Buying vs Renting in Pattaya
Deciding where to live in Pattaya is easy but whether to rent or buy?, condo or house? is MORE
difficult as you'll see...
You have three choices in terms of shelter:
1) A house
2) Condo/apartment
3) Hotel room
All have advantages and disadvantages-and later we'll discuss renting vs. buying.
Modern, newly built houses are widely available around Pattaya offering all the conveniences. Large,
two and three bedrooms are most common with three bathrooms. Many are located in 'gated' communities offering increased security,
and some have common-area swimming pools.
Three significant BIG negatives about houses, though. First, nearly all require some type
of transportation. You cannot simply walk a few minutes out the front door to the local restaurant, pub, so on. So having
a car or motorbike would be a necessity-which is dealt with later in this guide. Next, whether buying or renting it requires
a SUBSTANTIAL commitment- money-wise budget $800USD per month plus deposit. To purchase, at least $50,000USD.
Also, the legal issues can be significant to own property in Thailand--see the next
page where I discuss this issue.
Many Condo/apartments, on the other hand, don't suffer from any of these issues. Whether a 10
minute brisk walk or three minute bus ride, their are MANY condo/apartments available close to shopping, bars, restaurants,
etc. Most are fully furnished (air-con, bed, fridge, cooking facilities, table/chairs, TV) and leased 'month-month' thus requiring
no long-term commitment. It's important, though, CONFIRM what utilities are included in the rent-if any. Typically it's water,
electric, gas, and cable TV (UBC). Also, don't sign til you FULLY understand the terms to receive your deposit back-many require
one month's rent.
Budget $250USD to $500 a month depending upon the facilities offered (swimming pool, gym), location
(near the beach is higher), and commitment (signing for 6-12 months will usually be cheaper).
Disadvantages? Two main ones. If you're a 'very private' person who enjoys his 'space', this is probably
not a good choice.
The physical size of your 'home' many only be 42 sqm (approx. 450 sqft) which for some is uncomfortable.
Next, be wary of areas with a HIGH density of Thais living there. While Thais are WONDERFUL people,
you'll discover their interest in the upkeep of facilities (fixing lights, elevator, etc) is minimal.
Here's six Pattaya condo/apartment buildings to consider:
CK Place--Soi 4, short walk from Beach Rd. 12-15,000B/month, 1 BR.
Centere Condo--2nd Road, near Walking Street. 8-12,000B/month, 1 BR.
Markland--Corner of Beach Rd, Soi 1. Privately owned studio condos from 12,000B/month.
Chada Court--Soi 10, btw Beach Rd and Second Rd. 15,000B/month, 1 BR.
La Fontaine--Near the end of Walking Street. 13, 000B/month, Large, studio.
Inn of the Crab--Middle of Soi 13, btw Beach and Second Rd. 13-18000B/month, 1 BR.
All these are VERY centrally located in the heart of Pattaya City.
Another source to check is the weekly Pattaya Mail newspaper (available in the Daily News section
of this site) for other condo/apartments.
Lastly, hotel rooms offer MANY advantages that must be considered-even for those seeking
to stay in Pattaya for months at a time.
'Simplicity' is the KEY to hotels-Everything is clear and explicit. You have a furnished room, with
utilities and cleaning included, with minimal commitment. If you don't like the management, the room, facilities, so on you
can walk away with ZERO notice.
In addition, some of Pattaya's hotels sit on Beach Road thus offering ocean front views-which can
is 'entertainment'!
The downside to the conveniences of location and little commitment is price-most hotels will cost
approximately $400+USD a month. Obvisiously the physical space will be much smaller than a condo/apartment or house.
Here are two Pattaya I especially recommend based on price (under 800B/night),
location, and quality:
Apex--2nd road across from Soi 11
Natural Beach--Beach Rd at Soi 11
