At Lazudi, we get many inquiries about moving to Pattaya and the types of properties available to rent and buy. So many pictures of Pattaya show a beautiful coastal strip with high rise condo buildings, hotels and resorts, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
It is understandable why so many people think that residential housing in this popular holiday destination is all condos. But in fact, just 10 - 15 minutes away from Pattaya Central, there are gorgeous pool villas, villas, detached houses, and townhouses.
Let's explore the different housing styles and where you might find these hidden gems.
Convenient Condos
Without a doubt, condos are the most prolific and most accessible for foreigners to buy. These multi-story buildings are usually in locations convenient to shops, public transport, entertainment and restaurants. And in Pattaya, many are close to beautiful beaches.
A considerable benefit of condos is the access to shared facilities, like well-equipped gymnasiums, swimming pools, bbq and garden areas, sauna and steam rooms, games rooms, and lounges. Increasingly common is the trend towards pet-friendly condos.
If you want to invest in Pattaya, condos make a great choice, with some condominium complexes offering rental management services. You don't have to maintain the grounds and building exterior; if it is untenanted, you can 'lock and leave'. Overall they are easier to manage from afar.
Most are located between the coast and Sukhumvit Road, Highway 3. Condos may be unfurnished, partly or fully furnished, ranging from studios to penthouses.
Houses, Villas, Private Pool Villas
Houses are popular with families, couples and people wanting their own garden and outdoor space. Many homes are further away from Pattaya City, and most people have their own transport, as shops, schools, restaurants, and amenities may not be immediately nearby.
If you want to buy property in Pattaya, foreigners can not own land directly in Thailand, making purchasing a house more complicated than buying a condo. However, many homes and estates are situated on leased land, with 30-year renewable leases.
Foreigners tend to prefer houses built by a developer in a 'gated' complex or estate. In some cases, the developer retains some control over the property by collecting fees for the provision of onsite security and caring for common areas, like swimming pools, clubhouses, gardens, and roadways. Some may be responsible for maintaining homeowners' swimming pools and gardens as well as water, electricity and waste bills.
At the other end of the spectrum, some developments have no common fees, and owners are responsible for their own maintenance, cleaning, and paying utility bills directly to the supplier.
A single-detached house may have two or three bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen, and some outdoor space. These are sometimes referred to as villas.
In Pattaya, pool villas are considered top-notch. Usually, they are large houses with several bedrooms with ensuites, spacious living and dining areas, and expansive kitchens with European appliances. Outdoor living is a hallmark, with a swimming pool, perhaps a jacuzzi, landscaped gardens, gazebos, and terraces for lounging. Some even have a fitness room and entertainment room. These luxurious properties usually offer privacy.
Townhouses
Townhouses are easily spotted throughout Thailand as a row of houses with shared dividing walls. Usually, they are multi-story buildings with a maximum of four floors and no elevators. Another characteristic is they are typically narrow, with a small courtyard or parking space. They are sometimes called shophouses; a business may operate on the lower levels, and residents live above them.
They tend to be more spacious than condos, and families find them appealing as there is some outdoor area. Pets are usually welcome too. Like houses, the common fees and utility payments depend on how the developer structured the development.
Recently, newer builds may feature more recreational facilities as they compete with condos and houses. Generally, they are located away from central Pattaya. However, you may find some nearer the city too.
To wrap up, whether you plan to invest or buy property in Pattaya, we suggest consulting with our Lazudi team, who can help find the right home for you. Pattaya has so many options you are spoilt for choice.