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How to choose an apartment in Thailand to buy: the cheapest condos

When planning something serious, you need to prepare a lot in advance. And if your idée fixe is to buy an apartment in Thailand (so that you never pay rent again), then you've come to the right place))

I have spent quite a lot of time (and will still spend) studying the apartments offered for purchase in condominiums, as well as living in various Thai dwellings, so I have a lot to tell.

Probably, it is better to put the legal nuances of the purchase procedure in a separate article, but there are moments that cannot be ignored when analyzing the ads for the sale of apartments in Thailand.

First, a foreigner can only buy apartments in houses that are legally recognized as condominiums. That is, if you find a cheap room in some Thai three-story building, then you cannot buy it if the house is not recognized as a condominium (and this is most likely the case!).

Secondly, there is a “foreign quota” – foreigners cannot own more than half of the apartments in a condominium. If you buy an apartment that is registered in a foreign name, then everything is fine, the foreign quota is transferred with the apartment. If the apartment is in a Thai name, then, in theory, if there is a foreign quota for this house, then it can be written down to a foreigner, if there is no quota, then it is impossible. There is an option to open a Thai company and register an apartment on it, but I don't like this option.

So far, that's all with legal nuances – a separate article will be devoted to them.

The most important characteristics of apartments:

1. Location. If you live in Jomtien, then to walk around Central Festival you will need to either take public transport, or take a taxi, or drive a motorcycle yourself. If you live outside Sukhumvit Rd, then in order to return home in the evening after sitting in a bar, you need to take a taxi (public transport no longer runs, and it is better not to drive drunk). That is, the fact that you are already in Thailand is good, but living somewhere in Central, South, North Pattaya is better than beyond Sukhumvit Rd or Jomtien area.

2. Condition. A cheap apartment in poor condition, together with repairs, can equal the cost of a better apartment, plus the saved time. You also need to remember that sometimes sellers like to upload photos of an apartment “in their youth”.

So, let's get started, we will discuss the rest of the nuances as we come across them.

I watch the ads for the sale of apartments in Thailand here: https://www.thailand-property.com/condos-for-sale/chonburi/pattaya?sort=min_price. There are other sites for buying and selling real estate in Thailand, but this is the most comprehensive one I have found so far.

By the way, this article will have the second part, which will be called “How to choose an apartment in Thailand to buy: condo up to 900 thousand baht (less than $29000)” and the third part with a range from 900,000 to 1,000,000 baht – up to a million baht is still an acceptable price for a poor Russian guy, and the apartments in this price category are much better, so it makes sense to wait, save money and tighten the belt even more.

The first thing we pay attention to: the same apartment can be in different ads – this is normal, since different realtors sell the same property.

For example, this is the same apartment:

1.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-central-pattaya-chonburi_6112002

Choose an ad with more photos:

600 thousand baht is a very good price.

We read the description:

Condo for sale in Central Pattaya, Chonburi

The Flybird Condo is right in the heart of South Pattaya, for almost 30 years. The construction was completed in 2000. It is located near: Big-C Shopping Mall, HomePro, restaurants, transport. In the complex are a large swimming pool, a mini-Mart, a Laundry and 24-hour security. This specific unit is in building C on floor 5 and because it has no lift it could be a down site on this sale. But if this is o problem, it is a perfect unit, comes fully furnished on a foreign name. The selling price is only 600,000.0 THB included transfer fee.

Cons:

  • this is the fifth floor of a five-story building, there is no elevator. When we're old, getting to the fifth floor will be a problem. Even if you are young, going up from floor 1 to floor 5 means you will sweat through and through.
  • reviews on Google Maps are bad, even according to the price

Pros:

  • it's very cheap.
  • apartment in a foreign name.
  • good location – center of South Pattaya.
  • bearable condition
  • very well-positioned kitchenette – on the balcony, I really love these options

Conclusion: I would buy. I plan to get around the elevator problem by dying before I become infirm.

2.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-casa-espana-pratumnak-hill-chonburi_6415161

Fragment of the description:

Condo for sale in Casa Espana, Pratumnak Hill, Chonburi

* Thai Quota

We see that this is a Thai quota, we will not consider this apartment further.

3.

https://www.thailand-property.com/1-bedroom-condo-for-sale-in-bang-lamung-chonburi_6529978

Nothing is said about a foreign or Thai name – most likely, this is a Thai quota, let’s skip.

4.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-nine-karat-condominium-central-pattaya-chonburi_5740152

Price: ฿ 750,000

A rickety apartment on a Thai name, but we'll take a look at it anyway.

First, it seems that this particular condo still has a foreign quota. Secondly, I lived in this condo and it has a very good location.

There are still a lot of disadvantages of the condo:

  • it's old
  • sometimes the pump breaks down (albeit infrequently)
  • the gym has not existed for a long time

But there are some advantages:

  • the most important thing is the location. This is the city center. You can easily get to the beach, either by public transport or on foot.
  • kitchenette on the balcony, exactly as I like
  • the price for an apartment in the center is still low.

Let's look at the condition:

The balcony is glazed. But you can see either dirt or mold.

The room seems to be normal.

The toilet is not very good, and there are stains on the ceiling – apparently, water also leaks from the neighbors.

Conclusion: if possible apply for a foreign name, I would buy. This is really the best location you can afford for the money.

5.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-majestic-jomtien-jomtien-chonburi_5529799

Nothing was said about the foreign quota, besides Jomtien – we skip.

6.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-casa-espana-pratumnak-hill-chonburi_4291148

Nothing was said about the foreign quota – we skip it.

7.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-chonburi_3407015

Nothing was said about the foreign quota, besides Jomtien – we skip.

8.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-pratumnak-hill-chonburi_6812974

Nothing was said about the foreign quota – we skip it.

9.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-pattaya-condotel-chain-jomtien-chonburi_6177987

Condo for sale in Pattaya Condotel Chain, Jomtien, Chonburi

Studio of 28 sq m is located on 6th floor in the Condotel Chain condominium, 200 meters from the beach. Foreign quota.

15-storey condominium Pattaya Condotel Chain is conveniently located in the Central part of Jomtien beach, 200 meters from the beach. Protected area, athletic facilities, a swimming pool, parking.

Price: ฿ 780,000

There is a foreign quota, but this is Jomtien.

Let's look at the room itself:

In principle, not bad, there is even space for a workplace.

The bathroom looks pretty good.

Yes, the room is in good condition.

Let's see this place on Google Maps.

Conclusion: if the beach (by the way this apartment is 200 meters from the sea) is more important to you than the center of Pattaya, then the room is definitely worth every baht spent on it.

10.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-nordic-little-dream-pattaya-chonburi_6183431

Snippet from the description:

It comes fully furnished and in Company Name, a perfect investment in a prime location.

No, I don't want an apartment registered with a Thai company – we skip it.

11.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-sombat-pattaya-condotel-pratumnak-hill-chonburi_4306144

From the description:

Condo is available for sale in Thai name

Let's skip.

12.

https://www.thailand-property.com/1-bedroom-condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-beach-condominium-jomtien-chonburi_6835248

Nothing has been said about the foreign quota, we skip it.

13.

https://www.thailand-property.com/1-bedroom-condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-beach-condominium-jomtien-chonburi_6477573

Nothing has been said about the foreign quota, we skip it.

14.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-pattaya-chonburi_6361180

FN Studio Unit At Sombat Condo View - Pratamnak Soi 5

This studio unit is 31.20 sqm. large and located on 3rd floor with garden view. Includes wooden furniture, ceiling fan, air condition, and compact kitchen.

Ownership: Foreign Name

The unit is sold as is shown in pictures.

Sombat condoview is great located in Pratamnak soi 5 with many amenities nearby. Just 300 meter to the beach.

Facilities includes;

  • Security
  • Parking
  • Receiption

Yearly fees: 8,190 THB

Any questions please quote the following listing ID 5103 when calling. More properties like this can be found at Lazudi.com, where you can find over 15,000 available properties for For Sale in Thailand. See more about this specific property and others like it here https://lazudi.com/th-en/chonburi/property/fn-studio-unit-at-sombat-condo-view-pratamnak-soi-5-5103.

Price: ฿ 799,000

Despite the location (Jomtien and not even by the sea), the room attracts attention. The room is pleasant, fresh air conditioning, normal furniture (why in other rooms there are 3 coffee tables and not a single normal table for work?!), there is a kitchenette, although inside the room itself.

Nice bathroom.

Really good.

Conclusion: to get to interesting places, you need a motorcycle or taxi. If in reality the room looks like in the photographs (fresh), then it is quite worth the money, this is a good offer.

15.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-beach-condominium-jomtien-chonburi_6238240

Condo for sale in Jomtien Beach Condominium, Jomtien, Chonburi

Studio (30 sq.m.) @ Jomtien Beach Condo - Rimhad (situated in Jomtien area). Listed for sale for price - 799,000 THB. This unit comes, equipped with Kitchen, Cooking hob, Microwave, Fridge, TV, Air-con, Washing machine, Cable TV, and registered in Foreigner name. This unit is situated on 2 floor and has nice City view.

Price: ฿ 799,000

A crumpled little room on Jmotien – no, don't.

16.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-beach-condominium-jomtien-chonburi_5173001

Condo for sale in Jomtien Beach Condominium, Jomtien, Chonburi

Studio 28 sq.m in a comfortable condominium, 7rd floor. Building A3. Fully furnished. Foreign name.

Distance to the beach about 400 meters. The complex includes 5 buildings, has two pools and two sports halls. There are restaurants, bars, MINI MARTS, hairdresser, beauty salon, massage. There is 24 hour security with cameras on each floor and covered parking. Direct access to the beach.

Price: ฿ 799,000

Nice fresh room.

Of the minuses, this is Jomtien.

Another disadvantage is the selection of furniture, everything is crammed with coffee tables and TV stands – who needs it?! To put an ordinary normal table under the workplace, some of the existing furniture will need to be thrown away.

17.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-chonburi_4643684

Condo for sale in Jomtien, Chonburi

project name: Chain Condo

quota: Foreign quota

type: Studio

size: 28 Sq.M.

view: City view

floor: 5

Price: ฿ 799,000

I just didn’t like it – for the same money I’ll look for something else.

18.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-pattaya-condotel-chain-jomtien-chonburi_3253331

Most likely a Thai quota.

19.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-beach-and-mountain-condo-jomtien-chonburi_6420362

Jomtien, Thai name - skip.

20.

https://www.thailand-property.com/2-bedroom-condo-for-sale-in-jomtien-beach-mountain-6-jomtien-chonburi_5481440

Ownership: Thai name

21.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-or-rent-in-novana-residence-south-pattaya-chonburi_3559422

for sale in Thai company name

22.

https://www.thailand-property.com/condo-for-sale-in-pattaya-plaza-condotel-na-kluea-chonburi_2232765

Condo for sale in Pattaya Plaza Condotel, Na Kluea, Chonburi

Pattaya Plaza Condotel is located close to Sukhumvit Road at the top off Central Pattaya Road, providing easy access to Pattaya Beach and Central Pattaya. Shopping is close by and convenient. Shop at Carrefour on Pattaya Klang or Big C on Sukhumvit Road. Very close to bus station offering service to Bangkok or Rayong. Pattaya Plaza Condotel Facilities: Large swimming pool, 24 hour security, key card system, laundry services. This 38sqm condo is on the second floor, and is sold furnished. Title deed under foreign name. All taxes and transfer fee at land office pay by buyer.

Features:

  • Swimming Pool,
  • Air Conditioning

Price: ฿ 800,000

Bad furniture.

The room is located behind Sukhumvit Road.

I would look for another room.

Conclusion

When I was looking for apartments in the Russian Federation in a cheap price segment, every time I was naturally depressed after what I saw. I hope that Thailand's “bottom-level huts” did not disappoint you too much. We looked at apartments up to 800 thousand baht, in fact, this is really the very bottom. Already for 900 thousand baht you can find very good apartments in condominiums in Thailand, so there will be another article “How to choose an apartment in Thailand to buy: condos up to 1 million baht”.

Would I buy something for myself from the above list? Yes, if I can’t save 900 thousand baht, I’ll buy something similar to the one discussed above.

What is more important, a good location or a good renovation? For me (in Thailand), location is more important. But if you weigh everything sensibly, with a long stay, when there is no opportunity to walk to bars and shopping centers every day, the distance from the center is easily compensated by taxi services. In addition, in Central Pattaya, being on the beach is simply unbearable. That is, a well-kept room somewhere in Jomtien is also a good option.

Read next: How to choose an apartment in Thailand to buy: condo up to 900 thousand baht (less than $29000)


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