advance from passive hosts to strategic storytellers. It’s no longer about square meters—it’s about minutes and memories.
If you want to pivot your strategy for 2025 and beyond, watch the full video where Jing breaks down this powerful insight. It could redefine how you approach your investments going forward.
Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista
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