Real estate market in Bangkok continues to boom and grow…
A fully-furnished condo unit with modern household essentials for affordable city living / Pix: Notting Hill
Thailand has for years represented something of a paradox for economists and investors. While traditionally more stable than some of its regional neighbours, the nation has experienced more than its share of political and social upheaval. The country’s markets have proved remarkably resilient. Amazing Thailand is world-renowned for its tourism exploits and travel attractions. Property values remained relatively consistent throughout, spurred by a building boom that led to Bangkok’s central business districts adorned with impressive plazas and high-rise condominiums. The fledgling Thai economy is reputably is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Growth continues today but at a rate well below that of fellow ASEAN nations such as Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia.
With the continual influx of foreign direct investments from overseas, demand for property development will continue to rise and escalate in the near and foreseeable future. Thailand’s general populace with its united domestic presence and integrated business savviness ensure that a strong and sustainable demand continue to cater to existing residential as well as commercial markets. Also, the country’s natural beauty and global status as the world’s top tourist destination offers a robust property market with unbridled will to transcend any uncertainty.
Bangkok, the prime real estate capital
The lure of Bangkok as a prime tourism hub within the Asian region offers affordable travel options and attractive travel packages. Its position as a prime mover within the Asean region is virtually undisputed. Bangkok is known for its diverse make-up of culture and economies of scale – with modern skyscrapers complemented by historic buildings of a bygone era. The proliferation of vast cottage industry especially street hawkers has become an engine of growth driving the national economy. It is a familiar sight of street ware being peddled in busy Bangkok which is known as the epicentre of street malls and roadside stalls. Within the iconic metropolis itself, the potential for development in the various industries, primarily in real estate investment and entrepreneurship is enormous.
With the majority of the population residing in the capital city forming the crux of Greater Bangkok, business is thriving and booming. Demographics aside, Bangkok has always been at the forefront of tourism, aside from being a global financial hub and economic nerve centre within the region. Bangkok is best known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, scenic sights, busy bazaars, street shopping, sprawling islands, beautiful beaches, friendly people, warm hospitality, and having a gastronomic galore of delightful dishes and mouthwatering treats.
Bangkok’s property market has always been dominated by domestic investments. Local purchasers of property represent a major portion of the total Thai property market. Many affluent Thai citizens buy luxury homes for investment purposes. This rising demand for high-end, urban residences in upscale neighbourhoods around Sukhumvit Road and Sathorn has served as the backbone for the local luxury market segment, driven by foreign demand for niche or exclusive property.
The luxury market in downtown Bangkok continues to be in strong demand, with beachfront properties having the greatest appeal. Provincial real estate and other prime property form the crux of foreign property investment. Much is attributed to the country’s sluggish economy and a host of other associative factors. The luxury segment of the Bangkok property market will remain a solid investment for the foreseeable future. Overall, the Thai property market has been rather resilient in weathering political storms and social upheavals. Demand for apartments and condominiums in Bangkok continue to create property buzz within this region.
A profitable property investment
A good property investment would naturally take into account various factors such as political climate, economic stability and property trends. Despite the many challenges in the regional property sector, property investors still believe in good value when it comes to niche and upcoming properties in the major developing countries such as Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Take for instance, the Philippines whereby the local property industry is booming. Indonesia too is experiencing strong real estate development in the local residential and commercial housing segments. Of course, a high return of investment is the ideal result or outcome of any property investment.
Fast-growing economies are ideally the target market for potential investments with huge returns. Following the footsteps of developed economic powerhouses such as Singapore and Hong Kong, the long journey towards development and urbanization will form a catalyst for growth and development in the Asean region. The prospect for the property industry looks encouraging and optimistic despite a continual glut in the housing and residences, particularly in Malaysia whereby the supply for niche and luxury property continue to drive the local property market. Take for instance, our neighbouring country Thailand. You will find unlimited opportunities for fresh properties and other jewels to be found. With such a huge untapped market in both residential and commercial, investment opportunies are virtually unlimited. For the savvy investor, such opportunities are considered rare gems in real estate. With rapid development comes rich payback, albeit taking into account economic inflation and currency fluctuation of respective nations.
Despite the somewhat softer or mellowed Malaysian ringgit and other factors and external influences, special interest in buying overseas or offshore real estate is a positive trend in Malaysia. In diversifying one’s investment portfolio, purchasing foreign properties only makes good investment sense. The national Thai property market is anticipated to grow between five and ten percent per annum for the next decade. There is a strong indication that investors and entrepreneurs from Malaysia have also shown or expressed an interest in Thai real estate. With the booming business, property development in Thailand is projected to attain a sustained a modest but respectable rate of growth for the next twenty years.
Meticulous city planning and cool urban infrastructures continue play a vital role in promoting Thailand as the preferred destination for real estate development and property investment. Public infrastructure projects such as MRT, premier shopping malls and other value-added construction help bolster and boost foreign interest in property investment. The Thai property market is in an advantageous position, where land is abundant and property development is still in its infancy, particularly in the rural and the suburbs. It is little wonder that Thailand is now perceived as the next investment hub by foreign investors and expatriates alike.
CBDs and suburban property
Suburban property living is a trend these days in the metropolitan areas of Bangkok and other suburban neighbourhoods within the vicinity. Meanwhile, niche properties at the upper echelons of the real estate market in Bangkok’s CBD (i.e. central business district) have constantly performed and delivered consistent returns. With current unfavourable economic circumstances, those most affected are the speculative buyers who purchased condo units for the purpose of flipping or reselling. Yet, Thailand remains a positive long-term investment option for potential buyers and prospective investors alike. Low-cost housing continues to be in demand, especially those located close to a public transit. Transit-oriented developments continue to spur the booming property market specifically in CBDs.
Notting Hill Sukhumvit 105
The next generation of affordable luxury condominiums can now be found at the heart of Bangkok’s central business district (CBD). With single-bedroom and twin bedroom fully-furnished minimalist décor apartments, Notting Hill’s Sumkhumvit 105 includes the revolutionary auto-mechanical parking system, a free-forming swimming pool, fitness clubs as well as sauna & steam suites. The property is strategically located along the Rama 9 MRT station, in alignment with the BTS skytrain, making it a breeze to travel to other business districts within the region.
Sukhumvit 105 @ Notting Hill is also well-known for its proximity to Lasalle Road, a Z-shape passageway in-between Sukhumvit Road and Srinakarin Road, with the closest public transit being BTS Bearing. Sukhumvit 105 is also situated in the Outer Sukhumvit, a territory where developments are still relatively new with more mid-ranged condos than upper-end luxury ones. In addition, a majority of community malls and cafes have also been established during the past decade.
There are also a myriad of new attractions and upcoming shopping malls in the vicinity for the convenience of foreign tourists and local shoppers alike, including The Bangkok Mall (South-East Asia’s largest shopping mall opening in 2019), BITEC @ Bang-Na (i.e. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre), among others. Accessibility via highway access points to Rama 9 and Asoke-Din Daeng are within five-minute driving distance towards Makkasan Airport Link station enroute to Suvarnabhumi Airport. A world-class infrastructure with impeccable & impressive amenities/facilities certainly attracts global entrepreneurs to Bangkok to invest.
Sukhumvit 105 consists of an array of four-storey commercial buildings with retails shops, convenient stores, fast-food outlets and gourmet restaurants. Various amenities are also at the disposal of residents such as its iconic 3-storey residential clubhouse, multi-level garden, rooftop gardens, swimming pools, dedicated library, gymnasiums and fitness centres, as well as office workspaces with free internet connectivity 24/7. Security-wise, it provides keycard access, closed-circuit TV monitoring system, and a 24-hour round-the-clock security patrol. It also features twin lifts per condo block for the convenience of residents.
Wholly-developed by Origin Property Public Company Limited (“ORI”), Notting Hill Sukhumvit 105 is situated in the Bangna District of Bangkok. It comprises a luxury and affordable six 8-storey condominiums with 3-storey clubhouse comprising some 1,113 affordable or low-cost condo units which typically cater to the local communities. The average price per unit condo is set around THB 1.69 million. Construction is due to commence in mid-2017 with expected completion in two years. As with most upcoming real estate projects, property investors will be keeping close tabs on this development with great interest. For additional information on Sukhumvit 105, visit:
The future of Thai real estate
Thai real estate is one of the most reliably growing markets in the world. Prices show continued growth year on year, across all sectors of the market. Thai condominiums have posted between five and twelve percent annual price growth every year since 2008, with no sign of retreating or slowing down. The Thai real estate market’s greatest strength is its proven methods and resiliency. Property demand and land values have rebounded from multiple crises over the past three years: the market has weathered everything from a major political upheaval to the tragic events, and come out stronger. That ability to bounce back is a rare and attractive quality to the savvy investor. With the future railway of Kunming in China leading down south to Bangkok, including a wide array of logistic channels available to future property investors from all over the region encompassing Indo-China and Asean once the respective countries are seamlessly interconnected by Greater China’s proposed One Belt, One Road initiative spanning seventy nations.
