Investment Property Thailand

Under-supply of resort property on Thai islands like Koh Samui and Phuket is generating substantial growth in their respective resale markets. The under-supply has been caused because of developer's reluctance to go ahead with new projects in case government restrictions on foreign ownership hinder sales. It is hoped that the government will soon raise the percentage of property that can be bought by foreigners.

None the less the under-supply presents investors with a fantastic opportunity. The under-supply is primarily on condos and apartments, but has stunted sales, which means there are still some great developments to choose from. Significant resale price growth is another arm to the opportunity presented by off-plan property, because the immediate value rise on completion is all the greater.

Liam Bailey, head of international research for overseas property specialists David Stanley Redfern had this to say about the Koh Samui opportunity:
"The latest news from Koh Samui does nothing more than make it an even better opportunity. Luxury villa prices rose by 50% per year in 2006 and 2007, and have always been expected to continue growing strongly. The current under-supply issues will only serve to maintain high demand, or even cause demand to grow for luxury resort property on the tropical island with some of the world's best unspoilt white sandy beaches."

As far as off-plan opportunities go, David Stanley Redfern's Maenam Hills development on Koh Samui is one of the best in the world.

Maenam Hills consists of 2 bedroom off-plan resort villas priced from only £100,000. The great thing is that the developer is offering non-status 50% LTV interest free finance on the villas over a period of 48 months, on the spacious villas. The Maenam Hills villas also come with a 6%p.a. uncapped rental guarantee for the first two years.

David Stanley Redfern are also marketing off-plan apartments on Koh Samui. The Siranya development offers 2 bedroom apartments with sea-views and rental management from just £103,000. The expected yield is 8% for owners who take rental management on their property, and the development also has a restaurant, clubhouse and spa.

Find out more about Koh Samui property.

About David Stanley Redfern

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is one of the U.K.'s leading overseas property investment specialists. The reasons for this are an incomparable range of international properties spanning 40 destinations worldwide, and unrivalled customer care, which lasts long after the purchase has been completed. Experienced, professional staff and membership to the overseas property market's regulatory body: the Association for International Property Professionals, as well as their stringent due diligence procedures gives buyers the confidence that any purchase with David Stanley Redfern is a safe one.

Media enquiries should be directed to Liam Bailey at media@davidstanleyredfern.com

To boost tourism in the region, Thailand and the Philippines are to push for a common visa amongst Southeast Asian countries.

The move would see a single visa for all 10 member countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Speaking on Friday 23 May, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Thailand and the Philippines would jointly push for the common visa when Bangkok assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in July.

In 2007, almost 30 million non-ASEAN tourists visited the 10 countries in the region, which include Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines and Thailand.

But Thailand is the region's top tourist destination, and Koh Samui is the jewel in the crown, enjoying occupancy rates of over 80% year round.

David Stanley Redfern have a number of properties on the island for those looking for a secure and stable investment. The exclusive modern villas in the Maenam Hills, for example, offer manicured tropical gardens and full resort services.

The villas are just moments away from the famously up market Santiburi Golf and Country Club (which boasts a superb course with sea views and a terrifically indulgent spa), the paradise shores of Maenam Beach. The delightful village of Maenam is also within walking distance of the development, and is home to many sophisticated international and authentic Thai restaurants.

With flight links into Samui from Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and over 20 flights to and from Bangkok every day, Maenam Hills would serve as the ideal luxury home from home for those wishing to travel freely to other countries in the region.

About David Stanley Redfern

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is one of the U.K.'s leading overseas property investment specialists. The reasons for this are an incomparable range of international properties spanning 40 destinations worldwide, and unrivalled customer care, which lasts long after the purchase has been completed. Experienced, professional staff and membership to the overseas property market's regulatory body: the Association for International Property Professionals, as well as their stringent due diligence procedures gives buyers the confidence that any purchase with David Stanley Redfern is a safe one.

Media enquiries should be directed to Liam Bailey at media@davidstanleyredfern.com

The Thailand economy got off to a scintillating start, with 1st quarter growth up six percent on the same period last year, and up 5.7% on the last quarter of 2007. After two years of political turmoil culminating in a coup last year, it seems the new government is finally settling in, and has made economic growth its top priority. The main course of its efforts are centred on generating internal and regional investment, with global investment currently slowing.

In March the finance ministry said government efforts would push private investment up to 9.7% from 0.5% last year, and that private consumption should grow to 4% this year from 1.4% last year. The finance ministry predicted six percent growth in the 1st quarter of 2008 and its predictions were right on the money, but for those who need a little more convincing the Institute of International Finance (IIF) said growth would accelerate in Thailand this year, as growing exports to non-U.S. countries off-set falling demand from the States.

The IIF predicted Thai GDP growth would expand to 6% from 4.8% last year. The IIF also said that rising inflation caused by the rising cost of basic materials was the biggest challenge facing Asian economies, but in a refreshing statement it said that the problem would subside shortly and that worry over the problem had been greatly exaggerated.

The two reports are good news for investors who are looking to Asia, as it is seen as having the best chance of weathering the global storm, a sentiment again backed up by the IIF; "The leading emerging markets in Asia are well-positioned to weather uncertain and less favourable global conditions," were its exact words. Liam Bailey head of international research had this to say:

"Continued growth in Asia is excellent news for property investment in Thailand, especially in the emerging markets of Thailand's islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, where growth is primarily fuelled by spiralling regional tourism. Property prices in Koh Samui, an island with more five and six star resorts than any other in the world, grew by 50% per year, in 2006 and 2007. Continuing growth in Asia will see tourism growth continue and capital appreciation stay at similar figures. Koh Phangan is the new kid on the block, and luxury resort property there is just as hot for investment, growth figures are unclear as it is a really new market, but with Phuket and Samui as comparisons growth will not be any less than 25% per year, and could hit 50% in 2010."

View David Stanley Redfern Ltd's Thailand property, mostly in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

About David Stanley Redfern

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is one of the U.K.'s leading overseas property investment specialists. The reasons for this are an incomparable range of international properties spanning 40 destinations worldwide, and unrivalled customer care, which lasts long after the purchase has been completed. Experienced, professional staff and membership to the overseas property market's regulatory body: the Association for International Property Professionals, as well as their stringent due diligence procedures gives buyers the confidence that any purchase with David Stanley Redfern is a safe one.

Media enquiries should be directed to Liam Bailey at media@davidstanleyredfern.com

Liam Bailey takes a look at Thailand's property investment market.

Potential investors who are currently considering an overseas property purchase in Asia, will probably have Thailand on their short-list at the outset, but upon looking into it will find that property investment in Thailand is currently a two sided coin:

On the one hand Bangkok has recently been listed among the top twenty tourism destinations in the world, which should make a property investment there a good one. Dig a little deeper however and you find that capital appreciation, -- previously strong in Thailand -- along with all factors to be considered before investing, have been detrimentally affected by the recent political turmoil, namely the September 2006 coup.

Never the less Thailand is still among the best Asian countries for foreigners to invest in, there is no inheritance tax or gift tax, capital gains tax is charged like income tax at the standard rate, and foreigners can own condominiums freehold. There are other ways for foreigners to buy in Thailand but a condominium purchase is the easiest. And even with the political turmoil as it is rental yields are still around the 8% mark in top tourist destination, Bangkok.

Another rising star in Asia's tourism industry is the Thai island of Koh Samui,which has been largely unaffected by turmoil on the mainland, and where potential investors will find mostly resort property.

As tourism expands on the island, and it begins to attract more of the high end market, as oppose to primarily back-packers, these resort villa properties can fetch yields of 10-12% quite easily, and capital appreciation is conservatively estimated at around the 15%-20% mark.

Total transaction costs are a moderate 10% - 12.3% in Thailand, but there is a little complication over the computation of buying costs; specific business tax and stamp duty are paid on whatever is higher, declared or assessed value -- both parties must have their own solicitor.

Overall a Thailand property investment can be a very rewarding endeavour, especially if you are purchasing a holiday home with a view to renting it out when not in use.

Liam Bailey is media relations executive with David Stanley Redfern Ltd. He runs the blogs: Emigration Now and Emerging Markets.

Overseas property development specialists David Stanley Redfern Ltd have set their sights on the sensational South East Asian country of Thailand, adding these £100,000 villas to their portfolio. It surely comes as no surprise to learn that a tropical island abundant with beautiful sun baked beaches and surrounded by panoramic views of the surrounding blue serenity of the sea and sky is highly sought after. What might surprise you is that for £100,000, your very own investment home amidst Maenam Hills, an exclusive boutique development of just 10 generous terrace and balcony featuring villas can be yours.

David Stanley Redfern now offer investors the chance to buy a Thai 2 bedroom property over 48 months with 50% interest-free finance available. Along with an equally enticing 2 year guarantee of a minimum 6% return in an area that enjoys an astonishing 80% annual occupancy -- Thailand's third largest island, the widely revered and highly fashionable Koh Samui.

These incredibly affordable Thai villas are incomparable for value, quality and style. Their modern and meticulous interiors are sharply designed to allow full appreciation of their glorious fully fitted living space, as are the private gardens amidst which they're situated. With the availability of optional (at extra cost) furniture packages that allow for immediate rental, full utilities and personal drive and parking provision, there's everything you could hope for and more.
More meaning and mainly pertaining to the alluring palm tree lined pool, close proximity to the local golf and country club that's famous for its luxurious spa and Maenam village, a Thai cuisine centre point for Thai food lovers all across Asia.

Thailand just so happens to be Asia's biggest tourist attraction and so it's somewhat reassuring to know that Samui is regularly serviced with flights from Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and more frequently from Bangkok, the capital city, making these undeniably attractive properties simply perfect for investment makers and holiday takers alike. To avoid the inevitable disappointment that will follow the failure to procure one of these villas, contact David Stanley Redfern Ltd immediately and discuss all the varying beneficial aspects of this opportunity.

Find out more at http://www.davidstanleyredfern.com/investment-property/thailand/

About David Stanley Redfern Ltd

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is an overseas property specialist, working directly with developers in more than forty countries. Most properties are exclusive to David Stanley Redfern Ltd, giving an unparalleled selection of resale and new builds. David Stanley Redfern Ltd is AIPP accredited.

Please direct all media queries, requests for press information and editorial details, to media@davidstanleyredfern.com.