View Talay?

[ballisticus 0]

I am looking at buying a condo in or around Pattaya while there next month. While internet browsing, I see a ton of units for sale in the View Talay complex. What is wrong with that place? What is market price for a newer upper floor 2 bedroom unit in a well managed building? BHT 40-45K/m2? Also, are there any must see projects I need to see while there and any good agents to recommend. Full service only. I want to try and get the whole deal done while in the region (3 weeks). I already have the cash in a US account ready for transfer if the right deal comes along. Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Gabor 296]

Nothing wrong ( IMHO ) with the VT complexes. I'm a big fan of the VT2, I have condos myself overthere. The many offers you can see is the result of the new investments. An advice: don't buy anything will be completed in the future. Buy a condo with doors, keys and ready to move in.

[irishman 0]

The places are long and narrow so the only great appartments are the 2 on the end with the view. The rest are always experiencing a high turnover rate. And each of the approx. 17 floors have many, many single room studios. Really to small to live in long term so they have a high turnover.

 

Cheers

[Rex7777 0]

With the so-called "water shortage" going on, have the View Talay places been affected, or do they have some sort of private storage capacity?

 

I've though about buying a smaller one, just to have a base of operations. It looks as though you can pick them up for a little over one million baht.

 

Rex

[ballisticus 0]

OK. Thanks for the replies. I guess the VT2 is worth a look when I am there. Looking for a minimum of a double room, preferably a 2 bed unit. What are maint. fees per sq.M at that complex?

[007cableguy 10]

i've been in view talay 2 B for a year now ,great location not far from the beach and easy access for pattaya !!.many of the condo's are brand new and not completed yet .some good bargains to be had or long term rentals !!.

[johnboi 0]

With the so-called "water shortage" going on, have the View Talay places been affected, or do they have some sort of private storage capacity?

 

I've though about buying a smaller one, just to have a base of operations. It looks as though you can pick them up for a little over one million baht.

 

Rex

I'm in view Talay 1 at the moment and theres never been a day without water thankfully. Doesn't seem toi be affecting Jomtien.

[elk 1]

View talay buys it's own water which is delivered regularly

[OnMyWay 0]

I went with a Realtor and had a look at units in View Talay last week.

 

My opinion: The studios are just too damn small and the complex lacks maintenance. Outside it's clean and looks fine. In the hallways you'll see a plethra of different doors; some are junk, some are iron and look like prison and some are just fine. Overall, the lack of uniformity and standards brought the place to junk status for me. Also, the number of people with their hallway doors propped open really was not appealing. When you look in as you pass by you know you aren't living amongst the cleanest of individuals. Finally, inside the hallways you see "for rent" and "for sale" signs literally screwed into the door frames of some units.

 

The overflowing trash can just outside the elevator door on each floor wasn't appealing either.

 

One studio was 890,000 and IMHO, way too much for that type of investment. As for those paying 3-5Million baht to live in there...that's just plain nuts i think

[Eneukman 1]

I went with a Realtor and had a look at units in View Talay last week.

 

My opinion: The studios are just too damn small and the complex lacks maintenance. Outside it's clean and looks fine. In the hallways you'll see a plethra of different doors; some are junk, some are iron and look like prison and some are just fine. Overall, the lack of uniformity and standards brought the place to junk status for me. Also, the number of people with their hallway doors propped open really was not appealing. When you look in as you pass by you know you aren't living amongst the cleanest of individuals. Finally, inside the hallways you see "for rent" and "for sale" signs literally screwed into the door frames of some units.

 

The overflowing trash can just outside the elevator door on each floor wasn't appealing either.

 

One studio was 890,000 and IMHO, way too much for that type of investment. As for those paying 3-5Million baht to live in there...that's just plain nuts i think

Which View Talay did you visit?

 

I'm staying in View Talay 2A and have to disagree with a lot of what you say.

 

Most studio units are, I think, around 37 square metres - quite a bit larger than some I've seen advertised elsewhere which are only 28 square metres. Most studios I've seen advertised are between 37 and 41 square metres. I find studio units in general too small and not just those in View Talay, which is why I'm renting a one-bedroom unit.

 

The doors to each unit are provided by the owner and whilst I take your point about some of them looking more like a prison I fail to understand your apparent desire for absolute conformity.

 

I sometimes sit with my door open - to let some fresh air circulate rather than having the aircon going full belt. I pay the office to clean my condo on a regular basis - every 8 or 9 days.

 

Regarding the rubbish bins, these are emptied on a daily basis though I suspect that on some floors a 2nd bin would be desirable.

 

Alan

[Soi7 1]

Alan,

 

The fact that there are so many for sale or rent has to say something granted you are in VT2 but How long till that is some what like VT1 due to lack of up keep.

 

The place I stay when built I am sure was a fantastic place and it works for me now but the up keep has went to shit Same as Mark described at VT1 they seem to build them and then let them (not all of them mind you) go to shit but look around at the high rises around town it is the same all over IMO.

 

[OnMyWay 0]

Allan,

 

I visited both and looked at units in both. VT1 has studios at 32Sq and VT2 has studios at 37Sq is what the Realtor quoted me.

 

Doors being open is great for breeze. But, when you look in each door and the rooms are dirty, overfilled and dishoveled, it's not very inviting. In additon, when smokers open the door to the unit and smoke goes into the common hallway I think most would agree it's unacceptable. Again, it's not meant as anything personal it was just my observations when i visited.

 

My opinions all aside....the fact that there has got to be 60% of the complex for sale speaks for itself. And, what type (quality) of owner would literally screw for rent and for sale signs into the door jams on in the hallways?? Are there CC&R's for this complex that regulate standards? As an investor, if I looked in a complex and there was that huge amount for sale the chances of me making anything close to a full price offer would be slim and none. I've got to think this is a "buyers market" in there as sellers are in abundance

 

PS. Sorry about the edit here...I forgot to mention the scribbling/keying on the elevator walls in VT1.....

Edited September 23, 2005 by OnMyWay

[Gabor 296]

Doors being open is great for breeze. But, when you look in each door and the rooms are dirty, overfilled and dishoveled, it's not very inviting. In additon, when smokers open the door to the unit and smoke goes into the common hallway I think most would agree it's unacceptable. Again, it's not meant as anything personal it was just my observations when i visited.

 

My opinions all aside....the fact that there has got to be 60% of the complex for sale speaks for itself. And, what type (quality) of owner would literally screw for rent and for sale signs into the door jams on in the hallways?? Are there CC&R's for this complex that regulate standards? As an investor, if I looked in a complex and there was that huge amount for sale the chances of me making anything close to a full price offer would be slim and none. I've got to think this is a "buyers market" in there as sellers are in abundance

 

PS. Sorry about the edit here...I forgot to mention the scribbling/keying on the elevator walls in VT1.....

I have a condo in VT2 and I love it ! I love the loose mood with the different doors, with the familiar open doors. If you look for trendy barracks, this is not your place. In VT2 I feel that everyone live their way of life without any regulations, without any "policy" but as they want. This is why I'm escaping from farangland to avoid any regulations, policies. If you are priggish about the smoke on the corridor, exactly not your place.

About the 60% available to buy situation. It is simply not true. In december 2004 I was looking for a nice studio more, than 1 month for a real price with my own ownership. I was find my condo with a help of a friend lady working in a real estate office as a hidden hint. OK, many condos for sale for company name, but a sober buyer never will be agree on this. This is why are you think, that many offers.

I have an other condo for the purpose to rent out. I'm also offering at the hallways. What the difference you see ? The place of the offer on what way will be select the renters ?

The 890.000bht says everything. This must be a low class studio in VT1.

If you can show me a decent studio ( all furnished ) in VT2 under 1.5 mill. I will buy tomorrow.

So, some pix about my trash VT2 condo ( 41 sqm )

 

double door to avoid the curious eyes,

 

 

the dirty, low class condo

 

Edited September 24, 2005 by Gabor

[Soi7 1]

Gabor,

 

You made a good point ... well sort of as you say the condo that he viewed for 890,000 must have been in your words the Low Class VT1 as I posted in my post above how long before VT2 is in the same shape as the low class VT1 ? It is bound to happen Up keep is all most unheard of they build these condo's and let them go to shit (again not all of the condo blocks) I resized your photos to be easy for viewing. You have a nice looking place but you can't control the condition of others units.

 

 

Edited September 24, 2005 by Soi7

[SunnyValentine 173]

View Talay 1 is now over 5 Years old, and unfortunately you can see and feel that. VT2 was built later, and seems to be in a much better shape.

But one can find nice Condos in both these Buildings.

I rented studios and 1BR appartments in VT2 for 2 or 3 month last Year, and have to say I kind of liked it, although not to the extent of wanting to buy into it.

It is quite easy to understand why there are so many available on the market:

VT1 is 2 buildings, 14 floors each, and around 60 studio units in each floor. Makes around 840 studios, or maybe 600 individual units (as there are some 2 or even 3 room Condos around too).

Now lets assume for the moment that VT 2 has the same amount of appartments, leaving a total of 2000 - 2500.

In case each one gets on the market once every 5 Years, you will find around 500 units available each and every Year. Each Condo being on the market for 6 month on average, that would mean there are around 250 units available for sale each and every day. So, the fact that so many are for sale, should not bother you too much.

 

I decided to buy into View Talay Residence 2, a really nice lowrise Condo, closer to the beach, but still very close to the Baht Bus route, in Jomtien.

 

I opted for a large (approx. 90 sq m) 1 Bedroom Condo, with large Balcony, large Kitchen unit, built-in Teak Wardrobes, a large and beautiful European Style Bathroom with Tub as well as shower.

There is a great Swimming Pool and Fitness Center as well as a Cafe and Restaurant available.

 

The Condo comes unfurnished (no free standing furniture, but Bathroom, Kitchen, Floors, Walls etc. finished in great Style.)

 

I am looking to sell this unit now, just before completion. The buyer should be ready to move in within the next weeks.

The list price for my Condo (Top (7th) Floor, Nice Views over Jomtien and Pattaya is now around 5000000, plus about 200000 for transfer tax and other fees.

I can sell my unit (to be purchased in foreigner's name) for less.

PM me if interested!

 

Sunny

[Leadbelly 0]

There are so many View Talay projects around it can get confusing which is which, but in June I looked at View Talay Residence (I guess it was Number 1....#2 was 3/4 finished right next to #1?). Anyway, was looking into places to do a 12 month lease sometime early next year if all goes well, and I was really impressed. VT Residence was just the style and quality that interested me. They have a web site but the pictures on it don't do the place justice. I believe there is a View Talay Residence 3 and 4 also planned. Maybe by the time I'm ready to move, some of the people who bought to hold as an investment will be looking for long-term renters.

[Gabor 296]

Gabor,

 

You made a good point ... well sort of as you say the condo that he viewed for 890,000 must have been in your words the Low Class VT1 as I posted in my post above how long before VT2 is in the same shape as the low class VT1 ? It is bound to happen Up keep is all most unheard of they build these condo's and let them go to shit (again not all of the condo blocks) I resized your photos to be easy for viewing. You have a nice looking place but you can't control the condition of others units.

I don't called VT1 low class. I mentioned, that there are a lot of low class condos. ( inside ) Anyway, in the VT1 one swimmingpool for the two building and the units are smaller. VT1 was lower class when it was built. ( but no low class )

I live in VT2 for 2 yrs and what I see, that the maintenance very good. Every day the corridor is cleaned, the garden regulary watered and attended, the communal places, the pool area ( and the pool itself ) clean. So... I'm happy with my decision. Now. If the conditions will be changed I will be move.

( BTW thanx for the resizing the pix )

[bangkapiboy 5]

My 2 cents.

 

I own 2 condos in View Talay 1 that I offer for rent.

 

I completely love the complex place. This talk about the maintinence going down hill in VT1 is simply not true. The complex around 11 or 12 years old, and is very very well maintained. In fact they just installed at least 2 security cameras on each individual floor this year. Also this year they installed granite wall tiles in the lobby, floor to ceiling, around the elevator. The complex is not low class at all. View Talay 1 has one big pool that is shared by both buildings. VT2 has 2 pools, one for each building, but each pool is only half the size of the big VT1 pool. Garbage is collected on each floor at least 3 times each day. So everyone has different styles of doors. Each unit is individually owned, then we can choose what door we want to use. That's the beauty of owning your condo -- is decorating yourself. The fact that the maintenence in View Talay 1 and 2 does *not* depreciate down hill is exactly why I think the prices of the units are steadily increasing in value. I am happy with the management. Just about all tenants are foreigners.

 

Half the units in the building are for sale and it's a buyer's market? Sounds very strange to me. All I know is I am not selling my units, but I continue to get calls from my "for rent" ads asking me if I would consider selling to them instead.

 

You want to see what I would consider a low class condo complex? Take a look at Nirun Condo in central pattaya. Prison feel, badly needs a paint job, falling down hill maintenence, poor security, etc.

[Soi7 1]

You want to see what I would consider a low class condo complex? Take a look at Nirun Condo in central pattaya. Prison feel, badly needs a paint job, falling down hill maintenence, poor security,

 

While I do agree somewhat with this I rent here and am pleased with Value I get for the rent I pay. Has everything I am looking for at a great price. I have never felt unsafe due to so called poor Security. Paint Job YES needs that for sure. I have found the other Maintenence to be alright but yes could be better. And as far as a Prison feel well I guess for some that may be but I like the feel of the place and think of it as a little village within it's self having anything you could need right on the grounds. Food Shops, Laundrys, Massage shops,Beauty Parlor, Phone Shops, Pubs, Mini Marts, Gym, A Short Time Room, Internet Shops, Computer Repair. Yes great Value I feel for what I am paying.

 

We can't lose sight that everyone is going to have differing opinions Makes the world go around

[Rex7777 0]

I've been thinking about buying a condo somewhere in Thailand. Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, etc. I guess like everyone else, I'd like a well managed, clean place with good security. In the Pattaya, what are the best places? I might not mind paying a premium price, if I really liked the place and the general area.

 

Rex

[Shit_Happens 31]

Continuing on about VT2 I am also a fan of the place. I have owned a 41sq metre studio on the 3 rd floor of bldg B for the last 2 years. Never had a problem with maintenance or general upkeep of the place. I bought the unit in Aug 2003 finished, furniture etc for 1.1M and have just sold it for 1.4M. I sold it because I am setting things up for eventual retirement in the future so I have bought 2, 48sq metre units in VT5. This will give me a 96sq metre apartment that I can make into a nice 2 bedroom unit. Its on the beach with good ocean views and I can see myself spending many happy months there when I get older.

Anyway back to VT2, its a great place and its only its large number of units that gives the impression that a lot are for sale. I listed mine in June, in the off season and sold it in 2 and half months.

[BigDUSA 71]

When we make the move in two years, I plan on a initial short term lease with a detached rental house. I personally don't like condo, apartment living. Your at the mercy of Thai management and possible obnoxious neighbors living next door.

[Shit_Happens 31]

possible obnoxious neighbors living next door.

G'Day Big D,

Your future neighbours would not say this would they?

[bob2005 0]

A friend rented a detached house the other side of Sukhumvit from Pattaya and his neighbour had a big dog that barked all the time, drove him mad, but the man and dog moved after a few months, but that might not happen. The friend said the story kept running through his mind about the guy with a neighbour's noisy dog and when the neighbour was out the guy took it to the vet's and had it's voice box removed. When the neighbour returned he couldn't understand why his dog had suddenly gone silent.

 

By the way, the same friend moved from the 25th floor of a Jomtien appartment block because of the noise of jet-ski's.

[BigDUSA 71]

G'Day Big D,

Your future neighbours would not say this would they?

I'm a pretty good neighbor, I maintain our home keep the grass cut. If I see any trash, I'll pick it up. When I designed my home theater, I like to play music loud so I spent a fair amount of design time exploring various methods of sound proofing so I wouldn't disturb my wife when she's sleeping and also the neighbors.