Renting a property in Bangkok is relatively straightforward. There are plenty of choices, especially if you want to rent a condo. For those wanting a bit more space, like a detached house, townhouse or villa, these are relatively rare by comparison. Each type of rental property has its pros and cons. Identifying your ‘essential’ and ‘like to have’ criteria assists in making the right decision.

Key criteria to consider include:

Location – city or suburbs
Connection to public transport
School, kindergarten, university access
Proximity to shops, restaurants, and entertainment
Pet-friendly condos
Use of outdoor space, parks and gardens
Privacy
Budget

This article focuses on the Bangkok rental market and looks at the difference between property types and their advantages and disadvantages.

What is a Condo / Apartment?This article uses the terms condo, apartment and unit interchangeably for ease and consistency. Whilst there are some differences between a condo and an apartment, this mainly relates to the ownership and has minimal impact on tenants.

Condominiums are multi-story buildings, usually in prime locations near public transport, shopping, restaurants, recreational facilities, etc. For example, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is focused on expanding green space within the city for the benefit of the population, and the redevelopment of Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park has seen an increase in condo developments in this area.

With multiple units in the building, developers can include more common facilities and amenities, and with new builds in the current highly competitive market, there are some really excellent options. Apartment design is changing too, with loft-duplex-vertiplex type units offering an alternative to traditional single floor layouts.

Pros

Common facilities may include a swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, spa, rooftop decks, BBQ/kitchen areas, outdoor and garden areas, car parking, 24-hour security, Juristic service, CCTV and elevators.
They are usually positioned in convenient locations, near public transport, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, possibly with easy access to freeways and educational facilities. For instance, Thong Lo (Thonglor) rental properties are highly sought after as this location ticks many boxes.
Most condos come furnished or partly furnished.
Going away for a weekend or holiday is easy – simply lock and leave.

Cons

Less privacy and potential noise from neighbours.
Individual units don’t come with land as such, so a tenant’s apartment is the extent of personal space.
May pay higher prices for utilities such as gas, water and electricity via the Juristic (building manager) services.
A condo with many common-area facilities usually has higher rent; if you aren’t using these facilities, you are still paying for them.

What is a Townhouse?A townhouse is in a multi-storey building, not more than four floors high and without elevators. Walls are adjoining neighbours, and the property is often narrow and usually has a courtyard or small parking space. Sometimes called ‘shophouses’, they are pretty common throughout Thailand, but less so in Bangkok city and more common in outlying areas. Furniture may or may not be included.

Pros

Townhouses are generally more spacious compared to condos at a similar price point.
Families may find them attractive, with a little more privacy and possibly, a courtyard and garden area.
Owners may be open to pets moving in.
Utilities are usually billed directly from the provider and at lower rates than through a Juristic (building management) service.

Cons

Fewer townhouses are available close to the city and are often not easily accessed by public transport.
Stairs may become arduous.
Lack of common facilities like pool, gym, security, etc.

What is a Detached House?
If you want to rent a house in Bangkok on its own plot of land with a garden, you may find them few and far between. In central Bangkok, houses may be reasonably small tight abodes, and if you want a large spacious house, you’ll need to go further out. Houses may be furnished or unfurnished.

Pros

Living in a house tends to be more spacious, private, quieter, and have a more neighbourly feel.
Car parking, garden and outdoor space are a bonus.
More likely to be pet friendly.
Utility costs are paid directly to the provider.

Cons

In Bangkok, houses tend to be further from the city, and public transport may not be handy.
Depending on your lease, you may be responsible for maintaining the garden and pool.
Security guards and potentially CCTV will not be available.
More consideration is needed before taking holidays in regards to outdoor area care.

What is a Villa?Villas are usually located within gated and secure complexes with their own gardens, sometimes with a swimming pool. Some offer shared facilities, like a communal swimming pool, fitness centre, and BBQ/garden areas. Often situated on larger blocks of land than a townhouse, they are usually in the outer Bangkok suburbs.

Pros

Usually more spacious, with outdoor areas, greater privacy with high fences and gardens screening off neighbours
Living in a gated community provides more opportunities to meet others and a greater sense of community.
Pets are more likely to be accepted.
Families are often attracted to villas and detached houses.

Cons

You may be responsible for the upkeep of the garden, pool and other facilities, or if the owner provides this service, the cost will be built into the rent.
It may not be so convenient to transport, shops, restaurants and so forth.

In summary
Your particular circumstances guide the choice of condo living vs townhouse living or detached houses and villas. Indeed, renting a condo is most common, especially for expats. With such modern facilities, great living spaces, beautiful views and easy access to the city, condos often win hands down. But for those looking for space and away from the fray, there are many other options.

At Lazudi, we have around 4,500 properties for rent in Bangkok. Please get in touch with us to help you find your new home.