Invest In A Condo And Rent It Out

[george]

HOW TO BEAT INFLATION

Invest in a condo and rent it out

Pre-retirement sideline for those with patience

With constantly rising prices becoming a worrying aspect of the economy, people are beginning to search out forms of investment that will deliver returns to beat inflation.

There are various such investments, ranging from stocks and fixed-income instruments through mutual funds, gold and property assets.

The problem is that ordinary fixed deposits at banks are no longer making the grade. While banks are offering interest rates of 1.5 to 3.25 per cent for three- to 12-month fixed deposits, the Bank of Thailand expects inflation to reach 4 to 5 per cent this year, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee warned just this week that it could reach 5.5 per cent, because of rises in food and oil prices.

This means that money left in bank fixed deposits is quite rapidly losing its purchasing power. Seeking investment channels that keep the value of savings ahead of inflation will depend on your risk profile.

One inflation-proof investment perhaps worth considering is buying a condominium for rent. With good management and prudent procedures, investing in a condominium and then offering it for rent will generate much higher returns than leaving your money in bank deposits. However, it is suitable only for investors with enough money to invest for some years, because nobody gets rich from this business in a few short years.

A condominium for rent will provide a gradual return. It can be a sideline to your current job, something that can become a permanent job in retirement. But it would be wise to begin before retirement.

For example, a condo in a prime location can cost about Bt5 million and you can charge about Bt50,000 per month in rent. After deducting maintenance and other expenses, the payback period can be around 10 years. Normally, the value of real estate rises over a long term, so once you get your money back, you can consider selling the unit when the price is right.

For those who wish to get a mortgage for a condominium, remember that you must have money reserves in case there is a period without tenants and you must foot the repayments personally.

Demand for condos in prime areas of Bangkok is still high, particularly for projects near mass-transit routes. Grade A to B condominiums make good investments as many expatriates coming to work in Thailand need residences within walking distance of the Skytrain or subway. This could make investment in a condominium for rent a long-term business, as long as the government provides an open door for foreigners to work here. Moreover, Thais who wish to live in condos for convenient access to work or education will also be potential customers.

Grade-B and A customers who are able to pay Bt20,000 to Bt30,000 per month, or more, for space of 50 square metres will soon dispel fears that they may be unable to continue rental payments.

Where to find such customers? You can advertise in newspapers or on the Internet, but an easier way may be to find a broker. However, a broker will charge one or two months' rent for a rental contract covering one or two years. Experts say most foreigners prefer a large living area of at least 60 to 70 square metres and the rental fee for this group could be Bt30,000 to Bt50,000 per month.

Location is always the heart of this business. Some expats don't need expensive serviced apartments. They just want a cheaper condo located in central Bangkok. So think about Sukhumvit, Phloenchit, Silom, Sathorn and areas with lots of foreign companies and international schools. Other less-than-prime areas that are still near mass-transit routes include Soi Aree, Ratchadaphisek and Phya Thai.

Another key factor is choosing to buy a unit from a project with credible developers. Don't buy if the project is less than 80 to 90 per cent completed. Check the financial status of the owners, particularly in times of economic slowdown.

The overall atmosphere of the condominium must be attractive, with good facilities including a lobby, garden, swimming pool, fitness centre, security and parking. In addition, the project and the surrounding area must be calm and quiet. This is very important for foreigners. All construction and structural materials must be standard or A grade, and you must also check out the administration of the project.

--The Nation 2008-05-13

[lardy]

HOW TO BEAT INFLATION

Invest in a condo and rent it out

Pre-retirement sideline for those with patience

With constantly rising prices becoming a worrying aspect of the economy, people are beginning to search out forms of investment that will deliver returns to beat inflation.

There are various such investments, ranging from stocks and fixed-income instruments through mutual funds, gold and property assets.

The problem is that ordinary fixed deposits at banks are no longer making the grade. While banks are offering interest rates of 1.5 to 3.25 per cent for three- to 12-month fixed deposits, the Bank of Thailand expects inflation to reach 4 to 5 per cent this year, and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee warned just this week that it could reach 5.5 per cent, because of rises in food and oil prices.

This means that money left in bank fixed deposits is quite rapidly losing its purchasing power. Seeking investment channels that keep the value of savings ahead of inflation will depend on your risk profile.

One inflation-proof investment perhaps worth considering is buying a condominium for rent. With good management and prudent procedures, investing in a condominium and then offering it for rent will generate much higher returns than leaving your money in bank deposits. However, it is suitable only for investors with enough money to invest for some years, because nobody gets rich from this business in a few short years.

A condominium for rent will provide a gradual return. It can be a sideline to your current job, something that can become a permanent job in retirement. But it would be wise to begin before retirement.

For example, a condo in a prime location can cost about Bt5 million and you can charge about Bt50,000 per month in rent. After deducting maintenance and other expenses, the payback period can be around 10 years. Normally, the value of real estate rises over a long term, so once you get your money back, you can consider selling the unit when the price is right.

For those who wish to get a mortgage for a condominium, remember that you must have money reserves in case there is a period without tenants and you must foot the repayments personally.

Demand for condos in prime areas of Bangkok is still high, particularly for projects near mass-transit routes. Grade A to B condominiums make good investments as many expatriates coming to work in Thailand need residences within walking distance of the Skytrain or subway. This could make investment in a condominium for rent a long-term business, as long as the government provides an open door for foreigners to work here. Moreover, Thais who wish to live in condos for convenient access to work or education will also be potential customers.

Grade-B and A customers who are able to pay Bt20,000 to Bt30,000 per month, or more, for space of 50 square metres will soon dispel fears that they may be unable to continue rental payments.

Where to find such customers? You can advertise in newspapers or on the Internet, but an easier way may be to find a broker. However, a broker will charge one or two months' rent for a rental contract covering one or two years. Experts say most foreigners prefer a large living area of at least 60 to 70 square metres and the rental fee for this group could be Bt30,000 to Bt50,000 per month.

Location is always the heart of this business. Some expats don't need expensive serviced apartments. They just want a cheaper condo located in central Bangkok. So think about Sukhumvit, Phloenchit, Silom, Sathorn and areas with lots of foreign companies and international schools. Other less-than-prime areas that are still near mass-transit routes include Soi Aree, Ratchadaphisek and Phya Thai.

Another key factor is choosing to buy a unit from a project with credible developers. Don't buy if the project is less than 80 to 90 per cent completed. Check the financial status of the owners, particularly in times of economic slowdown.

The overall atmosphere of the condominium must be attractive, with good facilities including a lobby, garden, swimming pool, fitness centre, security and parking. In addition, the project and the surrounding area must be calm and quiet. This is very important for foreigners. All construction and structural materials must be standard or A grade, and you must also check out the administration of the project.

--The Nation 2008-05-13

yes very good and its exactly what i did with no regrets. 13-14% return for me but bought most of mine when the £ was at 72 baht 7 years to pay back then might sell.

[Moonfruit]

^ Congratulations on your returns, you have done well. Its always good to hear.

I would however love to hear how creditable the journalist who wrote that article is, because on the whole, its a pile of crap!

Im not gonna go into questioning the whole buy to rent debate as its a different equation. If you are smart, it can be very lucrative as mentioned above.

The cheapest new construction going up in central Bangkok right now is The Niche which was launched at 48K per sqm. Im looking at it right now, 20m outside my window. So, with your 5 million baht, you can buy around 108 (?) sqm. Your rental yeild on that, because of its location will be around 35,000THB, or 40 maximum. You certainly wont be walking to the BTS unless you are wearing your sturdy boots and carrying a backpack!

I wish i wasnt so tired right now so that i could articulate my thoughts on the matter better.

[Tammi]

What Income Tax do foreigners holding various kinds od visas pay on rental income? Is it lower for a Retirement Visa?