Help decide whether a condominium or house is for you with this helpful guide.
If you are looking to buy or rent a property in Thailand you need to consider whether you would prefer to live in a house or condominium. As a foreigner you can rent either but should you be planning to buy then it is not so straightforward. This is because you are not permitted to own land therefore you would need to partner with a Thai to buy a house or purchase it through the means of a company. Likewise for condominiums there is a foreign quota so you must check beforehand if there is enough left to invest in a certain building.
However if you are in a position to be able to pick from either a house or a condominium, there are other lifestyle considerations that you need to think about as well beyond the legal technicalities.
1. Facilities.
Condominiums come with a wealth of facilities. A swimming pool and gym as the minimum. Older condominiums were built when land prices were lower meaning that they tend to sit on a larger plot of land compared to newer ones. Therefore they are likely to have facilities that take up space that could include tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts and communal gardens. Newer condominiums tend to be squeezed with space therefore facilities will be on a smaller scale. But on the flip side they are more likely to be modern with amenities such as a library, co-working space, drinks bar and even chill out area. If you want all these facilities on your doorstep then a condominium is for you as houses tend to lack these facilities but some situated on a compound may have a pool.
(View our blog online here to help decide whether to opt for an older or newer condominium.)
2. Outside space.
Most houses come with their own private outside space. Ideal for those who like to embrace life outdoors. There is flexibility as to what you can do with the space whether that is to create a barbeque area or a shady place to read a book. Whilst most condominiums come with some sort of outside space, the size of which can be limited and do not always give you a chance to get your fingers green.
3. Do you own a pet?
In some condominiums you are not permitted to have a pet. Therefore this may automatically mean that you have no choice but to live in a house. This is especially the case if you have pets such as a dog that need their own expanse of outside space.
4. Privacy.
If you would rather not regularly meet your neighbours in the lift or on your way back from work, then condominium living may not be for you. However, for some it provides a community feeling that is great if you are a parent and want other children closeby for your children to play with.
5. The view.
Opt for a condominium and you maybe able to pick a panoramic cityscape. For some the view alone is enough to opt for vertical living. Houses can still have a view, however not at the height some condominiums offer.
6. Use of property.
Condominiums provide convenience. They also easy to lock up and leave for an extended period of time should you travel a lot. You may even be fortunate enough to call upon the juristic office to keep an eye on your property whilst you are away. Houses tend to require more upkeep as unlike a condominium you will be responsible for the structure of the building. However, the beauty of houses is the space it comes with. This reason alone is why some people prefer to opt for this kind of standalone living.
If you are looking for a condominium or house to rent or buy in Thailand visit Thailand Property online here.
