living in a condo vs house

[kwak250]

Until a month ago I thought I could never live in a condo now after 3 weeks of renting a condo in Bangkok I can see why they are popular.

I rented for 1 month and I found it very easy and understand why so many of you live in them.

I do miss not having space and a garden and being able to do simple things like wash my car and do work on a motorbike like change oil etc .

Overall I think a decent sized condo on a beach would be well worth buying.

I see they are crazy money for anything decent and still think a nice condo as a second home would be great if only the lotto numbers came up.

It's a bit like an automatic car I never thought I would drive one and now dont see much point having a stick shift unless it has 400hp.

 

 

[ArickChaiyaphum]

A condo how horrible. I  prefer my five rai of land with pool and garden and horses any day! Even if I had my billionaires friend's penthouse in Bangkok. I believe they would proably agree with me. 

[bkk6060]

Depends.

If a person wants less hassle, maintenance, upkeep, then living in a nice sized condo works great.

Shut the door and travel never worry about anything.

 

I had houses in my home country am so much happier being in a condo with all the amenities; security, gym, pool, etc. The last thing I would ever want is to live in a big house again.

[Guderian]

After seven years of renting beach-front condos in Jomtien and Pratumnak, followed by nine years of owning a house about a click from the beach, I could never go back to a condo. They're perfect if you're only looking to be here part-time, but it's beyond me why anybody would want to live in a concrete box in the sky full-time, year after year. Give me a nice bungalow with a decent garden any day.

[TrevorC]

I have tried both and now have condos in Thailand and UK. The lock and leave aspect is most appealing and as I age the fact that I only have to take care of interior maintenance is a close second. 

[murraynz]

50 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Depends.

If a person wants less hassle, maintenance, upkeep, then living in a nice sized condo works great.

Shut the door and travel never worry about anything.

 

I had houses in my home country am so much happier being in a condo with all the amenities; security, gym, pool, etc. The last thing I would ever want is to live in a big house again.

Also, a high level condo near the beach,has great views.

I have a corner unit,get a good breeze 90% of the time.

No need to use aircond..

Healthier and cheaper.

[tonray]

In a house in a gated Moo Baan with GF after 4 years in BKK in apartments and condos. Greater convenience in the city condo and I miss some things like pool and gym open at 6 am vs 11 am in Moo Baan. Also miss having 7-11 right downstairs.. Now need car or taxi just to buy some snacks. Having said that you make the best of the situation. Now I enjoy having a beautiful ornamental garden, absolute privacy inside my gated yard, home improvement projects to keep busy, using power tools, etc. You evolve to a different existence, not necessarily better but the best for the situation you are in at the time.

[newnative]

     When I lived in an expensive part of America, the most I could ever afford was a 1 or 2 bedroom condo.  A small townhouse was way out of my budget and a single family home?  An impossible dream.  Fast-forward to topsy turvy Thailand--where smallish oceanview condos can cost as much or more than large houses.  

     So, here I am in Pattaya and I could finally easily own that single family home I always yearned for in the US.  But, now that I can actually own one, I'd rather be in my oceanview condo.  Love the gorgeous view, the nice gym and pool that I don't need to take care of myself, and I like being able to lock the door and just take off.  The security is nice, too.  My partner and I might end up in a house at some point but for now condos in Pattaya and Bangkok suit us. 

[Bob12345]

2 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Depends.

If a person wants less hassle, maintenance, upkeep, then living in a nice sized condo works great.

Shut the door and travel never worry about anything.

 

I had houses in my home country am so much happier being in a condo with all the amenities; security, gym, pool, etc. The last thing I would ever want is to live in a big house again.

Or buy a house in a gated community with guards, a pool, and a gym. Most people in my moobaan also have gardeners coming by once a month and some have nannies or cleaning ladies.

 

One is not really better than the other, to each their own, but having lived in both i prefer my own house.

[Pilotman]

During this Convid time, it has confirmed to me, if I needed it, that house living is for me and my family.  I too have tried condos, I find them normally quite small, even the 'large living space' ones, noisy, irritatingly rules driven and i disliked the proximity of so many others. Even the pool is not your own and has rules attached, decided by committee.  I felt hemmed in and somehow claustrophobic.   I couldn't even get into the complex without a car sticker and a check by a security guard,  It was like entering a prison site. I was glad to get out and into the house we had built. My pool is my own, my garden in my haven and the quiet is pleasant beyond words. We have two dogs, not possible in a condo, that are a delight to be around. I can cook in a large modern kitchen, which I enjoy, and we can accept guests without any issues of space.  During Covid lock down, we hardly noticed the restrictions, as we had our own space to live it.  It is like being on holiday and what more could you ask for. House for me every time.   

[bodga]

2 hours ago, ArickChaiyaphum said:

A condo how horrible. I  prefer my five rai of land with pool and garden and horses any day! Even if I had my billionaires friend's penthouse in Bangkok. I believe they would proably agree with me. 

Five rai,  how  horrible i prefer my 15 rai with lake???? and no neighbours not even a trillionaire friend????

[BobBKK]

I have lived in both. I now have a beautiful house in the country, pool, cats etc. and QUIET.  But, I also own a small studio in the city so I can hang there when I'm on a drinking + girl hunting spree.

Balancing things up house is far preferable for 100s reasons - no committee's, no JP, no noisy neighbours, no kids in the pool, no broken gym equipment, no silly documents and PRIVACY  (no sneaking that girl up in the elevator hoping the manageress or staff don't see).

 

Anyway I solved the problem by having both - 6 days in house 1 (2 max in condo).

[GreasyFingers]

When I was younger and working it was much better living in a condo as a house and land occupied too much time to look after.

Now, living on 2 rai, always something to do in the yard or maintenance on equipment. Not exciting, nor ideal, but it does occupy the time.

What to do all day living in a city condo, could not handle it now.

[TimBKK]

2 hours ago, newnative said:

     When I lived in an expensive part of America, the most I could ever afford was a 1 or 2 bedroom condo.  A small townhouse was way out of my budget and a single family home?  An impossible dream.  Fast-forward to topsy turvy Thailand--where smallish oceanview condos can cost as much or more than large houses.  

     So, here I am in Pattaya and I could finally easily own that single family home I always yearned for in the US.  But, now that I can actually own one, I'd rather be in my oceanview condo.  Love the gorgeous view, the nice gym and pool that I don't need to take care of myself, and I like being able to lock the door and just take off.  The security is nice, too.  My partner and I might end up in a house at some point but for now condos in Pattaya and Bangkok suit us. 

Where did you guys end up buying?  Just curious, always found your real estate posts to be insightful.

[wwest5829]

Rented a house in a Moo Baan the first two years while I got oriented. Then I bought 3 condo rooms, reconstructed and furnished for about 1 million baht (condo was just starting to Recover from going belly up in 1997 debacle). Owned for 4 years but ... Well, getting older, had heart attack. My Sons to come and sell, deal with land office, etc.? So, I sold and went back to renting for the duration.

[sencelebi]

Depends on what your expectations are. Personally I can't live in a condo. I love my space and privacy. I love grilling 3 times a week and nobody complains for he smoke. I love dogs and they can run in the yard. There are a lots of things you can't do in condo living. I'm 56 and living in a house last 32 yrs, I would never live in a condo.

[Fairynuff]

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

Even the pool is not your own and has rules attached, decided by committee.  I felt hemmed in and somehow claustrophobic.   I couldn't even get into the complex without a car sticker and a check by a security guard,  It was like entering a prison site.

All the things designed for your safety and comfort, made you feel claustrophobic. To me all those things are a benefit. A high floor with brilliant city views, a large space as big as most houses and the option to close the door behind me and not worry someone will get in are just some of the benefits I enjoy. I miss a garden but I make do with a good terrace.

[scoupeo]

On 7/16/2020 at 5:18 PM, kwak250 said:

I never thought I would drive one and now dont see much point having a stick shift unless it has 400hp

 

I have 300 and no stick needed anyway. Especially when you see how people don't know how to drive in this country !

 

[Keyser Soze666]

2 hours ago, Pilotman said:

During this Convid time, it has confirmed to me, if I needed it, that house living is for me and my family.  I too have tried condos, I find them normally quite small, even the 'large living space' ones, noisy, irritatingly rules driven and i disliked the proximity of so many others. Even the pool is not your own and has rules attached, decided by committee.  I felt hemmed in and somehow claustrophobic.   I couldn't even get into the complex without a car sticker and a check by a security guard,  It was like entering a prison site. I was glad to get out and into the house we had built. My pool is my own, my garden in my haven and the quiet is pleasant beyond words. We have two dogs, not possible in a condo, that are a delight to be around. I can cook in a large modern kitchen, which I enjoy, and we can accept guests without any issues of space.  During Covid lock down, we hardly noticed the restrictions, as we had our own space to live it.  It is like being on holiday and what more could you ask for. House for me every time.   

You could have just typed out the last 5 words, instead of all the usual self absorbing spill?

[scoupeo]

The problem is that the more space you have, the more $hit you keep.

I have never seen a really clean house in Thailand, even with 2 full time maid.

Nobody knows how to clean, so a house will never be clean, and it is unacceptable for me to have any dust anywhere.

 

[DaLa]

Condo - you can own it if you’re buying, no maintenance issues, secure, airy if in the right position, no garden to look after, community advantage ( gym / pool etc),

Negs are, fees ( which may go up above inflation rates), noise from neighbours, restrictions ( example can’t keep animals), unable to re-model without permission from management, expensive per unit compared to houses, feeling of being trapped ( personal experience), lack of external storage, lift problems,

 

House, well, opposite to the Condo.

 

All other criteria are dependant on the area ( example , proximity to shops, transport etc) so they are irrelevant.

 

The big difference is that in a really high condo you can watch the Serengetti wildebeast migration and the number one ( assuming you’re fairly high up ) is you won’t get flooded as per 2011.

 

But the final nail in the coffin for me is I can’t crank it up to 11 on my stack in a condo.

[BritManToo]

5 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

If a person wants less hassle, maintenance, upkeep, then living in a nice sized condo works great.

Shut the door and travel never worry about anything.

3 bedroom house with small garden.

300bht every 2nd month for the garden to be done.

 

Not much in the way of upkeep, in the past 7 years,

2 broken water pipes outside (1,000bht + second DIY).

Did some welding on the front gate (builder wanted 3,000bht).

Had some roof tiles replaced and re-positioned (builder charged 3,000bht). 

Edited July 17, 2020 by BritManToo

[Logosone]

Condos are nearer to the amenities, generally speaking. That's a huge plus, to walk to Central Festival, as opposed to taking a 25 minute drive there.

 

The ideal obviously is an estate on a 20,000 square metre rice field. Houses are generally better, more space, but then you play dice with God who the neighbours will be. In Thailand that can end very badly. Neighbours cooking outside, power tools all day, loud music, or the usual 5 dogs per house.

 

 

[Susco]

I'm single have a large free standing house.

 

1600m² of land, 350m² of house with pool and all other amenities, and 850m² of lawn.

 

Lovely to live, but lots of maintenance. Lawn and garden takes at least half a day every week, that's not taken in account the small jobs during the rest of the week.

 

With a house this size there is always something.  I have 8 pumps, which means 8 pumps that can have a leak.

 

I have 28 Windows and doors, which have to be cleaned, same goes for patios, walkways and car ports.

 

I could hire a Thai to do all that, which would mean I pay them, then complete the job when they leave. Been there got the T-shirt.

 

Yes I should move to a smaller house, preferably in a moobaan, and have considered that many times.

 

When I drive around the moobaans in the region, and look at the state most are in, you can't pay me enough to move in there.

 

A condo, very nice and convenient, but my privacy is very high on my list of requirements, and you have none in a Condo.

 

 

 

 

[Pilotman]

42 minutes ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

You could have just typed out the last 5 words, instead of all the usual self absorbing spill?

Then don't read it. if i irritate you so much ( which is a bonus in my book) just block me, then you don't have to put up with what I write. Or maybe you just can't help yourself?  

[scammed]

i dont like insects, ergo condo it is

[Pilotman]

30 minutes ago, Logosone said:

Condos are nearer to the amenities, generally speaking. That's a huge plus, to walk to Central Festival, as opposed to taking a 25 minute drive there.

 

The ideal obviously is an estate on a 20,000 square metre rice field. Houses are generally better, more space, but then you play dice with God who the neighbours will be. In Thailand that can end very badly. Neighbours cooking outside, power tools all day, loud music, or the usual 5 dogs per house.

 

 

yes, but the neighbours don't  tend to be one shared wall  away from you; up, down and both sides. 

Edited July 17, 2020 by Pilotman

[Pilotman]

52 minutes ago, Fairynuff said:

All the things designed for your safety and comfort, made you feel claustrophobic. To me all those things are a benefit. A high floor with brilliant city views, a large space as big as most houses and the option to close the door behind me and not worry someone will get in are just some of the benefits I enjoy. I miss a garden but I make do with a good terrace.

My view is of rolling hills and the river valley. I will take that over city views any day, but it is, as always, a personal choice. 

[Logosone]

1 hour ago, Pilotman said:

yes, but the neighbours don't  tend to be one shared wall  away from you; up, down and both sides. 

Fair point and well made. That is why I only consider top floors. Surprisingly I have had very few problems with neighbours in a condo.

 

Compare that to the house I am in now, where the dogs, power tools, and outside smoke-filled cooking have been a constant annoyance. 

 

Still, the space and pool privacy just edges it. Bigger kitchen as well. I hate these American kitchen in the living room set ups. 

 

Another thing I don't like about condos, you're right in the living room, no foyer. And of course they're too small.

 

It's ironic because they give you that feeling of luxury with gym, huge pool and concierge, but do not deliver on the ultimate luxury, privacy and space.

 

 

[kwak250]

Thsnks for all the replies I am looking forward to returning to my house and can't wait to be able to wash and vac my car which I know you can get done at a car wash business but i always enjoy to wash and clean it myself.

Miss having music on while in the garden while doing a bit of work and playing a game of snooker in my spare room

For me a house still is my favourite but a condo in the right place with a sea view would be very appealing.

When the lotto numbers come out that would be on my list to buy.