The wife and I have found a good second hand condo that we'd like to buy here in BKK. It is in a great area, which is why we like it.

I have Thai nationailty, and work here on a good income, so getting a 20 or 25 year and being able to service the loan is not a problem. We have a 20% deposit in cash already to go.

Now, from speaking to others, it appears that they might not be willing to value the property anywhere near the market price for this place. They are likely to value the property at roughly 60% of the selling price, and then only lend me 80% of their valuation. I have appoached the bank, and they have accepted my application and we are going through the motions.

I know that since 1997 banks have been risk adverse to getting their hands into dodgy property. That is fair enough. However, while being an 11 year old block, it is well maintained, is in a fantastic location, and is in one of the best areas of BKK (which I will not disclose). It would not be a problem for us to service the loan at all.

No news from the bank yet (UOB), but I am worried that they may approve the loan application, but not anywhere near the valuation I need.

Is there anyway to get them to give a better property evaluation?

Although the valuation will be on the low side, check out the Land Department's property assessment, and you that as a negotiation tool for both the market price and loan.