Where Is It More Profitable to Invest in Resort Real Estate: Dubai, Thailand, or Bali? Comparing Returns, Risks, and Purchase Terms

"Where to invest in resort real estate: Thailand, Dubai, or Bali? The key point in two words • Dubai - reliability and simple rules. • Thailand - a good balance of return and risk. • Bali - maximum returns, but more hassle. Thailand • Tourism is growing, infrastructure is improving. • A foreigner can easily buy a condo; land - through lease or structures. • Returns: 7-10% gross, higher in resort areas. • Risks: land lease terms, overheating in some locations. Dubai • Strong brand, events all year round. • Full freehold, visas from ~200k-550k. • Returns: 6-8% gross, almost no taxes. • Risks: market cyclicality, service charges. Bali • Record tourist flow, a new airport is planned. • Usually leasehold for 25-30 years or through a company. • Returns: 12-18% gross, 8-12% net is realistic. • Risks: more complex legal side, lower liquidity, weaker currency. Indicative budgets • 100-150k - entry point in Thailand or Bali. • 200-300k - a good leasehold villa in Bali, 1-2 bedrooms in Thailand, a studio/1BR in new areas of Dubai. • 500k+ - Dubai with a long-term visa. • 1-3 million+ - premium properties in Dubai and top villas in Asia. What to choose • Want something quieter and more reliable - Dubai. • Need balance - Thailand. • Want maximum returns and are ready to go deeper - Bali. How to do it wisely • Diversify: part in Dubai for stable cash flow, part in Thailand for balance, a smaller share in Bali for high returns. • Always keep a reserve for a tourism downturn. • Buy what is easy to rent out and resell: location, product, management."