How to buy properties in Pattaya
How to buy properties in Pattaya
The first question you have to ask yourself is the PURPOSE, you want to buy for yourself or as a rental investment?
Self-use: You got 2 kids, dogs and like BBQ – go for a house because you need several bedrooms and charcoal grills and dogs are not allowed in condos (some exceptions…)
But be aware that you need gardeners, pool service etc when you are away for a longer period
Are you on your own or with a partner? Consider a condo, you can use all facilities like pool, gym, it is almost 100% safe regarding burglary. You go away for several months? Lock the door, switch of electric and water, tell the office and off you go.
But your friends or family coming to visit! Ok if these are regular visits you need a 2nd or 3rd bedroom. But look in the neighborhood or even the condo building if there are hotels or rooms for rent.
How to find your property?
For Americans: we don’t have a Multiple Listing System (MLS)
For Europeans: we don’t have exclusive listings
So what to do? Almost all agents are working together. In Pattaya Real Estate 9 out of 10 deals are shared deals, either we got the buyer or the property and the other side is covered by one of the several hundreds of agents we are connected with.
As a buyer you CHOOSE one agent, the one you like, the one who listens to you. The agent should have experience and a certain back ground and a proven record.
The agent then will find a selection of properties matching your profile, either in his own listings or within his network.
So it is almost a MLS for those Americans and a big step forward for Europeans who are used to deal with a different agent every day!
A good agent offers much more than you are used to in your home country: they guide you through the legal process as well for what you need a lawyer in your home country – but feel free to use one in Pattaya as well!
There are certain regulations you have to follow and all documents at the Land Office are in Thai language!
More advice will follow next month!
