Issue 10 | Feature brought to you by Asia Rents
What one agency is doing t o make the lives of Bangkok renters much easier.
It’s fair to say that your rental property in Bangkok will be much nicer than for the same money you would spend in many other parts of the world – including London.
Bangkok today is literally overflowing with new and resale condos buildings, and while those units are generally of a higher quality than back home it’s often the quality of service when searching for your perfect pad that is totally different from what you’ve become accustomed to.
As the city has grown into an international metropolis and a hub for Southeast Asia demand for higher standards of service has grown more important than ever – and can ultimately a key decision factor.
After a few negative experiences working with some less-than-accommodating agents during his own property search, Jamie Nettleship – the Chief Executive Officer of real estate agency AsiaRents – discovered a gap in the Bangkok rental market for an agency offering standards of service he was used to back in London.
He said: “I rarely received explanations of the benefits of living in a particular condo, and there was hardly ever any follow up after my visits. As I come from a strong sales background, I became poignantly aware of the low standards of service, and
I knew I could offer the Bangkok market much better.”
AsiaRents invested in a fleet of branded cars to chauffeur property-seeking clients to viewings. There’s no need to wait endlessly for an agent that may never arrive when an AsiaRents agent can collect you in one of its comfortable, airconditioned vehicles. This is a convenient and complimentary service offered to anyone seeking to work with the company.
There’s always the risk of wasting a day looking at properties you’ll never rent if your agent doesn’t listen to your requirements. Because AsiaRents trains its staff to only show four or five properties during a day, this encourages AsiaRents agents to be more selective about choosing listings for their clients.
Nettleship recalled times when he would go to see a property and it was clear the door hadn’t been opened in weeks. In order to prevent similar mishaps, AsiaRents goes ahead to a property viewing to ensure those small but vital touches, such as opening curtains, turning on the air-conditioning and even making a coffee before the agent and client arrive.
Anyone who has searched online for a property in Thailand will agree the quality of images and listings information available could be better. Acting as an exception to that rule, AsiaRents employs a full-time professional photographer and videographer to create stunning media that accompanies every listing.
“The fact that we understand this is really what will set us apart from our competition in Thailand will always mean we stay efficient, effective, and serviceoriented.”
Four tips from AsiaRents for those considering renting, or even investing, in Bangkok.
1. The demand for two-bedroom and larger ‘expatriate’ standard apartments and condominiums for rent will increase as AEC (the ASEAN Economic Community) takes effect. More foreigners will likely be relocating themselves and their families to Bangkok, and right now there are simply not enough suitable properties for rent for these people. If you are an investor, look to buy in already-popular areas such as low-Sukhumvit, and buy as big as you can afford, without over-stretching yourself of course.
2. Look beyond traditional areas. Competition will likely increase in the traditional expatriate hotspots of lower Sukhumvit, so why not extend your search a little further. Bangkok is growing every day and its mass-transit connections mean that some parts of the less-favoured Thonburi side of the city are closer in both time and distace to places like Silom and Sathorn than the uber-trendy Thong Lor – but at half the price. Asia Rents can show you a selection of what’s available throughout the city.
3. If price is a key factor in your decision, and you intend to be in Bangkok for a while, seriously consider a long-term contract. Look at it from the landlords’ perspective – they would much rather have you in their property for a year than for just a few months – and many will be willing to lower the price accordingly.
4. Mass-transit is important, as anyone who has spent more than a few hours in Bangkok will testify. Whilst the BTS and MRT are popular and well-known, the Airport Link has been largely forgotten by expatriates. But that’s not the case with Thais – who have been renting and buying within close proximity to the stations that offer travel connection to the BTS at Phaya Thai within just a short space of time. Watch for developments as expatriates follow the local population and take more of an interest in these areas.