Property in Hua Hin

[traveller2]

Hi everyone, im new to this so bear with me.

My wife and I are thinking of buying a small house in the Hua Hin area, but like most people new to the area, dont know which property agencys are best to deal with.

Ive been in touch with 2 agencys, one being 'Hot property Hua Hin', who, after reading a few blogs on here, appear to be reputable and 'Hua Hin property centre', who I know nothing about.

Is Hua Hin property centre long established, reputable, etc?

Ive read a few of the blogs on here and got a basic idea of the area and laws governing property sales/rental and having visited the area and revisiting again next month, know we like the area.

Any additional information will always be gratefully received.

Thankyou for your help.

[hhfarang]

Hi traveller2,

People are not allowed to slander property shops on public forums unless they can prove what they say about them (and even that is dangerous here) so I wouldn't look for many constructive answers to your questions. Just take your time and talk to folks around town in person before you lay down your cash. It won't take you long to find out who's the good, the bad and the ugly.

Welcome to the forum.

Good luck.

[Spitfire]

Yeah, hot potato dude, and new members diving in with their first post about a property company/sponsor of the site or others is a bit of a 'red flag' for many. Probably a good idea, if you want to join the community with an idea to frequently posting and contributing, is to introduce yourself in the 'Introductions' forum at the top of the page and some folks on the forum will point you in the right direction.

Have to be careful with the property places, in general the sponsors of the site are fine, but you'll find that the site guarantees nothing regarding them or their businesses. Those that are not sponsors, well, don't post anything detrimental unless you have proof as egos run out-of-control mostly when it comes to this subject.

My advice to you would be to use the 'search' function properly, as much can be learned from it and don't get involved in anything here until you have lived here for a year or so, then make your move after familiarizing yourself with the place. The highway of property/business/relationships is littered with failure and regrets in Thailand.

This 'riding into town' and trying to 'Harry Potter it' will only lead to problems, if, that is, you are being straight-up with your post.

Forgive my cynicism, and if I'm wrong then............welcome to the forum.

[dtaai-maai]

The problems with property firms threatening to sue the forum's owners if libelous comments are made here are for Admin to deal with. Don't jump down the guy's throat just because he asked a civil question!

Welcome to the forum, traveller.

The advice to rent in Hua Hin and have a good look round before buying is valid whatever agency you choose.

[TypicallyTropical]

One thing you need to know: the real estate agencies in HH sell their own listings, there is no Multiple Listing Service (MLS) there. Accordingly, you should contact as many real estate agencies as you can in order to see what's on the market. Based on my own "real estate tour" there it is more important to hire a competent attorney than anything else! Good luck with your search!

[traveller2]

Apologies to everyone, it appears ive unwittingly stepped into a minefield.

We are serious about buying/renting in the Hua Hin area and using the property as a holiday home with the intention of using it as a retirement home in the long term.

All comments are gratefully received and will be considered, thankyou.

We are visiting HH soon and will be looking at a few propertys to get an idea of what we can expect for our money and also to talk to people and weigh up how to tackle the subject.

An attorney sounds like a 'must', especially as we are 'farangs' and dont totally understand the laws and mechanism involved.

Again, thankyou for the comments and information.

[Lev]

Just for your info we have a listings database from several reputable agents as well as private owners here: http://www.propertyhuahin.net/

[Pleng]

Apologies to everyone, it appears ive unwittingly stepped into a minefield.

We are serious about buying/renting in the Hua Hin area and using the property as a holiday home with the intention of using it as a retirement home in the long term.

Unless your wife is Thai (and, maybe even if she is!) I would seriously consider the rental route. There are pitfalls associated with both buying and renting, but the pitfalls associated with renting are limited to the length of the rental agreement; get buying wrong and you could be left with a property you don't like and cant sell for life.

[traveller2]

Thanks Pleng, she isnt Thai and renting sounds like a more feasible option at this moment in time.

[ken.p]

Hi, I’m also new to this site, but have had a house in Hua Hin for over a year now. I very happy with what I have, though a few who live near me are not so,
If your happy to live out of town, then go take a look at Emerald resort. They also have a website. There are many development similar around, just take time to look around before you buy. Good look.

[Whaler]

We just moved in yesterday and it could not of been an easier and more enjoyable experiance having your customised home built for you.

Give John or Anthony a call at Hot property and they will also put you in contact with Jane who's an ex British solicitor she will explane the pros and cons to buying in HH

[margaretcarnes]

Welcome traveller2 and the best of luck - but just be aware that in Thailand there aren't the same sort of professional bodies governing Real Estate Agents - or solicitors - which you may be used to back home. No 10 year NHBC guarantees. No freehold. No Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Many expats are genuine and making an honest living. Some are not. Some run businesses there which they had no experience of back home. Certificates can be easily obtained and look kosher.
I would certainly rent for more than a few months first and just get to know the territory. When you do find the expats who you want to do business with just Google their names and/or check with their professional bodies.

[sateeb]

[quote="ken.p"]Hi, I’m also new to this site, but have had a house in Hua Hin for over a year now. I very happy with what I have, though a few who live near me are not so,
If your happy to live out of town, then go take a look at Emerald resort. They also have a website.




Hi Ken P

Do you have a place at Emerald resort?.....I will be moving there in 3 weeks on a one year renewable lease...Any feedback pos/neg would be appreciated...One thing I am a little concerned about is the price per electricity unit at 5baht...When I asked the Agent about this they stated its because the Resort isn't completed yet and EGAT have yet to install individual meters in the properties so I have to pay the bill at the Sales Office....hmmmmm

[ken.p]

Sorry to all if this is the incorrect way to reply to a question.

Hi Sateeb. Yes I have property at Emerald resort, and yes again Electricity is charged at 5 Baht a unit.
All properties have meters, but Emerald employees read and bill each property, I hear that at some stage the charge per unit will reduce.

As I said I’m Happy with what I have for the price I paid, others are not so happy.
I have had a few problems since moving in, but all have been sorted by Emerald in a reasonable time.
The pool and clubhouse, have been slow in the build but seem to be moving along in the right direction.
Remember Emerald is like any other company, there to make money.
Good luck with your move and I hope to see you at some point.

[traveller2]

Thanks for the info ken.P. We have seen a nice looking house at the Emerald Resort and may view it when we visit, if its still available.
Its good to know there are other expats living there who are relatively happy with their properties.

Thanks for the good solid advice Margaret, I will bare it in mind if/when we decide to rent/buy.

Sateeb, we wish you all the best in your move to Emerald Resort.