Condo living is popular in cities and resort locations throughout Thailand. Many condominiums, especially those built in the last ten years, are like luxury holiday resorts. Swimming pools, Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, kids’ play areas, bbq and gardens, fitness centres, yoga and relaxation zones, co-working spaces, 24-hour security, and car parking are often features.

Many condominiums are situated in prime areas with easy access to transport, key working districts, shopping areas, restaurants and entertainment facilities or beautiful beaches. If you are investing in Thailand, location is extremely important, especially in Bangkok.

In recent years, developers have been changing-up their designs to include lofts, open-plan condos, duplex condos and the like as they compete to attract savvy buyers. When it comes to high-rise vs low-rise condominiums, the trend is toward taller buildings offering a profusion of facilities. If moving to Bangkok, you may be pleasantly surprised at the contemporary trendy designs and layouts available.

Which is Better – Open Plan Condos or Duplex Condos?

Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages and a few properties representative of that design.

Open-Plan Condos

Open-plan condos are perhaps self-explanatory, focusing on spatial optimisation featuring larger, combined living spaces without walls. In an open-plan condo design, the dining and kitchen, dining and living areas, or even all three may be combined.

Advantages:

With less restriction of walls and fixtures, it is easier to entertain more guests.
The space can be multifunctional, making it easy to chat with others whilst preparing meals, etc. Open-plan living may feel more inclusive.
Without walls and doors, the traffic flow is generally more unrestricted.
Great flexibility with the furnishing, with fewer walls and impediments.
Easy to maintain and keep clean, with fewer dirty marks on walls and nooks for the dust to gather.
Generally, have a brighter, lighter, more airy and welcoming feel.

Disadvantages:

The noise and movement can be distracting for those using the shared space for work or study.
A larger space uses more energy for cooling.
Monotone colouring and finishing may appear bland or boring; however, paint, colour, and decoration can easily overcome this.

This condo has been tastefully remodelled into a 2 + 1 bedroom home. The open-plan kitchen and living room open onto a large balcony overlooking beautiful Benjakitti Park. A retractable wall provides separation if needed. And it’s in the heart of it all, five minutes walk to Benjakitti, Asok BTS and all the Sukhumvit goodies. And it’s Pet Friendly.

A partly furnished penthouse boasts 225 sqm and is about 1 km to the beach. Tropicana Condotel is a seven-story condo in Pattaya in a convenient location. It has a spacious lounge, dining, and kitchen, perfect for entertaining or just lounging. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is plenty of room for families or small groups.

Duplex Condos

Duplex condos comprise two floors, with full floor height, and both levels usually have a bathroom/toilet. The lower living area may not have a large open-plan living area. However, this depends on the overall size of the condo. Duplex condos are different to lofts, which usually have reduced ceiling height, and some may not have bathrooms on the second floor.

Advantages:

Duplex condos are usually stylish and chic, and two levels are aesthetically pleasing.
Especially for those with a home office, study, or games room, you can have a separate area allowing a quiet working spot.
They tend to feel a bit more like a house, with dedicated sections for the occupiers.

Disadvantages:

Whilst staircases are usually attractive, getting up and down for kids or those with physical ailments can be onerous.
Carrying things up and down stairs can be more difficult than having everything on one level and forgetting an item upstairs. Likewise, ‘stuff’ can gather on the lower-level waiting for the next trip up.
Two levels can result in separating the family/occupants.

In The Sukhothai Residences, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom condo has a feeling of grandeur, created by the two-story design and high ceilings. Located in trendy Sathon, just 1km from Lumphini Park, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Actually, this beautifully furnished 206 sqm condo’s price has been drastically reduced. Check it out.

In Bangrak, The Lofts Silom has a fabulous two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex condo available for rent. The upper level has ample space for lounging or working, and the apartment feels much bigger than the 127 sqm. The nearest BTS is a seven-minute walk, and a Robinsons Department Store and loads of eateries are nearby.

It’s Up to You

We hope this guide helps you make choices best for your personal situation, budget and preference. Our Lazudi team of expert are available for further guidance.