What’s it all about?Is it about budget? Ownership? Convenience? Privacy? Views?Let’s review some of the pros and cons.BUDGETStarting from THB 1 million (or sometimes even less) you can buy a condo.Or, should we say a “room”?Of course, you can’t expect lots of space, a jacuzzi on the balcony nor direct sea views for a minimum budget. More likely you would buy either a very old unit in need of...
The anxiety and stress.Who doesn’t want to be a real estate agent?!These guys have a great life – easy job – big money – nice cars… wowThey don’t even need a license to operate their property agency: Isn’t that convenient?Everyone can do it!And such an easy job: Just bring a client to see a home or condo.If the client likes it, they buy or rent it and the deal is done!FAT commission into the...
What’s the relationship between Indians and pets? Are Indians great pet-lovers? Do they keep rare species that we don’t know about? Are there Indian curries with “pet flavors”? Ohhh noo… I hope not! None of the above, yet there is still a relationship you might not expect. Not every landlord is willing to accommodate either one of them. Now there is the burning and simple question:...
“Too good to be true deals” are easily recognized (by most) if you suddenly inherit USD$ 30 million, from an uncle you never knew, with a bank account in Burkina Faso… Great deals in real estate are made daily. No concerns there. Some sellers are very motivated to sell their home or condo, land, or commercial property. Guided by gut-feeling or hand-in-hand with a professional agent, the...
Most people are kind of familiar with the term “goodwill”.When you buy an ongoing concern, you would be happy to pay a little more than the fair value of all visible solid assets and intangible assets purchased in the acquisition and the liabilities assumed in the process. You pay for the efforts invested by the owner of the property over time.Good name and reputation, brand name, systems, solid...
Why would you list your home or condo for sale with any of the professional local real estate agencies? Doing it yourself “For Sale By Owner” has a lot of advantages, plus you would save a handsome commission that would otherwise be paid out to the realtor. Before you make “coffee is for closers” your new mantra, consider the benefits and risks of selling your own house or condo. Few more...
And there are plenty of them! Where does it all go wrong? Isn’t it true that all these “Farangs” (foreigners) are seen as people with money to spend? Even although young & good looking: These white skin boys always seem to have plenty of dough to spend. Is life abroad so much better than living in Thailand? Aren’t we all jealous? Is that why Thais are using whitener cream? To look a little...
Pattaya-city is located in the province of Chonburi, with its capital city Chonburi.Chonburi is one of four Eastern provinces, that make up the Eastern Seaboard, which is a hub for huge industrial estates that offer plenty of expat employment opportunities.Its population is estimated at some 1.6/1.7 million and Chonburi province covers an area of 4,363 km2. Thailand’s...
Since the end of February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing significant disruption to the Thai economy as well as global economies. The outbreak is perceived as one of the most serious economic setbacks in history. No matter how you look at it: The COVID pandemic affects us all. The real estate market is a great indicator. Recession, depression, boom, gloom, expansion, recovery, prosperity… Name a...
Many traditions, habits, and customs in Thailand are easy to explain. Some are normal, standard practice. Some are not. Let us have look at just a few. (Random order) Be a gentleman in traffic. According to the World Health Organization, Thailand's roads are the deadliest in Southeast Asia. Thai road users are among the worst in the world. About 20,000 people die in road accidents each year, or about 56...
No, of course not. You would not call the fire department if your house were on fire either… As we are not buying a cheeseburger at Mcdonald's, we always strongly recommend engaging a lawyer or legal advisor wherever it feels appropriate to do so. Lawyer fees in Thailand are just a fraction of what you are used to paying for them at home. So, no excuses. Better safe than sorry. Where the lawyer...
This is a quite complicated question. The right sale price starts with the right asking price. And before you arrive at the right asking price there are a few things to consider. And few mistakes to be avoided. Let us start with the mistakes many people make… Overprice your property. Setting the right asking price is key. The number ONE mistake that sellers make is setting an unrealistic...
That is a million-dollar question. And, only you can answer it. Both options are available to you. You might add another question: Do I prefer a house or condo? Both are available to you as well. It all depends on personal circumstances. Are you new to Pattaya or familiar with the city? Here to stay or frequent visitor? Children going to school? Working in Thailand? And many more relevant...
Yes, you can. Foreigners can own a house in Thailand. How else there are thousands of foreigners (“farangs” in Thai) living in Thailand? And not all of them live in a condo… Some would own a small affordable, cheap house somewhere in East Pattaya, Central Pattaya, or perhaps even in Bang Saray. Or a “prestige” villa property with a private pool close to the beach in Jomtien or Pratumnak...
Facts, fairytales, and loopholes…In principle, foreigners can not own land in Thailand.There are no treaties with any country allowing a foreigner to acquire land in Thailand.So the rumor that a US citizen could own land in Thailand is nonsense. Why exactly is Thailand so panicky about its traditional rule that foreigners cannot own land in their name? We believe it is...
The question is: Do you WANT to live in Thailand permanently? Of course, your answer is: YES! What other country in the world has so much to offer? Some people think that Thailand is a Third World developing country. Oh well, one can be wrong. Nobody and nothing are perfect, but Thailand, in our opinion, comes close. With the utmost respect for its monarchy, religion (Thailand has the second largest...
This headline can be interpreted in two different ways:Is it can RENT or can LET?In the correct vernacular, a tenant 'rents' a property whereas a landlord 'lets' their property to a tenant.Let us just have a look at both.Can foreigners RENT a property in Thailand?Yes, you can, and it is quite easy.No matter what type of visa you have, even on a tourist visa (used within 90 days from the date of issue and...
How long is a piece of string?Proper investments in general are tailor-made designed to meet the individual needs of the investor.You might feel comfortable on the stock market, cryptocurrencies, or property investments. What is your profile?Are you in for a quick buck? Do you dare to take risks? (High risks pair with high profits or disastrous losses) You have “time” to...
Amazing Thailand.I am sure you have heard of that expression before.To operate a real estate agency in Thailand you do NOT need a license.You do not need a license, but as a foreigner, you would need a valid visa and obtain a work permit.Thai nationals can work as a realtor without any restrictions. It is actually quite strange that such an important business does not violate...
Let us start on a positive note: Everyone can buy a nice home or condo in Pattaya. And why not? Living in Thailand is wonderful. Not just because of the climate, but the friendly and tolerant Thais are very open to blend-in with foreigners (called “Farang” in Thai) living here. And there is more: What about the costs of living, laid-back lifestyle and Thai food? Thai cuisine is considered one of the...
Why would I bother? It is the real estate agent’s job to sell my property. Not mine. That is partly true. It is indeed the real estate agency that will try to promote, market, and sell your property. Normally they spend quite a bit of time and effort on this. All unpaid for by the way. The ONLY reward an agent receives is when he actually sells the property. If you had it listed with dozens of others,...
Billionaires, movie stars, teddy bears, and diamonds. We got it all covered in this thrilling episode of the rich and famous. Pattaya’s most prestigious project: The Cove. Who builds 100 luxury apartments (from 91.5 square meters up to 565 square meters) over 18 floors with underground parking for more than 100 cars on one of the most prominent and pretentious beachfront lands in the whole of...
Pattaya is overbuilt, yet they keep building. Construction sites everywhere! It is crazy.All these buildings: Half-empty!Many units are unsold!Never, ever buy a property in Thailand.The weather is too warm anyway. And the Thais do not even speak English.And the food? Do you think I eat Thai food?! Way too spicy!Can I have another beer, please? What time Happy Hour...
You need to have a visionary mindset and some backup capital to do what Nigel Cornick has done for Pattaya City.Pattaya back in the year 2000. Indeed, nothing much more than a growing resort destination on the Gulf of Thailand.Traveling to Pattaya from Don Muang International Airport would take 3 to 4 hours.The most expensive bottle of cold Singha beer would cost you probably THB 90 down Walking...
Surprised?Money talks everywhere, isn’t it?Town & Country Property is one of the leading real estate agencies in Pattaya.Since 2003 we are active on the Eastern Seaboard and dealt with hundreds of, mainly foreign, clients.The fact that our client base merely consists of foreign investors is simply explained because it is not in the nature of most Thais to work with an agent. Even though this agent is...
Town & Country Property is delighted to be appointed “preferred agent” for Serenity Jomtien Villas.This brand-new exciting luxury pool villa project is in the heart of Jomtien. (GPS)Serenity Jomtien Villas is heading to become THE premier housing residence in Jomtien, combining functional modern design with peaceful living in one of the best locations in...
And the world is kept in a grip. A deadly one.I remember Q1 2020.On 29th February 2020, I just returned to Bangkok with my son from our annual holiday in Europe(Holland – Belgium – England).A week later, my mum, who lives in the city of Breda (Netherlands), called us and told us we were “justin time”, as her city (Breda) was locked down. A sudden reality, almost surrealistic.The World Health...
Thailand's best-read expat magazine. Find out what's hot in Bangkok and beyond. February 2021.
We do NOT recommend using a real estate agent in Pattaya! Why would you? If you want to let or sell your property it is much easier to advertise it on several (classified-) websites; post announcements on memo-boards as you will find them at places like Foodland; Friendship; Big-C Extra; Tops and Best Supermarket. Of course, everyone would know of a workshop where you can make a banner or signboard…...
Infrastructure is all. The driving force of growth and prosperity. Pattaya has its own airport: U-Tapao. Just some 35 kilometers south of Pattaya you will find the airport (near Rayong). The international airport that is with current flights not only to domestic destinations like direct flights to Samui; Chiang Mai; Phuket; Hat Yai and Udon Thani but also International destinations like Macao; Nanchang...
The property industry in Thailand is quite different from many other countries Not necessarily better or worse; but less transparent. For example: When you want to buy a home or condo; where do you start? Perhaps you would pick up a magazine to check property adverts or go online to Google what’s around? When you start to explore the “property market” here in Pattaya/Thailand it almost looks as if...
Living and working in Pattaya is great. It’s a vibrant city with lots of things to do and to see. Now, what’s that with people that criticize MY “Pattaya” as a destination of their choice? Have they ever been to Pattaya? If Pattaya is ONLY Walking Street; how come Bangkok is not ONLY Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy and Amsterdam ONLY known for its Wallen? Berlin, Germany’s capital is mostly praised...
My dad always used to say: “It doesn’t matter who you know. What matters is who knows you!” And there is a lot of truth in there… Town Country Property PATTAYA is very well known on the local Property-Scene. As one of the oldest realty professionals, Town & Country Property Co., Ltd has always been at the forefront of creating Pattaya into “a better place”. This starts with YOU of course...
Pattaya – Thailand’s favorite tourist destination! Yearly some 35 million tourists visit Thailand generating near 2,000 BILLION Baht in tourist revenues. Neighboring Thailand’s biggest deep-sea port Laem Chabang and with International airport Suvarnabhumi Bangkok on just over an hours’ drive: Pattaya’s beach resort is Thailand’s most popular destination. Lots to offer here in Pattaya as many...
The word “view” immediately brings several random thoughts to mind and first among them is the well-worn adage “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, writes Dave Buckley. In essence, what one person considers a delight, others may not. Sea view or city view? Which would you prefer? For me much depends on which stretch or water and what city we are talking about. Just because you can see the...
Pattaya – Thailand’s favorite tourist destination! Yearly some 35 million tourists visit Thailand generating near 2,000 BILLION Baht in tourist revenues. Neighboring Thailand’s biggest deep-sea port Laem Chabang and with International airport Suvarnabhumi Bangkok on just over an hours’ drive: Pattaya’s beach resort is Thailand’s most popular destination. Lots to offer here in Pattaya as many...
Life is good…on Jomtien Beach! After some 14 years servicing our TOWN & COUNTRY property clients from our real-estate office located on Pattaya-Tai road; our company now moved to a brand-new loft-style office at Jomtien Complex Condotel! We called it the PROPERTY FACTORY as the interiors are inspired by American-style workshops; High ceilings; exposed electrical fittings and air-cons; warehouse...
Some expats come to Thailand to work while others come to retire. The foreigners retiring are more than likely the ones who will be interested in buying a house in Thailand for their own personal use or as an investment to earn some income from rentals. For a smooth transition, you should approach it carefully and get sound advice from a Thai law firm or experienced real estate agent. Here are some...
If you are making a plan to sell your home, choose the right combination of colors to decorate both from outside and inside to your home. It will increase the amount of money potential buyers will be going to pay for it. Choose objects and colors that simply look attractive. A color is a powerful tool that can be used to inspire emotions, create space illusions or simply set the mood and atmosphere for...
The main thing you ought to ask yourself when you choose to sell your home is “If I renovate?” If your home is in urgent need of repair work, then making some vital renovation work will normally mean a decent yield on your investment. Doing some important renovation deal with your condo unit or townhouse preceding posting is available to be purchased is astute and profoundly prudent. It can be the...
