When investing in Bangkok Condos, it is important for investors to consider the qualitative aspects of a property. These qualitative factors tend to relate mostly to the lifestyle and desirability of a Condo’s location.
A neighborhood’s appeal and its ability to retain and attract a diverse local community, can determine whether an investment generates positive or negative returns. There are numerous examples in Bangkok of non-prime locations, gradually evolving into upcoming and trendy hotspots; these include areas such as Thonglor and Rama 9.
The list of qualitative factors that impact neighborhoods are numerous, but some of the major determinants of an area’s success are:
1. Transport Links (I.e. Ease of commuter and travel)
2. Quality Residential Accommodation (I.e. Condos, apartments, houses offered)
3. Leisure and Lifestyle Options
“Leisure and lifestyle venues” are an important aspect of local life that cannot be ignored; as locations which are able to offer a combination of convenience and good leisure options will continually out-perform and produce lucrative returns!
Bangkok is a continually evolving city and its local neighborhoods are constantly being reshaped!
Here are 3 Upcoming Leisure and Retail Developments, that will inevitably transform their local neighborhoods once complete.
1. Singha Complex (Asoke-Phetchaburi Intersection)
About the Area:
The Asoke-Phetchaburi Intersection is no longer a grubby section of Asoke and the neighborhood is currently experiencing a residential development boom. Numerous established developers have developed Condos in the area that include Q Asoke (Q House), The Address Asoke (AP Thai) and Circle Condominium (Fragrant Group). There are also several upcoming developments being built such as Ideo Mobi Asoke (Ananda) and Life Asoke (AP Thai). These developments have gradually gentrified the area and since all these projects are high-quality, the local residents of the neighborhood are now affluent working professionals.
The main issue for local residents is that the area is devoid of any shops or community hub!
At present, residents of the condos in this section of Phetchaburi Road have to travel to Rama 9 (For venues such as Central Rama 9 and Fortune Mall) or Sukhumvit Road (For Terminal 21 Shopping Center).
Rendering of Singha Complex from their Corporate Website: www.singhaestate.co.th
Development Info:
This multi-million baht complex is currently being developed by Singha Estate PCL. The project is located right on the Asoke-Phetchaburi Intersection, where the Japanese Embassy was once located. This ambitious mixed-use development is a mega project that will consist of A-Grade offices, extensive retail/leisure components and a residential section.
This project has the potential to massively transform the neighborhood creating a community hub for the residents of the condos located in the area.
2. Summer Hill (Phra Khanong)
About the Area:
Phra Khanong has already consolidated its position as a popular residential location for both Thais and Expats. The neighborhood is conveniently located, and it is only a few BTS stops from Bangkok’s business and leisure hubs (I.e. Asoke, Phrom Phong). The area also offers a variety of quality Condo options (I.e. Wyne Sukhumvit, Rhythm Sukhumvit 44/1, The Line 71, Aspire Sukhumvit 48).
However despite being a popular residential area with numerous densely populated Condos, Phra Khanong’s leisure and lifestyle scene remains limited. Apart from the odd independent coffee shop and the W-District, local residents currently need to travel to other parts of the city to find shops, restaurants, eateries, etc…
Summer Hill development rendering from Company’s FB Page: facebook.com/summerhillbkk
Development Info:
Summer Hill could be Phra Khanong’s long awaited community hub and its development could mean a massive improvement in the lifestyle offered by the neighborhood.
Boutique Group of Companies is the developer behind this project. Interestingly this is the company that designed and developed “Rain Hill Sukhumvit 47” a community mall in Phrom Phong.
While not much info is available, the Project’s Facebook Page states the Summer Hill will be a place to “hangout, rest, relax and revive one’s energy”. The Community Mall will offer a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants!
3. Century Move Plaza (On Nut)
About the Area:
On Nut is currently experiencing an unprecedented development frenzy and in the past few years numerous residential condos have sprung-up. These include Ideo Mobi Sukhumvit, Rhythm Sukhumvit 50, The Base Park East and West.
Accommodation options offered, tends to be relatively affordable and the presence of the BTS Station makes it easy for local residents to commute and travel to other parts of the Capital. On a residential perspective On Nut offers 2 hypermarkets (Tesco Lotus and Big C) and a community mall (Habito Mall); thus currently offering an interesting residential experience.
Development Info:
The development is located right next to On Nut BTS Station. It is a commercial project by Century Movie Plaza and will consist of a shopping mall and hotel. There is not a lot of specific information regarding this development however the mall will apparently offer local residents a cinema, shops and eateries.
At the moment with the presence of Tesco Lotus and Big C, leisure options in On Nut are restricted to “food and grocery shopping”. Century Movie Plaza will undoubtedly add some much needed diversity to the entertainment and leisure mix, offered by this upcoming neighborhood!
