House V Apartment, Best Place To Live

[BigJohnnyBKK]

I live in a pretty big apartment - 250 sqm.

Big enough not to feel boxed up. Only one other apartment on our floor.

Have done houses and don't like them. Mozzies get in.

I hate mozzies.

Hard to seal up a traditional Thai wood house, but all three of the "normal" concrete one's I've lived in weren't at all hard to seal off.

Occasional rodent issues as well, have to fix your own plumbing etc but all in all NBD AFAIC well worth the benefits.

[cdnmatt]

Occasional rodent issues as well, have to fix your own plumbing etc but all in all NBD AFAIC well worth the benefits.

Yeah, the rodents I don't like much. Usually once a month the garbage men will skip a week, and the neighborhood bins are just across the street from us. So when they skip a week, there's garbage everywhere, which means rats everywhere, and a few of them usually find their way inside. Thankfully my dogs think rats are absolutely great, so they don't usually last long inside.

Edited May 31, 2012 by cdnmatt

[SimonD]

Where I lived on my moo ban, there was a Thai woman (mid 40's) and two younger Thai men. They had two dogs, one large, one small.

The big dog was kept in the front garden all the time and never taken for a walk. He became neurotic, barking at every passer-by and became a real noise nuisance, especially all through the night. This anti-social behaviour grated on all, farang and Thai alike.

Several times I, and others, complained to her about this disturbance and just received a mouthful of predictable, foul abuse.

"Hey, falang, why you live in Thailand? You not like Thai people? Why not @#%! off back you [sic] country?"

You know, that sort of response. Pure ignorance.

One morning, sitting outside in my garden after another night of disturbed sleep, I watched a tall Thai man I had not seen before walk up to her gate. He rang the bell and she opened her front door. Some brief words were exchanged and then he then made a sign with his right hand, gesturing towards the dog, which she now had a hold of...

...and he imitated the action of firing two shots. "pow-pow", I heard him say, or something very similar. He then pointed his imaginary gun at her and pulled the 'trigger' twice more. The inference was obvious, even to her and I wasn't the only one to witness this. The look of fear on her face was astonishing.

She, her two male friends and the dogs were gone by midday. They even left possessions behind, such was their haste to get away.

If you do keep dogs for security, don't allow them to become a double-edged sword.

This is a true story, no bull. It happened exactly as I have retold.

Edited May 31, 2012 by SimonD

[giddyup]

I live in a pretty big apartment - 250 sqm.

Big enough not to feel boxed up. Only one other apartment on our floor.

Have done houses and don't like them. Mozzies get in.

I hate mozzies.

They don't get in if you have screens on the windows. I have lived in my house for two years and never had a mozzie inside, not many outside. Never seen a rat either.

Edited May 31, 2012 by giddyup

[mca]

because you are right in the full view of all the neighbors and passers-by.

I have been to many of them, like in nice ones such as Nichada, terraces, patios, pools are all in full view of everyone,

I never could quite understand the satisfaction of buying a 5 million baht plus property like on some of the housing developments in Khon Kaen and be able to literally flick a pebble or whatever and hit your neighbour's house on both sides.

I was round a Thai acquaintances once which must have cost at least 10 mill and I could read the headline of the newspaper his next door neighbour was reading

Edited May 31, 2012 by mca

[giddyup]

because you are right in the full view of all the neighbors and passers-by.

I have been to many of them, like in nice ones such as Nichada, terraces, patios, pools are all in full view of everyone,

I never could quite understand the satisfaction of buying a 5 million baht plus property like on some of the housing developments in Khon Kaen and be able to literally flick a pebble or whatever and hit your neighbour's house on both sides.

I was round a Thai acquaintances once which must have cost at least 10 mill and I could read the headline of the newspaper his next door neighbour was reading

It depends on your land block size. Agreed, most villages only have small plots (mine is 97 sq. w) although there are double blocks which give you a lot more space. If you want plenty of land and not see your neighbours, you would have to build in a more remote location (little security) or pay a premium for the land in a developed area.

[mca]

because you are right in the full view of all the neighbors and passers-by.

I have been to many of them, like in nice ones such as Nichada, terraces, patios, pools are all in full view of everyone,

I never could quite understand the satisfaction of buying a 5 million baht plus property like on some of the housing developments in Khon Kaen and be able to literally flick a pebble or whatever and hit your neighbour's house on both sides.

I was round a Thai acquaintances once which must have cost at least 10 mill and I could read the headline of the newspaper his next door neighbour was reading

It depends on your land block size. Agreed, most villages only have small plots (mine is 97 sq. w) although there are double blocks which give you a lot more space. If you want plenty of land and not see your neighbours, you would have to build in a more remote location (little security) or pay a premium for the land in a developed area.

Me and my wife were looking at some land in Pak Chong for our retirement and even though the vista and location were lovely as you pointed out if we were away it would be open season for burglars. Although to be honest I've known of a few housing developments with "security" that have been done over as well.

[giddyup]

because you are right in the full view of all the neighbors and passers-by.

I have been to many of them, like in nice ones such as Nichada, terraces, patios, pools are all in full view of everyone,

I never could quite understand the satisfaction of buying a 5 million baht plus property like on some of the housing developments in Khon Kaen and be able to literally flick a pebble or whatever and hit your neighbour's house on both sides.

I was round a Thai acquaintances once which must have cost at least 10 mill and I could read the headline of the newspaper his next door neighbour was reading

It depends on your land block size. Agreed, most villages only have small plots (mine is 97 sq. w) although there are double blocks which give you a lot more space. If you want plenty of land and not see your neighbours, you would have to build in a more remote location (little security) or pay a premium for the land in a developed area.

Me and my wife were looking at some land in Pak Chong for our retirement and even though the vista and location were lovely as you pointed out if we were away it would be open season for burglars. Although to be honest I've known of a few housing developments with "security" that have been done over as well.

That's true. Even though I live in a fairly small village of 50 houses and have 24/7 security, a couple of houses have been burgled. Problem is security just don't do their jobs. They see a car or motorbike approach and they just open the boom gates. We do have CCTV at the gatehouse now, so at least they have photos of drivers and licence plates. I have driven into many villages and never been asked for ID, maybe they think all falangs are honest.

[samran]

I live in a pretty big apartment - 250 sqm.

Big enough not to feel boxed up. Only one other apartment on our floor.

Have done houses and don't like them. Mozzies get in.

I hate mozzies.

They don't get in if you have screens on the windows. I have lived in my house for two years and never had a mozzie inside, not many outside. Never seen a rat either.

No, had screens on windows. Very nice Moo Baan with uber nice houses too where houses sell for 15M up.

All it takes is for one mozzie to get in , and that eeeeeeeeeeeee sound next to my ear at 1am for me to crack it.

[samran]

because you are right in the full view of all the neighbors and passers-by.

I have been to many of them, like in nice ones such as Nichada, terraces, patios, pools are all in full view of everyone,

I never could quite understand the satisfaction of buying a 5 million baht plus property like on some of the housing developments in Khon Kaen and be able to literally flick a pebble or whatever and hit your neighbour's house on both sides.

I was round a Thai acquaintances once which must have cost at least 10 mill and I could read the headline of the newspaper his next door neighbour was reading

It depends on your land block size. Agreed, most villages only have small plots (mine is 97 sq. w) although there are double blocks which give you a lot more space. If you want plenty of land and not see your neighbours, you would have to build in a more remote location (little security) or pay a premium for the land in a developed area.

Me and my wife were looking at some land in Pak Chong for our retirement and even though the vista and location were lovely as you pointed out if we were away it would be open season for burglars. Although to be honest I've known of a few housing developments with "security" that have been done over as well.

My cousin has a place on the beach down in Hua Hin. The best solution is to have a family live in another little house on the block who get paid to act as caretakers (not necessarily maids). Win win as they get free accomodation and you get a permanent presense on the block when you aren't around.

[banglay]

I lived for 6 months high end serviced apartment hotel,and went stir crazy .So I then rented a double condo for 3 month and again nearly went stir crazy...Ended up buying a new house with nice sized swimming pool and generous sized garden and I must say it feels more at home and not longer need to hit the town every night for my entertainment (saved 00.000's ฿ in the process)

A house is great for entertaining friends outside BBQ's etc ...and I know that my pool is clean and hygienic too. So all in all I would recommend a house over a apartment or a condo any day.

Security is not a problem (to date ) I have 80+ pound Pitbull which has full access to all area's and sleeps out side during the night or when we are out........

[giddyup]

I lived for 6 months high end serviced apartment hotel,and went stir crazy .So I then rented a double condo for 3 month and again nearly went stir crazy...Ended up buying a new house with nice sized swimming pool and generous sized garden and I must say it feels more at home and not longer need to hit the town every night for my entertainment (saved 00.000's ฿ in the process)

A house is great for entertaining friends outside BBQ's etc ...and I know that my pool is clean and hygienic too. So all in all I would recommend a house over a apartment or a condo any day.

Security is not a problem (to date ) I have 80+ pound Pitbull which has full access to all area's and sleeps out side during the night or when we are out........

I hope the dog won't touch any food other that what you feed him. I see too many cases on Thai news of dogs being poisoned so scumbags can enter the house. Lowest of the low.

Edited June 1, 2012 by giddyup

[MrRealDeal]

The best solution similar to what samran said is just to be friendly enough to your neighbors so they might actually care if someone trys to rob your house. I have a neighbor with the barking dog problem and sometimes I wonder if people would wait until the dog was poisioned and then call security or call first.

[aneliane]

If you don't have a car, the best values are on the little sois too small for them, plenty under 10K for 2BR/2bath but try to avoid getting too close to the many slums around if you have Thai dependents, the terrible quality of the language you'll be listening too will be offensive to most.

I ended up making up little handouts offering B2000 reward for putting me in touch with the landlord, probably took a total of 20-30 hours over a month, have a 5-storey row house just off Charoen Krung near Sathorn BTS for B12K a month, rolling 3-year lease, been here for 7 now.

Negotiate for the right to sublet and the ability to run a business out of it.

Were your handouts in Thai lingo?

Do you have a garden ? Pics

What business are you operating from your house ?

Edited June 1, 2012 by aneliane

[Seismic]

Space is pretty important to an enjoyable life ... Next time you see a drunken Farang ask him about where he lives, a dime will get you a dollar he lives someplace that's to small to enjoy so he has to go out and ends up at the bar instead of the park because he is disatisfied with his living conditions.

Rubbish, I have lived in houses in Thailand for 32 years, never ever rented an apartment. I have also been known to get drunk on occasions. Give me a house anyday, the neighbours in my Moo-Bahn keep an eye on the place for me when I am away, Security makes an extra effort as I give them a couple of bottles of Sang Som every major holiday.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Were your handouts in Thai lingo? Do you have a garden ? Pics

What business are you operating from your house ?

Yes of course.

No just a plain row house, even the traditional Thai wooden houses go for heaps if they have decent gardens - plus mega mozzie problems.

I have a classroom cum Internet shop on the ground floor, the training program for TGs we've discussed before isn't a business as such but it does deliver good value relative to the time I put in.

[blossombkk]

another view to that topic: I had lived in a house in my home country and wouldn't replace it in the world. no apartments for me. but when i arrived in bangkok i felt that a condo would be a better bargain. I got a condo on the 16th floor. I see the sunrise and the sunset every day, and they are amazing. much less mosquitoes, most of the times even absent, good air, especially at night, 90% of the time no a/c. good security. i sleep with all doors and windows open. a real freedom sesation. got some nice nighbours as friends, i play tennis at the tennis courts downstairs, swim occationally.

I think if you live in bangkok one should find the right condo.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

another view to that topic: I had lived in a house in my home country and wouldn't replace it in the world. no apartments for me. but when i arrived in bangkok i felt that a condo would be a better bargain. I got a condo on the 16th floor. I see the sunrise and the sunset every day, and they are amazing. much less mosquitoes, most of the times even absent, good air, especially at night, 90% of the time no a/c. good security. i sleep with all doors and windows open. a real freedom sesation. got some nice nighbours as friends, i play tennis at the tennis courts downstairs, swim occationally.

I think if you live in bangkok one should find the right condo.

I can completely see those benefits, if you're willing to live in a the smaller space to get them. I have customers at several upscale condos nearby that let me use the facilities as their guest, but even if I lived there probably wouldn't use them frequently enough to justify the (IMO disproportionate) premium.

For a household of seven in my case, I'd have to rent three 2BR units to get the same #of rooms and space, and only certain condos have Internet service good enough for my purposes. Then there's the issue of running a business out of the space, but of course all these are my special case and don't apply to most.

[pattayadingo]

I now live in a town house. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room and kitchen all to myself. Low water and electric rates. No security problems. I find it quieter too.

What I do feel is missing is the interaction of people around you. You are more isolated in a house. You go out to the shop, pub or wherever and you hardly see any neighbours, though I do have friends I can meet up with.

living in a house in the village as I did for a couple of years with one of my ex's was better. Interaction with the neighbours, beers together, helping each other out and plenty of other plus points.

Not sure about a housing development / village in town as I have never yet lived in one of those.

One apartment block I did live in for a long time was good. They gave me one of the best rooms. It was quiet. People living there were friendly and even the staff and security guards were pleasant amenable people. What let it down was living in one room - albeit large and airy - but no cooking facilities, cable tv (boring) and the high cost of internet, water and electric.

Apart from the lack of social interactivity, I prefer a house.

[aneliane]

Were your handouts in Thai lingo? Do you have a garden ? Pics

What business are you operating from your house ?

Yes of course.

No just a plain row house, even the traditional Thai wooden houses go for heaps if they have decent gardens - plus mega mozzie problems.

I have a classroom cum Internet shop on the ground floor, the training program for TGs we've discussed before isn't a business as such but it does deliver good value relative to the time I put in.

What's a "classroom cum Internet shop" ?

I googled it, some porn stuff only came out

Are you serious ?

[robblok]

Were your handouts in Thai lingo? Do you have a garden ? Pics

What business are you operating from your house ?

Yes of course.

No just a plain row house, even the traditional Thai wooden houses go for heaps if they have decent gardens - plus mega mozzie problems.

I have a classroom cum Internet shop on the ground floor, the training program for TGs we've discussed before isn't a business as such but it does deliver good value relative to the time I put in.

What's a "classroom cum Internet shop" ?

I googled it, some porn stuff only came out

Are you serious ?

Hahahaha

i can understand that that gave you pron. Never google cum. He just means an internet shop / clasrsoom.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

What's a "classroom cum Internet shop" ?

I googled it, some porn stuff only came out

Are you serious ?

LOL oh Aneliane, so sorry, should have known better you not being a NES.

"Cum" is Latin for "with" as in "summa cum laude" and yes I was forced to take six years of Latin.

"Book cum coffee shop" just means a shop that combines the two.

And the pr0n mispelling phenomenon has buried that meaning when simply googling, better to just go directly to dictionary sites for some words.

Edited June 2, 2012 by BigJohnnyBKK

[aneliane]

What's a "classroom cum Internet shop" ?

I googled it, some porn stuff only came out

Are you serious ?

LOL oh Aneliane, so sorry, should have known better you not being a NES.

"Cum" is Latin for "with" as in "summa cum laude" and yes I was forced to take six years of Latin.

"Book cum coffee shop" just means a shop that combines the two.

And the pr0n mispelling phenomenon has buried that meaning when simply googling, better to just go directly to dictionary sites for some words.

oh sorry Im such a ditz I should have realized

Of course I heard of that latin word, just forgot

[BigJohnnyBKK]

oh sorry Im such a ditz I should have realized

Of course I heard of that latin word, just forgot

Can I ask a personal favor? Could you change your avatar graphic to something a little less sick-making?

I found this, maybe you'd like it?

[pattayadingo]

I live in a pretty big apartment - 250 sqm.

Big enough not to feel boxed up. Only one other apartment on our floor.

Have done houses and don't like them. Mozzies get in.

I hate mozzies.

Mozzie screens on all the windows and a door screen on the front and back doors.

At the front I had a sliding door screen put in. That was brilliant. Doors open all day to ventilate the house and not a mozzie could get through unless when opening and closing the door. Not expensive either.

[chris2004]

Has nobody said the main deciding factor in this decision ?

You CAN own an apartment but you CAN NOT own a house. What more is there is know.

[samran]

Has nobody said the main deciding factor in this decision ?

You CAN own an apartment but you CAN NOT own a house. What more is there is know.

I can own a house. Still prefer the apartment.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Has nobody said the main deciding factor in this decision ?

You CAN own an apartment but you CAN NOT own a house. What more is there is know.

The OP was only talking about renting, that's why no one's bringing up your irrelevant point.

IMO most people buying any form of real estate in Thailand are getting the short end of the stick. Maybe 5% if that come out ahead financially, and I'd say only a handful of those do so by buying high-end condos, IMO the very poorest possible investment here.

Renting makes a lot more sense for many many reasons, and IMO stops doing so from a strictly financial POV when the purchase price falls below 12 years rent prices - deducting condo maintenance/service fees first from the calculation. But of course these last can be arbitrarily raised anytime, poor quality construction standards plus no rule of law plus scamming management sure seem risky to me. . .

So, I only want to rent, and still prefer houses.

Edited June 4, 2012 by BigJohnnyBKK

[aussiebebe]

I think the OP answered his own question in the first post - he should rent a house as he's bored of apartment living. I agree; I rented first a condo, then I rented a house before deciding to buy a condo - every foreigner should have at least one experience of living in a house if they decide to live in Thailand. You see and experience the good, bad and ugly of life in the 'land of smiles'.

[Bangkokhatter]

Actually been out driving around my area ( Bang-na-Sinarkarin ) the last couple of days and there is not many houses in my price range with shared pool etc. Some nice new moo baans around but these are for sale only atm and bloody pricey !

Am still looking cos as some have said it's worth renting a house so i can compare the 2 myself.

I would buy a condo here if a Thai bank would give ME a mortgage, but can't see that happening any time soon