With a less than thriving economic climate, not to mention the actual climate, in the West it is not difficult to understand why so many people are making a move overseas, either full or part time.

The Phuket Property market is booming and with such a wide range of property types available on this very special island, living the dream life, for many, is becoming a reality.

Phuket has all of the trappings of a tropical island paradise but with western infrastructure and facilities that makes it a particularly attractive place to live.

Phuket Island, once a trading port, now has a thriving economy and tourist industry and a bright future ahead of it thanks to its all year round, hot, climate, friendly people and endless entertainment opportunities. Phuket offers world class golf courses and world class SCUBA diving in its marine life filled tropical seas.

Phuket has many events going on throughout the year and joining in with them and other celebrations offers a unique way to gain a rich experience of the local culture. Popular celebrations include The Chinese New Year that brings the islands population together in colorful celebration. The Rock and Blues Festival, in February, is another very popular event where international and local blues and rock bands perform live for your entertainment. The Biking Weekend, in April, is another well attended and enjoyable event where the owners of bikes, of all shapes and sizes, arrive from all over the world to share their biking enthusiasm. Songran, also in April, is the time to celebrate the Thai New Year which is welcomed in with a colourful and enthusiastic water festival that nobody can, or would want to, escape from. Thais love sanook, the Thai word for fun, and no other festival demonstrates this more. The Chao Ley Boat Floating Festival takes place in both June and November in is celebrated by the launching of small, candle-lit boats into to ocean to take away of bad luck and honor ancestors.

Other festivals include the Vegetarian Festival in late September, the Andaman Sea Festival in November and, of course, The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta which is arguably Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. The Local Life Festival, in December, organized by the Old Phuket foundation, is held to restore significance to the historical parts of Phuket that is loved by both its ex-pat and Thai population.

For foreigners without Thai relatives, the leasehold is in general applied to foreigner ‘acquisition’ of real estate, and more specifically, the plot of land the structure is built on. The old scheme of investing in Chiang Mai property should be avoided whereby foreigners would establish a ‘paper’ business when purchasing the land the house is to be constructed on. Thai officials are now serious at checking such businesses’ legitimacy and implications could be possible, should a firm be proven to be false.

While pieces of land beyond the ever growing city limits provide the best value for money, land plots within the city centre – especially around Nimminhemin Road, the riverside and Night Bazaar areas – have increased considerably in line with Chiang Mai’s flourishing tourist industry and the economy’s common increase. This land might be relatively costly, but area trends predict that it will remain if not increase in price as the scarcity of land in these locations continues to grow.

The prices of land in Chiang Mai vary according to demand and supply as well as to the particular locations’ specific attributes. Price tickets can range from around 30,000 baht per four square metres in the downtown area, which will then decrease on a sliding scale to approximately 7,500 baht in the suburban locations which are still positioned within a 20-minute drive of the city centre.

When purchasing land in Chiang Mai, there are three different kinds of title deeds. The most solid and accurate are Chanotes since they’ve been demarcated making use of GPS and normally come with inner urban real estate. Nor Gor is another much used deed on land in Chiang Mai, which aren’t that accurate but allow the holders full entitlement to the land or houses they’re buying. There are other title deeds, such as Nor Gor Saam. However, these should be avoided due to the lack of security.

International property consultants, CB Richard Ellis advise that
purchasing a condominium could be one of the safest investments buys in the Thai market right now for foreigners in light of political and
economic uncertainties falling interest rates, the downturn of the stock market, and the falling yields of government bonds.

Foreign purchasers wanting to own condominiums in Thailand are permitted to buy freehold condominium units, but the building must not exceed 49% of the foreign ownership ratio of the condominium and the purchase must be in cash.

According to the latest survey conducted by CBRE. The total stock of existing condominiums in Bangkok is 48,128 units as of the first quarter of 2007, an increase of 9.53% or 4188 units. In terms of area, 21.4% are in the Central Business District area. (Silom, Sathorn and Suan Plu
Roads), 4.4% in Central Lumpini, (Wireless, Ploenchit, Langsuan and Rajdami Roads), 34.6% in Sukumvit (Sukumvit Soi 1-63 and Sukumvit Soi 2-44), 8.2% in Pathumwan (Phaayathai and Phaholyothin Roads) and 29.6% in Riverside. (Rama lll, Charoen Krung and Charoen Nakon
Roads).

The luxury and high-end of the market is a good investment option say CBRE, as there will be limited supply in the future. In 2005 there were
1788 newly launched units positioned at the luxury and high end of the market. While there were 1097 newly launched units in 2006, representing a significant increase of 38.6%. It is expected in 2007 that there will be a similar number of new luxury and high-end condominium launches as there were in 2006.

“Luxury and high-end condominium units in downtown Bangkok, have been attracting a huge amount of interest from long-term investors. Even though the market has slowed down as a result of the political and economic situation,” said Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, managing director of CBRE Thailand.

“However, over the past few years’ long-term investors, who made profits from reselling or earning rental income from their units, have remained keen to purchase condominium properties in Bangkok because of their understanding and confidence in the market. Based on their experience, they are satisfied with investment returns in the form of capital appreciation and rental yields of 5-7%, which is higher than the current deposit account interest rate of 3.5%.”

The picture is not all rosy. Investors in the luxury and high-end markets are not only concerned about their finances, but lack confidence in the market because of negative factors in the political scene, the economy, and in society.

The middle end of the market is dominated by Thai buyers and investors. This was proved by the success of many projects such as Villa Ratchewi by TCC Capital Land, and Life Rachada-LadPrao by Asian Property Development. However Aliwassa says that the large number of new launches in the middle to low end of the market may lead to an oversupply at some stage. In 2005 there were 2688. newly launched units positioned at the middle to the lower end of the market and located in downtown Bangkok. While there were 7630 newly launched units in the downtown area of Bangkok in 2006 representing a soar of 184%. In the first quarter of 2007 alone, 1367 new units were announced.

So with the middle end of the market running the risk of oversupply. The luxury segment appears to be investor’s best bet.CB Richard Ellis, forecasts that there will be a limited supply of luxury and high-end condominium units. Whilst demand for residential condominiums for long-term investment will continue to be strong, particularly among those projects located in the CBD or along mass transit routes.

Prices will rise further especially for those units that meet the standards required by the luxury and high-end markets, and are of investment grade. With sustained yields of 5- 7% and improved historical capital gains acquired condominium units in prime positions are proving to be an attractive long-term investment choice for both Thai and foreign investors in the current economic conditions said Aliwassa.

In search of Bangkok development property, The number of foreign investors has dramatically increased over the past few years. The explanation of this unprecedented wave of investors is quite simple – the city of Bangkok has solid growth potential, providing a practically unlimited number of business opportunities. Furthermore, the country has excellent infrastructure and strong business ties with China. Investors are also drawn to the reasonably priced properties in Bangkok and the good rental potential. One of the main goals of Forbest Properties is helping investors acquire the best Bangkok investment property.

Unlike most western countries, Thailand doesn’t have inheritance or gift taxes. Furthermore, the capital gains tax is charged as the income tax, at the standard rates. Rental policies are also advantageous, as the yields are maintained around the 8% mark in Bangkok. Foreigners can also own freehold condominium if the purchase is done in cash and the building does not exceed 49% of the foreign ownership ratio. Forbest Properties has been in the real estate business for over 17 years – it is the most indicated real estate brokerage firm to aid investors in locating Bangkok investment property.

Investments in foreign real estate must be done with great diligence and the support of an experience real estate broker and consultant. Forbest Properties, the leading real estate broker and consultant in Bangkok, is the most experienced firm in Thailand. With over 17 years of experience in the Thai real estate market, the company has extensive knowledge on every aspect of the market. Forbest Properties is dedicated to assisting foreign and local investors in any real estate transaction. The company supports investments in Bangkok, assisting investors in purchasing prime Bangkok development property.

Potential investors who are looking for Asian property with high development potential will probably choose Bangkok. The Thai metropolis is predicted to become one of the most economically evolved cities in Asia in the next 5 to 10 years. Bangkok investment property in the Central Business Area is currently the main attraction for foreign investors. Forbest Properties is the real estate broker and consultant with the most experience in the Bangkok market.

In addition, the specific business tax has been reduced from 3% to 0,01% for the same period of time. However, it is not only due to tax cuts that branded hotels and resort properties are becoming hot items in Thailand’s property sector. Across all of Asia, five star hotel brands are working in conjunction with developers and owners to boost the availability of luxury accommodation. It is attributed to the confidence that branded resorts inspire in investors. Projects are generally meticulously and expertly planned, by people with experience in similar successful projects overseas. Hotels and resorts with a strong track record are finding that property investment in Thailand, and in Asia generally, can yield especially high returns. In Singapore recently, a brand name condo development sold for $4,000 per square meter, as opposed to the $2,500 that such a development without a brand name usually fetches.

In a property environment where many more projects are announced than completed, brand name resorts make investors feel more secure. It offers them some measure of assurance that a project will not only be built, it will be finished to a certain standard and will come with some ready-made customers, as global visitors look for resorts and hotels where they know what to expect. Thailand is a perfect travel destination, no matter what type of holiday you’re after and no matter what your budget. Tourism in Thailand is set to increase by 20% per year, owing to the prevalence of extremely cheap stop over flights, as compared to the relatively expensive direct flights. Thailand’s unique geographical position gives it an advantage for the tourism sector. Its extensive natural attractions, along with the relative inexpense of local facilities ensure that resorts, five star hotels and luxury accommodation will always find customers.

Investors from all over the world take advantage of the magical attraction Bangkok has and help this city grow each day more and more. The real estate market flourishes and numerous Bangkok properties are made available, tempting anyone who wants to buy a property in Bangkok, or simply to rent one, with diversity and comfort. Bangkok properties include the most magnificent and breathtaking residences, which can impress and convince anyone to buy on the spot. Thailand’s capital represents that ideal place where the real estate market offers a great variety of designs in combination with acceptable prices, so if you want to buy a home in this city, it is impossible not to find one according to your wishes.

The most advantageous of investments are considered high-rise condominiums which offer an extraordinary view over the city and over its exclusive modern landscape. With its beautiful riversides, historical legacy and modern culture Bangkok mesmerizes anyone. Rich in options, there’s always some residence that will charm you and make you want to buy a property in Bangkok. So, to judge the city from the first glance is not recommended as there are certainly more Bangkok properties to see than you think. The view of the picturesque alley houses with abundant, grassy gardens represents a dream come true for families who want a quite life, but one may also choose something else than a tranquil shelter far from the boiling Bangkok life. Everyone can find a home in this city if they decide to buy a property in Bangkok.

Starting with houses, townhouses, housing estates, serviced apartments and condominiums, Bangkok can turn out to be a delightful home suitable to your individual preferences. Because of the diversity of Bangkok properties, it is possible to find what you want for quite a reasonable price. When you want to invest your money in your own home you should get the best, but this might be difficult if you try to find the best on your own. You will probably find yourself struggling to make a compromise between the price and comfort.

The most puzzling decision when choosing a home is the location. If your budget does not allow you to purchase an accommodation in the central part of the city, you will have two choices. You can choose something basic, which does not offer so many facilities or has a less appealing design, or you can turn your views to some other parts of Bangkok, which can offer you better conditions and views for the same price. Depending on your expectations and needs and with the aid of professional consultants, Bangkok can provide anyone who wants to buy a property in Bangkok, with a remarkable, appealing home.

When comes to property market, Thailand has a number of properties, ranging from very cheap to very expensive, based on the nature of the location. No matter it is commercial property, industrial property, or residential property, the country has excellent options. Commercial property in Thailand includes executive home office coupled with reception and waiting rooms, cubicles, and board rooms; office spaces with huge reception areas; and shophouses, which are ideal for retail, spa, and beauty salon establishments. Likewise, excellent property is available in the beach areas of Central Thailand, Eastern Thailand, and Western Thailand for conducting such businesses as small bar, restaurants, and resorts. In the case of residential property, choices are truly endless. Few among the residential property choices are apartments, serviced apartments, houses, townhouses, villas, condominiums, and flats.

Fully furnished condominium units, Mediterranean style villas, and apartments are among the most favored residential choices among expatriates seeking luxury and excellent facilities. Townhouses, mostly located on the outskirts of the city, are a great choice for people looking for inexpensive options. Likewise, serviced apartments are preferred by business travelers, and are regarded as an excellent alternative over high-end hotels and resorts. In order to cater to the varying needs of both local and foreign investors, a myriad of real estate firms and property agents are in Thailand to help find a property that goes according to the requirements and budget of investors. A good number of international property consultant firms also operate here in order to assist investors in facilitating effective as well as successful investment in international properties.

No matter you are looking for a property for investment in Thailand or property located in some other countries, an international property consultant firm can guide as well as assist as per your specific needs. Usually, these types of firms undertake a range of services in connection with real estate, such as, property search, research and consultancy, providing services with regard to sales as well as leasing, residential project marketing, overseas marketing, market positioning advice, valuation and advisory, lease management, property management, and after sales services covering leasing services and rental remittances.

One of the prime benefits of leaning on the services of international property agents is that they can easily find you your dream property and that too in your desired location. A specialty of international property firms is that they usually consist of a network of offices and partners in several countries. This in turn enables firms to make you well-informed regarding the property market not only in Thailand but also in other countries. They can also provide you with valuable advice, economic information, and market analysis reports, all of which help you to take effective investment decisions.

Although subject to strict controls, it is relatively easy to buy property in Thailand, although as there are no mortgage deals for non Thai citizens you must be able to buy the property outright. Also, technically, it is not the land you will own but the property itself, although possession of the land is assured by virtue of the fact that the property obviously occupies the land. Furthermore, it is not impossible to own freehold land if you fall within certain conditions. But what with the cheap cost of houses, stunning locations, tropical views, and wide range of property available, it is clear why buying property in Thailand is a popular idea.

Different locations are sought after for different reasons. For example Phuket, with its beautiful scenery and idyllic setting, is a popular place to buy for those looking for an investment within the tourism industry. The northern areas of Thailand are perhaps more popular with those buying to live, such as in beautiful Chaing Mai, as the climate can be a little cooler. Those preferring property in a more vibrant part of Thailand often choose Bangkok or Pattaya and use their homes for holidaying or as a festive retreat. And with the opening up of international airports at many of the established tourist resorts, such as Hua Hin for example, this has made property in Thailand even more desirable.

There are also various types of property one can buy; whether you want a six bedroom mansion complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and landscaped gardens, or perhaps a villa in the countryside, or a simple bungalow a stone’s throw from a white sandy beach, all can be found within Thailand. Condominiums are a popular property to buy in Thailand, and also the easiest and simplest to buy. Similarly, you can find a property with Western influences and all modern conveniences, or else perhaps a property with more traditional Thai architecture.

Thailand, with its diverse scenery and locations also enables you to choose whether you want to live within close proximity to shopping, public transport, sporting facilities and a thriving expatriate community, or perhaps somewhere a little more rural and remote. Whichever type of property in Thailand you are searching for, and for whatever budget or need, there are plenty of options to buy in this beautiful country.

Thailand has strong business links with China and has an excellent infrastructure. Property is much cheaper in Thailand than elsewhere and an increase in overseas interest in property purchase has helped to create an economic recovery in Thailand. With its diverse scenery and locations also enables you to choose whether you want to live within close proximity to shopping, public transport, sporting facilities and a thriving expatriate community, or perhaps somewhere a little more rural and remote. Whichever type of property in Thailand you are searching for, and for whatever budget or need, there are plenty of options to buy in this beautiful country.