Bangkok Condo vs Houses: What’s Your Choice?
When making a move to any major city, you will probably face two key choices in your move. Should I rent a condo or a house? This can be an extremely important decision, especially if you are moving to Bangkok, but there are advantages and disadvantages to either choice that you’ll make.
No matter if you are a local or an expat moving to the city for the first time, this set of factors is universal to anyone deciding between renting a condo or a house in Bangkok.
Advantages of a Bangkok Condo
If you love flexibility and want the option to move around year-to-year, condos can certainly be a great option due to their shorter lease period, generally set at 12 months. This is perfect for people looking to explore many different options within Bangkok before ultimately making a choice and settling down in their favorite neighborhood.
Alternatively, if you are someone who has a temporary work contract, and won’t be in Thailand for very long, condos are likely to be your best option just so that you are not committed to a long-term agreement with little to no wiggle room (unless you want to lose your deposit).
Our Featured Listing:
Modern 3-bedroom apartment for rent near BTS Phrom Phong. This 150 sqm apartment is conveniently located at just 3 minutes walk from BTS Phrom Phong and Benchasiri Park. The apartment features a large balcony, a modern kitchen equipped with an oven, and 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. View listing.
Cost-Effectiveness
With a surplus of rentals available in Bangkok, the competition among condos is unbelievably high. You can use this to your advantage to negotiate for better prices or look for better alternatives altogether. Condos come in many different sizes and styles, there is always something for everyone, and they are generally a more affordable option compared to houses as well.
The rental process of condos can be a more straightforward option for many foreigners in Thailand due to less paperwork and legal complications. If you are unfamiliar with Thailand’s property regulations, condos may be a safer and more practical option.
See our blog: How to rent an apartment in Bangkok?
Daily Life
A distinct advantage that they hold over homes is the reduced responsibility when it comes to maintenance. For condo renters, they are often faced with minimal maintenance responsibilities as landlords or building management typically take on the task instead.
Any issues related to common areas, essential services, and so on are usually not something to worry about. With this, renters won’t have to face any headaches that normally come with organising routine maintenance.
For many renters, location truly matters. If you are looking to be in the very heart of Bangkok, condos offer you the opportunity to be among Bangkok’s largest shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment areas.
But aside from being close to the best that Bangkok has to offer, most condos in prime locations also come fully equipped with amenities such as pools, gyms and 24/7 security. The factor of comfort and convenience of condos is unparalleled when it comes to city living.
Disadvantages of a Bangkok Condo
Like yin and yang, there are ups, and there are downs. The same can be said for condo rentals in Bangkok. Firstly. While condos can be a more affordable and convenient option, they usually are much more limited in terms of space. If you have a family or just want some more room for any hobbies, pets, or storage, you’ll have to weigh out your options because condos can start to get very expensive the larger they are, especially in hotspots like Bangkok.
Because condos are generally smaller, there’s also less space to customize your rooms. If you want to make some major renovations, chances are you’ll have to run it by the property manager or landlord first, making you feel like you have less freedom to do things.
Advantages of a House in Bangkok
In contrast to condos, houses in Bangkok typically offer more space, making them ideal for those with families or just anyone who needs that extra bit of space.
With options for multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, garages, gardens, swimming pools, and larger living spaces, the consensus is clear that houses usually provide more comfort without the expense of freedom. A key benefit to renting a house is undoubtedly the outdoor area. You can have access to gardens and yards, which can often be seen as a luxury.
Our Featured Listing: Luxury 4 Bedroom House with Pool in Thonglor
This luxurious 4-bedroom House in Thonglor comes unfurnished and features a private swimming pool and high ceilings. The U-shaped layout places the pool at the center, with car parking for 2 cars in the front of the house. The house includes a lounge area, working area, dining area with an open kitchen equipped with an oven, dishwasher, laundry area, and maid room.
The 4 bedrooms are located on the 2nd floor, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master bathroom boasts a shower and separate bathtub.
Situated on 1 Rai land, this compound consists of only 9 luxury houses. It is just a 7-minute walk to BTS Thonglor, providing easy access to Rama IV or the Expressway.
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Living Space
You aren’t limited to a smaller living space like in a condo and your outdoor areas are also private to you only as you probably won’t be sharing walls directly with your neighbour like in a condo.
Whether it’s changing the colour of your walls to freshen things up, or rearranging rooms entirely, you generally have that freedom and flexibility to express your creativity in minor renovation projects when renting a house.
Most importantly, houses in residential areas give you that sense of community and belonging that is hard to match. A little community where everyone knows each other, and your neighbours always say hi in the morning will give you that energy boost.
Disadvantages of a House in Bangkok
While houses generally come with a larger living space, this also means there are more areas of maintenance to keep track of, and you’ll have to stay on top of everything yourself which can be headache-inducing at times.
Additionally, while that extra space is nice to have, it will set you back far more than a condo, particularly in busier areas in Bangkok. You can narrow down your options to homes a bit further away from Bangkok’s central locations, but ultimately this just means that you are further away from city amenities.
What’s Right for You?
Ultimately, choosing between a condo and a house in Bangkok comes down to the lifestyle factor. How long will you be staying? Do you need that extra space? What is your budget? These are among the few questions you will need to ask yourself before making a plunge into city living in Bangkok.
While condos offer flexibility, affordability, and convenience it is often at the detriment of space. While houses offer privacy, space, and options, it is often at the expense of cost. Remember to weigh your options carefully, and consider what you can and can’t live without.
Hopefully, by considering these factors, Amazing Properties can help you make an informed decision in choosing between living in a condo or a house in Bangkok.