There is a wide option in the market for real estate hunters who would want to have a condo in Bangkok. Having many to choose from certainly at times can be confusing, but all the consumer basically needs to remember is that their purchase should match their tastes and needs.

There is a wide option in the market for real estate hunters who would want to have a condo in Bangkok. Having many to choose from certainly at times can be confusing, but all the consumer basically needs to remember is that their purchase should match their tastes and needs. Here is a rundown of things you might use as a checklist to make life easier and your condo shopping a fun experience.

The Laws on Ownership

If you are a local, a Thai citizen, then there are not any problems at all if you plan to purchase real estate, but if you are a foreigner or expat then you need to be confident that you are familiar with the laws about the terms of property ownership in Bangkok. You need to consult the Condominium Act B.E. 2535 (1992) for the qualifications on how a foreigner can qualify to purchase condo in Bangkok. These are the terms that need to be satisfied i.e. hold a residence permit under the Immigration Law, is allowed to reside in the country under the Investment Promotion Law, has BOI privileges in Thailand, has the capacity to bring in the entire money from a foreign country to purchase a Thailand condominium, or has land rights under the Land Code. Also to be remembered if you are a foreigner is that you should have a bank account in Thailand and an immigration stamp in your passport to validate that you are indeed in the country during the actual event of purchasing your condo and that you possess the money in foreign currency that you brought in from outside the country for the specific purpose of purchasing a condo.

This all sounds difficult, but if your paperwork is in order, in reality, it is a very straight forward process.

Having a Local Agent

Be sure to have a local agent to represent you in finding the perfect Bangkok condo unit. You will be able to save money by having a wide range of options available to you and it is also much more convenient, as reputable agents only take you to locations that match your needs. Having a local as a guide will help you find the best deals and locations without you having to do it yourself, it always pays to have an expert on your side.

Price

There is nothing more important than this factor and you would need to find options which are within your actual budget. The typical asking price for a condo is based on variables like the floor level, location, parking, etc… A good tip would be to get accommodations in the middle or higher floors so that if there are any future development or buildings constructed, your views will not be obstructed and you will still have a view of the skyline.

Location of the Building

The location of the condo you buy will pretty much dictate the pace and lifestyle you will be leading. It will be your home and the people around it will be your neighbours and that includes the restaurants and shops in the vicinity. You may certainly love the fact that you live in a big city but then hate the congestion or the lack of views you have at your condo because of a big building right in front of your window or maybe commuting to work is a nightmare because you live in a heavy traffic area. Having a family will certainly bring more considerations, the top of which is security. You want to have neighbours you are comfortable with, especially if there are kids around. Some examples of great places where many professionals and families live include units in Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn and Thonglor.

Condo Unit Location

Do you fancy Penthouse living? Is it such a hassle for you to always wait for the elevator when all you want is lie down on your bed after a day of work? Is your window directly facing a noisy street? You may have a very accessible address but the location of your condo unit needs to be assessed as well. Having natural lighting from the sun and unobstructed views are certainly desirable but you may need to compete with other home buyers for these favourable conditions. If you happen to be sensitive to street noise, then it may be a good idea to make a viewing of your prospective condo unit during peak traffic hours, and see if you can tolerate the noise level, if not, then the search simply just continues for you.

Living Arrangement

The location of the condo you plan to live also need to complement the living arrangements you have, whether you are alone or with a family. Living alone tends not be as complicated because the usual priority would be the proximity to your place of work and convenience of having the shops you need, like a laundry, mini-mart and restaurants nearby. If you have or are planning to have children you also need to consider how many children you may be having in the future for expansion or renovation purposes.

Amenities

It is always a positive to have amenities like a swimming pool, gym, sauna and other sports facilities i.e. tennis courts, basketball courts, or even a jogging track. Adding these amenities certainly brings comfort and accessibility to your place and makes the value of the property greater. Having these amenities will allow you to enjoy the activities you want to do without having to travel.

Rules in the Apartment

There will always be someone that takes care of the implementation of rules in a condo building and they are known as Administrative Mangers or the Juristic Office. They also set the rules so that concerns and issues can be addressed in a timely manner. A good example is the smoking policy inside the building. You might be a non-smoker so it helps to know if there are spaces set aside for this activity so that you won’t be bothered by it.  Each building or complex may have their own unique set of rules and you might want to consult the personnel involved to make sure you agree with their terms and that you will not be having any problems following the regulations that they set forth.

Convenience in Commuting

These days an ideal condo is often situated near the BTS Skytrain or MRT stations. This convenience will save you the headache of being stuck in the Bangkok traffic of which the city is infamous for. Using public transport like trains can easily save you time rather than driving. It is also worth noting that the condos which are near the expressways are priced lower in the market than those situated in ideal places like Phahonyothin and Sukhumvit Roads.

Plans for the Future

You need to decide if you are staying in your condo for a short term or for an extended period of time. Your plans need to coincide with your condo contract so that you will not have a problem if ever you relocate or move for any reason. There are a number of reasons for you to move in the future so it is better to consider this so that you can save your hard earned money as well.