Real Estate Companies

[dsmiththailand]

Wife and I will be moving (retirement VISAs) to Pattaya in September.  As we will be looking to rent a house (under 25,000baht) as we are planning to adopt two dogs and looking in the areas between Na Kluea and Bang Saray and close to the beach if possible, do you guys recommend a great real estate company or agent that could help us?  Also, when using an agent or Company, or their services free or do we need to pay a commission?

 

Also, any advice as to best location to live or avoid?

[ChipButty]

There is loads of places you can look for property dont forget all agents bump their prices up to cover commissions and usually they charge 1 month rent for their commission on a year contract,

Places like bahtsold and Facebook groups, this way you will most likely speak direct with the owners and maybe get a better deal for long term rent.

[newnative]

     There are a number of good agencies in Pattaya.  Some are:  Faz Waz, Coastal, Gecko, East Coast, Cornerstone, Pattaya Bay, Alan Bolton, Right Move, and others.  You can also use Facebook and websites.   Usually the landlord pays the agency fees.   

    If you read Thai Visa regularly, and the Pattaya Forum, you might have the impression that Pattaya consists solely of Soi 6, Walking Street, and maybe a few other bar areas.  In reality, of course, it is a very large area with lots of different choices of places to live.  That is one  of the reasons, among many, that my partner and I have enjoyed living here for the past 10 years when we could live anywhere in Thailand.  

    I always give the advice to think about what a typical week is like in your life.  How do you and your wife spend a typical week?  It might help you narrow down an area that works best for you.   If you find yourselves going to the mall 3 or 4 times a week, you might want to consider the Wongamat/Naklua area rather than one of the southern areas with a longer drive to the malls.  If you golf frequently, a house rental on the Darkside might suit and there are a number of nice housing projects to choose from.  The Lake Mabprachan area has a very nice paved bike and walking path around the lake if you enjoy cycling.  This area also has a number of golf courses.   Good luck with your search and welcome to Pattaya.  

[Guderian]

I can recommend East Coast real estate run by David Gray. A long-established and trustworthy company with over 20 years in the city, too many Pattaya realtors are just chancers who are hoping to make a fast buck rather than being committed to the long haul.

https://www.thaiproperty.com/

It's normal that the lessor pays all the fees, not the lessee. You'll have to put down a security deposit, usually one or two months rent, plus the first month's rent up-front. If anybody suggests that you have to pay a finders fee or anything else, just walk away as they're trying it on.

[Eindhoven]

Just noted that you consider a ten minute scooter ride from the beach, as close.

 

I initially though you mean a minute's walk. That's what I consider close. Haven't seen too many beach houses at estate agents; they are usually offering shiny new shoeboxes. 

But if you look carefully, doing some leg work, you should be able to find houses a very short walk from the beach. 

Ten minutes on a bike is literally anywhere in Pattaya.

 

[Surelynot]

4 hours ago, dsmiththailand said:

we are planning to adopt two dogs

Let me know your address when you get one......

[Eindhoven]

When someone states "close to the beach", I imagine close to the beach: 

 

 

 

 

[Surelynot]

4 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

When someone states "close to the beach", I imagine close to the beach: 

 

 

 

 

You would never be any good as an estate agent.......

[newnative]

11 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

When someone states "close to the beach", I imagine close to the beach: 

 

 

 

 

Me, too.  And, I want to see the beach from my perch or what's the point. 

[Eindhoven]

6 minutes ago, newnative said:

Me, too.  And, I want to see the beach from my perch or what's the point. 

 

Though not sure that are within the OP's budget. Even in a low tourism environment, people may be reluctant to let beachfront properties go for a song.

My motto is that if you cannot hear the sea; then you are not close to the beach.

[metisdead]

Some off topic posts and replies have been removed.

Some troll posts and the replies have been removed. 

[Kerryd]

But does it have to be Pattaya ? What about, say, Rayong (past the city) or Chanthaburi, or even Trat ?

The further you get away from Pattaya, the cheaper it will be, with probably less traffic (and pollution) and more room, while still being "close to the beach".

Places like Chanthaburi have all the big box stores, but may not have the same degree of things like foreign restaurants. But how often are you really looking for some good old fashioned Ukrainian perogies or Linguini Alfredo any ways ? 
Burger, Chicken and pizza joints (and coffee shops) are all over the place for those times you tire of your own cooking.

And when you do get a hankering to do some shopping "in the big city", Pattaya is less than 2 hours away (give or take depending on your location/traffic/etc). Makes a nice day trip once or twice a month perhaps.

https://www.google.co.th/maps/@12.4255499,101.625939,10.25z?hl=en

One thing you will find though is that most of real estate companies (with listings in English at least) are geared towards selling over priced condos and houses to foreigners.
BEWARE. 
Also keep in mind, pretty much everything in the area you noted (Bang Saray to NaKlua) will be "premium" priced, especially the closer you get to the beach.

I've noticed that most "foreign" real estate companies have few, if any listings, outside of the prime tourist areas, which could be an issue.

Personally, I'd recommend getting something short term (i.e. 3 months) and then using those 3 months to scout around to find the area that's "right" for you (keeping in mind that you want to adopt 2 noisy poop factories as well). 

Take a couple trips down the coast to Laem Sing and Trat. Learn how to ask (politely) if there are any houses to rent in areas you think look good. Chances are the staff at various restaurants, coffee shops or "mom & pop" stores will know of someone with a house to rent. (And no doubt considerably cheaper than anything in the Pattaya area for an equivalent size).

I end up riding down that way a couple times a year and every time I'm looking around thinking that, yeah, I could live here one day.

But of course, some people prefer the big city, or at least having it close - but not too close. In which case it may be easier to find a place, but it will likely be more expensive as well.

[Neeranam]

I've been thinking about moving to Pattaya but have always thought of it as a sex town. I am aware that there are probably nice areas these days. 

It is possible to live there and be totally away from the sexpats and prostitutes? 

[jacko45k]

6 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

I've been thinking about moving to Pattaya but have always thought of it as a sex town. I am aware that there are probably nice areas these days. 

It is possible to live there and be totally away from the sexpats and prostitutes? 

Of course it is.... or live just out of town.

[OswaldBastable]

1 hour ago, Eindhoven said:

When someone states "close to the beach", I imagine close to the beach: 

 

I'm OK walking a kilometer or two, I class 'close to the beach' as within easy walking distance.

[ChipButty]

8 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

It is possible to live there and be totally away from the sexpats and prostitutes? 

Let me know when you find somewhere like that,

[Neeranam]

2 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

Let me know when you find somewhere like that,

Hua Hin

[Yellowtail]

13 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

I've been thinking about moving to Pattaya but have always thought of it as a sex town. I am aware that there are probably nice areas these days. 

It is possible to live there and be totally away from the sexpats and prostitutes? 

It is easy to be away from the sex trade, but it is not likely you could live anywhere in Thailand where there are expats, without some percentage of them being sexpats.  

[Neeranam]

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

It is easy to be away from the sex trade, but it is not likely you could live anywhere in Thailand where there are expats, without some percentage of them being sexpats.  

True, there are many sexpats that come to Thailand. Obviously there will be a much higher %age in Pattaya, so why live there? Friends, is one reason for me, and golf courses. Anyone who says they live there for the beach, is a liar. 

[Eindhoven]

9 minutes ago, OswaldBastable said:

I'm OK walking a kilometer or two, I class 'close to the beach' as within easy walking distance.

 

YMMV. It's not possible that every property can be beachfront. 

But I prefer beachfront. A km or two out has a completely different feel from 100 metres or less.

Thank goodness not everyone has the same stipulations. 

[Eindhoven]

2 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

True, there are many sexpats that come to Thailand. Obviously there will be a much higher %age in Pattaya, so why live there? Friends, is one reason for me, and golf courses. Anyone who says they live there for the beach, is a liar. 

 

Why the need for such Troll-like and opinionated posts? I am here for the beach and proximity to the things that I want. Have not entered a bar/den of iniquity since I have been here.

That's why I have chosen a "beach front" property. For the beach. Sad that you seem to have such a narrow purview. Lots of things that happen here that have no connection to the sex trade at all.

Get out from behind your Smartphone/PC and take a look.

 

[Pilotman]

My advice, for what its worth, stay clear of Pattaya and Jomtien, unless  night life is a must for you, stay clear of agents, especially one man bands and there are a lot of them around just now.  Tour the area, and check up on signs on houses, deal direct with the owners. As a rule, owners don't like dogs.  Small ones maybe, but big ones, forget it.  My further advice, go no further east or west than Bang Saray.   The beaches in Ban Chang are <deleted> holes and controlled by the local mafia and the sea is polluted.  Steer clear I would say. Beware that some owners are still asking ridiculous and unrealistic prices for their rentals.  The market is flat and anyone asking say 20,000 pm, should be looking at a max of 15,000 pm for a 12 month contract. If you want to near the sea, you will pay a higher price and your choice will be very limited. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Pilotman

[newnative]

34 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

I've been thinking about moving to Pattaya but have always thought of it as a sex town. I am aware that there are probably nice areas these days. 

It is possible to live there and be totally away from the sexpats and prostitutes? 

Yes.

[newnative]

8 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Why the need for such Troll-like and opinionated posts? I am here for the beach and proximity to the things that I want. Have not entered a bar/den of iniquity since I have been here.

That's why I have chosen a "beach front" property. For the beach. Sad that you seem to have such a narrow purview. Lots of things that happen here that have no connection to the sex trade at all.

Get out from behind your Smartphone/PC and take a look.

 

    Me, too.   Could not have said it better.  Thanks.  

[Neeranam]

8 minutes ago, newnative said:

    Me, too.   Could not have said it better.  Thanks.  

You live in Pattaya for the beach? Sorry, I don't understand that thinking, if affirmative. What exactly do you like about it? Do you swim in it or run along it or go surfing?

The last time I went there the beach was dirty and full of undesirables, Thai and foreign. I even got hassled for sitting on the beach and not giving some conman money and was propositioned by an ugly, old ladyboy!

I'm thinking of buying land on Koh Mak, where the beach is paradise. 

I would like some of the things in Pattaya, but certainly not the beach. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Neeranam

[OswaldBastable]

20 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

True, there are many sexpats that come to Thailand. Obviously there will be a much higher %age in Pattaya, so why live there? Friends, is one reason for me, and golf courses. Anyone who says they live there for the beach, is a liar. 

I've rented an apartment there because the price was good, no large upfront payments required, and it has a swimming pool and gym. I also like walking on a beach, but don't really have any desire to swim in the sea.

I have zero interest in golf or women.

[Neeranam]

1 minute ago, OswaldBastable said:

I've rented an apartment there because the price was good, no large upfront payments required, and it has a swimming pool and gym. I also like walking on a beach, but don't really have any desire to swim in the sea.

I have zero interest in golf or women.

Is the sea still filthy? Is it safe to walk along at night?

[Neeranam]

4 minutes ago, OswaldBastable said:

I've rented an apartment there because the price was good, no large upfront payments required, and it has a swimming pool and gym. I also like walking on a beach, but don't really have any desire to swim in the sea.

I have zero interest in golf or women.

Is the sea still filthy? Is it safe to walk along at night?

 

Fair enough if you want something else, like go gos, and choose Pattaya as it has a beach, but saying you choose it for the beach is not being true to yourself. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Neeranam

[OswaldBastable]

Just now, Neeranam said:

Is the sea still filthy? Is it safe to walk along at night?

Can't answer that as still in BK quarantine, but at 7,000bht/month (175 pounds) it's a bargain compared to my room in a Worthing guesthouse at 200 pounds a week. If the sea is clean enough for me to walk along with my feet in the water, I'll be happy enough. Ask me again on Monday. Never been to a 'gogo', never been to Asia before either.

Edited March 19, 2021 by OswaldBastable

[Neeranam]

1 minute ago, OswaldBastable said:

Can't answer that as still in BK quarantine, but at 7,000bht/month (175 pounds) it's a bargain compared to my room in a Worthing guesthouse at 200 pounds a week. If the sea is clean enough for me to walk along with my feet in the sea, I'll be happy enough. Ask me again on Monday.

For sure, I can imagine what Worthing is like now!

Have you thought of living in a place with a nice beach or are you new to Thailand?

You could get a place on Koh Chang for the same price.