Leaving a condo unoccupied?

[Obsession 571]

Let's say a VT condo. Is it safe enough to leave computers and TVs etc? I noticed some doors have metal gates over them.

What are the running costs while your away? Does the electricity company have a standing charge?

Is internet done on 12 monthly contracts or rolling contracts?

Does the insurance still cover an unoccupied property?

Is it worth the hassle to rent it out for a month or so?

[js007 795]

I've thought about this a little bit, as I may well buy a moderately priced Thailand condo in a year or so. My conclusion: Leaving it unoccupied for a few months at a time shouldn't be a problem. Just don't leave anything in it that can't be replaced with a quick trip to Big C. In other words, don't leave behind computers and expensive electronic equipment.

 

As for paying your bills while you're gone? Perhaps that can be done via a K Bank account?

[Grandpollo 366]

Insurance companies do not generally cover properties left vacant unless they are told and usually, paid more.

[atlas2 4,329]

Those locks that fit over the handles are a good sign that no one's home... but they seem to work as a deterrent. I think leaving a condo for a few months at a time is less of a risk than renting it out.

 

In my block unscrupulous agents have rented condos out without the owner's knowledge.

 

Also in the past young Thais have rented condos....copied the keys and used the rooms for weekends.......One owner coming back to find a doz' pairs of shoes outside his room.

 

2 scare stories for sure..but true.

 

Many rent out regularly and do so without problems...but if it's going to be somewhere you want to live in yourself, unless you've got someone you trust to keep a good eye on things for you I wouldn't bother.

[kaiser71 30]

Buying Gabor's place?

[Gabor 296]

I own my condo in the VT2, where I live when in Pattaya 7-8 years ago.... I left it unoccupied for 9 months every year without any problems. Earlier had some problems including a murder of a gay guy before the CCTV system was installed. On these years I had only twice troubles...

 

Once my laptop was stolen by a tricky thief...she was a cutie girl, who asked the cleaning lady " Where is the farang ? " ( I was on the beach ) And opened the fridge, made her breakfast, fried the eggs etc.... and jumped in my bed to look the TV.... The cleaning lady thought she was my TGF, finished the cleaning and left the condo... within 5 minutes the thief girl also left the condo... with my laptop in my backpack. I still use the same cleaning lady,she learnt the lesson, she better sit one hour on the corridor to wait until I arrive back, than just slap the door as she made beforehand... A funny ad to this story.... one year before this happened went back earlier, than the cleaning lady finished the work and an unknown ultra cutie had breakfast in my bed... She apologized to mix the floors and hurried to her " new boyfriend "....I tried to hold her to know each other better... And I never thought about the tricky theft, until it happened....

 

Following my last departure it seemed I left some meat in the fridge what started to rot and spread bad smell around... the thechnician broke in to my condo through the balcony without any problems..... I sent there a guy to check the condo and as he told me there was everything OK, however the balcony door was placed back, like no one was in the condo.... so, it is possible....

 

I don't use any special doors as a magnet for the thiefs to know valuable things are inside, anyway all locks are openable if someone really want to open....... I bought a big computer following the thief... try to bring with you this...

 

Running costs in the VT2... approx 10.000 baht / year the annual maintenance, sinking found and Sophon cable TV... A few bahts fee for electricity metre, but they cut off the electric metre if the few baht isn't paid, so highly recommmended to own a thai bank account they can deduct the small fee... No any other costs.

 

I use the Sophon cable internet and pay only for the times I'm there.... ( 600 baht / month ) the re connection fee is 300 baht. You can buy also WI-FI tickets hour / usage....

 

I never rented out the condo I'm living in because I witnessed the disadvantages to renting out an other condo. First of all, if you are not there the company will try to rent out the condo and telling you: Sorry, no renters on the horizon... ( happened with me ) Secondly, many renters almost ruined the condo and many agents will not check it, just pay back the deposit receiving the keys.... However owning a condo is very comfortable to store my personal stuff, I don't want strangers forage in...

Edited August 12, 2012 by Gabor

[Obsession 571]

Thanks Gabor.

That was a very brazen TG having brekkie in a place before robbing it. And the ease the guy git into your place was worrying.

 

Anyone know the most trustworhy agents and what they charge for renting out? Maybe best to go with a BM like Bangkapiboy?

[Gabor 296]

I think, the most important detail is: Your agent is situated in the buildning... If you want, I can recommend a few reliable agents in the VT2.... if you choose the VT2...

Edited August 12, 2012 by Gabor

[jacko 8,813]

Those locks that fit over the handles are a good sign that no one's home... but they seem to work as a deterrent. I think leaving a condo for a few months at a time is less of a risk than renting it out.

 

In my block unscrupulous agents have rented condos out without the owner's knowledge.

 

Also in the past young Thais have rented condos....copied the keys and used the rooms for weekends.......One owner coming back to find a doz' pairs of shoes outside his room.

 

2 scare stories for sure..but true.

 

Many rent out regularly and do so without problems...but if it's going to be somewhere you want to live in yourself, unless you've got someone you trust to keep a good eye on things for you I wouldn't bother.

Those types of tales, and the following post by Gabor (exhibiting how these dim-witted locals can be conned into letting anybody into a condo) make one worry.

 

Prior to a financial 'set-back', I was contemplating buying a condo in town. Currently I have a house well out of town. I felt I needed a place to stay now and again, where I could drive there, have a night in town, and come back to the house next day. I miss having good restaurants and bars nearby.

The place could also act as a fall-back when I decide to sell the house.

 

Perhaps I need to do a deal with some guy who leaves his place empty 9 months a year.

Edited August 13, 2012 by jacko

[Gary 4,118]

It all depends on the condo complex. Some have good security and others don't. My condo is unoccupied most of the time and I have never worried about anything I keep there.