Is there anything more exciting when moving abroad than finding your first apartment and signing the lease? It’s the moment when your dreams become real, the vision you had of staying long-term confirmed by the start and end dates on your lease.
But navigating the rental market in Thailand can be hard if you don’t know where to look, how to negotiate, or how to hire help. In this section you’ll learn the ins and outs of renting a condo or house in Bangkok.
For most professionals in Bangkok, rent is their biggest expense.
The easiest way to find a decent place is to go to Hipflat, and check for places in your desired district.
If you’re looking for hidden deals in condo buildings, check the sub-forum for the building you’re interested in on on kaidee.com. Many listings there are by owners or non-syndicated agents and sometimes these don’t show up elsewhere.
Should you have the time, you can also scout areas around desirable neighborhoods and take pictures of “for rent” signs. You might come across a furnished ninety square meter room apartment in Silom that went for 20,000 baht a month.
If you need ideas for the right neighborhood, look online for a listing that meets you desired price per square meter and contact them. If it’s an agent, have them take you to the right building and street. From there on you can do your own research: The best deals are advertised on signs outside of the buildings that have vacancies and are rarely found online.
Keep in mind that prices listed on websites are often negotiable. This means getting a discount of 20% off the list price is not unusual. But it may take a while to find the place most suitable to your need.
Agents
Real estate agents make your life easier by doing all the hard work. So if you’re planning to rent for at least one year, get in touch with a real estate agent. When looking for a real estate agent, make sure you find a professional.
A professional real estate agent helps you find a room because they know the area. They work with your budget and needs. If you’re in Thailand, they take you to the apartment. If you’re not yet in Thailand, they show you listings online.
And once you’ve found a place to rent and move into, they can also help you with unexpected problems, suggest reliable maids and handymen, and even recommend local restaurants.
But remember, real estate agents prefer working with long-term renters. So if you’re planning to stay in Thailand for under one year, you might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, If you need help, get in touch with an agent.
Deutsch:
Français:
Español: