Chinese investors are eyeing Thailand as a high potential destination for property investment opportunities, holiday homes and retirement, with the country offering high-rental yields at competitive prices.
BANGKOK – Sansiri Public Company Limited (PLC), one of Thailand’s leading fully-integrated property developer, is confident that Thailand’s property market will outperform itself after the Thai charter referendum, as tourists and foreign investors continue to pour into the country. The Thailand stock market also continues to outperform others in the Southeast Asia region (Source: Reuters and Bloomberg). Meanwhile, Chinese investors are eyeing Thailand as a high potential destination for property investment opportunities, holiday homes and retirement, with the country offering high-rental yields at competitive prices.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that tourists from China constituted the largest group of visitors to Thailand for travel and leisure in 2015, of a total of approximately 2.2 million Southeast Asian tourists and 3.2 million East Asian tourists. Sansiri’s revenue has been driven by Chinese investors accumulates for 80 per cent of key international buyers in 2015, primarily those from Hong Kong (45%), Singapore (20%) and Mainland China (15%). In 2015, Sansiri contributes the sales volume from foreign customers at RMB 669 million (THB 3.5 billion) which accumulates at 135 per cent and expects to achieve RMB 955.09 million (THB 5 billion) this year.
Cobby Leathers, Head of International Business at Sansiri PLC, stated that “Thailand’s property market remains very attractive, offering higher yield returns, and yet 5 times cheaper than first tier cities in Mainland China. Lower sales prices in Thailand for first hand units, as compared to China, are particularly attractive to Chinese middle class investors who are seeking good rental investments and planning for retirement. Key locations popular amongst Chinese investors are Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Phuket.”
“Bangkok is seen as one of the most stable property markets in Southeast Asia, with a condominium market that continued to demonstrate steady growth in Q1 2016 – a response to city expansion to suburban areas like Phra Khanong and On Nut (Sukhumvit 71- Sukhumvit 77), with ongoing development of various facilities, transportation options and infrastructure. We believe our seven T77 Community residences situated in this area will establish a new benchmark for residential investment in what has become a very attractive area in Bangkok”, said Cobby.
T77 Community is a diverse residential neighbourhood that includes the ever-popular HABITO mall on Sukhumvit 77 (On Nut1/1). With seven Sansiri residential projects—home to over 5,000 families—T77 has a feel-good ambience and provides excellent transportation options, with easy access to the BTS Sky Train and expressway. Residents will enjoy even more convenience by 2017, with the addition of a new Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School campus.
Looking away from Bangkok, Pattaya is another favourite destination with good investment opportunities. Short flights from China to Bangkok and low cost of living make Pattaya holiday homes a much sought out option. Pattaya has become one of world’s most popular holiday destinations, with its attractive beachfront, vibrant city and exciting nightlife. According to research conducted by Plus Property Company Limited, the condominium market in Pattaya is booming, accounting for 93 percent of total supply and demand in 2016. The central Pattaya zone is increasing in popularity, with Jom Tien accounting for 15 per cent of the total unit supply in Pattaya, and Wong Amat 11 percent.
Sansiri has unveiled two stunning Pattaya freehold condominium projects, ‘Baan Plai Haad’ beachfront resort and ‘The BASE Central Pattaya,’ which are showing a lot of interest from Chinese buyers.
“In Thailand, freehold condominiums are the best purchasing option for foreign investors, as they allow foreigners direct freehold ownership of the condominium unit, as well as common property co-ownership. In other words, freehold ownership grants absolute ownership of the property. Customers can also make use of the ‘Rental for the Holidays’ programme from Plus Property, a Sansiri subsidiary, which provides fully-integrated services and property management with impressive returns,” Cobby added.
T77 Community – A New International Community Hub in Bangkok
T77 Community is a new international community hub, located on an over 19.77-acre (50-rai) plot of land in the centre of Sukhumvit 77, and close to both the BTS line and Ramindra–At Narong Expressway. Currently home to more than 5,000 families, the development consists of six Sansiri condominiums—blocs Sukhumvit 77, THE BASE Sukhumvit 77, THE BASE Park West, THE BASE Park East, hasu HAUS and mori HAUS—valued at over RMB 1.67 billion (THB 8.7 billion), and a townhouse project, Garden Square. It is also home to the premium apartment project Park Court Grand Apartment by M.K. Real Estate Development PLC (open in August 2017). Nearby is Sansiri’s first ever retail mall, HABITO. Situated on a 1.58-acre (4-rai) land plot, HABITO was developed under the concept “The Heart of Good Living,” aspiring to offer customers all of the facilities and entertainment they need, from morning until late at night, with a grand venue of 107,639 sq.ft (10,000 sq.m). HABITO mall is ready to cater to the needs of modern families and those looking for a contemporary lifestyle, with a selection of more than 15 international restaurants, a host of premium services, and HUBBA-TO, the largest co-creation community in SEA.
Furthermore, Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) will open its secondary school campus at T77 Community by August 2017. Every aspect of T77 Community has been designed to enhance the diverse lifestyles of Sukhumvit denizens. It is the ideal urban living environment and an excellent investment opportunity for Thais and foreigners alike.
Baan Plai Haad – Private Beachfront Condominium
Located atop a scenic hill, Baan Plai Haad enjoys a wide panoramic vista of the azure sea, with an eagle’s eye view of Pattaya’s bustling city. In the near distance, you can clearly see the Sanctuary of Truth – a magnificent wooden temple and one of Pattaya’s most popular tourist attractions. Designed by internationally renowned architectural firm Steven J. Leach Architects Limited, this brand new, ready-to-move-in freehold condominium has a number of sea-view units that provide direct access to beautiful Wong Amat Beach. Prices start at RMB 1.11 (THB 5.8 million). Available to buyers is Plus Property’s personal concierge service, Plus Concierge, which aims to provide the ultimate in exclusivity and service, taking customer satisfaction to even greater heights.
Facilities include an infinity roof-top swimming pool, a ground level free-form pool, a Jacuzzi that overlooks the beach, landscaped garden and lounge areas, wireless internet at the lobby and facility floors, and abundant parking.
Baan Plai Haad consists of two residential condominium buildings – one 31 storeys and the other 7 storeys, housing a total 353 units. Options include 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom (430.5 – 732 sq.ft), 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms (726.6 – 963.4 sq.ft), 3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms (1,264.8 sq.ft) and 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms (1,550 – 1,657.6 sq.ft).
THE BASE Central Pattaya
Another high-potential condominium under the highly successful brand THE BASE, developed under the concept “You are where you live.” Each and every THE BASE project has managed to successfully capture and appeal to the lifestyle needs of prospective tenants.
The architectural design of THE BASE Central Pattaya was inspired by the vitality of world-famous Pattaya City. Located on a prime 2.37-acre (6-rai) land plot on Pattaya Sai Song Road, Central Pattaya, this high-potential project stands just 300 metres away from Central Festival Pattaya Beach. Here, you have convenient access to the best of Pattaya – whether it be recreation, tourism, shopping or beachside relaxation. For this reason, THE BASE Central Pattaya is particularly appealing to discerning customers in search of residential properties that allow them to capitalize on all of what Pattaya has to offer.
Housing a total of 1,112 units, THE BASE Central Pattaya consists of two residential condominium buildings—one 31 storeys and the other 27 storeys—with an adjacent 4-storey parking facility. Prices start from RMB 525,354 (THB 2.75 million). Units include 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom options, with dwelling areas ranging from 306.8 to 748.1 sq.ft.
Residents are entitled to a wide array of first-class facilities, which are present throughout the estate.