Houses v Condos - Renting

[Obsession 571]

Why do people rent condos when they could rent a house?

 

Are most condos like VT, in that they are long corridors of doors?

 

 

Are houses safe? ( they all seem to have prison bars? )

[jacko 8,813]

Why do people rent condos when they could rent a house?

 

Are most condos like VT, in that they are long corridors of doors?

 

 

Are houses safe? ( they all seem to have prison bars? )

Condos are often located in desirable areas, central Pattaya, near the beach etc etc.

It means you don't need to worry about transportation...

You may open your curtains to a very nice seaview, and can take a walk to a nearby bar to watch the football and have a beer.

There is an abundance of them, people buy for investment, Thais have to buy up 50% and then live elsewhere....there are good condo rental deals.

 

Long corridors....Nope, there are quite a few long tall ones too...

Moreso lately perhaps as the footprint, read land size, is a serious cost factor.

 

A house is as safe as you make it and a factor of the area it is in.

Many rental houses are located on the dark-side,and some dark-side areas could certainly be described as having high crime.

 

My house does not have bars, nor does any of the neighbours, but they ALL have alarm systems.

Gated communities can be very safe and secure.

Edited April 21, 2014 by jacko

[nkped 1,208]

Can't speak to the house alternative, but condos do have their benefits:

• Depending on the complex, a BIG pool;
• Retail outlets in the building such as mini marts, laundries and hair cutters among others;
• Places to eat when you are really unambitious.

"long corridors of doors"--If that is a problem for you, it's a problem. I guess I figure that I don't live in the hallway and if I like my space, who cares how many other people are on the same floor. I do prefer a high floor for privacy, reduced noise and being above the mosquitoes.

 

I do suspect the calculation might change depending on the domestic situation.

Edited April 21, 2014 by nkped

[Obsession 571]

 

"long corridors of doors"--If that is a problem for you, it's a problem. I guess I figure that I don't live in the hallway and if I like my space, who cares how many other people are on the same floor. I do prefer a high floor for privacy, reduced noise and being above the mosquitoes.

 

It's maybe because long corridors are rare or non existent in my country, and that multi storey living is very low class / poverty stricken in my country. I guess the bias / stigma is hard to shake off. And that I have found it a hassle getting by retired neighbours, in any living situation, who have all day to chatter. I noticed in Pattaya, many leave their doors open in long corridors , making it difficult to walk by without being noticed . Maybe it was coincidence.

I do like the idea of no mozzies or traffic sound though.

[MM 6,562]

I live in a medium sized condo with 2 and 3 BR units, 5 units per floor, so the hallways are quite short...we have a locked entryway, security guard or office staff downstairs...nice western fixtures...very much like a nice condo/apt I'd have in the USA.

 

The missus wants to move to a house, but I find the security issue to be one that I am concerned about. Also, many houses I have looked at that are reasonably priced have Thai style bathrooms (no separation between shower and toilet), minimal kitchens (no ovens), and just don't match my living standard.

 

I'd not rent in a massive condo with long hallways like the View Talays in Jomtien..though I'd consider VT6 just for the convenience to great shopping.

 

So, for me my condo trumps most houses for security mostly. Gated communities not on the Darkside are not that easy to find vacancies as far as I've seen.

[Bushcraft 2,579]

Having lived in both for expended periods, I much prefer a house to a condo because I can walk directly out of the house and onto the street, or sit outside on the porch at ground level, interact with passing neighbours etc. whenever I choose.

Small size may have a lot to do with it, but I found that after a few weeks, my studio condo felt more like a hotel room than a home, i.e. a box up in the sky, a pigeon-hole.

[atlas2 4,329]

I can own a condo without the need to put my trust in a woman………….

This trumps (for me) the swings and roundabouts of the pros and cons.

[MM 6,562]

I can own a condo without the need to put my trust in a woman………….

This trumps (for me) the swings and roundabouts of the pros and cons.

 

I don't think anyone addressed that issue because the OP was about renting house vs renting condo, and in either of those cases, you can hold the lease in your name.

[Gary 4,118]

I too have problems with long dark narrow hallways and I don't like to be up high because of fire danger. My condo building is only 5 stories high and I am on the third floor. I normally walk up even though there is an elevator. The building is a rectangular shape and is open in the center. The center is planted and landscaped. You can find non claustrophobic places if you look long enough. I did live in a gated community house when I lived in Bangkok. My house was broken into twice.

[MM 6,562]

I too have problems with long dark narrow hallways and I don't like to be up high because of fire danger. My condo building is only 5 stories high and I am on the third floor. I normally walk up even though there is an elevator. The building is a rectangular shape and is open in the center. The center is planted and landscaped. You can find non claustrophobic places if you look long enough. I did live in a gated community house when I lived in Bangkok. My house was broken into twice.

 

Thanks for that..so much for gated communities then.

[jacko 8,813]

 

It's maybe because long corridors are rare or non existent in my country, and that multi storey living is very low class / poverty stricken in my country. I guess the bias / stigma is hard to shake off. And that I have found it a hassle getting by retired neighbours, in any living situation, who have all day to chatter. I noticed in Pattaya, many leave their doors open in long corridors , making it difficult to walk by without being noticed . Maybe it was coincidence.

I do like the idea of no mozzies or traffic sound though.

Coincidentally I visited someone at their condo only a few days ago and it was exactly like that.

All the way down a long corridor, the door left wide open, I presume to let some air through.

I sat out on the balcony and looking down over a dozen floors made me feel queasy... although the relatively unobstructed sea view was pleasant.

It was a bedsit type, but bigger than average at 50sqm. It still felt claustrophobic, more so as he had so much stuff stored inside and out on the balcony you had to tuck your elbows in to walk around.

Him and his lady shared this and sometimes they had her kid there too.

The place seemed quiet enough although that would depend more on neighbours.

I don't like the idea of a guest having to view your bed nor sleeping in the same room as a fridge.

 

MM, my main bathroom, yes the shower faces the toilet but is separated by a shower curtain... but I can always use one of the other toilets.

(PS... I do know of a house for sale, with an oven......and will surely match your 'living standard')

[nkped 1,208]

 

It's maybe because long corridors are rare or non existent in my country, and that multi storey living is very low class / poverty stricken in my country. I guess the bias / stigma is hard to shake off. And that I have found it a hassle getting by retired neighbours, in any living situation, who have all day to chatter. I noticed in Pattaya, many leave their doors open in long corridors , making it difficult to walk by without being noticed . Maybe it was coincidence.

I do like the idea of no mozzies or traffic sound though.

Haven't noticed the neighbors leaving the doors open being an issue. Having the senior citizens around the pool does make me feel young and skinny but makes for some really disturbing visuals as well.

 

I have mentioned before the issue of elevator idiocy. However, they are predictable. If two elevators are descending, the senior hordes from east of the Elbe will pile on the first one to arrive even though the other one is on the second floor. Wait 20 seconds and you may have an elevator to yourself.

 

I do agree about the size of the living space. For a three month stay, I am happy with a studio in 60+ sqm range. I wouldn't want to be sharing that with another person on an extended basis. If I was living in Pattaya I would have to bump that up or consider a house.

[Gary 4,118]

If you're living with a Thai lady, you will need a separate bedroom so she can watch Thai TV in one room and you can watch English TV in the other room. My condo bedroom is also my computer room. My condo is 60 square meters and that is about the right size for me. It has plenty of built in storage so it is not cluttered.

[js007 795]

In a perfect world, I'm sure most people would like to have a house. You have more privacy, you can make more noise, and you would probably have more room. Unfortunately, the world isn't a perfect place. Houses have a security issue. And what about flooding? Does that happen regularly in housing additions? Does your stuff just get wet?

 

All in all, I'd vote for a nice condo. I'd have to consider the fire risk, though. Maybe some wort of long escape rope?

[jacko 8,813]

In a perfect world, I'm sure most people would like to have a house. You have more privacy, you can make more noise, and you would probably have more room. Unfortunately, the world isn't a perfect place. Houses have a security issue. And what about flooding? Does that happen regularly in housing additions? Does your stuff just get wet?

 

All in all, I'd vote for a nice condo. I'd have to consider the fire risk, though. Maybe some wort of long escape rope?

There probably isn't enough space in most modern built condos to coil up 150 ft of rope!

Let us face facts, if you want to live 'in town', there aren't many houses to be had, beyond what is known as a town house.

For something bigger you are going to be nearer Jomtiem or Naklua.

 

A well managed building which has policed regulations would be imperative.

(No pets, no construction outside specific hours, no kids playing football in the corridors, no parties, no balcony gas bottles, etc etc)

I also think you need to be a person who gets out a lot and the condo is just a place to rest your head.

Edited April 22, 2014 by jacko

[Sailfast 503]

Not to hijack the thread, but since I would never live in a high rise without an exit plan...I'm paranoid of fire. Maybe it's left over from watching The Towering Inferno when I was a kid.

 

Jacko, Modern sailing/climbing cord is very small in diameter, light weight and low stretch. Google Dyneema rope, 3/8 dia has a breaking strength of 18,000+ lbs. More than enough for you and a couple of LBFMs :)

 

200 ft of 3/8 inch cord and some simple repelling gear would easily lay coiled in a laundry basket that could slide under the bed.

Edited April 23, 2014 by Sailfast

[jacko 8,813]

I am not sure I am up to repelling down a 200 ft building but needs must.

It is a little like when I was offered a bullet proof jacket on a work assignment once..... it didn't make me feel safer, it made me feel I needed to be some place else.

[Sailfast 503]

I am not sure I am up to repelling down a 200 ft building but needs must.

It is a little like when I was offered a bullet proof jacket on a work assignment once..... it didn't make me feel safer, it made me feel I needed to be some place else.

Fair enough, lol. I'm just saying that technically speaking, it is pretty easy to store the kit and do the deed. As you say, needs must...beat the heck out making the choice of burning alive or jumping to your death. Fuck...

[harro1 256]

I've thought about the rope idea too. I think you would have many people tring to climb down your rope and landing on you.

[Obsession 571]

The fire talk has reminded me that VT3 may have sprinklers inside the units. Could they go off accidentally, ruining your belongings?

 

I would have thought tourists would be a problem in some condos.

[jacko 8,813]

The fire talk has reminded me that VT3 may have sprinklers inside the units. Could they go off accidentally, ruining your belongings?

 

I would have thought tourists would be a problem in some condos.

I can't remember seeing these types.....doesn't mean they aren't though.

Sprinklers are normally triggered on an individual basis, the heat breaks a liquid filled glass bulb and a valve can then open releasing the water.

What you see on films, where all the sprinklers come on at once, isn't reality, unless it is a deluge system which would be triggered by a detector.

These glass bulbs are pretty robust and an accidental discharge is more likely by someone chasing a gecko around with a brush.

Most buildings have smoke detectors, or heat detectors wired back to a central alarm panel with audio alert and a few other actions. (Release fire doors, move elevators to ground etc).

I would be more worried about maintenance of a sprinkler system and the pipework supplying it.

 

Many condos have loads of tourists in them......... younger people are likely to be noisier.

Edited April 24, 2014 by jacko

[Gabor 296]

The fire talk has reminded me that VT3 may have sprinklers inside the units. Could they go off accidentally, ruining your belongings?

 

I would have thought tourists would be a problem in some condos.

 

I saw a totally soaked by the sprinklers room in the VT2A a few months before....I don't know the details but no visible signs of any fire....

[qman 0]

There are many rental condos available and you can find something to suit your location preferences, size and general price range. Transportation options are readily available in the city areas and motorbikes rentals can improve the choice of condos still in convenient areas. You do not see many houses in the city and likewise do not typically see condo rentals in East Pattaya. I looked a bit in the past for house rentals and found they do not seem to be available for short term rentals of a month or even 3-4 months. Again, you probably need a car or truck for transportation if you want to live in East Pattaya (Darkside).

 

It also depends on what you want to do while here. If you want access to a lot of nightlife then in town with public transportation is probably for choice and general safety.

[Gary 4,118]

A friend of mine lived, I think on the 17th floor of a Jomtien high rise condo. Out on his balcony he had a huge coil of rope. It was about an inch in diameter and about every two feet, he had knots tied. No way could I have been able to climb down 17 floors on that rope. It must have taken him several days to tie all those knots. I asked him if the rope would reach the ground. He looked at me and asked if I thought he was stupid.

[Trvlr 50]

I have read of people in the middle of New York who keep snake bite kits next to their beds.

The condos here are steel and concrete construction. They will not flame up like the wood frame houses in the US (and probably Europe too) do.

I have stayed in several condos and all of them have had well signed staircases. I am in a small condo now and it has two sets of stairs.

I have never had any concern whatsoever that in case of a fire in one of the apartments I will be able to get to a stair easily, if needed.

Shimmying 17 floors down on a rope? Let's leave that to the movies!