Choosing a Condominium in Bangkok?

A condominium in Bangkok is one type of residential that you can choose to rent or buy. This is the only residential property that is open for foreigners. Foreigner can purchase a unit under his name. It is open for foreigners because when you buy a condo, you only have the units under your name but not the lot or land, that is under the Thai law, only 49% of the total units are available for foreigners (Foreigner’s quota). Land is equally shared by all unit owners.

Condominiums in Bangkok are very popular to expats, business travelers and long-term visitors. It is normally within the city, near the skytrains and near establishments like malls, restaurants and bars so life is much easier for fast living lifestyle.

There are new developments for condominiums in Bangkok because of the increasing demand for both Thai nationals and foreigners. In 2006 alone, 9,913 units of condominiums were launched in CBD. You have a lot of choices to choose from so no pressure in deciding because there is excessive supply. Careful planning is needed especially if you are going to buy, location is very important.

Why choose a condominium? One major reason is, it is located in a building so no need to worry during rainy season, because you are safe from flood. Condominiums have a different size of units; they offer studio room, one bedroom, two bedroom or as big as three bedroom units. It varies from price, style, interior, facilities and amenities.

Condominiums and apartment are not the same, they just similar in some ways. You can choose from unfurnished, semi-furnished or fully furnished and fully equipped.

Studio room has no division wall; it is advisable for single and for limited budget people. One bedroom to three bedroom units provides you more privacy because the living, dining and bedroom are separated by walls; it is advisable for married couples and family.

In condominiums there is no surcharge or minimum charge on utility bills but you have to pay a Common Area Maintenance fee, it is a fee aside from you rent if you are renting. It is use to maintain the building facilities like swimming pool, garden, parking, elevators, corridors, lobby play area and fitness gym. Some has their own mini-mart and café at the lobby. A condominium has 24 hour security so it is safe. The Common Area Maintenance fee varies on each condominiums buildings, it depends the location, facilities, amenities and services that are being offered.

In renting or buying a condo, it is best to hire a real estate agent who can help you in finding units, viewing units, in negotiating and in processing of requirements and documents. If you want to do it on your own, you can ask around and you need to go from one building to another because it is not usually advertised if there are units available for rent or buy. Real estate agents have contacts of condo managers so it will not be hard to look for available units.

Before settling in, it is very important to know the house rules or condo law to make sure that you are ok with it and you can abide on these rules so there will be no problems once you move in. You can talk to other unit owners so you can have an idea how safe and secure the place, how the administration manage and maintain the building and how fast they can attend your repair services.

You can ask how much is the Common Area Maintenance fee, if it is included in you rent or not, if it a monthly fee or an annual fee. If you need a repair services, do you have to pay for it or not? Is there an in-house guy who is always available? Check the garbage, how many times in a week it will be collected.

Ask if electricity and water bill will goes directly to you and if there is no surcharge on your utility bills. If there is available telephone services and cable services. It is not easy to apply for phone lines in some areas, so it is very important to check especially if you need the internet.

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