When potential investors or homebuyers contact Fresh Property, many are not sure of what type of property to buy. And that is when our expertise and professional agents come into place.
Should I invest in a Bangkok condo or a house?
The rapidly increasing price of real estate in Bangkok, asking those questions is understandable. Being cautious is important, especially in the Capital’s expansive and dynamic real estate market.
Buying a property is a financial commitment with a set of responsibilities, risks, and rewards. This article offers an impartial evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of property ownership in Bangkok.
Pros of buying property in Bangkok
1. Foreigners can own freehold condos
Condominiums (Condos), are a legal title that foreign nationals can purchase directly on a freehold basis. Non-Thais can own, resell or pass-on condos in Thailand without any restrictions. This straightforward property ownership law has allowed the condominium market, especially in Bangkok to develop and grow rapidly.
2. Rental returns and capital appreciation potential
Bangkok is the business hub in Thailand and one of the main in South East Asia, and as a result there is an active rental and resale property market.
Investors can on average make 4-6% gross rental yield on condos in Central Bangkok, because property prices have been appreciating as a result of city development and economic growth.
3. High-quality residential projects
Developers have launched a series of residential projects, resulting in fierce inter-developer competition. A positive product of this competition is increasingly high-quality developments that offer several facilities.
Bangkok developments now often include luxury facilities such as pools, gyms, libraries and even rooftop garden spaces as a standard.
4. Amazing Bangkok lifestyle
Bangkok is a global lifestyle destination as it offers a wealth of things to do, see and experience. The city harbors a desirable residential appeal like no other. From shopping malls, world-class dining, trendy bars and clubs and an amazing cultural heritage.
The city is a regional economic hub with plenty of commercial and career opportunities for working professionals. This work-life balance is the reason why Bangkok is a popular investment place or Expats and overseas investors.
Cons of buying property in Bangkok
1. Foreign nationals cannot own land
Whilst foreigners can own Condominiums”(Condos) on a freehold basis, they cannot own land.
Foreigners are unable to own landed property (I.e. Villas, Townhouses, Houses) directly under their name. This can make acquiring any form of landed property a complicated ownership proposition.
2. Buying cash and limited financing
Most foreign buyers need to buy property in cash, as local financial institutions generally do not offer financing to non-Thais. This means that buying property in Bangkok can be quite a large financial commitment.
3. Second-hand property market can be Illiquid
While there is an active resale market especially in Central Bangkok, the Capital also has a large supply of condos (Completed and Under Construction). This as a result, dilutes demand, with resellers competing for the attention of buyers.
Bangkok’s property market is unfortunately not as liquid as real estate in developed markets such as London or New York. Finding a buyer and negotiating a potential exchange can take months, with no specific timeline on completion/transfer.
4. Immigration laws and regulations
Thailand offers several different types of long-stay visas. From business/work visas, retirement, elite visas and even investment visas.
However, these visa types have strict application requirements. This can make it difficult for some foreign nationals to apply for a long-term visa status and as a result it can be difficult to live long-term in Thailand. We suggest to contact an experienced visa agent that will provide the options available according to your requirements and the costs associated to it.
Should you buy property in Bangkok?
Buying property is a personal decision that needs to be based on the buyer’s financial situation. From an investment perspective, Thailand and, by extension Bangkok’s economic development are desirable and stable.
However, we would like to emphasize that buyers should consider investing only if they have a strong financial position. Also, buyers should ensure they have a long-term investment horizon (Minimum 3-5 years ownership).
This would allow buyers to benefit from a combination of rental income and/or potential capital appreciation.
Fresh Property is a full-scope and established Bangkok Real Estate Agency. We offer consultancy, sales, rental and property management services.
Buyers and renters are welcome to browse our extensive portfolio of new projects, resale properties and rental homes.
Alternatively, feel free to contact us by sending us an inquiry to [email protected].
