Markland Condo

[toenail]

I was thinking of buying a condo at Markland due to its location and being in an already developed section of town. The building itself was not built cheaply but of good construction and design at its time; however, when looking closely - it has been neglected. The swimming pool seems to have the same wooden lounge chairs as a decade ago (made in Isaan?) ; the "gym" is out of a museum; the roof top restaurant hasn't been changed since it was built in the 70's??? ; and lobby is darker than Ripley's haunted house (except for the hospital white florescent light bulbs glaring down). The place has not been touched since it was built.

Question: Who owns Marland? A company ... a Thai-Chinese family? Sad that such a fine building isn't in the hands of owners that care.

[johnlexo]

This is the way many (most) Thai condo-buildings go. Some of the buildings are run by foreign committee's, but those committees usually become controversial fast and peace in the condo is gone with personal interests being put ahead of common owners interest. There is some success stories in town, such as Star Beach, Diana Estate, Wongamat Garden and a few more. These are some of the "old", but maintained places. Controlled by Farangs, needless to say.JL.

[FarangBuddha]

Agree for the most part. first off, Thai condos are designed for a 30-year lifespan, as many are built on 30 year leasehold land. Therefore, after a couple decades, they start to show their age and who wants to put in money for upkeep when the whole think will be torn down and redeveloped in another decade.

With freehold projects, you get factions on the condo boards, with some more cashed-up residents wanting to maintain, or even improve, the common areas and decor, and another group of poorer residents who don't want to spend money on such "extras" and the associated rise in HOA dues.

Another reason not to buy a condo in Thailand, or in any country.

[johnlexo]

Good points, well explained! JL.

Agree for the most part. first off, Thai condos are designed for a 30-year lifespan, as many are built on 30 year leasehold land. Therefore, after a couple decades, they start to show their age and who wants to put in money for upkeep when the whole think will be torn down and redeveloped in another decade.

With freehold projects, you get factions on the condo boards, with some more cashed-up residents wanting to maintain, or even improve, the common areas and decor, and another group of poorer residents who don't want to spend money on such "extras" and the associated rise in HOA dues.

Another reason not to buy a condo in Thailand, or in any country.

[Utterlyuseful]

wasn't the markland the home of the original leaper's lounge......maybe too many ghosts there!

Good points, well explained! JL.

Agree for the most part. first off, Thai condos are designed for a 30-year lifespan, as many are built on 30 year leasehold land. Therefore, after a couple decades, they start to show their age and who wants to put in money for upkeep when the whole think will be torn down and redeveloped in another decade.

With freehold projects, you get factions on the condo boards, with some more cashed-up residents wanting to maintain, or even improve, the common areas and decor, and another group of poorer residents who don't want to spend money on such "extras" and the associated rise in HOA dues.

Another reason not to buy a condo in Thailand, or in any country.

[PattayaParent]

This is the way many (most) Thai condo-buildings go. Some of the buildings are run by foreign committee's, but those committees usually become controversial fast and peace in the condo is gone with personal interests being put ahead of common owners interest. There is some success stories in town, such as Star Beach, Diana Estate, Wongamat Garden and a few more. These are some of the "old", but maintained places. Controlled by Farangs, needless to say.JL.

The first part of your post I highlighted describes Star Beach exactly.

Markland was originally a hotel and the owners sold out the units as condos, presumably so they wouldn't have to pay for the upkeep themselves but could charge others and do nothing?

[ciaociao]

This is the way many (most) Thai condo-buildings go. Some of the buildings are run by foreign committee's, but those committees usually become controversial fast and peace in the condo is gone with personal interests being put ahead of common owners interest. There is some success stories in town, such as Star Beach, Diana Estate, Wongamat Garden and a few more. These are some of the "old", but maintained places. Controlled by Farangs, needless to say.JL.

The first part of your post I highlighted describes Star Beach exactly.

Markland was originally a hotel and the owners sold out the units as condos, presumably so they wouldn't have to pay for the upkeep themselves but could charge others and do nothing?

What is the maintance fee at the markland?

[Barack]

Agree for the most part. first off, Thai condos are designed for a 30-year lifespan, as many are built on 30 year leasehold land. Therefore, after a couple decades, they start to show their age and who wants to put in money for upkeep when the whole think will be torn down and redeveloped in another decade.

With freehold projects, you get factions on the condo boards, with some more cashed-up residents wanting to maintain, or even improve, the common areas and decor, and another group of poorer residents who don't want to spend money on such "extras" and the associated rise in HOA dues.

Another reason not to buy a condo in Thailand, or in any country.

Really? Which condos are built on leasehold land? I have heard of this in Bangkok but not in Pattaya. I also think we might confusing Thai systematic lack of maintenance with structural integrity or some built-in lifespan. Any building requires regularly scheduled maintenance but tell that to the Thais.

[powderpuff]

At the low end fees are usually 20 baht per meter per month.

But they can still hit you with special assessments for swimming pool repairs lift repairs septic tank repairs etc.