Real Estate investments - Thailand: Pattaya and Eastern Seaboard Property Newsletter. September 2011

I think it is fair to say that it has been a bit of an unusual month. Obviously, we had some exceptionally heavy rain over the weekend a couple of weeks ago and some quite significant flooding as a result. Not unreasonably given the time of the year, many, including me, concluded that this was the start of the traditional Pattaya rainy season, which would ordinarily last for around

6 weeks. During the week of the rain and flooding, things were, perhaps somewhat predictably, relatively quiet. But then the weather surprisingly improved and the following couple of weeks have been the busiest we have seen in some time, hence the fact that I am a little late with the newsletter. Certainly no complaints, but we have been working extremely hard. I hope this augurs well for the rapidly approaching high season.

During the course of the last month, I popped in to see Miki from Iguana/Matrix. While I was at his office, he showed me the initial drawings for their new Amazon project, to be located on a site of roughly 8 rai (12,800 square metres) in Jomtien. I have to say that it looks like it is going to be something really quite special. Like one or two other new developments that have been launched recently, it is very much a resort style condominium and many aspects of the design remind you of a four/five star hotel resort. A major feature is a huge lagoon style swimming pool, to be built on three levels with water falls. There are islands within the swimming pool, along with sandy beaches and coves providing privacy and picnic spots. The whole site will be exceptionally green, with lots of vegetation and palm trees meaning that all units will have either a pool view, a sea-view or a green view. The top of all four buildings will also be green, with areas for relaxing, plus salas and massage areas. There will be a restaurant/bar, a gymnasium, so on and so forth.

The standard units will be one bedroom condos, of 35 sq m, the prices for which start at 1.49m Baht. While that sounds quite small, the design is extremely efficient and most buyers who have invested in similar units have been very surprised at how big they appear. The price includes everything, including a European style kitchen and the units are fully furnished.

Given the modular design, it is possible to buy two or more units and create bigger apartments to suit your own personal requirements. While it will undoubtedly be a superb environment in which to live full time, it is a project that will, I believe, appeal to investors and those people looking for a holiday home that can, while they are away, earn them a healthy income. There will be a management service in place, and a large lobby area meaning that apartments will be able to be rented out much like a hotel room. Given the nature of the development, one would anticipate that it will be place that is very popular with holidaymakers, particularly bearing in mind that it is likely to suit families better than most hotels.

Bearing in mind the highly impressive nature of the development, it is not surprising that early sales have been extremely strong. If recent trends continue, then those buying early are likely to see quite significant price appreciation by the time the building is complete. Moreover, Iguana/Matrix have an extremely good track record of delivering their projects promptly, so one can feel comfortable buying from them off-plan. And I have put my money where my mouth is by investing in the development myself.

Having discussed this with Miki, for those buyers who decide to buy in the Amazon project through us, Sallmanns, during the course of the next month (up until the end of October 2011), we are happy to offer a special deal whereby you will get 2% cash back off the purchase price. If you want more details on this offer, or upon the development, please feel free to contact me either by phone or email. The most important thing so far as the offer is concerned is that, obviously, in order to qualify, you do need to buy through us.

As those of you who have been reading this newsletter for some time will know, I do a weekly property report on the Mix 88.5 fm radio station, starting at about 12.20 pm each Wednesday. For the last couple of weeks and for the foreseeable future, the show is being filmed by Pattaya Mail TV, who show it in its entirety on Fridays. If you are interested in taking a look, please check the times for PMTV on your cable TV service. It shows a number of times each Friday. Alternatively, I understand that the shows are to be uploaded onto PMTV's You Tube account, so they will soon be available there as well. As from this coming week, the Tudor Group will be sponsoring the show on both the radio and TV.

Thanks to some of our clients, you will find details of some more very attractive deals below. The two houses in Bang Saray, one for sale and one for rent, really stand out in terms of how nice they are and the value for money that they offer. The same can be said for the 50 square metre 1 bed/bath condo on Pratumnak Hill, while the 80 square metre 1 bed condo in Nirvana Place, available for only 3.2m Baht in a foreign name, is truly an exceptional deal.

Some interesting news this month from our associated financial advisory company, particularly if you are an expat looking at buying a condo in Thailand. A leading bank is currently willing to offer mortgage finance to purchasers with a Hong Kong ID card to purchase freehold condos anywhere in Thailand. Another big name institution is willing to offer similar finance to expats provided the freehold condo they are planning to purchase is located in Bangkok. As always there are pre-set criteria that need to be met, but for those looking for finance, there are again excellent prospects of getting up to a 70% mortgage on Thai property. Moreover, the subject condominium can be used as a main residence or as a buy to let investment property. Our associated company can facilitate an introduction (without obligation or cost) to assess your suitability prior to proceeding with any application.

By www.investments.by - Investments in Thailand, Vietnam, Belarus and other countries