Condominiums in Bangkok
CONDOMINIUM
A condominium or condo – also known in some countries as an apartment or flat - is a building where individuals have freehold strata title of their own residential unit and where the common areas such as lifts, swimming pools and gyms are jointly owned by all the co-owners. In Thailand, foreigners are allowed to own up to 49% of the total area of a condo building. (Condo Ownership)
AREAS & LOCATIONS
Our condo sales team have intimate knowledge in the condominium market in the following Bangkok locations.
Central Lumpini
The area incorporating Wireless, Ploenchit, Rajadamri, Chidlom, Langsuan, Sarasin and Ruamrudee Roads, and other sois in between
Sukhumvit
The area incorporating Sukhumvit Road from Soi 1-65 and Soi 2-44, as well as other sois in between
Pathumwan
The area incorporating Ratchaprarop, Phayathai, Sri Ayutthaya and Petchaburi (from Soi 1-37) Roads, as well as other sois in between
Rama III
The area incorporating Narathiwas-Ratchanakarin Roads (south of Chan Road), Charoenkrung and Rama III on the side not adjacent to the river, as well as interlinking sois
Riverside
Includes developments on the riverside incorporating Charoenkrung,
Charoennakorn and Rama III
Peripheral areas
All other areas of Bangkok lying outside the CBD, including Ratchadapisek,
Ladphrao, Ramkhamhaeng, Paholyothin, Thonburi and Sukhumvit Road from Soi 44-76 and 65-115
There are essentially 3 choices to make when purchasing a condos in Bangkok: 1) New Condominiums Projects
At UDCL™ our experienced in property management and investments in the property flipping business. Today, new condo projects are rapidly improving in production, sales, and marketing. Offers greater deals in pre-sale and off plan condominium projects by trusted developers and team of units specialise to make sure production time and quality meets the specifications of the showroom unit. We currently have over 10 projects on our hand comprising some of the exclusive unit with best layout and designs that fulfils living quality and space are acquired earlier on the opening day with uniquely selected plans for best investment terms.
Benefits of buying a condo in a new project can include:
A new property and managements
Latest built in facilities (gyms, pools, lifts, garages etc)
Usually built in the most convenient locations (access to public transport, shopping, market)
Capital growth for an initial small outlay
2) Resale Condos
UDCL™ has an extensive database of condominiums available for resale. The benefits of a resale condo purchase are that it avoids the risks of an off plan sale.
No risk of developer delays or failure
Ready for immediate occupancy
The chance to inspect the actual unit, views and fittings
The opportunities to seek in some instances bargains
3) Buying as an Investment
Purchasing a condominium for investment can offer an attractive investment opportunity with initial capital growth and later a rental income. In our New Bangkok Condo Projects portfolios investors buy condos “off plan” (i.e. before and during construction) paying in stage payments. Thus buyers invariably get the best prices (developers generally increase prices during construction), they also manage their cashflow as deposits and stage payments are between 10 and 30% of the total price. Buy to Let - There is a large and continuously growing expatriate population looking to rent condominiums, providing owners with solid rental returns. Speak to us about areas and property types to achieve the highest returns. In summary early buyers usually secure a rise in value for a small capital outlay. Of note is that generally, in Bangkok, real estate developers do not restrict condominium buyers from assigning their contracts at any stage.
CONDO RESEARCH
We conduct research on the latest conditions prevalent in the Bangkok Condo market, including supply, demand, and current property requirements of condo buyers.
With our network of offices, Upscale Development has unparalleled access to resources in Bangkok, these enable us to identify trends that assist our customers.
For full access to the latest Bangkok condo research or to access the Bangkok Property Report.
LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF A CONDO
Freehold The majority of condominiums in Bangkok are freehold. Foreigners can own up to 49% of the total area of a condominium on a freehold basis. (Condo title ownership)
Leasehold
Some developments in Bangkok are built on leasehold land with leases of 30 years and options to renew. Leasehold ownership is also offered in condos where the foreign quota for freehold title has been reached. (Condo title ownership)
CONDOMINIUM FUNDING / FINANCING
Financing
Financing for foreigners to purchase real estate in Thailand is complex and changes regularly. As at the time of writing it is difficult to source mortgages for foreigners, however we recommend that you check with your bank to get the latest details.
Money Transfer
Under the 1991 Condominium Act, non-residents who purchase condominium units must transfer the funds to pay for the unit from overseas, with the money entering Thailand as foreign currency. Purchasers need to obtain a “Foreign Exchange Transaction Form” certificate for each payment from the beneficiary bank, and all these certificates must be shown to the Land Department in order to register the condominium. (Condo Funding Procedures)
BANGKOK CONDO SALES TAXES
Individuals who invest in property in Thailand should be aware of the tax liabilities that may arise on either buying or selling the property. The table provided by Mazars, (one of Thailand’s leading international accounting, audit and tax advisory firms) is a sample calculation. Sample: Tax Calculation Assuming a 10 million baht sales price and assessed value of 10 million baht.
* Depending on the wording in the contract, this fee is often split between the buyer and seller
TRANSACTION COSTS
TRANSFER FEE:
There is normally a 2% transfer fee for new condos which is either paid by the vendor, the buyer, or is split between both parties, depending on the purchase agreement. For resale properties there may well be a fee for the transfer of the registration.
SINKING FUND:
On transfer of the property from the developer to the purchaser. This money is to be used for major renovations and replacement of equipment when necessary. The aim of this fund is to ensure the maintenance of the building and ultimately its future value. lump-sum In a new condominium project, the buyer pays a one-off
LEGAL FEES:
Each party pays its own legal fees and there is no norm as the purchase can depend on many different complexities.
COMMON AREA MANAGEMENT FEE/UTILITIES:
These fees are paid by owners for the upkeep of the common areas of condominiums and housing estates. For new residential developments, it is common to pay up to several years’ management fees in advance. Utilities are generally paid on an “as use” basis.
GENERAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATIONS
We classify Bangkok Condo units into six categories based on
price/m2. Classifications are based on the maximum number of condos in a project that fall into a category.
Super Luxury Above THB 300,000/m²
Luxury THB 200,000-299,999/m²
High End THB 120,000-199,999/m²
Up Scale THB 90,000-119,999/m²
Mid-Range THB 70,000-89,999/m²
Entry-Level Below THB 69,999/m²
Condominiums that are high end or above generally demonstrate common characteristics such as:
Easily accessible locations
Good and secure neighbourhoods, ensuring privacy of residents
Good building design, layout and decoration
Good standard of construction using high-quality materials and specifications
Comprehensive range of facilities, including swimming pool, gym, squash, tennis courts.
Adequate elevators and efficient M&E system
Professional management
Sufficient car parking
