A recent realestate.com.au report (28 October 2026) highlights a trend we have been seeing first-hand: with cost-of-living pressures biting and property out of reach for many at home, a growing number of Australians are looking to Lombok for cheaper homes, a better lifestyle and investment property that earns a real return.
Australian buyers have jumped from 15% to around 50%
According to a Lombok-based agent quoted in the article, Australians made up about 15 per cent of buyers two years ago. Today they account for roughly half.
Those buyers tend to fall into two camps:
- Retirees with healthy super balances who plan to relocate
- Young families after an affordable holiday home that also earns rental income
What buyers are paying
The report says Australians are paying around US$243,000 for a two-bedroom villa within walking distance of central Kuta, Lombok, and up to around US$832,000 for a five-bedroom villa with ocean views — a fraction of comparable coastal property in Australia.
Why Lombok, and why now?
- Cost of living — not just housing, but everyday expenses are far lower
- New infrastructure, more affordable flights and world-class restaurants
- Uncrowded beaches and excellent surf breaks
- An alternative to an increasingly crowded Bali — often described as “Bali 30 years ago”
- An international school teaching an Australian curriculum, making relocation with children realistic
- Remote work — many people keep their Australian job or business while living in Indonesia
The article also notes that some owners rent out their property while they are away, so they can come home ahead rather than behind.
A word of caution
The same report acknowledges that some dodgy projects have been heavily promoted to Australians. That is exactly why due diligence matters. We vet each project and personally visit each development before presenting it, and we act for qualified clients only.
How we can help
Whether you are considering a Lombok holiday home, relocation, absolute beachfront opportunities or our 8.5% p.a. secured Bali & Lombok investment, Shane St Reynolds can walk you through the options, the structures and the risks. We can also help with local banking and referrals to migration and law professionals.
Contact us to see how we can help you.
Source: realestate.com.au — “Aussies flock to Lombok as soaring living costs bite at home” (28 October 2026)
Thinking about Lombok?
Available to qualified clients. Contact us to see how we can help you.
Figures are as reported by realestate.com.au (28 October 2026) and converted from AUD to USD at approximately 0.6933, rounded. This is general information only, not personal advice. All property investment involves risk — seek independent advice before investing.