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[fivestar]

Jimmyd, on 2009-11-14 08:39:53, said:

I just stumbled across this thread. I am quite shocked by it.

Benchmark, I don't think you are well served by this thread. It appears to be an advertisement for you. I, for one, would be very wary of doing business with you because instead of advertising in a straighforward way, through an ad, you instead try to make this seem to be just a normal thread. I believe this seems underhanded and does not reflect well on you.

If I were you, I would ask the moderators to remove this thread and would stop advertising in this manner--I really think it does a lot more damage than good.

Come on guys...give Benchmark a break.

His "Threads" are causing a lot of interest!

Regards
Robert

[benchmark]

fivestar, on 2009-11-19 08:57:55, said:

Jimmyd, on 2009-11-14 08:39:53, said:

I just stumbled across this thread. I am quite shocked by it.

Benchmark, I don't think you are well served by this thread. It appears to be an advertisement for you. I, for one, would be very wary of doing business with you because instead of advertising in a straighforward way, through an ad, you instead try to make this seem to be just a normal thread. I believe this seems underhanded and does not reflect well on you.

If I were you, I would ask the moderators to remove this thread and would stop advertising in this manner--I really think it does a lot more damage than good.

Come on guys...give Benchmark a break.

His "Threads" are causing a lot of interest!

Regards
Robert

Thanks Fivestar, that's a Fivestar comment. It seems like the market is starting to pick up isn't it? I have heard that couple of Pattaya Real Estate agents have recorded sales. No matter what things are moving ahead here in Pattaya.

[pkrv]

I think some of the guys on this thread may not quite understand how you can be used, and I am sorry that is the term I would use.

Normally I would PM you but I am going to put my balls on the line and openly try this, for the moment a hypothetical exercise, the time is not right for us to consider Pattaya.

We are a Farang/Farang couple we already own a Farang quota condominium in Bangkok. It is somewhat elite we own one of the cheapest units, its is worth about 25m THB. The unit we chose was in the first bank of units to sell out first, prices are on the web site. The Park continues to operate its own sales operation and given the penthouses were worth 80m back in 2005 I don't blame them for this revenue stream.

http://www.theparkresidence.co.th/

or you can independently view/review at

http://www.prakard.c...px?g=topics&f=5

It was dipping our toe in the water.

A hypotetical exercise (for the moment).

I no longer wish to drive. The porsche was broken into too many times, I prefer the BTS (in Bangkok), Taxies, Limos and in Tahiti Le Truck or in Thailand A Baht Bus or Tuk Tuk (outside of a city), and trains esp airport expresses (I already know there is no train link between Bangkok and Pattaya).

I would wish to keep some aspects of Pattaya at bay/at a distance but I am not sure I could cope with a sleepy town like Hua Hin, I am a mega city type of guy.

So access to the shops restaurants etc are critical (even for a beach home)

I would want to be on the beach - that would be the main point.

Price say 10m + for a Farang quota condominium only.

What would you suggest?

Edit not off the plan this time round just somewhere to relax

Edited by pkrv, 2009-11-19 22:00:21.

[benchmark]

pkrv, on 2009-11-19 21:33:12, said:

I think some of the guys on this thread may not quite understand how you can be used, and I am sorry that is the term I would use.

Normally I would PM you but I am going to put my balls on the line and openly try this, for the moment a hypothetical exercise, the time is not right for us to consider Pattaya.

We are a Farang/Farang couple we already own a Farang quota condominium in Bangkok. It is somewhat elite we own one of the cheapest units, its is worth about 25m THB. The unit we chose was in the first bank of units to sell out first, prices are on the web site. The Park continues to operate its own sales operation and given the penthouses were worth 80m back in 2005 I don't blame them for this revenue stream.

http://www.theparkresidence.co.th/

or you can independently view/review at

http://www.prakard.c...px?g=topics&f=5

It was dipping our toe in the water.

A hypotetical exercise (for the moment).

I no longer wish to drive. The porsche was broken into too many times, I prefer the BTS (in Bangkok), Taxies, Limos and in Tahiti Le Truck or in Thailand A Baht Bus or Tuk Tuk (outside of a city), and trains esp airport expresses (I already know there is no train link between Bangkok and Pattaya).

I would wish to keep some aspects of Pattaya at bay/at a distance but I am not sure I could cope with a sleepy town like Hua Hin, I am a mega city type of guy.

So access to the shops restaurants etc are critical (even for a beach home)

I would want to be on the beach - that would be the main point.

Price say 10m + for a Farang quota condominium only.

What would you suggest?

Edit not off the plan this time round just somewhere to relax

Hi PKRV, My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential. It fits your profile. I can send you some good offers there if you like and a detailed description of the place. It's located right on the beach with beautiful surroundings which is the entry way to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. I have a good long term relationship with the owners here because we do a lot of corporate rentals in these buildings. There are 4 main condo buildings in the compound. Residents are mostly foreigners and others wealthy Thai owners from Bangkok who spend weekends sometimes. People like the owner (Director) of the Bangkok Bank are owners here.Many other high profile wealthy people (foreign/Thai) own units in the compound. Some of the units with the double view over the Pattaya bay are simply breathtaking. A must see building if you are buying a high-end condominium in Pattaya.

Edited by benchmark, 2009-11-20 09:48:19.

[pkrv]

benchmark, on 2009-11-20 02:23:00, said:

Hi PKRV, My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential. It fits your profile. I can send you some good offers there if you like and a detailed description of the place. It's located right on the beach with beautiful surroundings which is the entry way to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. I have a good long term relationship with the owners here because we do a lot of corporate rentals in these buildings. There are 4 main condo buildings in the compound. Residents are mostly foreigners and others wealthy Thai owners from Bangkok who spend weekends sometimes. People like the owner (Director) of the Bangkok Bank are owners here.Many other high profile wealthy people (foreign/Thai) own units in the compound. Some of the units with the double view over the Pattaya bay are simply breathtaking. A must see building if you are buying a high-end condominium in Pattaya.

Thank you benchmark for a very professional response - I have said before Pattaya is a big place and we have limited time to explore as we are still both working.

You seem to have understood my requirements perfectly, and I note the web site

http://www.royalclif...ent/condos.html

Yes I can research, but this is not a substitue for local knowledge. I note independently there are not that many units for sale.

It looks like Pattaya has the potential to give us what we want.

In a way I have sort of shifted you to my pending pile - The time is not right for us to buy just yet, I am not being rude, quite the opposite infact.

[seanog]

Try this one www.talaysawan.com or www.bangsaray.com

Edited by seanog, 2009-11-20 17:40:24.

[pkrv]

seanog, on 2009-11-20 10:37:27, said:

Try this one www.talaysawan.com or www.bangsaray.com

Very, very nice. Unfortunatly As a Farang/Farang couple we can't buy it without jumping through far too many hoops for my tastes. I can cope with a condo.

http://www.talaysawan.com/

And a good web site. A lot of very good information on the area.

http://www.bangsaray.com/


I found this of interest

http://www.bangsaray.com/places.php

Thanks

[loverboy44]

So sorry that you can't find the right place to buy!
I will put some candles for you in the church!
Have to fly some miles but you are worth it.
Is this a post the moderators can delete too?
I am only nice!!!!!
I wish everyone all the best with property purchases in Thailand!
If you go with Benchmark you can not do anything wrong!

[dickie58]

pkrv, on 2009-11-20 17:33:48, said:

benchmark, on 2009-11-20 02:23:00, said:

Hi PKRV, My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential. It fits your profile. I can send you some good offers there if you like and a detailed description of the place. It's located right on the beach with beautiful surroundings which is the entry way to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. I have a good long term relationship with the owners here because we do a lot of corporate rentals in these buildings. There are 4 main condo buildings in the compound. Residents are mostly foreigners and others wealthy Thai owners from Bangkok who spend weekends sometimes. People like the owner (Director) of the Bangkok Bank are owners here.Many other high profile wealthy people (foreign/Thai) own units in the compound. Some of the units with the double view over the Pattaya bay are simply breathtaking. A must see building if you are buying a high-end condominium in Pattaya.

Thank you benchmark for a very professional response - I have said before Pattaya is a big place and we have limited time to explore as we are still both working.

You seem to have understood my requirements perfectly, and I note the web site

http://www.royalclif...ent/condos.html

Yes I can research, but this is not a substitue for local knowledge. I note independently there are not that many units for sale.

It looks like Pattaya has the potential to give us what we want.

In a way I have sort of shifted you to my pending pile - The time is not right for us to buy just yet, I am not being rude, quite the opposite infact.

Although i don't have a condo for sale, i do have a lovely sea view house 4 sale, very close to the royal cliff condos, in Phratmanak hill area
Benchmark also have it listed, see link below:-

http://www.benchmarkthailand.com/pages/det...rop_id/797.html

Just thought it might intrest you?

[benchmark]

dickie58, on 2009-11-21 07:04:19, said:

pkrv, on 2009-11-20 17:33:48, said:

benchmark, on 2009-11-20 02:23:00, said:

Hi PKRV, My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential. It fits your profile. I can send you some good offers there if you like and a detailed description of the place. It's located right on the beach with beautiful surroundings which is the entry way to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. I have a good long term relationship with the owners here because we do a lot of corporate rentals in these buildings. There are 4 main condo buildings in the compound. Residents are mostly foreigners and others wealthy Thai owners from Bangkok who spend weekends sometimes. People like the owner (Director) of the Bangkok Bank are owners here.Many other high profile wealthy people (foreign/Thai) own units in the compound. Some of the units with the double view over the Pattaya bay are simply breathtaking. A must see building if you are buying a high-end condominium in Pattaya.

Thank you benchmark for a very professional response - I have said before Pattaya is a big place and we have limited time to explore as we are still both working.

You seem to have understood my requirements perfectly, and I note the web site

http://www.royalclif...ent/condos.html

Yes I can research, but this is not a substitue for local knowledge. I note independently there are not that many units for sale.

It looks like Pattaya has the potential to give us what we want.

In a way I have sort of shifted you to my pending pile - The time is not right for us to buy just yet, I am not being rude, quite the opposite infact.

Although i don't have a condo for sale, i do have a lovely sea view house 4 sale, very close to the royal cliff condos, in Phratmanak hill area
Benchmark also have it listed, see link below:-

http://www.benchmarkthailand.com/pages/det...rop_id/797.html

Just thought it might intrest you?

Yes, this property is a well built quality home located in a prime residential area in Pattaya. From second floor balcony you get fantastic sea views. Property has easy access to everything. Highly recommended for the buyers who are interested in this price range looking for a house to buy in Pattaya. I know the owner is welcome to reasonable offers. If someone needs a visit just let us know or you can PM the owner directly as well.

[loquent]

loverboy44, on 2009-11-02 06:18:35, said:

I don't think that it is a market thing at all. I am talking about the basics.
Are the plots already devided and paid for? Can they be transferred tomorrow? Are the roads as the land office want it? How about the water? Is it fixed? 95% of the developments don't have it. Meaning 5 % are doing a good job! I doubt that Benchmark only sells these 5 %.
Ok, my recomendation is, call your embassy, ask for a lawyer! They have a list. On this list is not Siam Legal.

The thread is posted by a company with an interest in selling houses.

It is not possible to own land or property in Thailand. Start from that premise. Then listen to the myriad of ifs and buts and contradictions spouted to have you part with your money.

The company bit is the most transparent nonsense they ever utter. It's full of holes and when the day comes to reclaim illegally properties in Pattaya this will be the first port of call. All those big flash places that thumb their noses to the Thais will be seized oevr night. Thais are anti-foreigner enough without having their zenophobia whipped up by flash farangs now driving all manner of exotic sports cars which they park on their private drives. How are Thais with their back sides hanging out of their threadbare pants expected to react? And such flash houses are built on sand; literally and metaphorically.

Rent it. Have a problem? Move. Buy it and you'll never sell it.

And as for price increases etc. Listen, you can't even sell your old golf clubs in Pattaya so how you expect to get shut of some over priced under maintained hel_l hole in the sky or estate house out in the back of beyond I just don't know. If you don't have the money to build a high wall and live safe in your own private prison you've got the problems in spades with thai neigbours. this isn't the Costa del Sol which will seem a haven of tranquility compared with the hel_l from pattaya neighbours. If the culture of some Turk, American, Swedish, German mix neighbourhood doesn't get you, then the addition of some earth squatting, bug eating, shadow fearing, garbage collecting Esarn family trying to adjust to breeze block dwelling after a life on a diddly squat farm, certainly will. hel_l absolute hel_l and you've your friendly smiley squeaky clean realtor to thank for you pad in Gantanamo Towers, pattaya.

Have you ever visited these estates? I have. I dare say I've visited almost all developments in and around Pattaya. Do it yourself and work out the percentages; occupied, sold, rented, empty, unfinished, abandoned, neglected. It really is alarming. There is an absolute glut of properties that can't be shifted for love nor money. And as if it were as simple as that. There's the tangled web of farang-Thai marriage gone belly up that has to be legally sorted out.

I heard of one guy who found out that the lawyer used to process the sale actually made the house ownership out to himself. Furthermore, I've heard a lawyer boast of being able to get around any law! The idiot didn't realise that any lawyer can operate the same way. And how they operate is to make a payout - one lawyer to another - and the matter is settled. What breaks your heart fills their bank accounts and they don't care about the outcome. The rights and wrongs. It's all about falang money. That's Thai money with a hel_l of a lot of noughts on the end. Too tempting.

The sale of houses is an unregulated profession which anyone, unqualified can set up. For example, does anyone remeber the dutch guy who sold houses and was assasinated in a triple killing? The other two being despatched at the same time in Amsterdam. Now that respectable business man who is selling you a house is murdered by someone who flys in to do it. Just bad luck then.

It's an unregulated unqualified profession that Europe has just begun to tackle. And Pattya - where the msifits fit - is perfect for anyone to set up and sell property.

And as for all those respectable businesses that deliver on what they promise, fine. The property is over priced and can't be shifted. Supply outstrips demand. There's a world wide recession and yet prices do not reflect that here. Reluctantly, the agency businesses goes so far as describing the total collapse of sales as ' not robust'. And yet prices are held and inflated because it is a totally manufactured market where cartels operate as successfully as The Big foot Club, Fans of Roswell, the UFO society and Elvis is alive and well performing 9 nights a day somewhere in Walking Street.

That's why they come on here as there is a captive falang audience genuinely seeking genuine information, usually provided by individual's without a percuniary interest. Unlike anyone in the business. Their bait is cast. Don't bite.

Caveat doctor. Rent. Trust me I'm an ........ Estate Agent. I've the tattoos to pove it.

[benchmark]

loquent, on 2009-11-21 22:20:28, said:

loverboy44, on 2009-11-02 06:18:35, said:

I don't think that it is a market thing at all. I am talking about the basics.
Are the plots already devided and paid for? Can they be transferred tomorrow? Are the roads as the land office want it? How about the water? Is it fixed? 95% of the developments don't have it. Meaning 5 % are doing a good job! I doubt that Benchmark only sells these 5 %.
Ok, my recomendation is, call your embassy, ask for a lawyer! They have a list. On this list is not Siam Legal.

The thread is posted by a company with an interest in selling houses.

It is not possible to own land or property in Thailand. Start from that premise. Then listen to the myriad of ifs and buts and contradictions spouted to have you part with your money.

The company bit is the most transparent nonsense they ever utter. It's full of holes and when the day comes to reclaim illegally properties in Pattaya this will be the first port of call. All those big flash places that thumb their noses to the Thais will be seized oevr night. Thais are anti-foreigner enough without having their zenophobia whipped up by flash farangs now driving all manner of exotic sports cars which they park on their private drives. How are Thais with their back sides hanging out of their threadbare pants expected to react? And such flash houses are built on sand; literally and metaphorically.

Rent it. Have a problem? Move. Buy it and you'll never sell it.

And as for price increases etc. Listen, you can't even sell your old golf clubs in Pattaya so how you expect to get shut of some over priced under maintained hel_l hole in the sky or estate house out in the back of beyond I just don't know. If you don't have the money to build a high wall and live safe in your own private prison you've got the problems in spades with thai neigbours. this isn't the Costa del Sol which will seem a haven of tranquility compared with the hel_l from pattaya neighbours. If the culture of some Turk, American, Swedish, German mix neighbourhood doesn't get you, then the addition of some earth squatting, bug eating, shadow fearing, garbage collecting Esarn family trying to adjust to breeze block dwelling after a life on a diddly squat farm, certainly will. hel_l absolute hel_l and you've your friendly smiley squeaky clean realtor to thank for you pad in Gantanamo Towers, pattaya.

Have you ever visited these estates? I have. I dare say I've visited almost all developments in and around Pattaya. Do it yourself and work out the percentages; occupied, sold, rented, empty, unfinished, abandoned, neglected. It really is alarming. There is an absolute glut of properties that can't be shifted for love nor money. And as if it were as simple as that. There's the tangled web of farang-Thai marriage gone belly up that has to be legally sorted out.

I heard of one guy who found out that the lawyer used to process the sale actually made the house ownership out to himself. Furthermore, I've heard a lawyer boast of being able to get around any law! The idiot didn't realise that any lawyer can operate the same way. And how they operate is to make a payout - one lawyer to another - and the matter is settled. What breaks your heart fills their bank accounts and they don't care about the outcome. The rights and wrongs. It's all about falang money. That's Thai money with a hel_l of a lot of noughts on the end. Too tempting.

The sale of houses is an unregulated profession which anyone, unqualified can set up. For example, does anyone remeber the dutch guy who sold houses and was assasinated in a triple killing? The other two being despatched at the same time in Amsterdam. Now that respectable business man who is selling you a house is murdered by someone who flys in to do it. Just bad luck then.

It's an unregulated unqualified profession that Europe has just begun to tackle. And Pattya - where the msifits fit - is perfect for anyone to set up and sell property.

And as for all those respectable businesses that deliver on what they promise, fine. The property is over priced and can't be shifted. Supply outstrips demand. There's a world wide recession and yet prices do not reflect that here. Reluctantly, the agency businesses goes so far as describing the total collapse of sales as ' not robust'. And yet prices are held and inflated because it is a totally manufactured market where cartels operate as successfully as The Big foot Club, Fans of Roswell, the UFO society and Elvis is alive and well performing 9 nights a day somewhere in Walking Street.

That's why they come on here as there is a captive falang audience genuinely seeking genuine information, usually provided by individual's without a percuniary interest. Unlike anyone in the business. Their bait is cast. Don't bite.

Caveat doctor. Rent. Trust me I'm an ........ Estate Agent. I've the tattoos to pove it.

"Everytime you make a reactive decision, it stops being solely your decision , you are losing control to the person you are reacting to, who is now part author of the decision". -No more comments.

Edited by benchmark, 2009-11-21 23:35:26.

[benchmark]

One thing I realized is that although many people make skeptic comments about buying property in Thailand, buyers who want a second home here have not stopped buying here. I think the main reason is if you have already fallen in love with Thailand you can find a way to own the property of your desire. To make it quite simple foreigners can actually own a condo freehold in their own name 100% legally. I also know that foreigners are buying houses in Pattaya even houses priced over Baht 40 million. Something about Pattaya is that no matter what the growth of this city never stops. So why not buy your own piece of paradise here in Pattaya?

Buying property in Pattaya? For more information about us (Benchmark Property Consultants, Pattaya) visit us at My Website

Edited by benchmark, 2009-11-27 08:22:23.

[benchmark]

fivestar, on 2009-11-19 08:57:55, said:

Jimmyd, on 2009-11-14 08:39:53, said:

I just stumbled across this thread. I am quite shocked by it.

Benchmark, I don't think you are well served by this thread. It appears to be an advertisement for you. I, for one, would be very wary of doing business with you because instead of advertising in a straighforward way, through an ad, you instead try to make this seem to be just a normal thread. I believe this seems underhanded and does not reflect well on you.

If I were you, I would ask the moderators to remove this thread and would stop advertising in this manner--I really think it does a lot more damage than good.

Come on guys...give Benchmark a break.

His "Threads" are causing a lot of interest!

Regards
Robert

Hi Fivestar, what's going on with Pattaya? Any new updates? Any Fivestar news for us?

[benchmark]

prefabs, on 2009-11-08 20:08:00, said:

benchmark, on 2009-11-08 20:13:35, said:

CitizenSmith, on 2009-11-08 12:56:48, said:

You've taken quite a bit of stick here and I admire you for keeping your cool, retaliation is a dead give away from someone unprofessional.

Good luck with your business, be honest and upfront every time and I'm sure you will make a good name for yourself.

Thank you CitizenSmith I highly appreciate your feedback. As real estate agents we need to be patient as well. What do you think about the idea of this market getting over saturated in the future? Is this really going to happen or are we going to experience another booming market with the improved infrastructure compared to what it was 5 years ago?

Improved infrastructure needs more explanation. The place is getting worse by the day. 5 years ago, traveling up Soi Siam Country Club, Nern Plub Wan, Khao Talo etc. was quite easy. Now they are shocking. What used to be nice areas are looking like apartmenthell, the traffic management has gone downhill rapidly, and NO ONE seems to care.
Once you reach the SP 5 area, it gets quite nice on Soi Siam Country Club, but for how long?
As an example, the Canary Islands tourist areas were properly designed and planned, but it is really open season out here.

I must say something that is really positive about Thailand. That is Thai people and their hospitality. This is what makes most people come back to this wonderful country. This is the reason why people fall in love with this country. There are always a few exceptions but overall Thai people are a huge selling point for Thailand and they are genuine. This is the reason why most people want to buy a second home or a home here despite of all other challenges. The bottom line is you can have a luxury lifestyle here that you can't have in the west for a fraction of the cost. Same applies to buying property. And warm hospitality of Thai people so people will not stop coming here or stop buying here because Thai people have always retained their hospitality and warmth for all foreigners.

[pkrv]

benchmark, on 2009-12-02 16:19:08, said:

I must say something that is really positive about Thailand. That is Thai people and their hospitality. This is what makes most people come back to this wonderful country. This is the reason why people fall in love with this country. There are always a few exceptions but overall Thai people are a huge selling point for Thailand and they are genuine. This is the reason why most people want to buy a second home or a home here despite of all other challenges. The bottom line is you can have a luxury lifestyle here that you can't have in the west for a fraction of the cost. Same applies to buying property. And warm hospitality of Thai people so people will not stop coming here or stop buying here because Thai people have always retained their hospitality and warmth for all foreigners.

I must confess that I treat everyone with dignity and respect and it has had a very odd effect in Thailand, I am treated in the same way.

However I also note that some farangs treate Thai people like shit, and as a result seem to be very confused, they don't seem to get a level of respect in return.

Edited by pkrv, 2009-12-03 00:15:52.

[prefabs]

41 out of 91 posts by Benchmark, the estate agent guru of Pattaya. And maybe a few more from his other TV names and/or pals.
Kinda gets boring after a while. Especially hackneyed old phrases like "property of your desire" and "luxury lifestyle", right out of the "Real Estate For Dummies" handbook.

Who are you kidding? Might I also say a sponsor's right to advertise for ( by way of posts and for free) is surely being sorely tested here.

[benchmark]

prefabs, on 2009-12-03 02:49:50, said:

41 out of 91 posts by Benchmark, the estate agent guru of Pattaya. And maybe a few more from his other TV names and/or pals.
Kinda gets boring after a while. Especially hackneyed old phrases like "property of your desire" and "luxury lifestyle", right out of the "Real Estate For Dummies" handbook.

Who are you kidding? Might I also say a sponsor's right to advertise for ( by way of posts and for free) is surely being sorely tested here.

Seems like you need some proof. Read the news published in the Thai Visa website below.

5% of UK expats names Thailand as retirement destination

Only 13 per cent of UK expats intend to retire in the UK, and 5 per cent of all surveyed plan to spend the retirement in Thailand, according to a recent study by Alliance & Leicester International.

In the report obtained by The Nation, 400,000, UK expats are voting with their feet and choosing to retire abroad according to findings from Alliance & Leicester International (ALIL). France (18 per cent) is the most popular retirement destination for expats followed by Spain (13 per cent) and then the UK (12 per cent).

However, while 88 per cent of expats intend to retire abroad, access to UK based family and friends still appears to be important with 57 per cent intending to retire in Europe. Indeed, 10 per cent of expats cited being away from family and friends as a major barrier to retiring outside the UK.

Further afield, Thailand (5 per cent), the US (4 per cent) and New Zealand (3 per cent) are all potential retiree destinations. Expats intend to fund their new lives in the sun through a variety of methods including savings (27 per cent), UK State Pension (23 per cent) and private pensions (20 per cent). Property is a big source of retirement funding for expats with 6 per cent relying on rental income, 6 per cent intending to sell a residential investment and 2 per cent planning to take out an equity release plan.

When considering the key factors that contribute to the chosen retirement destination, better quality of life was voted top (21 per cent). Better weather came second (20 per cent) and value for money third (14 per cent).

However the expats, who intend to retire abroad, do have some concerns about retiring in another country. The quality of medical facilities and dealing with general medical issues - potentially in a foreign language - was the biggest worry for 1 in 5 expats (22 per cent).

Finances were also a concern with 13 per cent worrying about exchange rates and 12 per cent concerned about having sufficient money to survive. Frailty was also a concern with 14 per cent of women citing this as a worry compared to just 10 per cent of men.

Lynette Byrne, Head of Marketing at Alliance & Leicester International, said "It is interesting to see that many UK expats have settled in their new home, with 87 per cent of UK Expats intending to retire abroad.

"However, while some Expats might prefer life outside the UK, they are still very attached to friends and family thus settling in European destinations that are only a low cost flight away.

"This research really highlights the international nature of society today and raises some interesting questions as to how people are going to manage their finances and protect their savings against interest rate fluctuations.

"Expats who bank with Alliance & Leicester International can choose to hold their savings in a Sterling, US Dollar or Euro account giving them not only access to 'Best Buy rates but also the opportunity to shield their retirement cash from currency fluctuations. They can also be safe in the knowledge that they can access their money using internet banking 24 hours a day no matter where they are living.

[prefabs]

Sorry mate, you miss the point. I have property here and am about to build again.

My point is that you are using TV as a private advertising operation which has me(for one) bored out of his skull. Your most recent post completely misses that point. Soon as you becae a sponsor, you opened up with all guns blazing on 3 or 4 similar posts. Give it a rest, will you. A few more sponsors like you would soon kill TV off

And you don't half go on, do you?

[johnnyk]

pkrv, on 2009-12-02 09:09:03, said:

benchmark, on 2009-12-02 16:19:08, said:

I must say something that is really positive about Thailand. That is Thai people and their hospitality. This is what makes most people come back to this wonderful country. This is the reason why people fall in love with this country. There are always a few exceptions but overall Thai people are a huge selling point for Thailand and they are genuine. This is the reason why most people want to buy a second home or a home here despite of all other challenges. The bottom line is you can have a luxury lifestyle here that you can't have in the west for a fraction of the cost. Same applies to buying property. And warm hospitality of Thai people so people will not stop coming here or stop buying here because Thai people have always retained their hospitality and warmth for all foreigners.

I must confess that I treat everyone with dignity and respect and it has had a very odd effect in Thailand, I am treated in the same way.

However I also note that some farangs treate Thai people like shit, and as a result seem to be very confused, they don't seem to get a level of respect in return.

Strange, that. I've noticed the same thing. Loud, belligerent drunks not getting any respect, not even a smile from those ungrateful Thais.

[eljeque]

Mr. Benchmark,

from your above post # 79

"My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential."

Can you rewrite this for me. The two sentences should not be together. I think that you are stating that the building is in a good state of repair, well-maintained, good occupancy, etc., correct?

[johng]

Quote

It is not possible to own land or property in Thailand. Start from that premise. Then listen to the myriad of ifs and buts and contradictions spouted to have you part with your money.

The company bit is the most transparent nonsense they ever utter. It's full of holes and when the day comes to reclaim illegally properties in Pattaya this will be the first port of call. All those big flash places that thumb their noses to the Thais will be seized oevr night. Thais are anti-foreigner enough without having their zenophobia whipped up by flash farangs now driving all manner of exotic sports cars which they park on their private drives. How are Thais with their back sides hanging out of their threadbare pants expected to react? And such flash houses are built on sand; literally and metaphorically.

Rent it. Have a problem? Move. Buy it and you'll never sell it.

Agree mostly with loquent on this...
except that you can own property ( house, condo ) but not the land it sits on !!!!
kinda same same but different.

[benchmark]

eljeque, on 2009-12-07 17:03:26, said:

Mr. Benchmark,

from your above post # 79

"My recommendation to you is Royal Cliff garden Condominium. For around 14M or 15 M you can find a good unit now. The prices in this building were much higher few years ago. One of the few buildings in Pattaya over the last few years retained it's value and rental potential."

Can you rewrite this for me. The two sentences should not be together. I think that you are stating that the building is in a good state of repair, well-maintained, good occupancy, etc., correct?

I think you misunderstood the statement. The prices dropped because of the affects of the global recession and the low demand for hi-end properties as a result of that. This is unquestionably a prime condo building in Pattaya which has always maintained it's reputation. So before the prices start to climb up again it is a right time to get a good bargain in a building like this at this moment. It's a condo building so no ownership issues either. Hope I clarified things for you.

[benchmark]

johng, on 2009-12-07 18:04:14, said:

Quote

It is not possible to own land or property in Thailand. Start from that premise. Then listen to the myriad of ifs and buts and contradictions spouted to have you part with your money.

The company bit is the most transparent nonsense they ever utter. It's full of holes and when the day comes to reclaim illegally properties in Pattaya this will be the first port of call. All those big flash places that thumb their noses to the Thais will be seized oevr night. Thais are anti-foreigner enough without having their zenophobia whipped up by flash farangs now driving all manner of exotic sports cars which they park on their private drives. How are Thais with their back sides hanging out of their threadbare pants expected to react? And such flash houses are built on sand; literally and metaphorically.

Rent it. Have a problem? Move. Buy it and you'll never sell it.

Agree mostly with loquent on this...
except that you can own property ( house, condo ) but not the land it sits on !!!!
kinda same same but different.

But how ever all this talk is up to now just speculation isn't it? I think some foreigners are just overreacting. Over the last few days my phone has started to ring without a break for property (house) buying inquiries. Like I mentioned before people who have fallen in love with the country haven't stop buying here. I completely agree that the Thai government should be more foreigner friendly when it comes to property ownership but there are some things we can change and some we can't.

The market has started to show positive signs. I don't know how long it will remain. I even have serious inquiry from a retired foreigner to buy a million dollar property (house) here in Pattaya. Most of the inquiries I have in the last few days are for buying houses.

Edited by benchmark, 2009-12-08 09:12:55.

[donx]

benchmark, on 2009-12-07 21:11:24, said:

But how ever all this talk is up to now just speculation isn't it? I think some foreigners are just overreacting. Over the last few days my phone has started to ring without a break for property (house) buying inquiries. Like I mentioned before people who have fallen in love with the country haven't stop buying here. I completely agree that the Thai government should be more foreigner friendly when it comes to property ownership but there are some things we can change and some we can't.

The market has started to show positive signs. I don't know how long it will remain. I even have serious inquiry from a retired foreigner to buy a million dollar property (house) here in Pattaya. Most of the inquiries I have in the last few days are for buying houses.

So what method of ownership are these people that are calling you going to use to purchase these houses? 30 year lease? Usufruct? Thai limited company? Are you helping them with the legal constructs or are you referring them to some law office?

You are getting calls for houses because they are cheap relative to the price of a comparably equipped condo. But once you tell them they can't actually own the land are they buying? Have you actually sold any houses recently? If so, how many and what ownership method was used?

EDIT: I forgot the most obvious method of foreign land ownership - via a Thai spouse/partner.

Edited by donx, 2009-12-08 22:41:56.