Pattaya Info CD

PERMANENT HOUSING :

What will you choose to be your new home?

There are many different styles of rented accommodation to choose from: a condominium apartment, a house in a compound, a private house, or long‑term rent in a hotel/serviced apartment.

There are many high‑rise blocks of condominiums and apartments in and around Pattaya, which have become the trend for Thais to own. as an investment, being only used once or twice a year. With the growing number of expatriates in the area, many of these have now become available for rent. Generally they are new, well equipped and range in price from reasonable to very expensive.

Another style of housing is in a group/cluster, called a compound or village. You may have an idea of the type of housing that will suit your family and their needs, but it is advisable to inspect several types of housing available before deciding.

The majority of condominiums, apartments and some of the houses have a visible Western influence, while others are more traditionally Thai. Generally most of the accommodation is furnished, ranging from luxurious to basic. This is reflected by the monthly rental asking price. Landlords are usually only interested in one-year leases or longer (not short term).

Security, furnishings, general cleaning maids and maintenance personnel employed by the management, leisure facilities e.g. pool, table tennis, gym. Many offer a laundry service. Telephone, water, and electricity accounts can be paid directly to the management, who in turn pay the respective authorities.

Security gates and guards, optional furnishings, leisure facilities, such as pool and children's play area, garage/garden.

For expatriates who do not know the length of their assignment, this can be an option, e.g. restaurant & hotel services, social scene, see Temporary Accommodation.

The monthly rental is based on the apartment and contents at the time of viewing, although many owners are willing to listen to the expatriate's requirements (the monthly rent will increase accordingly).

All requirements should be requested at the initial stage while negotiating the price, as the majority of landlords are unwilling to keep adding items after the rent has been agreed upon. Remember that the more items requested, the more the rent will be increased. Bear in mind, not all landlords are aware of the Western way of life so are unable to comprehend our demands. This should not deter you from asking for reasonable requests.

Most houses and apartments will have one to 3 bedrooms. It is more difficult to find big houses or apartments with 4 or 5 bedrooms.

Pattaya, like any other place in the world has its fair share of burglaries, break-ins and robberies. The majority of domestic break‑ins occur during the daytime when the house is left unoccupied or seemingly empty for relatively short periods. Today's thief is often a petty criminal or opportunistic laborer (watch the building site near your home, especially when they are almost finished!) who will find the easy way into your home causing havoc and seeking articles like hi‑fi, jewelry and money. Doors, windows and the roof are the obvious means of entry.

· Always lock your doors when you are leaving or if you are in a remote part of the house.

Real Estate agents have listings of available accommodation. Some, who are experienced in dealing with the expatriate, are in the best position to carry out all negotiations on your behalf normally the longer the lease, the more the negotiating power. If you choose to use the services of an agent most will not charge you (so establish this initially) but are paid a commission by the landlord.

Properties privately rented (usually houses) display a sign for rent (some in English) and a telephone number. Housing compounds and condominiums, more often than not, have a staff who you can approach to enquire if there is anything available for rent. You will meet fellow expatriates, so ask their advice as to how their accommodation was found.

According to the type, standard, and location of your accommodation, you will find that prices vary from around B35, 000 to B100, 000 per month. Cheaper accommodations can be found in the form of a one room (studio) and they can range from B3, 000 to B15, 000. The middle range between B10, 000 and B35, 000 is harder to find and would probably consist of a one‑bedroom apartment or small house. As in anywhere in the world, location has an influence and if you live in a resort, especially near a beach, the rental accommodation is more expensive.

Foreigners cannot solely own land in Thailand. However, in late 1991 a new law was passed, permitting foreigners to buy a condominium or apartment, as long as foreign ownership is not more than 49% of the total floor space of the entire building. The land is still owned by a Thai.

The lease agreement in Thailand is considered a legal document. If you have requested new furniture, alterations or repairs, and the landlord has agreed this to, ensure these have been carried out before signing the lease. It is advisable for an inventory to be taken at this time. Accommodation can be rented from several months to several years. If your lease has expired, many landlords are prepared to rent from month to month, but to be fair you should give your landlord one-month advanced notice if you plan to leave. Most landlords require two months rent as a security deposit.