Where To Buy Condo / Apartment In Bkk? Advice Appreciated ..

[RoboLB]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but I was not allowed to post a new thread in the Buy/Sell Condo forum for some reason....Option was greyed out.

My wife and I would like to buy an apartment or condo in Bangkok. But we would really appreciate any tips on Location and specific Buildings. Sorry this post is so long……

Let me give you some background. I am English, my wife is Thai (from Bangkok – Bang Plad). Married 10 years. We currently live in Australia. I have never actually lived in Thailand, but travel there 2-3 times a year for business. So have spent quite a bit of time there. But I have always stayed in Hotels or with the in-laws, so neither of us really know the apartment/condo market.

Our long term plans are to spent 6-8 moths a year in Thailand. I am close to retiring, or at least working part time. Not sure I will ever retire, as I run my own businesses and quite enjoy it. But I can work from Thailand just as easy as anywhere else.

Ultimately, we would like to retain our house in Australia, and have a house in Thailand, maybe near a beach. The Bangkok apartment is really just to give us a place to stay when we are in Bangkok. Either visiting from Australia, or visiting ‘the City’ when we live in Thailand. It is also services two other purposes: a ‘backup plan’ if business goes bad. Giving us a place to live in Bangkok. And also we plan to let my sister in law live in it for the next year or two, while she saves up for her own place. (Also means it won’t get left empty). She can stay with ‘Mum’ when we are using it J

Hopefully that puts it all into context.

The Apartment. We are looking for something not too small and not too expensive. Yes, a contradiction I know. Size wise, at least 40 square meters. But does not need to be bigger than 55 square meters. If we can get bigger, all well and good of course. Can be 1 bedroom, two would be nice. Spare storage, work area etc.

A bit of living space would be nice. Not one these studios where you cannot even cook a meal, or you fall over each other moving around. Some layouts are smarter than others I have noticed!

We happy to buy off the plan, as that means we can at least stage the payments. We are in no rush to live in it, but keen to buy now and know we have found a place.

We would prefer quite a high building, so we can be above the street noise. 20 floors plus.

We are not gym junkies, far from it, but a pool would be nice.

Location. It’s all about location I think. We would compromise on space / cost for a good location. Needs to be close to BTS/MRT. By close, not more than 300 meter walk. A real 300 meters not a Thai 300 meters J This is an important factor for us. Also close to the ‘action’ / CBD. By that I mean shops, restaurants etc.

We have looked at a few developments online. Q House around On Nut. But that is getting quite a long way from the centre and from Bang Plad (Family). My sister in-law went to look yesterday and said the show apartments were very small. On the other end of the scale we have looked at Pyne (Siam). Perfect location, but starting to get a bit pricey for us. But still a possible.

Another important factor on location is the risk of flooding. PinkLao for example would be close to family but I think is subject to flooding. And no BTS too.

Finally on location, whilst I am a farang, and I enjoy the company of other farangs, I would prefer not to actually live in a farang enclave with middle aged men like me lounging around the pool with their ‘rental’ teenage girl friends J Given that my wife may be using the apartment long after I am dead and buried, (being 10 years younger than me) a more predominantly Thai building / area might be better.

So I’m not sure, never having actually lived in Bangkok, but that might rule out areas like lower Sukhumwit?

Price. I want to keep the budget quite low, as our main home in Thailand will not be this apartment. So probably 5-6 million Baht is our maximum. And as I mentioned, buying off the plan has attractions to me by spreading the early payments out till completion. I don’t really want to have to find the 5-6 million right now, but could if I had to.

Regarding ownership, I’m not too worried about how that is structured. It can be under my wife’s name.

So that’s our shopping list J Any advice or tips on where to buy would be very much appreciated.

[london]

RoboLB,

just saw your post.

Most importantly, your budget is fine. You don't expect the world for 2 million baht.

For the money you are looking to spend, I would suggest you keep it under 5 million and look at a good sized 1 b/r in a well maintained ESTABLISHED block.

Don't buy off the plan.

Pick the areas that YOU like and could see yourself living in. From what you have said, I would have assumed that the better areas of Sukhumvit, not too far from the centre of things, may suit you best. Thong Lor or around Emporium would be good for you to look at.

Also, don't dismiss the riverside. There are a number of very good buildings there too....but its what suits you best.

Good luck.

[Khun Jean]

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

[RoboLB]

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

[Sophon]

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

I won't get into the owning vs. renting debate, but I would recommend the following:

1. Find a location that you think is right for you. We are all different, and what is perfect for someone else may not be for you and your wife. By all means get advice about good neighbourhoods here on TV, but in the end you will have to make a decision yourself.
   
2. When you have found a location you like then rent an apartment for at least 6 months (the longer the better). Only after living there for a while will you truly know what it's like. Is transport OK, or does it take too long to go places? Are there the local amenities you need (shops, restarants etc.)? Are there noisy neighbours or businesses close by? Do the roads flood in the rainy season making it impossible to leave your home?
   
3. After renting for a while you will be better equipped to decide whether to move somewhere else, continue renting in the chosen location, or take the plunge and buy a condominium for yourself.
   

I think the above is the prudent strategy for just about anyone, but even more so for someone in your situation. You say you have never lived in Thailand, so you may decide after a while that Thailand isn't really for you, living here and coming to visit are two totally different things. You also mention that you will continue running your business from Thailand; are you aware that you cannot legally do so without a work permit, which would require you to establish a Thai company with Thai investors and at least a couple of Thai employees? The difficulties in running your business legally from thailand may (or may not) influence your decision to live in Thailand, and is another reason not to buy in haste.

For the record, I didn't follow any of my own advice. I bough a condo without living in the neighbourhood first, but at the time I bought I had already lived in Bangkok for a couple of years and was sure about staying. I also bought cheap, so had little to lose. I am very happy with how it worked out for me, but just because I was lucky doesn't mean you will be too.

Just my opinion, I'm sure not everyone will agree with me.

Sophon

[Khun Jean]

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

Seeing renting as 'dead' money is a 'wisdom' that is not very valid anymore.

Money spend on buying a house is probably even more 'dead'. When you buy a house that you can rent for about 1/200 of the price then renting is much more economical. Most sell even at 300 or more times monthly rent. When you buy those the money spend is really really dead.

In a booming economy and with TV shows promoting buying houses many people were lured into buying a house, we all now how that went. At the moment the economy is in a very uncertain condition and houseprices in the future are not guaranteed to rise like they did the last 20 years.

Buying for high prices compared to renting should only be done when 100% sure you are going to live in it a long time (a home instead of a home/investment) and knowing that selling would not be easy and can even be with a loss.

The 'and also my wife' is actually the only reason why you should consider it because security is the only thing that counts for Thai especially female who not have many chances for a good job.

Another thing to consider is that while your wife may end up with a home, make sure the monthly costs are low as maintaining a house especially when one gets older can be a large burden. Freehold is not without future costs especially when there are fees to pay like in some moo bans and condos.

[meand]

I usually think Kuhn Jean is dead on, and even here I think he is. But on the BTS topic, I see his point, but disagree. Even thought his example was a little different, I have lived varying distances from bts now and to be very close is just heaven. Not only that it is MUCH safer. Sometimes I felt like I was 50 50 on walking down my small soi as far as getting in an accident. And, you may sleep better knowing you can sell quickly as bts seems to be what thai workers want. To each their own of course, but I have actually really enjoyed the shoebox studios.... they cool off quick and you save a lot on furniture (because there is no room for any). As long as there is at least one separated area (a balcony or perhaps a nicely separated bedroom), they are gold for me. With your budget I would go 35-40m2 and down sukhumvit a ways.... udom suk or even further. Just a few thoughts

[RoboLB]

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

I won't get into the owning vs. renting debate, but I would recommend the following:

1. Find a location that you think is right for you. We are all different, and what is perfect for someone else may not be for you and your wife. By all means get advice about good neighbourhoods here on TV, but in the end you will have to make a decision yourself.
   
2. When you have found a location you like then rent an apartment for at least 6 months (the longer the better). Only after living there for a while will you truly know what it's like. Is transport OK, or does it take too long to go places? Are there the local amenities you need (shops, restarants etc.)? Are there noisy neighbours or businesses close by? Do the roads flood in the rainy season making it impossible to leave your home?
   
3. After renting for a while you will be better equipped to decide whether to move somewhere else, continue renting in the chosen location, or take the plunge and buy a condominium for yourself.
   

I think the above is the prudent strategy for just about anyone, but even more so for someone in your situation. You say you have never lived in Thailand, so you may decide after a while that Thailand isn't really for you, living here and coming to visit are two totally different things. You also mention that you will continue running your business from Thailand; are you aware that you cannot legally do so without a work permit, which would require you to establish a Thai company with Thai investors and at least a couple of Thai employees? The difficulties in running your business legally from thailand may (or may not) influence your decision to live in Thailand, and is another reason not to buy in haste.

For the record, I didn't follow any of my own advice. I bough a condo without living in the neighbourhood first, but at the time I bought I had already lived in Bangkok for a couple of years and was sure about staying. I also bought cheap, so had little to lose. I am very happy with how it worked out for me, but just because I was lucky doesn't mean you will be too.

Just my opinion, I'm sure not everyone will agree with me.

Sophon

Thank you for the advice. All very good. Whilst I have never actually 'lived' in Thaland I have visited about 120 times and I have had a business in Thailand for the last 10 years. Yes, the work permit situation is a constant nightmare.

[RoboLB]

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

Seeing renting as 'dead' money is a 'wisdom' that is not very valid anymore.

Money spend on buying a house is probably even more 'dead'. When you buy a house that you can rent for about 1/200 of the price then renting is much more economical. Most sell even at 300 or more times monthly rent. When you buy those the money spend is really really dead.

In a booming economy and with TV shows promoting buying houses many people were lured into buying a house, we all now how that went. At the moment the economy is in a very uncertain condition and houseprices in the future are not guaranteed to rise like they did the last 20 years.

Buying for high prices compared to renting should only be done when 100% sure you are going to live in it a long time (a home instead of a home/investment) and knowing that selling would not be easy and can even be with a loss.

The 'and also my wife' is actually the only reason why you should consider it because security is the only thing that counts for Thai especially female who not have many chances for a good job.

Another thing to consider is that while your wife may end up with a home, make sure the monthly costs are low as maintaining a house especially when one gets older can be a large burden. Freehold is not without future costs especially when there are fees to pay like in some moo bans and condos.

Yes, the main reason for this is to give my wife some 'security' if something should happen to me. I can understand how she feels. She will be more comfortable knowing that at least she owns a roof over her head.

I'm not so sure about the whole renting v owning debate to be frank. I've seen many people just stick to renting and as they get older and lose their income it can cause some real heartache.

For someone with lots of money to invest, and who can use the income from those investments to pay rent, it might make more sense. But in this every uncertain World, who knows if that makes sense either.

[RoboLB]

I usually think Kuhn Jean is dead on, and even here I think he is. But on the BTS topic, I see his point, but disagree. Even thought his example was a little different, I have lived varying distances from bts now and to be very close is just heaven. Not only that it is MUCH safer. Sometimes I felt like I was 50 50 on walking down my small soi as far as getting in an accident. And, you may sleep better knowing you can sell quickly as bts seems to be what thai workers want. To each their own of course, but I have actually really enjoyed the shoebox studios.... they cool off quick and you save a lot on furniture (because there is no room for any). As long as there is at least one separated area (a balcony or perhaps a nicely separated bedroom), they are gold for me. With your budget I would go 35-40m2 and down sukhumvit a ways.... udom suk or even further. Just a few thoughts

I think we will try to get near the BTS/MRT and trade off size to do it. It's not just the walk in the heat etc, but security for my wife. She gets nervous at night in particular and to be 100m or so from the station, on a main road, would be ideal.

[RoboLB]

We were close to buying a place at Centric (Tiwanon Station) but decided against it at the last minute. It really is quite a long way from the centre of town and will require 2 changes of train. And there is still some doubt I think about how all the relevant lines are going to connect........

I think somewhere on the Sukhumwit Line (Mo Chit end or On Nut end) or the Blue line up toward Lad Phrao would suit us best. We are both gettijg quite lazy in our old age, and to be able to wander down to the BTS/MRT and be in Siam area quite quickly would be nice for shopping, eating etc.

[meand]

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

Seeing renting as 'dead' money is a 'wisdom' that is not very valid anymore.

Money spend on buying a house is probably even more 'dead'. When you buy a house that you can rent for about 1/200 of the price then renting is much more economical. Most sell even at 300 or more times monthly rent. When you buy those the money spend is really really dead.

In a booming economy and with TV shows promoting buying houses many people were lured into buying a house, we all now how that went. At the moment the economy is in a very uncertain condition and houseprices in the future are not guaranteed to rise like they did the last 20 years.

Buying for high prices compared to renting should only be done when 100% sure you are going to live in it a long time (a home instead of a home/investment) and knowing that selling would not be easy and can even be with a loss.

The 'and also my wife' is actually the only reason why you should consider it because security is the only thing that counts for Thai especially female who not have many chances for a good job.

Another thing to consider is that while your wife may end up with a home, make sure the monthly costs are low as maintaining a house especially when one gets older can be a large burden. Freehold is not without future costs especially when there are fees to pay like in some moo bans and condos.

Yes, the main reason for this is to give my wife some 'security' if something should happen to me. I can understand how she feels. She will be more comfortable knowing that at least she owns a roof over her head.

I'm not so sure about the whole renting v owning debate to be frank. I've seen many people just stick to renting and as they get older and lose their income it can cause some real heartache.

For someone with lots of money to invest, and who can use the income from those investments to pay rent, it might make more sense. But in this every uncertain World, who knows if that makes sense either.

I may think like you on the rent vs own thing. I hate renting. Although I understand Khun Jean's points, to me buying is effectively like making that ~15k or so baht per month you aren't paying in rent, assuming you can get the same price or better when you sell (maybe a big assumption). Any appreciation over inflation is just a bonus, that's the way I see it. Assuming appreciation is the mistake people make. I don't see the condos very close to bts going down in value though, a little at most. Further, even in the case that property did go down, if you are living there for a long time, it really doesn't have to be so bad. Good luck with your searching.

[Khun Jean]

Good point about buying to have something that is paid for when getting older.

It is all about your personal wishes and need for security.

The biggest mistake is that many people jump in to quick. Thailand is in every way different, a quick decision can be disastrous later.

To lower the risk for that to happen you need to invest time.

Investing time is more important than investing money in a country or place you do not know well enough.

Six months is the least amount of time i think is necessary to get a feel for the place and for you to make a decision for a more permanent place.

You should look back at the last 20 years of your live, how many times did you move in that time period. Is that likely to change? I moved about every 4-5 years. Most of the times because of work or changed circumstances like getting married, having kids etc.

Now that i am older circumstances not change so quick so i foresee a future with less moving.

As an example i now rent a 4 bedroom/3 bath/3 airconditionings 120m2 unfurnished condo for 11.000 baht a month. It has a school, BTS, a small market, 7/11, lotus express and many small restaurants and shops all within a 500 meter radius.

I can buy the same size in this area only in another newer building for 7 M baht. The owner of my condo named a price once ,but he is not really keen on selling, of around 3 M baht.

The choice is obvious for me. In the mean time i know i like the area and if i buy something it would probably be a commercial building for around 3 M baht because condos are just to expensive for what they offer. It is waiting for the right one to pop up in your area, like a distressed sale or a good priced one, and you will know what a good price is when you invested the time. They are available from time to time, the smaller ones more often, and unfortunately many times from disillusioned foreigners, and if you have the cash ready you can make a good buy.

Do what you feel is right, but don't forget to take your time. It is a buyers/renters market so you have the bargaining power.

[BirdsandBooze]

Good advice about renting first, that way you get to find out the pros and cons of the building - noise, neighbours etc. IMO buying off plan is too risky. We used to own in Saphan Kwai before moving permanently to BKK. Close to BTS and handy for Siam and Mo Chit. Traditional area, never had any problems there, decent good value restaurants, street stalls selling everything from food to bric-a-brac, and a Big C with pizza parlour, MK etc. and even a few small discreet go go bars patronised by the friendly locals and never a source of annoyance.

[beachyman]

We were close to buying a place at Centric (Tiwanon Station) but decided against it at the last minute. It really is quite a long way from the centre of town and will require 2 changes of train. And there is still some doubt I think about how all the relevant lines are going to connect........

I think somewhere on the Sukhumwit Line (Mo Chit end or On Nut end) or the Blue line up toward Lad Phrao would suit us best. We are both gettijg quite lazy in our old age, and to be able to wander down to the BTS/MRT and be in Siam area quite quickly would be nice for shopping, eating etc.

There is a centric at sutthisan mrt a few stops up from asoke station. I decided on another bld in the area but it looked good in offnplan status and is now almost done. Prob resales available.

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[beachyman]

One tip i have is to look at the airport link stops and mrt w the proposed new line areas. Sqm price will be much more reasonable. If you or a friend/family can drive around thereare quite a few signs up advertising. Then see the developer or resales people on your next trip in.

Personally my bet on appreciation is in the new perchaburi/rama 9 towards lad phrao area bc rama9 is looking to become a cbd w all the new mixed use office and residential in the area and good communications w mass transit, ap link and highways. I wouldnt want to live right in it but nearby developments can be founf off plan in the 50-85,000 sqm range. I can get to asoke in 15 min by mrt but live in quiet area. Very thai and much less strange farangs but rather some quality ones and younger like me.

Biggest expense tip: make sure you dont get a glamourous bld that has lots of lobbies big aircon bills and maintenence, wasted staff id included in monthly. I rent mine out to friends or airbnb a few months a year and it pays for it.

You should def live for a bit and spend rent one year will def let u know if the area is right. Every block is different. I would never live on sulhumvit but some ppl love it. I like ratchada, lad phrao, sutthisan, saphan kwai, ari, ramkahaeng, bang kapi, and sometimes go to ekkamai, thokg lor via mass communication. Ease of getting to both airports essential.

Put the condo in your name easy and will it to your wife. Security for all.

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[RoboLB]

As an example i now rent a 4 bedroom/3 bath/3 airconditionings 120m2 unfurnished condo for 11.000 baht a month. It has a school, BTS, a small market, 7/11, lotus express and many small restaurants and shops all within a 500 meter radius.

I can buy the same size in this area only in another newer building for 7 M baht. The owner of my condo named a price once ,but he is not really keen on selling, of around 3 M baht.

Can I ask what area you live in? That sounds like a great price........

Edited July 1, 2012 by RoboLB

[Khun Jean]

As an example i now rent a 4 bedroom/3 bath/3 airconditionings 120m2 unfurnished condo for 11.000 baht a month. It has a school, BTS, a small market, 7/11, lotus express and many small restaurants and shops all within a 500 meter radius.

I can buy the same size in this area only in another newer building for 7 M baht. The owner of my condo named a price once ,but he is not really keen on selling, of around 3 M baht.

Can I ask what area you live in? That sounds like a great price........

Phra Khanong. (No it surely is not Waterford or Sukhumvit plus. Both are expensive and size is usually small ) Many smaller condo buildings in the area, although i not looked inside most of them as i find ours on one of the first visits to this area.

I checked with management and currently only 40m2 units are available for around 7000 baht a month.

Edited July 5, 2012 by Khun Jean

[w11guy]

I have only rented so far, but I would definitely advise renting first before buying. Some buildings seem great on your first visit but it's only after living there a few months that you spot the problems. Often only minor, but good to have the chance to try before you buy. In most buildings I've been to there are always places to both rent and buy. If you buy and then decide the place isn't for you, then you could have big problems selling, as the market is massively oversupplied in most of Bangkok. But I think you need to take a walk around areas you like and just walk into the buildings you like the look of. They will show you what they have and you can then easily compare prices.