Who lives in a studio ?

[georgegeorgia]

I'm looking at real estate in Pattaya now ready for my future 

 

I did stay in a 1 bedroom studio ( separated wall ) 28sqm in Arcadia waters condominiums which was great for a short period but could I do it longer !

 

Studio is good for single busy man I guess 

 

Studios , rooms ,bedsitters that's the names they call them.

 

Judging by the real estate sites the majority of for sale are Studio apartment ranging from 16sqm to 38sqm

 

,my question is who here lives actually lives in a studio apartment/ room /bedsitter ?

 

Do you have a real cooking kitchen or a hotplate setup

 

Do you use the bed to watch TV or actually have a lounge chair?

 

How do you find it for living ?

Are you sick of it ?

I could not live without a balcony and I saw some for sale without ,one was 16sqm for 300,000 baht 

 

 

[Trippy]

I've stayed in a few studio condos over the years with an ocean view balcony and a kitchen, was perfectly happy. But they were all over 45sqm, don't think I could stay in a 28sqm shoebox for more than a few days. It's just too small.

[Isaan sailor]

If you’re single, in Pattaya—why not?  Of course, if and when you bring a lady…it’s just not big enough…

[bignok]

27 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I'm looking at real estate in Pattaya now ready for my future 

 

I did stay in a 1 bedroom studio ( separated wall ) 28sqm in Arcadia waters condominiums which was great for a short period but could I do it longer !

 

Studio is good for single busy man I guess 

 

Studios , rooms ,bedsitters that's the names they call them.

 

Judging by the real estate sites the majority of for sale are Studio apartment ranging from 16sqm to 38sqm

 

,my question is who here lives actually lives in a studio apartment/ room /bedsitter ?

 

Do you have a real cooking kitchen or a hotplate setup

 

Do you use the bed to watch TV or actually have a lounge chair?

 

How do you find it for living ?

Are you sick of it ?

I could not live without a balcony and I saw some for sale without ,one was 16sqm for 300,000 baht 

 

 

Buy the 16 sqm one and report back after a year.

[1FinickyOne]

48 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I did stay in a 1 bedroom studio

a 1 bedroom is not a studio...

 

49 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I could not live without a balcony and I saw some for sale without ,one was 16sqm for 300,000 baht

Then buy one w/a balcony - they are usually easy to spot... but 16 sq m. - you won't be able to get away from yourself... 

[PoorSucker]

My Studio is about 40sqm + balcony where eight people can sit comfortably.

12 floor, central Pattaya, partly seaview, pool, gym, underground garage.

100.000 baht per year in rent, fully furnished.

 

[KhunLA]

I would need 45-50m², no less.  Basically 1 bdrom/bath & eat in kitchen.  Don't need living room/sitting area or anything else.  Balcony is also a must.

[NextG]

8 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I would need 45-50m², no less.  Basically 1 bdrom/bath & eat in kitchen.  Don't need living room/sitting area or anything else.  Balcony is also a must.

So not a studio….

[OneMoreFarang]

When I first looked for an apartment in Thailand I thought about two rooms, maybe 60sqm, something like that. I saw one in one high-rise building, and I asked if they have something similar in a higher floor. They didn't. They told me they have a 45sqm studio in a high floor. I looked at that, and I liked it a lot. 

At least for me, together with my Thai gf, we liked a lot more the idea of one big room with one big window (the whole outside wall) compared to two smaller rooms. We lived there for many years.

 

Now I have my own "big studio". About 60% of my 100sqm apartment is one big room. The rest is bathroom and kitchen and a small storage room. I like it like that, because we live in a big room. I think it's called open space, but I am not so sure about that definition.

 

Back to your question: I would prefer one bigger room compared to 2 smaller rooms with total the same size. 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

15 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Balcony is also a must.

I think balconies, and also swimming pools, are overrated.

Everybody wants one. But then most people never use the balcony and never use the swimming pool. 

Why? I don't know. But it's reality. 

[ozimoron]

I live in a studio. It's over 70 m2. I think a single person doesn't need more, a couple would need a separate bedroom I think. Size is key, at least 40 to 50 m2.

[bkk6060]

Before I came here I sold everything.  House, cars, came here with just a large suitcase.   I lived in a 28 sq mtr before that was actually a one bedroom.  Small kitchen also.  Had a nice infinity pool and gym.  I was fine for me and I had girls over who described it as "cute".

In a 50 sq mtr. now  but could do the smaller room again no problem.

[KhunLA]

12 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I think balconies, and also swimming pools, are overrated.

Everybody wants one. But then most people never use the balcony and never use the swimming pool. 

Why? I don't know. But it's reality. 

I use our outside sitting areas.  Front porch, morning coffee with the dog, as it faces West.  Anytime in afternoon, on back veranda, as it faces East.  At least a couple times a week, weather permitting.

 

So I'd need a balcony facing North.  Which would be preferred anyway, as less sun exposure on studio.

[scubascuba3]

27 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I think balconies, and also swimming pools, are overrated.

Everybody wants one. But then most people never use the balcony and never use the swimming pool. 

Why? I don't know. But it's reality. 

I enjoy my balcony much more than i ever thought, great to sit with a sea view and mountain view and chat to friends, zero gravity chairs are great. i binned the table and chairs

[scubascuba3]

i live in a studio, so much better than i expected, a great use of space, no extra walls, 38m, could have bought next door 38, then 76 and too big. Includes balcony 6m which is perfect, not too big not too small.

 

Bigger studios are just more spaced out, often same furniture. Ideal for a single man, people always quote a 1 bed is better for couples, but i reckon separate condos beats that easy.

 

Bonus is low common fees 

[OneMoreFarang]

4 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

zero gravity chairs

I watch the newest Starfield videos since a couple of days, but I was not aware of zero gravity chairs until now. Are they something important which I missed until now?

[spidermike007]

Nope. Not for me. I love space, and have been fortunate to have lived in alot of spacious homes, lofts (NYC), and apartments over the years. 

 

Few things in life beat the luxury of space. 

[georgegeorgia]

1 hour ago, PoorSucker said:

My Studio is about 40sqm + balcony where eight people can sit comfortably.

12 floor, central Pattaya, partly seaview, pool, gym, underground garage.

100.000 baht per year in rent, fully furnished.

 

Nirun is nice they say ????

[scubascuba3]

10 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I watch the newest Starfield videos since a couple of days, but I was not aware of zero gravity chairs until now. Are they something important which I missed until now?

They are very comfortable balcony chairs and cheap, around 500 baht, i have 2, just great for facing friends or birds and chatting

[biervoormij]

I thought you were going to be a minimalist. The following is from a post of yours a month ago.

 

"My dream eventually is to sell up and move to a small 1  house in isaan in the country side  Thailand and have no clutter to live as a minimalist , not even a fridge Just a mat on the floor , a small drawer and not even a tv "

 

Seems like 19 sqm would be roomy with only a mat on the floor.

 

I just moved from a 40 sqm condo to a 29 sqm condo in a different city. Will have to get use to a little less space but think it will fill my needs.

 

[Ohyesuare]

I work from home and have a Thai GF so I'm home a lot. Anything less than the ~52 SQM 2 bed/2bath I have and I would not be happy at all. Especially seeing the state of the GF's room and bathroom. 3 ACs and 3 TVs are handy as well if one breaks down and came with high quality furnishings too. Have a great Japanese manager and landlord who fixes any issues extremely quickly. Includes weekly cleaning and linen/towel change and replenishment of toiletries as well. 

[champers]

OK, I'll be first.

I do live in a "shoebox"; with my girlfriend; on a condo complex with about 2000 units and have done for almost 7 years. It is not my ideal but before moving in I saw many places in my budget far worse than where I am now. I am by no means the only farang here, many have been here longer than I have so must like it as I do.

I have a gym and pool (included in my rent of 7000 Baht per month), a library, a launderette, an onsite 7/11 open 24/7 and nice landscaped gardens to relax in. 

I am way better off financially and emotionally than I would be back in the UK. After visiting here twice a year for many years it was my dream to move here in retirement. I am now living my dream. In a couple of years I will be eligible for my UK state pension which will be a life changing amount of money for me. I will look to upscale my condo but am happy to stay on the same complex which is clean, safe, quiet, well maintained and on a baht bus route.

I have easy access to shopping malls, countless bars, cafes and restaurants. Four cinema complexes are nearby.

The only time I have felt closed in and cramped for room was during the strictest part of the Covid lockdown when me and the girlfriend got under each others feet and skin. That was for about a month or so. My girlfriend has her own business so we don't normally live in each others pockets.

As for cooking, I have a slow cooker, toaster, microwave, a hot plate and a halogen oven/grill. I would like more room to expand my culinary repertoire but I get by just fine for now.

I appreciate that many could not or will not live in such a small condo unit. It is fine for me, so I am not going to get into an argument or discuss my life story with anybody. My choices affect me and my girlfriend, not other posters on here.

[BritManToo]

16 minutes ago, champers said:

OK, I'll be first.

I do live in a "shoebox"; with my girlfriend; on a condo complex with about 2000 units and have done for almost 7 years. It is not my ideal but before moving in I saw many places in my budget far worse than where I am now. I am by no means the only farang here, many have been here longer than I have so must like it as I do.

I have a gym and pool (included in my rent of 7000 Baht per month), a library, a launderette, an onsite 7/11 open 24/7 and nice landscaped gardens to relax in. 

I am way better off financially and emotionally than I would be back in the UK. After visiting here twice a year for many years it was my dream to move here in retirement. I am now living my dream. In a couple of years I will be eligible for my UK state pension which will be a life changing amount of money for me. I will look to upscale my condo but am happy to stay on the same complex which is clean, safe, quiet, well maintained and on a baht bus route.

I have easy access to shopping malls, countless bars, cafes and restaurants. Four cinema complexes are nearby.

The only time I have felt closed in and cramped for room was during the strictest part of the Covid lockdown when me and the girlfriend got under each others feet and skin. That was for about a month or so. My girlfriend has her own business so we don't normally live in each others pockets.

As for cooking, I have a slow cooker, toaster, microwave, a hot plate and a halogen oven/grill. I would like more room to expand my culinary repertoire but I get by just fine for now.

I appreciate that many could not or will not live in such a small condo unit. It is fine for me, so I am not going to get into an argument or discuss my life story with anybody. My choices affect me and my girlfriend, not other posters on here.

Sounds nice to me!

[GypsyT]

My new gf, who I haven't met in person yet, suggested I'd buy a business condo close to Nong Prue Lake.

First it didn't sound attractive but now I plan to go to see it.

 

It's 4 stories, 1st and 2nd are 50m2 and have AC. 3rd and 4th are 40m2. Every floor has WC & shower. Two top ones have balcony.

Price is 3,5 mil. Only 1st floor has been used for business. Other floors are "as new" and it's fairly new building.

I think that's cheap! I want to rent first to see if it's too noisy location etc.

 

I was looking similar "business condos" at VT7 and they were very expensive.

 

Is anyone living like that? Is it fully legal?

 

 

[BritManToo]

3 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

My new gf, who I haven't met in person yet, suggested I'd buy a business condo close to Nong Prue Lake.

First it didn't sound attractive but now I plan to go to see it.

 

It's 4 stories, 1st and 2nd are 50m2 and have AC. 3rd and 4th are 40m2. Every floor has WC & shower. Two top ones have balcony.

Price is 3,5 mil. Only 1st floor has been used for business. Other floors are "as new" and it's fairly new building.

I think that's cheap! I want to rent first to see if it's too noisy location etc.

 

I was looking similar "business condos" at VT7 and they were very expensive.

 

Is anyone living like that? Is it fully legal?

 

 

Is your name 'Mark', 'cos there's one born every minute.

[scubascuba3]

6 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

My new gf, who I haven't met in person yet

You haven't met your girlfriend?

[HappyExpat57]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Nope. Not for me. I love space, and have been fortunate to have lived in alot of spacious homes, lofts (NYC), and apartments over the years. 

 

Few things in life beat the luxury of space. 

Different strokes. I was living in a 148 sq mtr on the water in Na Jomtien. Initially I was thrilled, but keeping it clean was more bother than my lazy butt wanted to do. I moved to Chanthaburi for work and have two 36 sq mtr rooms in the same building across the hall from each other. I live in one and store my "stuff" in the other, and it suits me just fine.

[bignok]

4 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

You haven't met your girlfriend?

She's been busy with other guys

[BritManToo]

4 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

You haven't met your girlfriend?

........... and is already thinking of buying her a 3.5Mbht house.

 

[newnative]

   In our earlier years in Pattaya, my partner and I lived in View Talay 48 sqm studios--in  VT3,  5C, 5D, and 7.  Except for VT3, with each one, we separated the open space into 3 zones--kitchen/entrance/bathroom, separated by a short partition wall, living and dining area in the middle, and a private bedroom area at the rear, by the large balcony, separated by a frosted window wall.   We debated having the bedroom area in the middle but it just worked better at the back, both for privacy and function, with the dining area closer to the kitchen.

   I know some people like one big space, which can also work well, but we preferred some separations, so we could move from one room to another room and not feel like we were living our life in just one room.  The separations also made the space appear bigger.  I remember our neighbor at VT7, in the exact same 48 sqm, seeing our condo and he swore it was bigger than his open plan.  He finally had to do some measurements to see the space was the same.  It looked bigger because the eye was not taking in all the space, all at once.  Instead, the separations made for more to discover, and a more interesting living environment, I felt.

     People will sometimes make the mistake, with small spaces, of buying small-size furniture.  For example, a small 2-seat loveseat with no arms and a couple of tiny chairs instead of a bigger sofa.  With our VT projects, we put in a large corner sofa in the living room--the biggest we could fit--and designed the space, including the dividing wall, around it.  It was unexpected to see such a large piece in a 'studio' but it worked well, and was more comfortable to sit on than a small loveseat.  Ditto for the bedroom.  Even though the space was not large, we wanted a king bed, with bedside tables, and space to walk around both sides of the bed--no shoving the bed against the wall, which I hate.

    When we bought our Bangkok getaway condo we thought we could live in 24 sqm, since we would only be using it for around a week at a time.  We designed it in sort of the same way as the VT projects, with a separated bedroom space.  But, it proved to be too small for two and we bought a bigger 1 bedroom, instead.   Might have been ok for one person if they weren't home much.

   The nice thing about the newer projects is the terrific amenities they come with.  So, even if you are in a small space, you can escape to the pool, the gym, the snooker room, the sky lounge, the sky garden, the outdoor ping pong, the golf simulation, the library, the jogging path, etc., etc.   Some photos of one of the VT projects, in case anyone might be interested in what I was trying to describe.