Buyers’ Perspectives

People have all sorts of reasons for purchasing a condo in Thailand. Here’s what some recent buyers of Raimon Land properties in Bangkok and Pattaya had to say.

Dr Khongkwan Fujitniran, a buyer at 185 Rajadamri in Bangkok.

Miss Pornthip Wongariyakawee, a buyer at The River in Bangkok.

Mr Eugene William Cody and Mrs Phitsamai Cody, buyers at Northpoint & Zire Wongamat in Pattaya.

Ms Patrika Sittiburanaya and Mr Chatchai Sawatchai, buyers at Unixx & Zire Wongamat in Pattaya.

One of the key factors people cited as influencing their buying decisions was location. Dr Khongkwan Fujitniran said, “I always focus on location, and I love this street and the views from my condo. The project [185 Rajadamri] has also been built on the last piece of freehold land available in this area.”

Mr and Mrs Cody agreed that location was central to their buying decision. “Pattaya is a great place to live and work,” they said. “The city doesn’t have the same traffic problems as Bangkok, so it’s much easier to get around, but we can still get to the capital in 90 minutes if and when we need to. That was a big factor for us.”

Miss Pornthip Wongariyakawee said The River in Bangkok really suited her lifestyle. Because of its proximity to the BTS system – which she accesses using the free water taxi service – the project is ideal for commuters, she said. “It’s just really convenient. It makes my life easier.”

Mr Chatchai Sawatchai and Ms Patrika Sittiburanaya said that not only are the condos they bought at Zire and Unixx in Pattaya ideal for their way of life, but because of their locations they are also “great investments”.

Dr Fujitniran agreed. “I bought the condo as an investment for the next three to five years. I think the real estate market in Thailand is underperforming, which means there is a lot of potential for growth, especially after the AEC opens in 2015,” she said. Also, at current prices, residential property in Thailand is something of a bargain, she said. “Condos here are much cheaper than they are in Singapore and Hong Kong.”

Dr Fujitniran said that although she invests in many different areas, including gold and the stock market, she regards real estate as one of the safer options. “If there are factors affecting the market, such as political uncertainty, at least with property you have the option to wait them out. And you always have the bricks and mortar.” But location is not the only concern. For an apartment to become a worthwhile investment it must also be well designed and built.

Mr and Mrs Cody said they were impressed with the “good layout” and “functional design” of the condos they bought in Pattaya. The landscaped gardens and secure environment of the projects contribute to the “quality product”, they said. “Also, the credibility of the developer’s management team was a key factor in our decision to buy.”

Miss Pornthip said she was impressed not only by the use of quality construction materials, but also the fact that she was offered a range of options. “It was really nice to be able to personalise my home, so that I ended up with exactly what I wanted, rather than just getting a standard unit,” she said.

She said she was so happy with her purchase that she recommended the project to a friend, who also bought a condo there. Both buyers said the development’s spacious common areas influenced their purchasing decisions as they provide a great place to meet outside of their individual apartments.

Miss Pornthip added that she had always wanted to live beside the Chao Phraya, so The River is her dream home. “The developer has really made the most of the location. It’s so relaxing being here, enjoying the wonderful views across the water and feeling the cool breeze, and it’s also a very safe environment. It’s everything I need after a hard day at work.”

According to Dr Fujitniran, most of Thailand’s big name developers provide a “comparable level of service”, which is why she is now “considering making a new investment” in the property sector.