'Amazing Thailand' is the hottest emerging property market in Asia

Why is the world of property investment turning to Thailand?

Due to limited opportunities there used to be very little for the serious investor, or holiday homebuyer, looking to buy property in Thailand.  However, as the second largest economy in South East Asia, the Thai government is now openly encouraging investment growth and a property market has been created that is offering realistic valuations and excellent long term stability.

 

It used to be that  property for sale in Thailand  had very little to offer foreigners wishing to purchase a real estate investment, holiday home, relocation house, or retirement property.  However, with the Real Estate Market now accounting for 7% of their annual GDP, Thailand is openly encouraging property investment by abolishing Witholding Tax; reducing transfer fees from 2% to 0.01%  and specific business tax from 3% to 0.01%.

 

With capital appreciation above 20% there are still many freehold and leasehold properties for sale in Thailand.  Over 20,000 freehold condominiums are being built nationwide with most being purchased before completion and with talk of longer leasehold agreements, these price gains are set to increase, as a shortage of property in Thailand starts to outstrip supply.

How is the current property recession affecting your foreign investment portfolio?

As the current property recession continues to affect the investment markets of the UK, Europe, Africa and Australia many investors are starting to find that their foreign property portfolios are not delivering the capital growth they once did.  Due to the rise in global inflations investors are also experiencing:

• Declining property values.
• Costly property management fees.
• Expensive utilities and services.

Investors are also seeing a fall in short and long term holiday rentals as more tourists realise the usual holiday destinations are not offering the value for money they once did.  A more globally aware and money conscious traveller is looking to rent property in Thailand as it offers a more rewarding 'Lifestyle' holiday.

How will buying in Thailand diversify your property portfolio?

Thailand is an investment real estate market where the concepts of ‘Lifestyle Buying’ and ‘Investment’ go hand in hand.  As all other foreign property markets continue falling Thailand remains unaffected and has in fact become a hot favourite with buyers, who have enjoyed:

• Exceptional value for money and properties for a fraction of that paid elsewhere.
• Capital appreciation above 25% during the last 5 years.
• A rental yield of 7% to 15% and rising, as the percentage of repeat visitors continues to grow.

Bangkok has a new, larger airport and the second phase has started this year.  Plans to extend Phuket airport have also been announced to cater for more people and airlines.  Koh Samui has a brand new airport with four domestic terminals and two international terminals.

Will investing in the Thai property market be a complicated process?

When you’re dealing long distance with unfamiliar situations and language barriers you will find that Thailand has many International Specialists who will advise you on various ways to purchase property in Thailand.  Asian Property Markets also recommend that you speak with qualified professionals who will advise you on legal and tax matters.

 

You are free to transfer money in and out of Thailand, however all monies must be received in foreign currency and not Thai baht.   A foreign exchange form (Tor Tor 3) must be completed and your legal representative will advise you with regard to this when you commence your property purchase in Thailand.

 

The number of business travelers to Thailand has increased by 5.9% to 1.26 million in 2007.  In comparison to 2006 overall arrivals have increased by 4.65% in 2007 and are expected to grow further as prices in Europe continue to rise. More and more people are re-turning to Thailand as it continues to be value for money, accessible and safe. 

Thailand is the rewarding choice for you financially but how will it benefit you personally?

Just the word 'Thailand' conjures images of the exotic, tropical, exciting and forbidden.  A recent global study showed that Thailand ranked amongst the top 10 holiday destinations, scoring high in the areas of safety, value for money, accessibility and climate, as well as receiving awards for:

• Best Asian Country for a cultural travel experience.
• Best Tourist Long-haul destination.
• 1st choice Asian destination for golfers.
• Best Asian destination with highest client satisfaction.
• Most popular tourist destination in Asia.
• Best City destination for leisure.

Whether you choose to buy a property in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin or one of Thailand’s other property markets, as the location for your Thailand property investment, we are sure that you will be rewarded both financially and personally by the natural beauty, authenticity, art and culture that is 'Amazing Thailand'.

Will the spotlight continue to shine on Thailand?

In 2007 Thailand re-launched its successful 1998-99 slogan 'Amazing Thailand'.  The new five year marketing and promotion plan will continue to uphold the image of Thailand as a peaceful, hospitable country and a year round tourism destination with high-quality, value-for-money products and services.

 

With 14.4 million visitors in 2007 (up from 13.8 million in 2006) and with an expected annual growth of 7.3% over the next two years the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) is continuing to focus on quality and high income tourists and specifically targeting high end groups in places like the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, China, Korea and the United States.

 

As the world grows smaller, it is clear that to achieve the excellent possible returns, investors need a diversified international property portfolio and as Asia’s hottest emerging property market, Thailand certainly offers impressive opportunities and fantastic properties for you to snap up at bargain prices.

 

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