Bali’s property market, with its remarkable surge in demand for vacation rentals, reflects the changing preferences of travelers who are seeking unique and personalized experiences. This trend has piqued the interest of property owners, many of whom recognize the potential to transform their holiday homes into profitable income streams.
However, amidst these times, a pivotal decision confronts property owners: Do I manage my property myself or do I hire a property manager to do the work for me? What are the pros/cons of this decision? I’ll share a few insights I’ve gathered in the talks we’ve had with dozens of property owners.
Call me the barber, but a common misunderstanding of new property investors is that self-management saves money. Most property management companies in Bali work on services fees only. Contrary to this misconception, property management services typically earn their fees when they successfully secure bookings for your property.
Their presence and expertise can significantly boost your property’s visibility and appeal, ultimately leading to an increase in bookings and revenue. So let’s dive deep into the considerations surrounding this decision, exploring both the ‘whys’ and ‘why not’ to help you make an informed choice in navigating the world of Airbnb hosting in Bali’s thriving market.
Why You Should Hire a Property Manager?
- Save Time: Depending on how busy you are in your regular job, managing a vacation rental business can be highly time-intensive. Answering inquiries, managing bookings, check-ins, and coordinating cleaning can become overwhelming, especially if you have multiple units or live far away.
- Gained Expertise: Property management companies often possess extensive experience in optimizing marketing, setting competitive prices, and deftly addressing guest issues. Your guests need to find you, book you, stay with you and leave you a review. An experienced manager can simplify each stage of this process.
- A Holiday Home Shoul
- Legal and Tax Compliance: Complying with local laws and regulations, as well as managing taxes, can be complex and time-consuming for self-managers.

When is The Best Time to Self Manage the Property?
- When You Have the Vision to Control Your Property: When you are passionate about being a hotelier and you choose to manage it yourself, you’ll have complete control over your property, from pricing and availability to guest selection. This control can be beneficial if you have specific preferences for your property and how it’s managed.
- Personalized Guest Interaction: Self-management allows you to establish a direct and personal connection with your guests. You can offer a unique, local experience and address guest inquiries promptly, potentially leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
