buying property

Ask here about the pleasures and pitfalls of buying, selling or renting property and real estate in Hua Hin. Building, design and construction topics welcome. Commercial or promotional posts for real estate companies or private properties are forbidden.
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johnnyk
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Post by johnnyk »

caller wrote:I certainly agree its best to view places when you're there and I spent some time riding around looking at developments without agents, to get a feel for what was on offer, how build quality and prices compared (thats the bit I don't get and Johnyk has commented on that on this and other sites).
I saw the same basic construction materials and techniques, wall thicknesses, depth of footings etc in developments that varied widely in price. Many of the more expensive homes had a glossy finish such as highly polished wood floors, fancy sinks and taps etc. Underneath the gloss it was pretty much samesame. I can always change or specify fancier fixtures for a bit more money if I wish.

Some houses had poor, unimaginative floor plans with terrible use of space and light, eg. long narrow living rooms where you would feel you were living in a railway car. Some developments were simply boxy houses plunked down in dull rows on tiny plots in the middle of a field and no money spent on design either external or internal.

Builders build to different standards for different reasons and quality varies. Some want to make a fair profit for their risk and effort and build a name, others want to make a quick hit and could care less. Some have a clear idea of their market, others don't. Experience levels also vary.

Its also possible the builder realizes he paid too much for the land and tries to recoup by cutting corners. It can be difficult to find skilled tradespeople, especially in a housing boom, so either the good workers demand more money or the builder can get only less-skilled people or the foreman is stealing materials or any number of things.
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HansMartin
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Post by HansMartin »

This raises a question I have had for a while. For those of yu who have bought property recently--what is he selling price as a percent of the asking price. Out here in CA it has been well over a 100% for a long time, but now the selling price is getting close to the asking price.

Also is there any way to find out the actual sellling price of a parcel. It is easy to do in the US, but what about in Thailand?
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johnnyk
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Post by johnnyk »

Depends on what you are buying.
If you are buying a new house from a developer then there is no negotiation, the price is the price.
Re-sale will depend on other factor such as how motivated the seller is; whether the seller is Thai or falang etc etc.
From what I have heard Thais set the price and don't negotiate while falangs are more used to western-style offers vs. asking price.
In HH prices are generally going up nicely...for now.
IMO, you cannot compare the housing market in Thailand with other markets, it is Thailand and things operate differently whether we like it or not.
Dougal
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Post by Dougal »

Coincidentally the program 'A Place in the Sun' was shown on UK TV yesterday. The program was made a year ago I think and focussed on HH and Cha Am.

I will watch the recording again and see if I can tell whether the prices of properties that I recognise have gone up by much in the meantime.
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HansMartin
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Post by HansMartin »

i'm well aware that things operate different in Thailand. I'm just trying to figure out "the rules of the road before buying". However, it sure seems to me that there is a lot of property for sale; and that there is all to often a lack of quality. :(
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johnnyk
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Post by johnnyk »

Hans, I think that is true every where but the "riles of the road" are a little bit different in Thailand (ie. there are no rules!).
You have to go by what you see and what you feel.
Chok dee. :cheers:
sam
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Post by sam »

Dougal, the prices have gone up a long way the house on Baan Thai one at 22,000 is now 40,000 on baan thai two! We have just put down a deposit after doing a lot of research and looking at lots of houses the owner was very helpful and fair , it made the process quite painless, the estate agent didn't put anything on the price.
chaiwat
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Post by chaiwat »

[ edited by Admin ]
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Lev
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Post by Lev »

chaiwat, your post has been edited, this is a discussion, not an opportunity to sell your properties.

If you would like an opportunity to sell your properties please contact us for details.
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