Buying a condo...

[H 0]

I might be buying a condo in or near to PTY within the next 9 months.............i can't stand paying tax to the uk govement and i and in the posistion to go 'non resident of the uk'

PTY looks like a good bet...............anyone have advice / experiances on buying a condo? I would be looking to stay around 6 months of the year in LOS and work the rest back in the UK, yes i could be a real lucky SOB!! ;D

 

 

H

[Papa 0]

Howard,

I've been thinking the same. It'd be nice to have a place in Pattaya or Thailand waiting for me. Looked at condos in Pattya, read related threads and newpaper articles, and talked to expats who have bought and rented.  But there are so many reasons to go slow, rent for a year or two and do some carefully research on the market and locations.  The Pattaya Mail resident financial expert put out several columns regarding this. He advised that (in general)  that the Pattaya condo market is such that it is cheaper to rent than to buy. If you can get to the old open board threads by Papa, I identified his articles (issues 384 or so). There's lots of scams:  misrepresenting the property,  leaving a packet of bills for the new owner to pay, presenting documents in Thai that puts the ownership in another name, and so on. The local environment could change rapidly, putting stress on you and degrading the value of your property. The hot, humid weather takes its toll on the condo facade and maintenance is required. Some developments have infrastructure problems, such as the water being off for hours or days.  Some owners have wanted to change their address to solve the problem of discarded TGs knocking on the door.  Your scenario has the additional disadvantage of you being out of the country for an extended time. This is an invitation to old girlfriends and others to break in and do a little looting.  Unless you are able to walk away from the property with a significant loss without suffering, I suggest you take your time to purchase a Pattaya condo.  For me, renting is the least stressful way to go. But as TIT, it's up to you.  Chok dee!

Papa Tom

[stevemcm 1]

I agree with Papa it is better to rent even if living in Pattaya permanently. I know most people want to live near the action but if you have transport take a look at some of the really good deals available at the hundreds of condos in Jomtien. Just walk into the condo of interest and ask at the Office, you'll get a better deal than with an agent.  I especially like some of those at the far end of the beach where it is handy for breakfast at Yorkies.

Even from here I can be at Marine Plaza on my motor bike within 15 minutes.

 

Regards,

Stevoh

[laffnliv 78]

   LISTEN TO PAPA!  

      RENT!

    Don't tie up your principal in Thailand at this time.  You probably will not get your money back out in the future.  Invest your principal, and chances are that the interest will pay the rent.  Rent someone else's condo.  It is cheaper than a hotel and without the maintenance headaches of owning, and you can move if and when the maintenance proves unreliable.

    Actually, there are some hotels than can give you a great long time rental rate.  Good luck!

       Roy

[Craig 0]

I've been planning on retirieng in Thailand now for a number of years and have talked with expats on this issue and read as much about it as I can.  I my opinion, for what it is worth, I am going to rent.  Fewer headaches and financial worries this way for me.