Different Types of Bangkok Properties: Pros and Cons

Any person who is thinking of moving to Bangkok or transferring to any other city in Thailand should keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages that may come with each type of property he chooses. So what residence would you like to have? No matter what your choice might be, there are several factors you need to think about before signing a contract.

Any person who is thinking of moving to Bangkok or transferring to any other city in Thailand should keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages that may come with each type of property he chooses. So what residence would you like to have? No matter what your choice might be, there are several factors you need to think about before signing a contract. They are--  

 

  • Your budget
  • Location of your old house – and the new one you would like to move in to
  • Total area of the property
  • Convenience and accessibility
  • Liveability factor
  • Built-in amenities such as TV, landline phone or internet connection
  • Facilities such as a swimming pool or parking lot
  • Nearby facilities and establishments (mall, grocery, temple)
  • Additional costs

 

In Bangkok, as with other cities around the world, you usually have to choose one of the four major types of properties available. Although you do not have to consider all of these options, it pays to know the pros and cons that come with the structure you would like to leave or move into.

 

Condominiums

Pros

  1. Offers convenience and ease of access to public transportation hubs such as MRT and BTS stations
  2. Brand new and usually boasts of exquisite architecture
  3. Without premiums, so you can pay your bills directly to the utility company
  4. Freedom to choose your own amenities, such as your own internet bundle, to name a few
  5. Comes with lavish facilities such as a car park, exercise gym and swimming pool
  6. Features ultimate safety because of the presence of security personnel

Cons

  1. Usually comes with a smaller living area or space
  2. Per square meter cost is usually more expensive in comparison to other rental properties.
  3. You can never know what kind of landlord you are going to deal with
  4. Lacks sense of community; you might find it hard to meet friends and neighbors in this setting
  5. Disallows pets such as cats and dogs
  6. Gas cooking is prohibited

 

Apartments

Pros

  1. Convenient location, ease of access to public transportation hubs such as MRT and BTS stations
  2. Cheaper, comes with a better value for money in comparison to a condominium unit
  3. Features beautiful facilities such as a fitness studio, lap pool and car park
  4. Secured perimeter
  5. Some apartments allow the bringing in of pet dogs and cats
  6. Kitchens can be redesigned to accommodate gas cookers

Cons

  1. Some units are usually old and feature space-wasting layouts that do not maximize the floor area
  2. Negotiation for living aspects is somehow impossible since the landlord governs all the apartment units
  3. Comes with predetermined amenities, so you cannot personalize your TV or internet packages
  4. Does not foster a sense of community, which makes it hard for one to socialize with neighbors
  5. Pets might not be allowed, in accordance to the landlord’s pet policies
  6. A premium is added to utility bills, which significantly increases the amount of the monthly fees you have to pay

 

Townhouses

Pros

  1. You can bring any type of pet, no matter what size it might be
  2. Bigger space for living, in comparison to apartments and condominium units
  3. Larger outdoor and yard space
  4. Provides a sense of the community, making socialization easier
  5. You have a say in the amenity packages you wish to avail
  6. Allows cooking with gas

Cons

  1. There are no facilities such as exercise gyms and swimming pools available
  2. Its ground-level construction makes it prone to flooding
  3. Theft or break-ins might take place because it does not feature tight security services
  4. Townhouses near public transportation hubs are usually expensive, while those with cheaper costs are usually located far away from MRT or BTS stations
  5. Old townhouses might be home to pests, termites, mold and other problems

 

Detached Houses

Pros

  1. Allows the bringing in of pets, regardless of the size
  2. Bigger space in comparison to apartments or condominiums
  3. Comes with backyards and bigger outdoor spaces, which you can use for barbecue parties and kids’ playgrounds
  4. Provides a sense of community, you can socialize with neighbors very easily
  5. You can enjoy flexible packages and choose your own amenity
  6. Allows cooking with gas

Cons

  1. Usually does not come with facilities such as fitness gyms and swimming pools
  2. Might be prone to flooding, especially if the 2011 crisis happens again
  3. Crimes might take place in the vicinity since security is not as tight as that of apartments and condominiums
  4. Detached houses located near train or bus stations are usually expensive, while those with cheaper rental fees are located far away from transportation hubs because of land restrictions
  5. Old detached homes might come with problems such as pests, termites, and mold infestation

 

With each property having its own set of pros and cons, there is no perfect solution for a person who wishes to move to another home. However, the best thing a renter, like you, can do is to weigh them carefully.