Four Common Types of Investment Property for Sale in Thailand
An investment property is real estate purchased to generate income, through rental income, future resale (i.e., appreciation), or a combination of both. Such investments can be with a specific time horizon in mind in the short and medium term and may include a particular renovation or repositioning strategy, before being re-sold for a target profit. They can also be open ended long-term holds with the purpose of personal or business wealth accumulation and preservation.
Thailand is an increasingly popular choice for global investors. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, Thailand’s economy is in the top 25 largest in the world and has enjoyed impressive growth over the last few decades. The capital city, Bangkok, is a vibrant metropolis of over 10 million people and, until COVID-19 struck, received more tourists annually than any other city in the world. Along with its affordability and constantly improving infrastructure, all this makes Bangkok a uniquely attractive proposition for serious property investors.
The reasons for investing in Bangkok property are clear, but that still leaves us with the question of what kind of investment property is most suitable for your needs. With that in mind, this article briefly explains four of the most popular types of investment property for sale in the city (and in Thailand more generally).
Serviced Apartment Buildings for Sale
Serviced apartment buildings for sale are the first investment property type on the list. Serviced apartment buildings are owned by one company or an individual who is also responsible for all common areas. This makes them quite distinct from condominiums, in which each unit can be owned by a different individual. Serviced apartment buildings vary considerably in size, from low-rise structures with 10-20 units up to high-rise towers with 300, but one thing most have in common is that they tend to be an excellent source of reliable long-term income and, as a bonus, often require less initial investment than hotels or office buildings. In particular, serviced apartment buildings—which can be managed day-to-day by property companies—are attractive options for expatriates who are drawn to the quality of service such apartments offer. This often makes serviced apartment buildings for sale an excellent investment not only in Bangkok, but anywhere there is a high-earning expatriate population or any other rental pool of people: Phuket, Pattaya, Rayong, etc.
Office Buildings for Sale in Bangkok
Bangkok is a huge and dynamic city and, after weathering the storm of COVID-19 for two years, there is no better time to invest in office buildings in the city. Bangkok’s size means that there is a wide range of office buildings for sale that can potentially be invested in or acquired. A major priority for tenants nowadays is buildings with strong green credentials and efficient well configured space. Accessibility by BTS and MRT are also of interest to potential tenants, and as both rail networks expand, so does the number of well-located office buildings for sale throughout the city. Passenger numbers on both the BTS and MRT grow year-on-year, and as the lines extend outwards from the city, office buildings located anywhere near stations will be in high demand and should make for excellent long-term investments.
Shophouses for Sale in Bangkok
Shophouses for sale are the next type of property investment we will look at. The first thing you might notice when flying into Bangkok or driving along a highway into the city center is a skyline dotted with gleaming skyscrapers, and Bangkok certainly has its fair share of these. But despite the impressive nature of these buildings, the beating heart of Thai commerce is probably found in its shophouses. Shophouses are low-rise buildings, usually between two and five storeys, with a ground floor often used as a place of business. If you have spent any amount of time in Bangkok (or in any city in Thailand) you will have noticed the prevalence of these buildings and their importance to the daily life of the city. Such businesses enjoy significant footfall in key locations throughout the city, and include convenience stores, medical clinics, small offices, language schools, restaurants and more. Indeed, the shophouse’s adaptability makes it one of the most popular types of investment property for sale in Bangkok.
Land with Building for Sale in Bangkok
One of the most common types of investment property for sale in Bangkok is land that already has a building (or buildings) on it: land with building. Many investors want their property to start generating income as soon as possible after they purchase it, and the land with building for sale category allows them to do that.
As with anything else, urban property is subject to the forces of supply and demand, so purchasing land in Bangkok can be an excellent investment due its scarcity. However, many of the city’s land plots are not vacant, and come with some sort of construction already on the premises. Examples of land with building for sale might be land with a house, restaurant, showroom, or warehouse. These buildings may also be old or new, and in rare cases unfinished or abandoned. The diversity of buildings on such plots makes them a flexible and attractive investment; the buildings can be used for either residential or commercial purposes, and the land offers a variety of development opportunities subject to the city’s zoning plan and building regulations. It’s important to keep in mind that foreigners cannot acquire over 49% of the freehold title in land, but if the land is on a leasehold basis no such restriction applies. For residential buildings, the longest lease length is 30 years, with lease terms for commercial properties ranging between 30 and 50 years.
