Pattaya – More than Everybody’s Favorite Beach Resort

Savvy investors in Pattaya are enjoying significant capital gains and rental returns, buoyed by a booming local economy, an up market tourism sector, and a populace bursting with foreign retirees, holiday makers, expatriates and well-heeled businessmen. Pattaya is no longer just one of the world’s most popular beach resorts, but has transformed itself into a city with permanent residents, expat communities, business owners and executives from the Eastern Seaboard’s industrial estates.

This growing and increasingly affluent population has opted to buy property in Pattaya for its tropical beaches; five-star hotels and resorts; scuba diving, yachting, horseback riding and golf; shopping and nightlife; and world-class hospitals and international schools. All are part of a global group of astute property investors who feel that today’s market conditions offer an exceptional opportunity to lock into excellent future returns – whether through rental income or capital growth – while they enjoy an upscale resort lifestyle most people can only dream about.

Who is buying property in Pattaya and already living the lifestyle and getting the returns?

The foreign nationals buying properties in Pattaya are predominantly British, American, Australian and Swedish, while the Germans, French and Scandinavians are also major investors. The Russians have become big buyers of Pattaya property of late, attesting to the emergence of Eastern European investors here, and we are seeing increased interest from the Chinese and South Koreans due to the easing of restrictions on fund transfers.

The European dominance reflects the growing trend on the Continent to purchase a second home outside the traditional European resort destinations, and many have either moved to Pattaya permanently, spend their winters there, or escape to their tropical homes whenever possible from their offices in such regional business centres such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. For all of these investors, the decision to buy in Pattaya was based on the strong prospects for solid returns, whether from rental yields or capital gains, combined with the opportunity to live an upscale tropical lifestyle with services and amenities that would probably be beyond their grasp in their home countries.

Why is NOW the time to buy property in Pattaya?

The boom in Pattaya’s property market began in 2004, and the city has seen continued growth in new housing construction permits ever since, with 3.9 million square metres approved in 2006, and a tripling of high-rise residential construction permits issued between 2004 and 2006. Current market conditions and a spate of new developments funded by international financial institutions point to unprecedented opportunities for property investors in Pattaya. For those seeking either a second home or a sound investment or both, Thailand’s premier seaside resort appears set to offer excellent returns well into the future.

Which area of Pattaya will enrich my lifestyle and property portfolio?

Central Pattaya dominates Pattaya Bay, a four-kilometre crescent of sandy shoreline backed by an upscale strip of luxury resorts and condominiums, gourmet restaurants and cafés, shopping malls and vibrant nightlife. The six-kilometre stretch of Jomtien Beach unwinds to the south, and offers a quieter, less-congested atmosphere, while to the north, the more secluded beaches at Wong Amart and Naklua offer a more tranquil small-town atmosphere. Of the 2,268 new high-rise units announced in 2007, 11% and 22% were located in North and Central Pattaya respectively, while the Jomtien area attracted 26% of the launches, with 2% in Jomtien itself and 24% in Na Jomtien to its south. Each area is unique and has its own quirks, so it is a wise decision indeed to let our experience be your guide through the various areas of the Pattaya property market to assure that you find the one that best suits your lifestyle and investment goals.

How will buying property in Pattaya enhance my lifestyle or my investment portfolio?

Pre-construction – or off-plan – properties have dominated investment hot-spots like the Pattaya property market for years for their attractive buy low - sell high appeal. Off-plan investments in Pattaya offer investors the opportunity to buy at the lowest price possible and achieve maximum returns on their investment. Holding on to your property for a number of years also allows you to benefit from the excellent rental income opportunities where Pattaya is currently seeing yields of 7-12%, while you enjoy your lovely tropical holiday home and watch its value climb. The Thai government’s strict regulations to ensure the high quality of off-plan property here adds to the security of your investment in the Pattaya property market.