Condo Hunting
If you are looking for a place to live in Thailand try this exercise. Open the Bangkok paper to the real estate section. Take a look at one of the large ads and see what condos and houses are going for. OK, I'll do it for you. Condo for Rent, 2 b/r, 117 sq m. F/F B90,000. House for sale 297 sq w, 3 b/r 4 baths, unfurnished B48 Million. Now close the paper before your heart starts to beat erratically.

If you're trying to retire to nice and inexpensive Thailand the above prices are more than you would probably want to pay even back home. What's the story? The story is that some condos come with lots of amenities, pool, sauna, fitness room, beachfront, hot and cold running servants, etc. If you can afford it, that's great. But you can also get a nice, minimum-amenities, pleasant upcountry condo for as little as B4,000 a month.

How does one find a condo or house to rent in the first place? There are always newspaper ads like the ones above. There's also the internet and local agencies. These often cater to upscale clients. But I have found that the most effective way to find a reliable and affordable place is the method most Thais would use, word of mouth.

Just put out the word to all you meet; other expats, Thai friends, the waitress at your favourite restaurant. In no time offers will come to you. Since there is a glut of condos and town houses on the market, finding a place is rather easy. The next part is more difficult. What are some things to look for when renting?

Thai condos usually come furnished. That could mean lots of things from really cheap plywood furniture to nice comfortable teak. You may be given a refrigerator, air conditioner, Cable TV, 24 hour security, or nothing at all. Hot water might run in the bathroom or quite often no water will run at all. Most condos will not have kitchens. Shop around. Two similar condos can vary greatly in price. Get what you want for the price you want.

You will want some conveniences nearby like laundry service, restaurants, shopping and internet cafes. Some of these might be right in your building. Is there adequate parking available? See what the traffic is like and how close you are to where you will want to hang out. No need commuting when you can just mosey on downstairs.

Unless a condo is over six stories it may not be required to have an elevator. If the condo does have an elevator make sure it is reliable. Ask a resident whether people have gotten stuck in one lately.

One of the most important considerations is who your neighbours will be. Will they be other sedate retirees or noisy, rowdy students? Is there construction going on next door? How loud are the dogs? Are you close to a major road with its pollution and noise or near a nice green belt with birds in the morning and croaking frogs at night?

Don't forget that besides the rent there will be other costs when renting a condo or town house. There's electricity, water, telephone, Cable TV and sometimes maid service. Be very careful to check that the bill correctly shows your true usage. Mistakes are known to have been made.

Before going hunting make a list of what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay. Don't be satisfied until you get what you want. Thailand rental-housing is currently a buyers market. Bargain. Take your time.

And finally, welcome home.

For info on renting condos try:
http://www.thaiwebsites.com/rentingandbuyingproperty.asp
Send your questions on retirement to Thailand to:
retirement@chiangmaicitylife.com