Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

PROPERTY SPECIAL
Let’s be honest, at
some point the
majority of us have
let our minds
wander into a daydream
where you’re the master
of your own little tropical
dominion. You while away
days supine in your hammock,
the warm salty breeze is
always blowing, with gentle
turquoise waves lapping at
the shore, and the supply
of perfectly ripe coconuts is
endless. But we always have
to snap out of it and find our
way back to reality...or do we?
Maybe that concept of a tropical
living is a bit idealistic, but the
possibility of owning an island
property in Thailand is closer
and within reach than you might
realise. The reasons are simple, says
John Dopere, General Manager of
Koh Samui real estate developer
Samujana. “It’s a beautiful island
and we build amazing houses.” All
joking aside (he’s right though), it’s
unlikely that the reasons in favour
of investing in island property have
ever been so great.
Botanica
ACCESS
For those considering purchasing
a vacation home or secondary
residence, having reliable and
convenient access will be the first
consideration. After all, what good
is your piece of paradise if you can’t
get to it.
Fortunately, Bangkok Airways
opened Koh Samui Airport way
back in 1989 and currently offers
dozens of daily flights including
direct flights to Bangkok, Phuket,
Singapore, Hong Kong, and many
more to come.
Once you’ve landed at Koh
Samui’s award-winning airport,
many property development
companies employ a villa manager
who will be waiting to whisk
you away.
There is a small contingent of
foreign buyers in Thailand that opt
Azur
Clockwise from Top
Sweeping vista of
Koh Samui from
the Samujana
residential
development.
Developers such
as IVL Property
ensure that your
island paradise is
an easy escape from
Thailand's major
airport hubs.
The design of Azur
residences integrate
views from the
surrounding nature
that can be appreciated
in the home.
Bottom
Beautiful Botanica
Villas, Cherngtalay,
Thalang District
Samujana Photo by Jeremie Schatz
"Pool on the Hill"
for the peace and tranquillity that
can be found living in more rural,
undeveloped areas. Those coming
from more developed countries or
cities may struggle with
insufficient infrastructure,
difficulty in communication,
and lack of familiar creature
comforts. That’s why so many fall
in love with Thailand’s holiday
islands, they discover a healthy
economy, warm and welcoming
communities, modern and
international amenities, and a
place that is thoroughly enjoyable
to spend time in.
INFRASTRUCTURE
For those who visited Koh Samui
back in the 1980’s, things have
come a long way. Although a bit
narrow in places, paved roads
criss-cross the island enabling
access to all of the popular
beaches and little hideaways.
Electricity is supplied via an
underwater cable from a power
station on the mainland. In case
of a power cut, many villas or
estates are equipped with backup
generators. For even more peace
of mind, Impact Samui’s latest
developments, The Peak and
Residence8, will be equipped with
solar panels and battery storage as
well as rain catchment systems for
more independence and a smaller
environmental footprint.
WHO’S BUYING AND WHY
Of course, if you look at who’s
invested in island properties – a vast
range of nationalities are represented.
However, logic dictates that people
living in places such as Hong Kong,
Singapore, and Australia are better
represented considering their
geographical location and ease of
access. Indeed, those residing in Asia,
both nationals and expats, comprise
the majority of foreign investment in
island properties.
Since the real estate market
in Koh Samui and Phuket hasn’t
experienced an overnight explosion,
there hasn’t been the corresponding
influx of investors looking to make
a quick buck. Instead, properties have
been purchased to serve as holiday
escapes, rental properties, retirement
homes, or as primary residences.
If managed properly, many
people can have their vacation
getaway and rent it the rest of the
time. “Buy now, get a bit of return
on investment, and also importantly,
get your property used frequently,”
explains Susan Field, Director of
Impact Samui Property Specialists.
Susan’s last point is a valid one as
those who wish to leave their houses
Layan Residences by Anantara
empty need a management company
to keep an eye on maintenance of
the property. “90% of people buy
for rental investment purposes and
for a family home. They want to
rent it out however many weeks of
the year and they want to use it for
themselves or their friends
and family.”
Others buy with what Susan
calls an “exit plan” in mind. They
purchase a property and rent it out
for several years before retiring, thus
enabling them to make a smooth
transition into post-career life when
the time is right.
There’s a general consensus
amongst property specialists like
Diah Intan Maulidya, Property Sales
Manager at Samujana, explaining
how “properties consistently
generate positive income and rental
returns as tourism continues to
increase each year.”
Then of course there are those
who fully commit and start a new
life in Koh Samui or Phuket with
their families. This is continually
becoming a more viable option
for some due to fast and reliable
internet connections, quality and
Botanica
Right, Top & Bottom
Multi-level spaces
on a Koh Samui
landscape at the
Grand Himalai
development.
Resort design relies
on natural materials
for an organic and
inviting feel.
Left, Top & Bottom
For island homes, the
design concept stays
true to comfort,
luxury and relaxation.
Sunsets come
automatically with
a resort home.
Grand Himalai
Grand Himalai
affordable healthcare and hospitals,
international schools delivering a
high standard of education, as well
as security and low crime rates.
“For those looking to own
a property overseas but not
necessarily use, the Koh Samui
long-term rental market is buoyant
due to the International schools,
retirees [foreigners over 50 years
old are eligible for retirement visas]
and the foreigners who live here
all year round,” explains Emma
Johnson, managing director of
Overseas Property Portfolio (OPP).
If you’re worried about getting
stuck without being able to rent
your property, anything is possible
but it’s unlikely considering the
steady growth in tourism and
development. A good indication of
the health of the vacation rental
market can be based in part on
flight passenger numbers. In the
last five years, foreign passenger
arrivals via international flights
to Koh Samui has doubled and
Phuket has seen a 19% increase
from last year. This steady increase
is a promising sign for the ongoing
economic health of the islands.
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