My main reason for not buying a condo in my 20+years of travelling to Thailand is the ever changing visa rules, and the real possibility of not being allowed back into the country.
The visa rules have not changed much, very easy place to live Do not listen to all to all the crap .Nice to have a place you of your own.Never have to move.Good luck love the outdoor corridors, Quiet,no echoes.
I've lived in Thailand since 1984, mostly in a house through marriage. If a foreigner wants to retire in Thailand and they are short of money but can meet Immigration's requirements, then renting would be better because they can rent cheaply if they want to. If you have the money to buy a condominium and you don't mind not being able to sell or rent out the condominium, then buy one and enjoy life living in it. The downside of owning one is that you might want to move to another part of the country and you might not be able to sell it because of the surplus of condominiums. If you think you're going to move one day, then rent a condominium.
There’s no such thing as “not being able to sell it” - unless you meant “at the price you want.” That’s always true as you never control market price. But there’s no problem with any home that a lower price won’t fix.
@tabbycat8511 not being able to sell another right price indeed. A right price would never be at a loss, in my opinion. I have live here for nearly 20 years now. My first house I was able to sell at a profit, with an ROI of about 10% annually. Not bad, but it was walking distance to the beach. So: LICATION! My current house I have owned for 12 years, beautiful home, is unsellable unless I sell at a loss. Meanwhile in EU property prices have more than doubled. So it was a horrible "Investment". I should have bought in EU. Not forgetting the quality of building here. A house is considered old after 10 yrs or less. They are not build to last. They are an expense, not investment. If you are aware of this, and accept these facts, sure buy.
The real downside is buying anything when married to a Thai means you lose 51 percent with the possibility of losing more if divorce becomes the next step in your life. If you buy a farm, you get whatever storms comes and leaves you with a monsoon of debts. Expect no support unless its self supporting via hidden foreign reserves or assets out of reach and none know about.
The best point you made was the condo management. I just got here April 28, rented a condo on May 10th. I looked at a lot of condos in Pattaya, one thing I noticed was how poorly some were maintained. The place I'm in now is on the ball on maintenance, clean halls, grounds, elevators, etc. Something to watch for when you are in the market.
@@GreenyTravels that, and making sure covenants and conditions are adhered to. I was in The Base, being shown a condo, and one of the residents was out in the hall partially making food. 🙄 The elevator also showed a lot of damage, needless to say, I didn't rent there! 🤣
Going through the same process. I'm just going to rent for a year in Pattaya and take my time, study the market, the developers of new projects and location before buying. Good luck to you!
@@Mr.M_I_T watch out for the Chinese developments. I've seen two in Pattaya, one brand new, and the other older one nearby. The older one shows signs of poor management, dirty and worn elevators, dirty hallways, etc., things most people would not notice right off. You don't want to own a condo in a poorly managed development.
Maintenance is very important. Also, ask and compare the cost of maintenance for the year. Building I'm in is well maintained. The Maintenance fee was only 55% of other similar buildings in Pattaya. Just for comparison my West Palm Beach condo is valued at $125,000 or 4,350,000 baht and property taxes were $2691.00 or 93,700 baht. Maintenance for year $5652 or $196,800 baht or about $8343 or 290,421 baht a year.
Hi Greeny, I've owned my own condo in Bangkok from new for the last 13 years. So glad I bought as it gives me security, a comfy home in my style, no hassle from greedy landlords and a sense of community. For me no downsides at all. The owners association are good and I attend the AGM each year. The neighbours, management, maintenance, security and cleaning staff are friendly and helpful. I've never had to pay the new property tax. If you get yourself a yellow house register book the condo Juristic Person management should help you log it with the amphur as the condo being your main residence and therefore no tax to pay. I beleive you did the right thing and most who say "RENT" just don't have commitment, vision or cash to secure a nice place for their future life.
@@GreenyTravels Just having the yellow book isn't enough. Apparently it has to be registered with the local land tax department to avoid the property tax.
@@patriciavandevelde5469 The Silk Phaholyothin 3 Condo. Check HipFlat or DDproperty to see what's for rent/sale. DM me by email if you have any more questions.
Why buy in Thailand as the capital appreciation is very poor? Its no where near the appreciation you get in the west so to me it's a poor investment it's probably more of an ego thing where you can say I own a property in thailand. I plan to rent my property out in the uk which is debt free and rent for half the value in thailand per mth.
As a former condo owner, I think the dangers are exaggerated. If you buy freehold, having done all the due diligence, there's no risk to your ownership. I ended up not keeping my unit because I unexpectedly needed to get the money back out, which I did and then some. People say condos don't hold their value, but I made 30% after 3 years on a unit that was in a 20-year-old building. Like anywhere, it's a matter of picking a good building in a good location.
When did you buy and when did you sell? I'm considering buying a condo in BKK, possibly as an investment (although not ruling out keeping it as a part time place to stay in), and I hear so many people saying it's a bad idea, they depreciate in value due to so many being built, along with "the building won't be maintained" etc
Good for you Greeny, best advice from this video is don't listen to other people, do what's right for you. Like the man David Goggins says, other peoples opinions are just projections of themselves.
Hi John what type of planning or prepping did you have in place to line yourself up with that? I'm from the US and will be looking to retire soon. I hear good things about Croatia and Poland ..thailand needs no introduction, I spent some time in the Philippines loved it there. The US is on a Collision Course to crash and burn, Peace Brotha Jeff
i'm thai and i used to own a condo. i rent it out but it wasn't worth it. those tenants just ruined my condo and i had to pay for renovations every time each of them moved out. i later sold it and i decide if i own a condo again i will not rent it out.
I had condo for 10 years in Jomtien, Year 1...Carpark needed resurfacing, Year 2....Water tank on roof needed replacing , Year 3 .....Sump pump needed as well found under building, Year 4......Pool sinking and needed replaced , Year 5 .....CCTV installed , Year 6 ......interior and exterior painting. Year 7 ......Roof needs replaced and sealed, Year 8.......Ceiling comes down due to flooding in empty unit above , Year 9 ......Woodworm infestation in furniture , Year 10......Sold it for same price i paid for it. Each year every unit had to pay towards repairs , on top of service charges, insurance, accountancy fees. I have rented ever since Make up your own mind guys.
To be fair, I have a friend who’s had the same experience with her flat in Wimbledon, south west London. That’s just a feature of home owning anywhere that has communal areas I guess.
Thanks Greeny for a down to earth real video about Thailand You are living a normal life and thats what I want! Golf, hiking, biking, a nice GF. I am moving to Pattaya in 5-6 months from Los Angeles. I do have a UK friend there in Jomtein, he started in Chang Mai but hated it(burn season, mosquitoes), and loves the coast. He rents for 160 a month 2 blocks from the beach! I subscribed because you seem real and not trying to sell something or being emotional.
Very nice. Thank you I kinda miss the birds they made the lecture more interesting and sweeter. Nice common sense and I see you’re touching base with what you want. I love that. Love it. Enjoy.
Great video! I'm going through the same thing at the moment. My uncle and I have decided to rent something first before buying. He's retired and I work six months out of the year. Pattaya will probably be where we end up buying. It's not about the return on investment financially but what the country gives back to you! Again, great video
Greeny great knowledgeable video , if your happy then good for you mate . People who leave negative comments are people who are jealous of your lifestyle. There’s no point in being the richest man in the graveyard!!! And let’s face it renting is always throwing money away
Great information ... Same age, Same thinking about Thailand, Same Financial thinking .. Lol... Same Tigers team! So I subscribed. Bought a Condo in Cape Coral Florida after I retired. Have now doubled my money+ there since 2019 BUT... Everything in the US has also doubled in price... Inflation is out of control. I still live 6 months in MI and 6 in Florida... but considering Thailand. Went there on business when working and LOVED it. I'm following your channel. Thanks
It's nice to see that you are representing MSU! I'm an alumni. Turning 62 this year, single, house in Michigan is paid off, and now I'm thinking of retirement. Went to Rio last month and loved it, but the prices are high, and I felt I always had to be looking over my shoulder to avoid being mugged. Thailand looks interesting. I need to plan a visit but not sure where to go.
When you say 'prices are high' in Rio, I have to ask, prices of what?, and where in Rio? A very big place you know. I am guessing you scoped zona sul (Copa, Ipanama......), correct? Prices are high there. I live further west in Recreio. Prices are going up there, but they are half of what they are in zona sul, and usually for much newer properties. In general though, middle class areas in urban Brazil are less than half the cost of living of comparable cities in the USA. The only major disconnects in that scenario are the prices of automobiles (2X what they cost in the USA, and lower quality to boot!) and electronics (1.5X-3X more, depending on the specific item). Rent, food, utilities, health care, public transit, these are 1/2 or less than what they cost in the USA. As far as always almost being mugged, that is probably more perception than reality, with the BIG caveat it depends on exactly where you are. In Rio, zona sul, Barra, zona oeste, the risk of being mugged is WAY lowe than in almost any major city in the USA. I have lived in Brazil for 20+ years, travelled all over it, been to hundreds of different places, and I never have been mugged. I don`t know anybody who has been mugged. Most of the foreign visitors who had any problems like that anywhere in Brazil either (1) Went to places (probably drunk) that a person with common street smarts would never have gone to, or, (2) They were trying to hook up with a prostitute or buy drugs, both only cash scenarios, and is it surprising that they got held up and robbed in a situation where the criminal element knows the person has a large amount of cash on them AND they are unlikely to report the incident to the police?
@@suphatrachaiyasit7531 who said your stuck if owning a condo? I live in one as my primary and spend time in 4 countries whenever I feel like traveling. Can’t think of any reason why you can spent time where you please while owning a condo… whether the condo makes sense or not is solely whether you’re comfortable committing to a home base/primary residence.
I bought a condo in Pattaya, it was a mistake coz each year I have to pay for a service charge is £500. I left it empty there and birds droppings are in my balcony! I bought it for 1.7 million Baht , I want to sell it coz I hardly go there as I live and work in London. I want to sell it cheap just to get rid of it. It’s called Laguna 2. It’s a lovely place and near food market.
did you sell it .I am am interesting to buy some small flat in Pattaya .I like Jomtien.Will back to looking for .Now just watch on internet .But internet as you know is not a real. Every thing is shine , nice excellent ...........
You done the right thing. Its your money after all. imagine what the rent would be for a condo like that. when things pick up the rent will be high same as anywhere else. Good luck to you id love to have a condo in Thailand!
Been in Thailand 10 years, and been renting worry free. I have a condo 100 yards from the beach, for about half the price of living in a basement suite in Canada. Something breaks, I phone the lovely property manager, and she gets it fixed quickly. I have had two friends that bought condos and later tried to sell, and both had to take a loss to move their properties, and these both occurred before covid. It is apparently even worse now. Personally, I think renting is the only way to go, but it's a personal choice.
@@repent6238 First you have to decide where in Thailand you want to live. Then, my suggestion, is to look up a rental management company, and get them to show you around. Give them the price range you are looking for, and tell them you want as close to the beach as possible. You may not find a place you like with the first person to show you around, but keep trying.
@@murrayallinger2830 So what’s the best way to do this, stay at a hotel and then find a rental management company while I’m there, or do you know a rental management company that I can get in touch with before I get there?
@@repent6238 I'm not sure that there is a "best" way, but this has worked for me. Yes, the first time I did it, I stayed in a hotel in Jomtien, which is the general area where I decided I wanted to live, and then spent a few days looking at condos. I used two methods. One was to find a condo in an area that I liked, and go ask at the office if there were any rentals available. This was really hit and miss, but it did land me a super condo on one occasion. The other way is the way I mentioned, which was to find a rental agency, and work through a rental agent. This has turned out to be great for me, as over the years, that agent has become a good friend, and she kept an eye out for a great condo at a great price. Which is how I got the current unit that I am living in now.
Exactly right Greeny, it’s a personal decision. No right answer as everyone’s circumstances are different. I brought a condo in Central pattaya where you use to rent, with a view of 10 to 15 years use in retirement. It didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. I don’t care if I don’t make money on it. If it gives me years of enjoyment, thats all I want. At the end of the day, you can’t take it with you once you die!
@@markwick7898 Yes they have addressed the issue. Built a levy wall on the front block and upgraded the car park pumps. Plus the Soi is getting a massive drainage pipe upgrade. The entrance also has provision for a slew gate now.
I saw your original episode last year when you bought and one reason you gave to justify resonates with me, if you sell for even the same as you bought or even less its still a far smaller cost than 12to 15k a month to rent a nice place, all markets and crypto down except gold and that doesnt factor in charges and expenses of trust or investment or charges for managment of funds. you have done the right thing even if you sell in a year or two or three you have effectivley lived rent free for that entire period of time but that can only be done if you have planned to do so before hand.
@@GreenyTravels 100%. I'm currently renovating my first solo project after my divorce. Plan to have at least one or two more to add to this current one and retire at 50/55and live on the income as my pension is gone along with my first two houses.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:31 *🏢 Buying a Condo in Thailand: Public Opinion on Purchasing Property* - Mixed opinions about buying condos in Thailand were shared on Facebook. 03:38 *💰 Investment and Diversification: Investing in Real Estate vs. Stock Market* - Some advised against buying property in Thailand citing that money could be better invested in other areas like the stock market. - Purchasing a condo in Thailand was a good investment choice for the UA-camr, leading to potential gains over time. 06:12 *🏡 Living in Thailand: Benefits of Owning a Condo* - Besides financial considerations, the UA-camr shares personal benefits of owning a condo in Thailand such as improved lifestyle and health. Made with HARPA AI
Hey Greeny, I'm sure Fai is happy you bought a place rather than rent. I like renting because I like being able to move easily if I get bored or get to dislike the area.
Good video and topic. To each their own. I am still about 9 years away from retirement. Plan on retiring at 55. But I believe I will rent because I want to travel. My goal is to travel between Bangkok, Chang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Spend a week in each one and move onto the next continuously. My budget will be about 55,000 baht a week, but I might be able to increase it by then. Visited Thailand 4 times while in the military, totally plan retiring there.
I bought a used fully refurbished condo 10 years ago. I lived in Thailand permanently prior & sold real estate in Bkk & ChiangMai so learnt the ropes. I have a business in Thailand for the last 26 yrs & dont even need to be in Thailand. I have no regrets even though I only go there once a year now & rest on my farm in the west. Have had offers to buy my condo over what I paid. What I like is LINE from the office on everything that happens to our complex & the fees are nothing. Do your homework , never buy off the plan & buy what you can afford & walk away from if you have to........I have no regrets.
The difference between rent and the annual cost of moving and owning is the return on your investment, probably about 3% +-. Then there are the non monetary values of home and peace of mind. Some fail to realize that not everyone is desperately clinging to every last penny in their lives. As the Dalai Lama said “…the purpose of life is to be happy.”
Nice, I considered myself buying a condo in Thailand. I visited Bangkok in 2019 and loved it. Stayed near terminal 21 mall. I met a lot of interesting Koreans down there
Don’t know why it’s taken this video so long to show up on my feed but glad to have finally seen it, Greeny. You hit the nail on the head with “might not be right for everybody…make your own best decision”. If money can buy you a bit of health/happiness then it’s a good use of your money! Hope you’re still loving the place (and if you’re not the please ignore everything I just said. 😂😂😂) hope you’re doing great.
Greeny I think you made the right choice, you could always be in my position , I’m also retired and about the same age, I’ve lived in this house for 25 years, the first mistake I made was to shovel my neighbors driveway 25 years ago because I felt that they were old ( they were 60 at the time ) now I’m almost that age now and since I’ve been doing it all these years I can’t get out of it ( and of course I do it for free ), but it’s not the money I’m talking about , I just don’t have the ambition to do two driveways every time it snows, then my other neighbor goes away every summer to visit their children, … so guess who gets to mow two lawns all summer , not to mention I get called once a week to go fix something in their house, anyway I’m getting to the point where I don’t want to do the maintenance on my own house never mind my neighbors,… so moving into a beautiful place where everything is taken care of and no neighbors relying on you to fix the stuff they’re to cheap to pay to have fixed, I’d say was a GREAT decision .
Good Advice Brian: takeaways - Buy Condo. Diversify.. - Don’t sell stocks.. (am doing the same with my portfolio) . Hanging tight. Property Taxes on my house in TX ? $16K + a year . $15 bucks not bad at all
Been watching the condo Market for a long time, places sit for 5-10 years and can't sell, to me unless leaving it to someone for them to sell in 20+ years when demand might have caught up to supply, its a no go.
@@GreenyTravels True Greeny, the usual autocorrect of prices is what the market doesent do. You can see this is on the fazwaz site where the completion date and the outstanding sinking fund is part of the info, tons of places sitting unsold and they not only don't drop the prices they add 5% every year like its an appreciating asset 🙃
I think your advice is solid. If you plan to live there, then sure buy. If you are just starting out in Thailand, and or plan to bounce around some then it is probably best to rent.
I think you have made a good decision , when it comes making a decision remember there are no perfect decisions you have to do the research and go with your gut , you can’t sit on the fence forever, well done Mate
I have bought and sold condos maybe I got lucky... I bought Blue Residence when being built for 999,000 baht and sold for 1.6m baht when finished to a Thai couple. I bought the base when being built for 2.2m baht sold six months after changing the condo to my name and I just rented it and sold it for 3.2m baht to Chinese person... I still enjoy ownership there.
I like your real estate & financial blogs they’re the only ones I watch but with all due respect that last comment you read out from FB was bs anyway life’s to short best stay health & live your life 🤘
Hey Greeny, Definitely everyone has there reasons on whether to purchase or rent……. I ended up buying a condo in Phuket, Surin Beach 🏖 back in 2018 and I don’t even live in Thailand, I do travel to Phuket though about 3-4 times a year and stay for 1-3 months every time.
Lived 5 years Pattaya. Had a belgian friend, trying to sell his first condo... Sold it with 10 or 20% loss... Because not finding someone to buy!! Pattaya is an illusion!! Few get lucky, most loose their lives!!! 5years , so i got my own experiences as a35year young guy... Conclusion after almost buying cheap....... Why buy if i rent so cheap?! Investment wise it's a huge risk, if you know Thai law!! And know Thai helps Thai!! Play the game right, and keep it a great moment in life!! Don't make any decisions for longtime... Longtime is in every way a huge gamble. So much as going to Las Vegas and gamble it, can better buy stocks with it!! Much more gains, and much more secure
@@GreenyTravels it was 2011 - 2015. You have done a good buy. That's 50% of the work.... Now wait and see when the sell sets in...... I've HEARED so many times,..my gf is different,... I will make my bar work... Etc... In the end. It's Thailand!! Russia isn't Sovjet anymore, BUT the Sovjet spirit is still alive!! You see were i want to go to? You will never make money of a Thai's back in Thailand!!!! Never ever never!! If you live several years there, and get to sell it with 10% loss, then you had a great deal!!! But i decided, and never regretted it, to simply rent!! Because, i liked Thailand outside my place, my studio was just for sleep, tv, and internet. Nothing else!!!! Thailand will never be your home!! And that's a big dissapointment,... Sad but true. Enjoy it, don't marry it!!!! Just buy a scooter, after 2 years it's a no loss or no win.
I live in Pattaya and i know hundreds of people and i can honestly say i have never known anyone to lose their life.I have been there since 2005.Everyone has a different situation.If you live in a Thai full time and earn your income there through work or business then it makes sense to own your own property.However if your a tourist travelling in and out or your not interested in staying in the same spot then renting is probably for you. Pattaya has a lot of expats that have retired from other countries and recieve income from superanuation or other investments.They would benifit from owning their own place over time if they buy in the right area. Bangkok realestate is a good investment if you buy in the right areas.
Hi Greeny, I'm new to your channel and what a great video to stumble upon for my first view. I was married to a Thai woman and lived there for 2 years. I learned so much from that mistake (being married the mistake not living there) anyway during that time I rented but when I can return for good I plan to buy a condo. Doing my math and putting a $45K USD limit (more or less) and making a 20 year plan, if I rented the limit would be around 6500 baht per month. Nearly impossible to find a decent place to live for that and over 20 years rents will most likely only increase. So many people say it's a mistake because you could be next to noisy neighbors and if you rent you can just move. Not true, if you moved before your lease ends you lose your deposit which is just lost money. I'm doing my due diligence and research on good condo projects in the Jomtien and Phratamnak areas. I know my money limitations and also know I'm not going to be cooped up in my condo all the time so I really appreciate your videos about buying over renting. Take care and enjoy your condo, it's looks very nice and your view looks lovely. BTW those same type birds harassed me when I lived at The Axis condo. They think they own the place!😂
My 2 cents , it’s a mistake if you think it’s an easily traded asset like in your home country because they are hard to resell. However if you are planning to keep it until you die and/or plan on leaving it to a Thai loved one then Maybe buying is for you.
@@howdo1govern995 If you buy in crap development with bad co-owners and poor developer and management then maybe. Our Bangkok condo building has no delinquency over the last 13 years and there are measures in place to recover fees if there is a case of non payment. Our building is well maintained and I love our well kept rooftop pool at sunset :)
@@EddieManning loads of ex beautiful villages and condos now run down. New complexes going up all the time. You maybe struck lucky. Workmanship in Thailand is very poor.
RENT- leave your money investing (stocks, bonds, REIT) in USA for appreciation and liquidity. MOBILITY- if and when the "long term" relationship is over.
It is attractive to me to lock in current costs rather than risk year over year rent increases I can’t anticipate. We also have a dog and rental options are few. But I think in the current market situation it may be best to stay liquid.
I think it’s right time for good exchange rate too , I bought since 40 baht per dollar so it’s considered profit even I only be there 4 m per yr but last time I was there 8 m on the beach front
Rent increases should be counted as a risk in one's planning. I'm glad I own the place I live in (not in Thailand) because the rent increases in my city since 2020 have been steep, double digit numbers each year.
My Thai friend at the beginning of 2019 wanted to buy a condo in Bangkok that was not built yet. She said it is only $112,000 rather than the $160,000 for a condo is already built. She was going to take out the loan with 0% down payment at 6% interest rate. I told her this is a terrible idea, because I have seen so many condo's that were never finished being built, because they ran out of investors like her.
Why don’t the developer borrow the money from a bank and finish the building? I suspect they want to take your money and run. Call me cynical but I don’t trust any financial company…..as far as I’m concerned they’re all crooks.
Oh yes, I forgot to add the contracts are written by hot-shot lawyers, so that the company can go bust , while hiding behind corporate law …..and you have no way to get your money back. Be warned, scammers can also wear suits and have a fountain at the front.
@@GreenyTravels Yeah risky & a bit scary but in same times it saving amounts of moneys to compare condo/apartment already build. Btw, always BUY A CONDO/APARTMENT FROM BIG & TRUSFUL COMPANY. 1) If you not sure how big & popular the company, ask others locals & any resourse you know. 2) Ask how many PROJECT RESIDENTS this company did in the past. Check-out if all their projects done by this company is finish? Is full of ppl live there? Or they're small & new company, just running 1,2 projects building. Go to their old project to see by your eyes, if all their project in the past sales well & full of people living. Its not alway right, big company can fail & falling too but the risky is less!!
If the condo/apartment build ALREADY. You want to buy it but not sure if its good, living confortable. Find the rents managers/sales around this areas. Rent a condos for short term (3month) right in the building you want buy to experience first Dont think its waste money, you can spend hundred thoundsand dollars to buy it & but worried pay for fews month to experience if its fit for you, good for you. It worthy to spend moneys to rent in short term to help your knowedges.
It's interesting to see that others have the same thoughts. I bought 3 condos in Bangkok with the idea of renting 2 of them. I don't think that's a good idea after Covid. But we'll see what the future brings. But otherwise I love my condo. Your condo is also very nice.
I think i will rent until i am absolutely sure i am staying. I should know after a year or 2. I can always decide to buy later after i have a better sense of the market etc. Meanwhile i still own my home in California, my daughter will live there, Shes gonna inherit it anyway.
As long as you don’t sell you should be ok they say…. Unless u are at an age where you might need the money in the near future. Things won’t bounce back for years
Brian, it is always up to you. Your situation is your situation. We own a home, condo, buildings, and farms. We do not regret it. Do what is best for you. Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed ! Cheers,
I saw the same video Greeny. Crazy ! I think that a lot of people do not have funds to purchase. I am married to a Thai, we bought several farms, a home, vehicles, and businesses. I have never regretted it. Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed ! Cheers,
@@GreenyTravels the next time that you are up around Chiang Mai let me know, it works me nice to visit and you can help pick Longan if it around July-August timeframe.
Another good thing is the variety of food and cuisines you can enjoy eating. The grocery or fresh market for food, vegetables and fruits and way cheaper than in the United States. Restaurants are more affordable, laundry and other expenses are within your range and it won't put you in the poor house. Beaches, girls, massages, shopping is great so it's better overall for you mentally and healthy wise. You can always eat healthy. Thai food is also delicious 😋 I love Pad Thai and their Green papaya salad, beef salad and other dishes that makes me drool just thinking about them. Just healthy food. 😌
@@GreenyTravels - cost of living and expenses is a plus and the affordable massages. I had a half hour back neck massage in Toronto and it cost me about $59 dollars. I could have had a 3 hour massage in Thailand for the same price.
Greeny. Love yer content and Thailand. So you live in Jomptian? Next door to pattaya? My wife is from Bangsaphan. I like Hua Hin. Almost bought a house last march for under 3milB. I would get condo and may but prefer more of a ponderosa. Maybe in Sam Roi Yat. Props to you for living the dream. Im working on it God willing…. Krap🙏
Hi Greeny. Thanks great advice. My wife and I are keen on buying a condo but the only problem we can never agree on where. So that’s the only reason to rent, so you can move about and have different experiences. But when it’s your own place, you can customise the condo to your own personal liking. Enjoy
I think you should also mention the resident status issue. If you are Thai or married to one you are a permanent resident. If you are not you have a visa that you have to renew every x amount of years. What happens if they do not renew your visa for a variety of reasons. You will own a condo that you cannot access.
Generally in the West, buying is better than renting, rent is seen as dead money and property values tend to increase over time making it a good investment. The thing I have never liked about condo's is you only have control over your condo, and generally just the interior space. Less to worry about in the West but in Asia where maintenance is generally not at the same standard, can be a problem. Up to you as they say.
I don't rent, 1. I have Dogs, 2. I don't want to be at the mercy of a landlord. I actually bought a house in a company name. Somewhat risky I suppose. Not worried, been here four years and happy I bought. My taxes came in at 2600 baht.
You made a great decision. Prices will keep going up, inspite of a shaky economy. Never regretted buying my condo. Especially because the yearly fees are a fraction of Europe
Built a house. I married an Isaan woman (also named Fai) we bought land and built a house in her village and bought farm land and built a little house out there. Bought some vehicles and motorbikes. Getting ready for that retirement!
@@GreenyTravels I always wanted to see the crib and got to see more. I think it was a good idea for you to buy based on your situation, everyone is different.
You’re living the life I intend to live out there! I’m 45 now and mortgage free in 2 years 🙏🏻 So I plan to rent out my home and cash in my private pension to get an income. Yes rent or buy is a personal opinion. I can see why people rent places out as they cannot afford to buy one out, or like to move around the country and rent out places, months on end.
@@GreenyTravels happy days! I can’t get mine until I’m 56 now apparently, but always something to look forward to (if I make it that far) 👀 lol I’ll be going out to Thailand for 2 months every year, leading up to it. I’d retire now and live out there if I could lol
I'm married to a Thai and we just bought a block of Land in Thailand, and in about 3 years we'll build our house, we both currently live and work in Australia and plan to retire in about 6 to 7 years. We thought about a condo, but much prefer to have a house. I guess its each to their own, my friend had a condo and sold it just prior to the outbreak of the pandemic for a reasonable profit, sometimes you do get lucky.
You made a wise choice. I looked back at your video buying property in Thailand the price you paid was a steal and excellent investment; unit itself is spacious and nice. I live in British Columbia, Canada you can't even buy a mobile home for that price and it's on a reserve or government land means you don't own the land. Most people that say rent than buy in Thailand are either have personal reasons, risk averse, jaded or can't afford to buy. Diversifying is the way to go. Generally prices for good stocks, mutual funds or ETFs should go back up once inflation is in check or god forbid government starts printing money again.
In LA my studio condo is worth 300k USD but at 62 I am invisible here to attractive women so rent or buy I would rather hang out with a pretty younger thai!
@@BarnabyBarry just find an attractive one your own age range and it's easier! No sense in messing with younger girls anyway of course they would prefer a younger guy and have much more in common together.
@@BarnabyBarry , I used to live in CentiryVillage Deerfieldbeach, Florida which u can buy for $100k.. The amenities are great in a 3 x 3 mile radius, lots of activities and plenty of girls. Monthly including taxes, insurance,HOA and utilities is about $600 pm.
We bought a brand new 3 bed, 2 bath freehold condo in 2005 in Malacca, Malaysia for GBP21,000. My wife is a Malaysian citizen so the title is in her name only. We pay GBP70 monthly for insurance, maintenance, 24hr security and water. It makes financial sense to rent if one intends to stay short term in a country but the buying option should be considered if staying long term. The condo was valued at GBP62,000 in 2019 prior to the covid pandemic.
Wow $15 taxes. When you said it cost almost as much as the unit, I thought you were talking about the whole condo. 555, what is your insurance cost Greeny ? A condo can be a good hedge against rents going up.
@@GreenyTravels wow nice huge condo. I know it was big when you showed your balcony lol. Jomtein is kind of boring and the soi dogs are super annoying. I picked it because I thought the beach was good but it's not. Gonna move to central pattaya or Rawai next. I could never move down south though like you did.
The wisdom I got about owning a condo in Thailand is that in the beginning, there's a beautiful view. Then wait until they build another bunch of condos right next to your building. And another. And another. Endless noise. And it takes away your views. Never ends. I've found that there, Rent is Cheap
That happens a lot. Especially in Pattaya. The Base had great views and the same developer build the Edge right infront of it. Ruining a lot of the view. Something to consider. Im away from the city. Nice quiet area. Can only build up to 8 floors out here.
My first time on your channel. Good choice of a shirt to wear. My wife and I bought a townhome in Bangkok. We looked at a LOT of homes and then we chose one we were willing to make into a nice place to live. That was in 2010 and we still live in the home and it is fine with no major problems. I lived in a friends new townhome in the US, Maryland, and it was a similar experience. I owned a home in Ypsilanti, Michigan and my home here in Thailand has also been a similar experience.
Good to hear someone telling positive things about the condo market in Thailand and Pattaya. Am a real estate broker living in Pattaya since 21 years. First advice : do not solely buy a price because that's the biggest and main mistake disgruntled buyers have done.
Hi, where in pattaya would you buy a condo to house 4 people comfortably and how much would such a condo be worth? I know many variables but a rough estimate would be appreciated...thank you in advance
@@spitzndtruth1484 ok got it. To make it simple, for a 2 bedrooms unit in a good quality high rise building with sea view, counting minimum 8 millions thai baht. For the same type of unit in a low rise project without sea view, counting 5 to 6 millions.
I bought a condo in Pattaya 11 years ago, lived in it nearly 10 years then moved out and put it up for sale, sold it for exactly what I paid for it less than a year later. So I lived rent free for about 10 years...considering my condo would've rented for around 20K baht/month, that's 2.4 million baht I didn't pay in rent. How is that a bad investment? People that make such claims are only thinking about their situation and priorities, not everyone is the same.
My main reason for not buying a condo in my 20+years of travelling to Thailand is the ever changing visa rules, and the real possibility of not being allowed back into the country.
True. I love here full time so it’s nice to not pay rent
Neo, have you ever had any of the issues you are worried about? have any of them come to fruition?
The visa rules have not changed much, very easy place to live
Do not listen to all to all the crap .Nice to have a place you of your own.Never have to move.Good luck
love the outdoor corridors, Quiet,no echoes.
@@alannavarro65 I was on the verge of getting denied entry a couple of occasions, even though i was only spending 3 months per year.
Go forward then
I've lived in Thailand since 1984, mostly in a house through marriage. If a foreigner wants to retire in Thailand and they are short of money but can meet Immigration's requirements, then renting would be better because they can rent cheaply if they want to.
If you have the money to buy a condominium and you don't mind not being able to sell or rent out the condominium, then buy one and enjoy life living in it.
The downside of owning one is that you might want to move to another part of the country and you might not be able to sell it because of the surplus of condominiums. If you think you're going to move one day, then rent a condominium.
Great comment. All very true.
There’s no such thing as “not being able to sell it” - unless you meant “at the price you want.”
That’s always true as you never control market price.
But there’s no problem with any home that a lower price won’t fix.
If you buy realestate in the right areas you will always be able to sell it.
@tabbycat8511 not being able to sell another right price indeed. A right price would never be at a loss, in my opinion.
I have live here for nearly 20 years now. My first house I was able to sell at a profit, with an ROI of about 10% annually. Not bad, but it was walking distance to the beach. So: LICATION!
My current house I have owned for 12 years, beautiful home, is unsellable unless I sell at a loss.
Meanwhile in EU property prices have more than doubled. So it was a horrible "Investment". I should have bought in EU. Not forgetting the quality of building here. A house is considered old after 10 yrs or less. They are not build to last. They are an expense, not investment.
If you are aware of this, and accept these facts, sure buy.
The real downside is buying anything when married to a Thai means you lose 51 percent with the possibility of losing more if divorce becomes the next step in your life. If you buy a farm, you get whatever storms comes and leaves you with a monsoon of debts. Expect no support unless its self supporting via hidden foreign reserves or assets out of reach and none know about.
The best point you made was the condo management. I just got here April 28, rented a condo on May 10th. I looked at a lot of condos in Pattaya, one thing I noticed was how poorly some were maintained. The place I'm in now is on the ball on maintenance, clean halls, grounds, elevators, etc. Something to watch for when you are in the market.
That’s the most important thing.
@@GreenyTravels that, and making sure covenants and conditions are adhered to. I was in The Base, being shown a condo, and one of the residents was out in the hall partially making food. 🙄 The elevator also showed a lot of damage, needless to say, I didn't rent there! 🤣
Going through the same process. I'm just going to rent for a year in Pattaya and take my time, study the market, the developers of new projects and location before buying. Good luck to you!
@@Mr.M_I_T watch out for the Chinese developments. I've seen two in Pattaya, one brand new, and the other older one nearby. The older one shows signs of poor management, dirty and worn elevators, dirty hallways, etc., things most people would not notice right off. You don't want to own a condo in a poorly managed development.
Maintenance is very important. Also, ask and compare the cost of maintenance for the year. Building I'm in is well maintained. The Maintenance fee was only 55% of other similar buildings in Pattaya. Just for comparison my West Palm Beach condo is valued at $125,000 or 4,350,000 baht and property taxes were $2691.00 or 93,700 baht. Maintenance for year $5652 or $196,800 baht or about $8343 or 290,421 baht a year.
Hi Greeny, I've owned my own condo in Bangkok from new for the last 13 years. So glad I bought as it gives me security, a comfy home in my style, no hassle from greedy landlords and a sense of community. For me no downsides at all. The owners association are good and I attend the AGM each year. The neighbours, management, maintenance, security and cleaning staff are friendly and helpful.
I've never had to pay the new property tax. If you get yourself a yellow house register book the condo Juristic Person management should help you log it with the amphur as the condo being your main residence and therefore no tax to pay.
I beleive you did the right thing and most who say "RENT" just don't have commitment, vision or cash to secure a nice place for their future life.
I have the yellow book. Maybe that why the cost was so low for the tax
@@GreenyTravels Just having the yellow book isn't enough. Apparently it has to be registered with the local land tax department to avoid the property tax.
what s the name of the condominium and street? are they any available?
@@patriciavandevelde5469 The Silk Phaholyothin 3 Condo. Check HipFlat or DDproperty to see what's for rent/sale. DM me by email if you have any more questions.
Why buy in Thailand as the capital appreciation is very poor? Its no where near the appreciation you get in the west so to me it's a poor investment it's probably more of an ego thing where you can say I own a property in thailand. I plan to rent my property out in the uk which is debt free and rent for half the value in thailand per mth.
As a former condo owner, I think the dangers are exaggerated. If you buy freehold, having done all the due diligence, there's no risk to your ownership. I ended up not keeping my unit because I unexpectedly needed to get the money back out, which I did and then some. People say condos don't hold their value, but I made 30% after 3 years on a unit that was in a 20-year-old building. Like anywhere, it's a matter of picking a good building in a good location.
Exactly. I couldn’t agree more. Not every condo is going to appreciate the same.
Did you follow the FET guidance to allow your Money out of Thailand?
No, @@russellblake659. The money from the sale was to be used in Thailand.
When did you buy and when did you sell? I'm considering buying a condo in BKK, possibly as an investment (although not ruling out keeping it as a part time place to stay in), and I hear so many people saying it's a bad idea, they depreciate in value due to so many being built, along with "the building won't be maintained" etc
@@justrobin1234 2005 and 2008.
Good for you Greeny, best advice from this video is don't listen to other people, do what's right for you. Like the man David Goggins says, other peoples opinions are just projections of themselves.
Right and they never give their full story.
you're perception of me, is simply a reflection of you.
Exactly! You will always get a bunch of naysayers telling you no no no.
@Jerry Springer you're wrong.
Im with you!, I bought big condo in Central Pattaya 10 years ago, and never regret. Also thinking to buy another soon, probably in Jomtien,.
Nice. Rent one out?
@@GreenyTravels that is the goal, and pay with it my daily expenses.
i watching and looking for exactly in Jomtien .....or so close to
Winter in Thailand, Summer in Croatia and Poland. Rent works better for me.
Not a bad plan
Hi John what type of planning or prepping did you have in place to line yourself up with that? I'm from the US and will be looking to retire soon. I hear good things about Croatia and Poland ..thailand needs no introduction, I spent some time in the Philippines loved it there. The US is on a Collision Course to crash and burn, Peace Brotha Jeff
Love your honesty on the subject. When I get there I want a place I can Say "My place". Happy travels and stay safe. God bless You guys👍🏿.
Nice to have YOUR place
i'm thai and i used to own a condo. i rent it out but it wasn't worth it. those tenants just ruined my condo and i had to pay for renovations every time each of them moved out. i later sold it and i decide if i own a condo again i will not rent it out.
I’m not gonna rent. If I get tired of it will sell
How much were you renting your condo for?
@@GreenyTravelsno buyers
Sorry that happened to you. People suck.
I had condo for 10 years in Jomtien, Year 1...Carpark needed resurfacing, Year 2....Water tank on roof needed replacing , Year 3 .....Sump pump needed as well found under building, Year 4......Pool sinking and needed replaced , Year 5 .....CCTV installed , Year 6 ......interior and exterior painting. Year 7 ......Roof needs replaced and sealed, Year 8.......Ceiling comes down due to flooding in empty unit above , Year 9 ......Woodworm infestation in furniture , Year 10......Sold it for same price i paid for it. Each year every unit had to pay towards repairs , on top of service charges, insurance, accountancy fees. I have rented ever since Make up your own mind guys.
After that experience I would not buy again either.
fantastic beach life
Were you locked into a contract for 10 years or just gullible.
To be fair, I have a friend who’s had the same experience with her flat in Wimbledon, south west London. That’s just a feature of home owning anywhere that has communal areas I guess.
@@revelationmd oh it happens in west too cancel try. 😂😂
Thanks Greeny for a down to earth real video about Thailand You are living a normal life and thats what I want! Golf, hiking, biking, a nice GF. I am moving to Pattaya in 5-6 months from Los Angeles. I do have a UK friend there in Jomtein, he started in Chang Mai but hated it(burn season, mosquitoes), and loves the coast. He rents for 160 a month 2 blocks from the beach! I subscribed because you seem real and not trying to sell something or being emotional.
Sounds like you got the right plan
Thanks Greeny for the info! Safe travels!
Thank you!!
Very nice. Thank you I kinda miss the birds they made the lecture more interesting and sweeter. Nice common sense and I see you’re touching base with what you want. I love that. Love it. Enjoy.
Thank you!!
Great video! I'm going through the same thing at the moment. My uncle and I have decided to rent something first before buying. He's retired and I work six months out of the year. Pattaya will probably be where we end up buying. It's not about the return on investment financially but what the country gives back to you! Again, great video
As long as you are enjoying yourself it’s a good investment
Greeny great knowledgeable video , if your happy then good for you mate . People who leave negative comments are people who are jealous of your lifestyle. There’s no point in being the richest man in the graveyard!!! And let’s face it renting is always throwing money away
Lol. Definitely can’t take it with you.
Nice analysis. All your hard work finding the right place for you is paying off. Most people really won’t take that time. Btw - you’re looking great.
Thanks Rick. I’ve stalled. Hopefully I can lose about 5 more and hit my goal
Had to leave a like for the bird!! haha absolutely hilarious!
Lol. Yea. Crazy birds
Great information ... Same age, Same thinking about Thailand, Same Financial thinking .. Lol... Same Tigers team! So I subscribed. Bought a Condo in Cape Coral Florida after I retired. Have now doubled my money+ there since 2019 BUT... Everything in the US has also doubled in price... Inflation is out of control. I still live 6 months in MI and 6 in Florida... but considering Thailand. Went there on business when working and LOVED it. I'm following your channel. Thanks
Thank you. Appreciate it. I definitely would have made more money had I bought in Florida. Probably not as much fun though
It's nice to see that you are representing MSU! I'm an alumni. Turning 62 this year, single, house in Michigan is paid off, and now I'm thinking of retirement. Went to Rio last month and loved it, but the prices are high, and I felt I always had to be looking over my shoulder to avoid being mugged. Thailand looks interesting. I need to plan a visit but not sure where to go.
Start in Bangkok and Pattaya. Then his a few islands
Hometown Eaton Rapids. In DC burbs 61 years. We almost went back before my Aunt died.
When you say 'prices are high' in Rio, I have to ask, prices of what?, and where in Rio? A very big place you know. I am guessing you scoped zona sul (Copa, Ipanama......), correct? Prices are high there. I live further west in Recreio. Prices are going up there, but they are half of what they are in zona sul, and usually for much newer properties. In general though, middle class areas in urban Brazil are less than half the cost of living of comparable cities in the USA. The only major disconnects in that scenario are the prices of automobiles (2X what they cost in the USA, and lower quality to boot!) and electronics (1.5X-3X more, depending on the specific item). Rent, food, utilities, health care, public transit, these are 1/2 or less than what they cost in the USA. As far as always almost being mugged, that is probably more perception than reality, with the BIG caveat it depends on exactly where you are. In Rio, zona sul, Barra, zona oeste, the risk of being mugged is WAY lowe than in almost any major city in the USA. I have lived in Brazil for 20+ years, travelled all over it, been to hundreds of different places, and I never have been mugged. I don`t know anybody who has been mugged. Most of the foreign visitors who had any problems like that anywhere in Brazil either (1) Went to places (probably drunk) that a person with common street smarts would never have gone to, or, (2) They were trying to hook up with a prostitute or buy drugs, both only cash scenarios, and is it surprising that they got held up and robbed in a situation where the criminal element knows the person has a large amount of cash on them AND they are unlikely to report the incident to the police?
Brazil is much better investment than Thailand. Unless it's purely to live there
I think the number 1 reason for not buying is being stuck in one place many nice places to live for a few months at a time in Thailand
That’s very true. It’s a tough call when you consider that
@@suphatrachaiyasit7531 who said your stuck if owning a condo? I live in one as my primary and spend time in 4 countries whenever I feel like traveling. Can’t think of any reason why you can spent time where you please while owning a condo… whether the condo makes sense or not is solely whether you’re comfortable committing to a home base/primary residence.
I bought a condo in Pattaya, it was a mistake coz each year I have to pay for a service charge is £500. I left it empty there and birds droppings are in my balcony! I bought it for 1.7 million Baht , I want to sell it coz I hardly go there as I live and work in London. I want to sell it cheap just to get rid of it. It’s called Laguna 2. It’s a lovely place and near food market.
Email me at gulfsunproperties@gmail.com. Maybe I can do a video there.
did you sell it .I am am interesting to buy some small flat in Pattaya .I like Jomtien.Will back to looking for .Now just watch on internet .But internet as you know is not a real. Every thing is shine , nice excellent ...........
I will give you 500,000 bht for it.
You done the right thing. Its your money after all. imagine what the rent would be for a condo like that. when things pick up the rent will be high same as anywhere else. Good luck to you id love to have a condo in Thailand!
Thank you!!!
Well done Greeny this vid has further made up my mind to do likewise in a couple years Great Blog
Cmon!!! Join us here
Thanks for sharing your perspective on ownership today!!!
Thank you for watching!!
Been in Thailand 10 years, and been renting worry free. I have a condo 100 yards from the beach, for about half the price of living in a basement suite in Canada. Something breaks, I phone the lovely property manager, and she gets it fixed quickly. I have had two friends that bought condos and later tried to sell, and both had to take a loss to move their properties, and these both occurred before covid. It is apparently even worse now. Personally, I think renting is the only way to go, but it's a personal choice.
Sound opinion
Any ideas where you can shop around to find a nice place near the beach to rent?
@@repent6238 First you have to decide where in Thailand you want to live. Then, my suggestion, is to look up a rental management company, and get them to show you around. Give them the price range you are looking for, and tell them you want as close to the beach as possible. You may not find a place you like with the first person to show you around, but keep trying.
@@murrayallinger2830
So what’s the best way to do this, stay at a hotel and then find a rental management company while I’m there, or do you know a rental management company that I can get in touch with before I get there?
@@repent6238 I'm not sure that there is a "best" way, but this has worked for me. Yes, the first time I did it, I stayed in a hotel in Jomtien, which is the general area where I decided I wanted to live, and then spent a few days looking at condos. I used two methods. One was to find a condo in an area that I liked, and go ask at the office if there were any rentals available. This was really hit and miss, but it did land me a super condo on one occasion. The other way is the way I mentioned, which was to find a rental agency, and work through a rental agent. This has turned out to be great for me, as over the years, that agent has become a good friend, and she kept an eye out for a great condo at a great price. Which is how I got the current unit that I am living in now.
Exactly right Greeny, it’s a personal decision. No right answer as everyone’s circumstances are different.
I brought a condo in Central pattaya where you use to rent, with a view of 10 to 15 years use in retirement. It didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.
I don’t care if I don’t make money on it. If it gives me years of enjoyment, thats all I want.
At the end of the day, you can’t take it with you once you die!
That’s right. Enjoy it while you can!!
Exactly!
To everyone their own
@@GreenyTravels thats up too you dude...okay
I was looking grand a myself
Did they fix the car park flooding
I’m still thinking of buying even knowing that’s a problem or was
@@markwick7898 Yes they have addressed the issue.
Built a levy wall on the front block and upgraded the car park pumps. Plus the Soi is getting a massive drainage pipe upgrade.
The entrance also has provision for a slew gate now.
I saw your original episode last year when you bought and one reason you gave to justify resonates with me, if you sell for even the same as you bought or even less its still a far smaller cost than 12to 15k a month to rent a nice place, all markets and crypto down except gold and that doesnt factor in charges and expenses of trust or investment or charges for managment of funds. you have done the right thing even if you sell in a year or two or three you have effectivley lived rent free for that entire period of time but that can only be done if you have planned to do so before hand.
Yep. Real estate will always be worth something
@@GreenyTravels 100%. I'm currently renovating my first solo project after my divorce. Plan to have at least one or two more to add to this current one and retire at 50/55and live on the income as my pension is gone along with my first two houses.
Never rent free as there are mounting fees and charges annually
Loved your review. Covered all the points I wanted to know about. Off to watch more of your vids
Thank you. I appreciate it!!
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:31 *🏢 Buying a Condo in Thailand: Public Opinion on Purchasing Property*
- Mixed opinions about buying condos in Thailand were shared on Facebook.
03:38 *💰 Investment and Diversification: Investing in Real Estate vs. Stock Market*
- Some advised against buying property in Thailand citing that money could be better invested in other areas like the stock market.
- Purchasing a condo in Thailand was a good investment choice for the UA-camr, leading to potential gains over time.
06:12 *🏡 Living in Thailand: Benefits of Owning a Condo*
- Besides financial considerations, the UA-camr shares personal benefits of owning a condo in Thailand such as improved lifestyle and health.
Made with HARPA AI
Hey Greeny, I'm sure Fai is happy you bought a place rather than rent. I like renting because I like being able to move easily if I get bored or get to dislike the area.
I might like that too. I will just go travel around. I have too much crap
Good video and topic. To each their own. I am still about 9 years away from retirement. Plan on retiring at 55. But I believe I will rent because I want to travel. My goal is to travel between Bangkok, Chang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya. Spend a week in each one and move onto the next continuously. My budget will be about 55,000 baht a week, but I might be able to increase it by then. Visited Thailand 4 times while in the military, totally plan retiring there.
That was my plan too. Never thought I would buy. The covid prices were too good though and I wanted to buy my own super soft bed
I bought a used fully refurbished condo 10 years ago. I lived in Thailand permanently prior & sold real estate in Bkk & ChiangMai so learnt the ropes. I have a business in Thailand for the last 26 yrs & dont even need to be in Thailand. I have no regrets even though I only go there once a year now & rest on my farm in the west. Have had offers to buy my condo over what I paid. What I like is LINE from the office on everything that happens to our complex & the fees are nothing. Do your homework , never buy off the plan & buy what you can afford & walk away from if you have to........I have no regrets.
Great advice!!!
Isn't it curious how often a slightly older building turns out to be the best buy?
Very insightful. Looking at new condos in south Pattaya currently. This was nice to here.
Thank you.
Great episode Greeny! Congratulations upon the tremendous numbers of viewers this video received!!! Hello from Chicago.
Thank you. So weird what does well on here and what doesn’t.
The difference between rent and the annual cost of moving and owning is the return on your investment, probably about 3% +-. Then there are the non monetary values of home and peace of mind. Some fail to realize that not everyone is desperately clinging to every last penny in their lives. As the Dalai Lama said “…the purpose of life is to be happy.”
Love the Lama!!
Very good move buying your Condo, the neisayers are jealous. Good onya mate.
Thank you!! It’s been nice!
Nice, I considered myself buying a condo in Thailand. I visited Bangkok in 2019 and loved it. Stayed near terminal 21 mall. I met a lot of interesting Koreans down there
Awesome. I’ve been to that little Korean town over there a few times. Great food!
THE BIRD! 🤣🤣 the way you randomly started cussing down the singing bird, LOL
Was so loud
@@GreenyTravels 🤣 they just wanted to be in the video lol
Don’t know why it’s taken this video so long to show up on my feed but glad to have finally seen it, Greeny. You hit the nail on the head with “might not be right for everybody…make your own best decision”. If money can buy you a bit of health/happiness then it’s a good use of your money! Hope you’re still loving the place (and if you’re not the please ignore everything I just said. 😂😂😂) hope you’re doing great.
That’s weird. UA-cam. Who can figure it out?
Greeny I think you made the right choice, you could always be in my position , I’m also retired and about the same age, I’ve lived in this house for 25 years, the first mistake I made was to shovel my neighbors driveway 25 years ago because I felt that they were old ( they were 60 at the time ) now I’m almost that age now and since I’ve been doing it all these years I can’t get out of it ( and of course I do it for free ), but it’s not the money I’m talking about , I just don’t have the ambition to do two driveways every time it snows, then my other neighbor goes away every summer to visit their children, … so guess who gets to mow two lawns all summer , not to mention I get called once a week to go fix something in their house, anyway I’m getting to the point where I don’t want to do the maintenance on my own house never mind my neighbors,… so moving into a beautiful place where everything is taken care of and no neighbors relying on you to fix the stuff they’re to cheap to pay to have fixed, I’d say was a GREAT decision .
I definitely don’t miss shoveling snow. My kid is staying at my house there doing it.
Which State are you at? Michigan?
Good Advice Brian:
takeaways
- Buy Condo. Diversify..
- Don’t sell stocks.. (am doing the same with my portfolio) . Hanging tight.
Property Taxes on my house in TX ? $16K + a year . $15 bucks not bad at all
Killer deal on the tax
Been watching the condo Market for a long time, places sit for 5-10 years and can't sell, to me unless leaving it to someone for them to sell in 20+ years when demand might have caught up to supply, its a no go.
Some sit. If the price is right everything sells
@@GreenyTravels
True Greeny, the usual autocorrect of prices is what the market doesent do. You can see this is on the fazwaz site where the completion date and the outstanding sinking fund is part of the info, tons of places sitting unsold and they not only don't drop the prices they add 5% every year like its an appreciating asset 🙃
I think your advice is solid. If you plan to live there, then sure buy. If you are just starting out in Thailand, and or plan to bounce around some then it is probably best to rent.
Agree. 👍
I think you have made a good decision , when it comes making a decision remember there are no perfect decisions you have to do the research and go with your gut , you can’t sit on the fence forever, well done Mate
Exactly. 2.5 years into it and I’m still happy
I have bought and sold condos maybe I got lucky... I bought Blue Residence when being built for 999,000 baht and sold for 1.6m baht when finished to a Thai couple. I bought the base when being built for 2.2m baht sold six months after changing the condo to my name and I just rented it and sold it for 3.2m baht to Chinese person... I still enjoy ownership there.
I like hearing these successes stories. All about buying at the right price
I like your real estate & financial blogs they’re the only ones I watch but with all due respect that last comment you read out from FB was bs anyway life’s to short best stay health & live your life 🤘
Thanks for watching!!
Hey Greeny,
Definitely everyone has there reasons on whether to purchase or rent…….
I ended up buying a condo in Phuket, Surin Beach 🏖 back in 2018 and I don’t even live in Thailand, I do travel to Phuket though about 3-4 times a year and stay for 1-3 months every time.
Nice. That’s a great spot.
Hi Greeny,nice to see you back,always liked your videos. Your girlfriend was aways funny and fun towatch....Glad to go along with you. two,thanks!!!
Thank you!! Appreciate it!!
Looks like a good place good for you. That balcony looks pretty large and comfortable . Nice bro . Grats
Love it. Very comfortable here
Lived 5 years Pattaya. Had a belgian friend, trying to sell his first condo... Sold it with 10 or 20% loss... Because not finding someone to buy!! Pattaya is an illusion!! Few get lucky, most loose their lives!!! 5years , so i got my own experiences as a35year young guy... Conclusion after almost buying cheap....... Why buy if i rent so cheap?! Investment wise it's a huge risk, if you know Thai law!! And know Thai helps Thai!! Play the game right, and keep it a great moment in life!! Don't make any decisions for longtime... Longtime is in every way a huge gamble. So much as going to Las Vegas and gamble it, can better buy stocks with it!! Much more gains, and much more secure
Maybe your friend didn’t do his due diligence? Maybe he took a covid loss. I’ve been in real estate a long time. Many things to consider
@@GreenyTravels it was 2011 - 2015. You have done a good buy. That's 50% of the work.... Now wait and see when the sell sets in...... I've HEARED so many times,..my gf is different,... I will make my bar work... Etc... In the end. It's Thailand!! Russia isn't Sovjet anymore, BUT the Sovjet spirit is still alive!! You see were i want to go to? You will never make money of a Thai's back in Thailand!!!! Never ever never!! If you live several years there, and get to sell it with 10% loss, then you had a great deal!!! But i decided, and never regretted it, to simply rent!! Because, i liked Thailand outside my place, my studio was just for sleep, tv, and internet. Nothing else!!!! Thailand will never be your home!! And that's a big dissapointment,... Sad but true. Enjoy it, don't marry it!!!! Just buy a scooter, after 2 years it's a no loss or no win.
I live in Pattaya and i know hundreds of people and i can honestly say i have never known anyone to lose their life.I have been there since 2005.Everyone has a different situation.If you live in a Thai full time and earn your income there through work or business then it makes sense to own your own property.However if your a tourist travelling in and out or your not interested in staying in the same spot then renting is probably for you.
Pattaya has a lot of expats that have retired from other countries and recieve income from superanuation or other investments.They would benifit from owning their own place over time if they buy in the right area.
Bangkok realestate is a good investment if you buy in the right areas.
Hi Greeny, I'm new to your channel and what a great video to stumble upon for my first view. I was married to a Thai woman and lived there for 2 years. I learned so much from that mistake (being married the mistake not living there) anyway during that time I rented but when I can return for good I plan to buy a condo. Doing my math and putting a $45K USD limit (more or less) and making a 20 year plan, if I rented the limit would be around 6500 baht per month. Nearly impossible to find a decent place to live for that and over 20 years rents will most likely only increase. So many people say it's a mistake because you could be next to noisy neighbors and if you rent you can just move. Not true, if you moved before your lease ends you lose your deposit which is just lost money. I'm doing my due diligence and research on good condo projects in the Jomtien and Phratamnak areas. I know my money limitations and also know I'm not going to be cooped up in my condo all the time so I really appreciate your videos about buying over renting. Take care and enjoy your condo, it's looks very nice and your view looks lovely. BTW those same type birds harassed me when I lived at The Axis condo. They think they own the place!😂
Great insight. Thank you!!
There could be noise if the condo is under renovation or you neighbors decide to put in a new floor!
@@Goodmorningmythical This is true. I lived at the Pattaya Hill Resort and a few times I was subjected to construction noise for days on end.
My 2 cents , it’s a mistake if you think it’s an easily traded asset like in your home country because they are hard to resell.
However if you are planning to keep it until you die and/or plan on leaving it to a Thai loved one then Maybe buying is for you.
Buy for the right price you can sell. Hopefully I bought at the right price
Condos in Thailand fall to pieces rapidly. Once people stop paying their fees the pools etc stop getting cleaned and security etc flee.
Life is hard. If you make your condo stand out from the others, not so hard! Boom!
@@howdo1govern995 If you buy in crap development with bad co-owners and poor developer and management then maybe. Our Bangkok condo building has no delinquency over the last 13 years and there are measures in place to recover fees if there is a case of non payment. Our building is well maintained and I love our well kept rooftop pool at sunset :)
@@EddieManning loads of ex beautiful villages and condos now run down. New complexes going up all the time. You maybe struck lucky. Workmanship in Thailand is very poor.
RENT- leave your money investing (stocks, bonds, REIT) in USA for appreciation and liquidity.
MOBILITY- if and when the "long term" relationship is over.
Very honest feedback, ability to deal with this feedback.. excellent 😅
Thank you!!
It is attractive to me to lock in current costs rather than risk year over year rent increases I can’t anticipate. We also have a dog and rental options are few. But I think in the current market situation it may be best to stay liquid.
Definitely great to own your own place with pets.
I think it’s right time for good exchange rate too , I bought since 40 baht per dollar so it’s considered profit even I only be there 4 m per yr but last time I was there 8 m on the beach front
Rent increases should be counted as a risk in one's planning. I'm glad I own the place I live in (not in Thailand) because the rent increases in my city since 2020 have been steep, double digit numbers each year.
My Thai friend at the beginning of 2019 wanted to buy a condo in Bangkok that was not built yet. She said it is only $112,000 rather than the $160,000 for a condo is already built. She was going to take out the loan with 0% down payment at 6% interest rate. I told her this is a terrible idea, because I have seen so many condo's that were never finished being built, because they ran out of investors like her.
Scary to put out money for future transfer.
Why don’t the developer borrow the money from a bank and finish the building? I suspect they want to take your money and run. Call me cynical but I don’t trust any financial company…..as far as I’m concerned they’re all crooks.
Oh yes, I forgot to add the contracts are written by hot-shot lawyers, so that the company can go bust , while hiding behind corporate law …..and you have no way to get your money back. Be warned, scammers can also wear suits and have a fountain at the front.
@@GreenyTravels
Yeah risky & a bit scary but in same times it saving amounts of moneys to compare condo/apartment already build.
Btw, always BUY A CONDO/APARTMENT FROM BIG & TRUSFUL COMPANY.
1) If you not sure how big & popular the company, ask others locals & any resourse you know.
2) Ask how many PROJECT RESIDENTS this company did in the past. Check-out if all their projects done by this company is finish? Is full of ppl live there?
Or they're small & new company, just running 1,2 projects building.
Go to their old project to see by your eyes, if all their project in the past sales well & full of people living.
Its not alway right, big company can fail & falling too but the risky is less!!
If the condo/apartment build ALREADY. You want to buy it but not sure if its good, living confortable. Find the rents managers/sales around this areas. Rent a condos for short term (3month) right in the building you want buy to experience first
Dont think its waste money, you can spend hundred thoundsand dollars to buy it & but worried pay for fews month to experience if its fit for you, good for you. It worthy to spend moneys to rent in short term to help your knowedges.
It's interesting to see that others have the same thoughts. I bought 3 condos in Bangkok with the idea of renting 2 of them. I don't think that's a good idea after Covid. But we'll see what the future brings. But otherwise I love my condo. Your condo is also very nice.
Thank you!!
Your info is the most useful I have found yet.
Thank you. I appreciate it. New one on condos coming in a few hours
I think i will rent until i am absolutely sure i am staying. I should know after a year or 2. I can always decide to buy later after i have a better sense of the market etc. Meanwhile i still own my home in California, my daughter will live there, Shes gonna inherit it anyway.
Great idea! I waited a while and scoped it all out
As long as you don’t sell you should be ok they say…. Unless u are at an age where you might need the money in the near future. Things won’t bounce back for years
I have a multi year plan. Hopefully things work out. Can never predict the future
Brian, it is always up to you. Your situation is your situation.
We own a home, condo, buildings, and farms. We do not regret it.
Do what is best for you.
Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed !
Cheers,
Thanks. My most enjoyable “investment” ever
Thanks a lot. Really appreciate the honesty and transparency.
Appreciate it.
I saw the same video Greeny. Crazy !
I think that a lot of people do not have funds to purchase.
I am married to a Thai, we bought several farms, a home, vehicles, and businesses. I have never regretted it.
Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed !
Cheers,
Glad it’s worked well. I would love some land here too. Maybe in a few years
@@GreenyTravels the next time that you are up around Chiang Mai let me know, it works me nice to visit and you can help pick Longan if it around July-August timeframe.
@@GreenyTravels it is all about having the right partner and commitment.
I like the Sunrise condo. It's a bit bigger than others. But if you don't cook, you might have to drive some distance.
Definitely need some wheels out here. A few Thai stands in the area but not very walkable
@@GreenyTravels Hey Greeny, do you happen to know if there are any Capital Gain Taxes when you sell your house in Thailand?
@@neo-zu1bt not that I know of. If I move the money back to America there could be some reporting to do
Another good thing is the variety of food and cuisines you can enjoy eating. The grocery or fresh market for food, vegetables and fruits and way cheaper than in the United States. Restaurants are more affordable, laundry and other expenses are within your range and it won't put you in the poor house. Beaches, girls, massages, shopping is great so it's better overall for you mentally and healthy wise. You can always eat healthy. Thai food is also delicious 😋 I love Pad Thai and their Green papaya salad, beef salad and other dishes that makes me drool just thinking about them. Just healthy food. 😌
The food is a main reason I picked Thailand over Latin type countries
@@GreenyTravels - cost of living and expenses is a plus and the affordable massages. I had a half hour back neck massage in Toronto and it cost me about $59 dollars. I could have had a 3 hour massage in Thailand for the same price.
Good for you Greeny, your logic is spot on for you and your living on your terms 👍🏽
Thank you. Only live once. Do it your way.
Looking good Greeny. Thanks for the video. 😎👍
Thank you Mitch. See you later today!!
Greeny. Love yer content and Thailand. So you live in Jomptian? Next door to pattaya? My wife is from Bangsaphan. I like Hua Hin. Almost bought a house last march for under 3milB. I would get condo and may but prefer more of a ponderosa. Maybe in Sam Roi Yat. Props to you for living the dream. Im working on it God willing…. Krap🙏
Thank you. I’m in Na Jomtien. One more south of Jomtien
@@GreenyTravels in California off to work soon but my heart is in Thailand 🇹🇭
Hi Greeny. Thanks great advice.
My wife and I are keen on buying a condo but the only problem we can never agree on where. So that’s the only reason to rent, so you can move about and have different experiences. But when it’s your own place, you can customise the condo to your own personal liking. Enjoy
It’s great. Best purchase I have made
@@GreenyTravels
I certainly won’t be worried about dropping a bit of coin on resale value. Some times you get your money worth in different ways
I think you should also mention the resident status issue. If you are Thai or married to one you are a permanent resident. If you are not you have a visa that you have to renew every x amount of years. What happens if they do not renew your visa for a variety of reasons. You will own a condo that you cannot access.
I've seen ads saying if you buy a condo, it comes with a 20 year "super" visa. I'm guessing they facilitate it for you, which is smart on their part.
That could happen. The good thing is you don’t have to be here to sell. I bought from people in Sweden they never came. Just FedEx the documents
@@andrewcarlson2178 Sounds like a good discount: 20 years Thai Elite visa costs 2,000,000 baht as far as I know 😉
That was a GOOD MOVE for you Greeny! Good Job...Enjoy Life!
Thank you!! Love the Sammy inspired name!!
Loved the way you ended the video with the bird, that was funny.
Lol. Thanks. They got loud again.
Each to their own Greeny. Sounds like your happy mate. And that's what life is all about. 👍🏖🏝⛱✈
Exactly!!
Generally in the West, buying is better than renting, rent is seen as dead money and property values tend to increase over time making it a good investment. The thing I have never liked about condo's is you only have control over your condo, and generally just the interior space. Less to worry about in the West but in Asia where maintenance is generally not at the same standard, can be a problem. Up to you as they say.
I pay a little more but the the maintenance is great in this complex. I’ve seen many go downhill though. Something to ponder
Property taxes are high in the west. It does cost more to buy in the West than to rent.
I don't rent, 1. I have Dogs, 2. I don't want to be at the mercy of a landlord. I actually bought a house in a company name. Somewhat risky I suppose. Not worried, been here four years and happy I bought. My taxes came in at 2600 baht.
Nice! I think you will be ok. Haven’t heard about them looking into that
Great plan!
You made a great decision. Prices will keep going up, inspite of a shaky economy. Never regretted buying my condo. Especially because the yearly fees are a fraction of Europe
Baht almost back to where I bought it.
Loving the vlog.
Great balanced imfo. Cheers ,subbed. Nice to see the wildlife too.
Thank you. I appreciate it!!
Built a house. I married an Isaan woman (also named Fai) we bought land and built a house in her village and bought farm land and built a little house out there. Bought some vehicles and motorbikes. Getting ready for that retirement!
I bet. Love this place!!
Thanks for the info, well done.
Thanks Michael.
@@GreenyTravels I always wanted to see the crib and got to see more. I think it was a good idea for you to buy based on your situation, everyone is different.
You’re living the life I intend to live out there! I’m 45 now and mortgage free in 2 years 🙏🏻 So I plan to rent out my home and cash in my private pension to get an income.
Yes rent or buy is a personal opinion. I can see why people rent places out as they cannot afford to buy one out, or like to move around the country and rent out places, months on end.
Yes. That’s awesome. Nice passive income on top of a pension is the way to go.
How much taxes and penalties will you have to pay on cashing out your pension early?
@@NickReels I’m not too sure, but most my money will be from renting my home out, so the pension will just be a boost.
@@keithy507 Mine started upon retirement
@@GreenyTravels happy days! I can’t get mine until I’m 56 now apparently, but always something to look forward to (if I make it that far) 👀 lol
I’ll be going out to Thailand for 2 months every year, leading up to it.
I’d retire now and live out there if I could lol
very nice condo, nice balcony, nice view. enjoy yourself there bro.
Thank you. Appreciate it!!
Good for you my friend , you did good, do what your heart and mind told you to do , you the only one who know you , stay positive
Got to do the right thing.
@@GreenyTravels👍
I'm married to a Thai and we just bought a block of Land in Thailand, and in about 3 years we'll build our house, we both currently live and work in Australia and plan to retire in about 6 to 7 years.
We thought about a condo, but much prefer to have a house.
I guess its each to their own, my friend had a condo and sold it just prior to the outbreak of the pandemic for a reasonable profit, sometimes you do get lucky.
I like the ocean view. I’d like land to though. Tough decisions.
@@GreenyTravels we bought mountain views, I live near the ocean in Australia so it's a good change.
Good luck on the build! Check out mine, we are almost done!
@@AmericanInThailand I will do that.
@@JohnnyTraveller Great! I look forward to your news on moving here!
Great video. How can an American get financing, apply for a loan to buy a condo in Bangkok?
I think the interest would be very high on a loan here. I wouldn’t do that. Not even sure if it is possible
You live in sunrise condos in Na Jomtien that looks like a nice place. Prices for condos are very fair. Does it include parking?
There some parking here. The bad thing is the lot is leased. If the owner sells that will be bad
Where did u buy your ceiling fans?
You sound very nice and trustful guy.Thank you for your video, keep going.
I appreciate it. Thank you!!
That bird looked (and sounded) like a Mocking bird... Texas' State bird! I was surprised to see that. Thanks for the video, enjoyed it!
Thank you. Appreciate you watching.
You made a wise choice. I looked back at your video buying property in Thailand the price you paid was a steal and excellent investment; unit itself is spacious and nice. I live in British Columbia, Canada you can't even buy a mobile home for that price and it's on a reserve or government land means you don't own the land. Most people that say rent than buy in Thailand are either have personal reasons, risk averse, jaded or can't afford to buy. Diversifying is the way to go. Generally prices for good stocks, mutual funds or ETFs should go back up once inflation is in check or god forbid government starts printing money again.
Thanks Larry. Love BC!! Beautiful up there
In LA my studio condo is worth 300k USD but at 62 I am invisible here to attractive women so rent or buy I would rather hang out with a pretty younger thai!
@@BarnabyBarry just find an attractive one your own age range and it's easier! No sense in messing with younger girls anyway of course they would prefer a younger guy and have much more in common together.
@@BarnabyBarry , I used to live in CentiryVillage Deerfieldbeach, Florida which u can buy for $100k.. The amenities are great in a 3 x 3 mile radius, lots of activities and plenty of girls. Monthly including taxes, insurance,HOA and utilities is about $600 pm.
We bought a brand new 3 bed, 2 bath freehold condo in 2005 in Malacca, Malaysia for GBP21,000. My wife is a Malaysian citizen so the title is in her name only. We pay GBP70 monthly for insurance, maintenance, 24hr security and water. It makes financial sense to rent if one intends to stay short term in a country but the buying option should be considered if staying long term. The condo was valued at GBP62,000 in 2019 prior to the covid pandemic.
You should do well with this one!!
!5
Your comment is useless to anyone not living in Malaysia, cause GPB is meaningless.
This comment is very useful! For anyone still living in 2005!
Wow $15 taxes. When you said it cost almost as much as the unit, I thought you were talking about the whole condo. 555, what is your insurance cost Greeny ? A condo can be a good hedge against rents going up.
Insurance is cheap too. I don’t remember.
5:35 the moment you want to insert this South Park banker with his famous "... a-a-a-and IT'S GONE!"
I actually enjoyed hearing the birds ! I was hoping more to see what the condo is like, sq ft,cost to buy
Yea. They are any too bad.
How much you buy that condo for down there greeny? Sqm? I lost my butt in the market too but it'll rebound.
It was 4 mil baht. About 120 meters
Friggin bargain.
@@GreenyTravels wow nice huge condo. I know it was big when you showed your balcony lol. Jomtein is kind of boring and the soi dogs are super annoying. I picked it because I thought the beach was good but it's not. Gonna move to central pattaya or Rawai next. I could never move down south though like you did.
@@GreenyTravels I'm actually surprised you haven't bought a car yet. you can get something decent for 200k 300k used
The wisdom I got about owning a condo in Thailand is that in the beginning, there's a beautiful view. Then wait until they build another bunch of condos right next to your building. And another. And another. Endless noise. And it takes away your views. Never ends.
I've found that there, Rent is Cheap
That happens a lot. Especially in Pattaya. The Base had great views and the same developer build the Edge right infront of it. Ruining a lot of the view. Something to consider. Im away from the city. Nice quiet area. Can only build up to 8 floors out here.
That can happen in any country if you buy in the wrong place Lol
Good advice. But greenie not smart
The birds are saying: "Why buy when you can rent". Hahaha
😂
GREAT GUY. I agree with the investment decision! Market killed me also. Nice condo!
Thank you. I agree so far.
My first time on your channel. Good choice of a shirt to wear. My wife and I bought a townhome in Bangkok. We looked at a LOT of homes and then we chose one we were willing to make into a nice place to live. That was in 2010 and we still live in the home and it is fine with no major problems. I lived in a friends new townhome in the US, Maryland, and it was a similar experience. I owned a home in Ypsilanti, Michigan and my home here in Thailand has also been a similar experience.
Ypsi!!
Good to hear someone telling positive things about the condo market in Thailand and Pattaya.
Am a real estate broker living in Pattaya since 21 years.
First advice : do not solely buy a price because that's the biggest and main mistake
disgruntled buyers have done.
I searched for a quality building. Very solid. Good maintenance
Hi, where in pattaya would you buy a condo to house 4 people comfortably and how much would such a condo be worth? I know many variables but a rough estimate would be appreciated...thank you in advance
@@spitzndtruth1484
hi there...4 people : do you need 2 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms ?
@@manatnew 3 would be nice but not necessary either or is fine just wondering price
@@spitzndtruth1484 ok got it.
To make it simple, for a 2 bedrooms unit in a good quality high rise building with sea view, counting minimum 8 millions thai baht. For the same type of unit in a low rise project without sea view, counting 5 to 6 millions.
I bought a condo in Pattaya 11 years ago, lived in it nearly 10 years then moved out and put it up for sale, sold it for exactly what I paid for it less than a year later. So I lived rent free for about 10 years...considering my condo would've rented for around 20K baht/month, that's 2.4 million baht I didn't pay in rent. How is that a bad investment? People that make such claims are only thinking about their situation and priorities, not everyone is the same.
Not a bad deal!!