Apartments and Condos

The story continues…

“Is Bangkok really the place for us?” Ray wondered. He had been settled here for the past five years, married to Nantana, living in a downtown condo-things were going as well as he had expected. Gone were the days when he lived in a tiny squalid roach infested corner room of the 59 Guest House just off the Kao San Road. The infamous guest house where illegal substances were readily on sale to some of the “druggies” that showed up. Of course, Ray would have had no part in that. The only thing Ray was guilty of, was the occasional excessive binge drink with his best friend on a crate of Klosters. That and his passion for Nantana were his only drugs in life. Thankfully, during the next five years, Thailand cleaned up her act on drugs. The war on drugs ensuedr and thousands were arrested. The owners of 59 Guest House were arrested too-they jumped bail and fled Thailand to the other City of Angels-never to return.

Itchy Feet

Ray was working hard. His English school was doing well. He’d managed to maintain an average of 65 students during the year and as long as they paid their monthly tuition fees, he’d be able to pay the rent on the condo and rent on the school. And after all the bills were paid he’d still have some left over at the end of the month. But it wasn’t enough for Ray, he’d hoped for better-a nicer job or a better condo or apartment. Or even a change of country. After all, Ray was a traveller at heart and it’d take a lot to stop those itchy feet. 

Looking for a new home-Ray didn’t have to look very far for rental apartments or condos in Bangkok. The city which covers an area of approximately 1500 square kilometres has been under further development and is now networked by not only an upgraded high speed inter-communications network which includes broadband internet connections, but also a state-of-the-art rapid transport system allowing easy access to other provinces and cities. These along with Bangkok’s idyllic water canal networks, lush greenery, parks and ornately decorative temples allows new residents to find their dream apartment or condo. It also allows prospective investors a glimpse of what opportunities exist in the city.

Homework

Of course, shopping around and seeing what’s available is probably the most essential part of condo and apartment hunting in Bangkok. You don’t want to fly into the first place you see. Ray decided to take the following steps to ensure that he’d find the place he wanted and even then he hesitated.

1.Decide on what kind of apartment you would like, there are serviced apartments and condos which include all the furnishings. Daily or thrice weekly cleaning of the apartment is normally part of the package too, but beware of all the extra cost that these will incur.

2. Do your homework and find out exactly which part of the city you want to live in; to give you a few hints, Asok is one of the most expensive areas, Sathorn, Ploenchit and Chit Lom are all business areas. Lad Prao and Sri Nakarin are more modest residential areas.

3. Use a reputable real estate agent to do the hard work for you, especially when it comes to contracts and looking over the fine print in Thai language. Their advice will be invaluable. Companies like Forbest Properties have a wealth of experience in real estate. They have an extensive range of apartments and condos all over Bangkok and Thailand.

Ray didn’t make the move to another rental apartment or condo. They bought a house instead. Ray 49% ownership and Nantana 51%. For the best perhaps…