Property News

Choosing the Right Property in Pattaya

Feb 24, 2016

If you are thinking about purchasing a property here in Pattaya. Then there are a few things that you need to consider carefully to ensure that the property that you choose is the right one to suit your own lifestyle and needs.It is a good idea to make a list of what is absolutely essential to you. This might be the location, for example, close to schools or hospitals, etc. Perhaps you are thinking of living here in Pattaya for just six months of the year and offering the property as a rental for the remaining six months. You should consider your future plans and possible options concerning your property. It may be that you are looking to purchase a condo or a house here in Pattaya solely for investment purposes. If that is the case, then you are advised to seek guidance from your trusted real estate agent in order for them to point you in the right direction and assist you with all the necessary details. Another thing to consider is what type of ownership you wish to purchase your property in. You can see more information regarding this subject here. Other questions you might ask yourself are:How do you intend to pay for your Pattaya property? Do you plan to send money from your bank overseas to Thailand?If you are not sure on the payment options available, we at Coastal Real Estate can assist you.What amenities do you wish to be close to and what facilities do you prefer to have available?Once you understand all the above aspects, you will be able to buy a property in Pattaya or Jomtien that is one hundred percent suitable to your requirements.

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Interesting Facts about Thailand

Jan 28, 2016

Thailand was actually known as Siam until 1939 and then again from 1945 to 1949. Siamese cats are native to Thailand. In 1996, two rare ‘diamond eyed’ cats, name Phet and Ploy, were married in a very lavish Thai wedding, costing 16,241 USD. Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice. It relies on tourism to provide just 7% of its GDP. The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long. The total area of the country is approximately 513,000 km2 and its longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), which stretches 1,800 km. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that has never been colonized by European powers. It is also a constitutional monarchy, much like England. Bangkok’s full name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. This means ‘City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra's behest.’ Around ninety percent of Thai people are Buddhist. Muay Thai boxing is Thailand’s national sport and is known as ‘the art of eight limbs.’  It is illegal to step on any form of Thai currency. Thai people should always keep their head lower than that of anyone  who is older or more important than them.  More than 1,500 species of orchids grow wild in Thai forests. Thailand is the world’s number one exporter of orchids.  The Mekong River, which forms part of Thailand’s eastern border, supports more than 1,300 species of fish. It holds some of the world’s largest freshwater  fish, including a giant catfish which can reach nearly 10 feet long and weigh as much as 660 lbs  The national flag of Thailand is raised every morning at 8:00 and lowered every evening at 6:00. It was introduced in 1917 by King  Vajiravudh (Rama VI). Its two horizontal red stripes symbolize the land and its people. The white horizontal stripes represent the purity of Buddhism, the  nation’s main religion. The wide blue band across the centre stands for the monarchy. Before 1917, the Thai flag had a picture of a white elephant against a  red background.

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About Pattaya City

Feb 01, 2016

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, a beach resort which is popular with tourists and expatriates. It is on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok.Pattaya City is an independent municipal area which covers the whole Nong Prue District, Nakluea and parts of Huay Yai and Nong Pla Lai. The city is in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi. The name Pattaya evolved from the march of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin) and his army from  Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi. He came face to face with another leader, but they joined forces. The place where the two armies  confronted each other was subsequently known as Thap Phraya, which means ‘army of the Phraya’. This  later became Pattaya. Pattaya was a small fishing village until the Vietnam War when American servicemen, who were stationed at nearby U-Tapao or other US bases in  Thailand, began visiting Pattaya. They began to turn it into a well-known recreational centre. Starting in 1959 with a group of American G.I’s arriving for a  week of rest and relaxation, this sleepy little village by the ocean has developed and changed significantly into one of Thailand’s popular tourist  destinations. The opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006 has made it easier to get to and from Pattaya City.This premier beach destination has lots to offer families, couples and single visitors. The accommodation ranges from luxurious hotels to simple guesthouses for those on a budget. There are plenty of sporting activities on offer, such as scuba diving, golf, horse-riding and yachting. There are theme parks and botanical gardens offering entertainment for all the family. Pattaya also has an excellent range of eating options from local Thai cuisine to international gastronomy.Pattaya City is easy to get around, there are local ‘baht buses’ which are very cheap. They are in abundance and you can flag one down, hop on, and then simply ring the bell when you arrive close to your destination. They are generally dark blue pick-up trucks with a canopy on the top with two rows of seats. They will pick up other passengers along the way. The routes do vary so it is best to check before boarding. You can hire a baht bus for a private group or alone, but it is wise to negotiate the fare beforehand.If you are visiting Pattaya, Jomtien or the surrounding area for a long stay, then it is probably more feasible to rent a house or a condo. There are many options available with a wide range of properties that cover all budgets. You can contact one of our offices for more details.

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Coastal Real Estate Visits Award Winning Properties in Pattaya

Feb 01, 2016

We recently paid a visit to the latest award winning development from Bravo Thai Lifestyle Co. Ltd.The Vineyard 3 La Residence is located close to Mabprachan Lake and is set amongst the natural beauty and tranquility of Thailand. Despite this quiet location in such a harmonious setting which stimulates relaxation, it is still within easy reach of the neighbouring amenities such as the renowned Siam Country Club Golf Course. The Regents International School is not too far away and it is only a short drive to fine dining, shopping and Pattaya’s nightlife.   The interior of all these opulent pool villas in this development have large open spaces with high  ceilings, which give a real feeling of openness. With luxuriously finished bathrooms and high quality  kitchens, the villas are built to the highest quality using the finest of materials. The Coastal Real Estate team chose this project to have our company photo shoot taken in order to compile our portfolio. The particular villa which  we used is listed on our website, reference number H007584. Another choice from this awarding winning developer would be Amaya Hill. This expertly crafted project is an exclusive enclave of premium  residences, close to Mabprachan Lake in East Pattaya. Amaya Hill has captivated buyers with its contemporary design, but also offers choices of  two, three, four and five bedroom villas, all finished to seamlessly high standards, with starting prices of less than 10 million baht. Amaya Hill is  located close to country clubs, golf courses, international schools and more. There is easy access to the main roads to Pattaya and Jomtien. A  selection of Amaya Hill Villas can be found on our website, such as reference number H005353. Over a period of time, we have been presenting you to our company and my colleagues. So, now we would like to introduce you to K. Apple.  She returned to Thailand after living and working in Denmark for about two years, helping the elderly and studying Danish language. She decided to take a break from work but during that time, she began searching for a job. She had no experience in the real estate business whatsoever. She sent her CV to Coastal Real Estate to apply for a position as an administration assistant. She received three calls from different companies to come for an interview. When she attended her interview for our company, she was greeted by the Managing Director, Kevin Mattson. He seemed to be extremely busy but he made time for her interview and Apple was at ease with him and she felt quite confident and comfortable. Just a few hours later, she got a call from a pleasant and friendly lady, offering her the job and asking for her to start work the next day. Apple was ecstatic to be back working again. She started her position within the company on 11th November 2012.Her first responsibility was to update the prices and availability of properties we already had listed. Also, to list new properties on the website. Initially, her computer skills were not as good as she would have liked them to be. However, K. Supian was a really good teacher and trained her how to do everything effectively and efficiently. As time has passed, Apple learnt how to converse with clients, how to check tenants in and out of their rental properties. She also learnt a lot about the various real estate in Pattaya and the locations of the developments. Apple is extremely grateful to her colleagues who taught her about her work. She has been with the company for more than 3 years and she is very happy to continue working within our successful establishment. Apple says, “Thanks to Kevin Mattson for giving me this big opportunity to allow me to learn new things and experience this kind of business.”

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High End Properties Still in Demand

Mar 01, 2016

In our article for the March issue of the Business Supplement, we showcased four selective properties. One of those properties sold shortly after the publication. Taking this into account, we decided to feature some more quality listings in the high end of the market.  Located in the quiet vicinity of Pratumnak, nestled in the gated community of Majestic  Residence, this outstanding villa is unrivalled in luxury. It has everything you could wish for  in a home, from the exclusive hot water Jacuzzi to the home-theater room for private movie  nights. There is a double garage with remote controlled electric doors, children’s pool with  a water slide. Enjoy alfresco dining on the spacious terrace, overlooking the pool and  manicured gardens. This villa awaits you, located in the Majestic Residence, which has 24-hours security, a clubhouse as well as its own  access to the beach. Ref: H007637.Set in a very quiet and safe location, this property is absolutely breath-taking, with outstanding design. The owner has renovated and re-  decorated the villa. There are polished wooden floors and LED lighting throughout. The modern style kitchen was specially designed and came from Bangkok. This stunning villas is an artistic blend of luxury and comfort. It is spacious and comes well-appointed with top quality furniture, including an array of paintings from an international painter. This property has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Ref: H006037.As we move a little North, right on the beach, we have a beautiful apartment for sale in the extremely well maintained and highly sought after Baan Rimpa. There are stunning sea views from the large wrap around balcony. There are built-in furnishings throughout the condo. With 320 square meters of beachfront living space, this dwelling offers plenty of scope for redesign and endless opportunities to decorate and furnish the rooms to your own sense of style, truly making it your dream home. Ref: C006135.Our final property I would like to present to you in the Northshore Condo building. This is a rare opportunity to purchase this kind of unit on a high floor, boasting spectacular sea-views. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms as well as a maid’s room, this property has it all. The Northshore Condominium is located directly across the street from the beach and within easy walking distance to an abundance of amenities. Ref: C000561.As we have been presenting you to our company and the staff members.The next lady who joined us in 2012 was K. Sue.  She is from Sakol Nakhon Province and she is 33 years old. She first moved to Pattaya in 2009 to study English and qualified with a degree in 2010. Her first employment in Pattaya was the manager of a new venture, a restaurant in Jomtien, and she was in charge of 10 staff. She had this position for one year and it was very good experience as well as enjoyable, dealing with customers and staff. However the restaurant struggled to succeed for many reasons which were beyond her control.  She decided to change direction and was offered a position at a real estate company in Jomtien. She was responsible for property rentals and motorbike rentals, it was a great way to gain skills and knowledge. In 2012 she applied for a position at Coastal Real Estate and met Kevin, the managing director, for an informal interview in Shenanigans and she was  very thrilled to be offered a job with Coastal. Kevin had recently opened another office in Jomtien and as she lives in Jomtien, she knows the area very well, therefore it suited me to be based there  to begin with. Nevertheless, Kevin decided to close this office after approximately 1 year and so she moved to the Soi Diana office. At this time her responsibilities were to show customers properties for sale or rent, organise and facilitate maintenance issues and also upload new  listings to the website. Her present situation is being a part of the administration team at the Soi Siam Country Club office. Her responsibilities comprise of photographing new properties, uploading images and information to the Coastal web site, as well as translation from  English to Thai. Sue Says, “I have to say that I really enjoy working as part of the Coastal team, I have learned many new skills, met many interesting  customers and made lots of new friends within the company. In May this year it will be my third anniversary with Coastal and I hope that there will be  many more to come.”

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How to Purchase a Property in Thailand

Feb 05, 2016

If you looking to purchase a villa or a condominium in Thailand but you are not certain how to do it, then here is a detailed account of what you need to do.First, select a reputable real estate agent. As you are looking to buy real estate in a foreign country then you should seek expert advice and local assistance.We, at Coastal Real Estate, know how to communicate in Thai language and we are familiar with the area as well as all the necessary requirements.If you are considering purchasing directly from a developer, it is not going to save you any money compared with buying from an agent. The developer will not assist you to make an unbiased comparison with similar properties to the project that they are building and selling. The principal benefit of using a real estate agent is that they will liaise between you and the seller and they will obtain the fairest price for you and act upon your behalf to ensure your best interests are represented throughout the whole process.Here in Thailand, a foreign person is only legally permitted to own a condominium in his or her personal name.Should the foreigner wish to buy land to build a house, then he or she should obtain a long-term lease. The foreigner should then apply for a construction permit to build the house in his or her own name. By this method, the foreigner owns the house and has a secured lease on the land that the house is built on. Another method is to set up a Thai company with Thai shareholders. The said company then purchases the land and the house.The foreigner can then be a director and shareholder of the said company.A legal advisor can explain more about this. The title deed or “Chanoot” as known in Thai, should be checked out at the land office to verify that the seller has indeed the legal title of the land/property in question. We can do this on your behalf.Once everything is satisfactory with the property details, you will be required to pay a deposit to show that you are a serious buyer and willing to continue with the process. In return for your deposit, the seller will reserve the property for you and start the process of drafting the contracts for the purchase. This deposit is usually non-refundable.We, at Coastal Real Estate Pattaya, can arrange the preparation of the sale contracts for you. We will ensure that everything is legally binding and that the sale will be completed as swiftly and as smoothly as possible. Depending on which kind of property you choose to buy, when the final payment is made, the transfer of ownership will be finalised at the same time. 

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How to Make a House a Home

Feb 01, 2016

One of the things that some clients ponder on these days is when they buy a house, how can they turn it into ‘their’ home. Whether you are purchasing a condo, a huge villa or any building that becomes your dwelling, you need to add your own personality to turn it into and make it feel like your home.The form of the house never matters as much as what goes inside it - because those are the people and the special things that transform any place into a home.Don’t forget that making a home doesn’t need expensive furniture and a myriad of bookshelves and paintings.All around the globe people decorate their homes in immeasurably different ways. For some homes, family-made textiles are the central point, for others, art, and for some, a clean, simple space with minimalistic furnishings is the most important. But no matter what size, shape or style your home takes, we all have our own ideas of what a home should look and feel like. Art is too often written off as being exclusive, lavish and frivolous. But from the earliest days, people have decorated their homes with all sorts of things that mean something to them.From natural objects that have been found (like collections of shells and pinecones) and family weavings to photographs, sculptures and paintings, art can be anything and everything you want it to be. And, most of all, it adds some part of your personality to your home that makes it feel unique to you, your interests and what you find beautiful.If you are looking to make your rooms come to life, make a short list of the things that you love and want to see every day.Your list could include a collection of books that you would like to display in a creative way, a family portrait, a branch you found in the park that becomes a tabletop sculpture – or anything else that makes you smile when you look at it. Give these items a special place in your home, such as on a table, on a bookshelf or hung on the wall and they will take on a whole new meaning that gives people an instant sense of what you find appealing when they visit you in your home. It seems that for most of us, creating a home is less about the building itself, but more about the emotional connection and sense of comfort we are able to create once we enter our residence and close the door. This concept of private space is crucial to our sense of wellbeing and self-expression. Personal space allows people to do what they want and truly be themselves – whether that involves doing the housework naked or watching back-to-back TV series, it is doing what you want to do. A house does not have to be worthy of a publication about interior design to make it a positive place, but it should reflect who we are and how we live our lives. You can live in cosy studio apartment or a luxurious villa, but it will not be your own unless you are aware of your emotional response to your surroundings.The idea of “home” is about the place you feel safe and where you feel connected to other people you like. Years ago, a home was about having a warm and safe haven, somewhere to bring up a family. You can add to that the fact that we are socialised into our expectations of what home means – many of our important memories are now created around our homes. As our memories become more and more, our homes should subtly evolve over time to reflect the different stages of our development. Our personalities are not permanent – we are changing all the time and our surroundings should reflect that. People can get into a routine about things: having a favourite chair, or their side of the bed, or a particular place on the sofa. It can be good to shake these things up, so they don’t become too habitual. Rearranging and redecorating a home is not a bad thing – change can be good and stimulating. Finally, if you want your home to make you happy, it is not necessarily about hiring an interior designer or adorning your walls with lavish paintings just because someone you know had done this. It is simply about your living space reflecting the spirit of the person you are.The personal things we add to the place where we live, whether it be a house, a studio, a penthouse apartment or a huge villa, it is our personality that makes it a home, all the rest is just immaterial stuff!

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Coastal Real Estate to Visit Taipei

Feb 01, 2016

There is much talk around Pattaya that the market is slow because the Russian buyers are not here. I previously mentioned in one of my other articles here that the market is shifting to Chinese.We have seen a steady increase in this field and we are very pleased to have native Chinese staff in place to deal with the influx of buyers coming to Pattaya.One recent report from the major Thai developers, Sansiri, found that in 2014 Chinese buyers account for 30% of all units with them, with Singaporeans buyers attributing to 24% and just 11% from the Russian market.Coastal Real Estate has recognised that the market has changed and we have adapted to it. So much so that we will be heading off to a major property exhibition that is being in held in Taipei in June. Kevin Mattson, the managing director, will attend the presentation along with some of the key members of the team.The main goal of this exciting event is to address the market there and reach out to investors who are seeking to buy property in Thailand. We want to show them what Pattaya has to offer in terms of property investment. We will be working solely with Global Top Group to present their project at the exhibition. Watch this space for the outcome of this trip and we will also introduce you to some of the Chinese members of the company.Now, I would like to introduce you to the next lady who joined Coastal Real Estate is Tipayasuda Budsarakham, but you can just call her Khun Thip as it is easier to remember. She is from Sakeao province and she graduated in English and the hotel business. She got her diploma after two years in Sukhothai Commercial College and then her General Management bachelor degree after two years in VRU University. After waiting for her application for a degree, she got a job at a hotel in Pattaya that was ascertained from her job training. However, that was some time ago and later, she got a new job at another hotel, which turned out to be the front office manager. Yet this job posed a problem for her sleeping habits. She found that when she was on the night shift, she couldn’t sleep during the day. It was not so good for her health and she lost weight. She got new employment working for a condo in Jomtien but it was not suited to her so she began looking for a different challenge. She soon met Khun Tarm from Coastal Real Estate as she brought a customer to the condo where she was working. Khun Tarm gave Khun Thip a brief outline about our company and what the company was involved in. This was exactly what Khun Thip was looking for, a new direction in the real estate businesses. It wasn’t long before she went to our office in Soi Diana to have an interview with Mr. Kevin Mattson. The interview was very friendly, but Kevin’s American accent made Khun Thip a little nervous. However, she started to work for Coastal Real Estate on the 1st of April in 2013. She met all the staff in the office and realised that they were very friendly and helpful. Her job is an administration assistant and her main role is to update and upload property listings to the website. Sometimes she assists the sales team with rentals and she also takes photos of properties to upload on our website.During the last two years that she has worked with Coastal Real Estate, she has learnt many things from Kevin, he has shown her how to speak to and deal with customers and how to process different cases. She enjoys working with the company and gets up early as she looks forward to coming to the office, which is a positive sign. Thip says, “You can do everything, if you just open your mind to learn how to do it and be happy in what you do.”

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Some Selective Listings from Coastal Real Estate

Aug 15, 2017

As a property agency, we have many listings to try and find a client for. It is quite impossible to individually promote and publicise each listing that we have, therefore, it can be a difficult task to choose a selection of interesting properties to advertise in our various channels.Here, I would like to present to you some of our selective  listings we recently attained. Set in the heart of Wong Amat Beach, sits an opulent condominium named The Cove.  This majestic 18 storey building brings a new definition of exclusiveness to the popular  city of  Pattaya. The Cove offers its own private beach and excellent amenities,  including a  capacious business center. One particularly attractive unit we have for sale  in The Cove is a two-bedroomed condo with an extensive  balcony boasting breathtaking sea views, as well as a large Jacuzzi  beckoning you to indulge in such luxury. This stylish apartment is  offered for sale fully furnished to a high standard. Spectacular  beachfront living in infinite comfort. Ref: C007448. Located at the foot of the hill to Bali Hai Pier, The Waterfront Suites and Residences is a remarkable apartment building to call your  home. We have a condo for sale on a high floor, comprising of two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a comfortable living space and  a custom-designed kitchen. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, offering unrivaled, stunning sea views of the Gulf of Thailand. With first  class facilities at your fingertips, this condo is luxury living at its best. Ref: C006144. As we move to the other side of Sukhumvit Highway, in the East of Pattaya, we have a beautiful villa for sale nestled in the prestigious  development, Siam Royal View. This village is situated on a hill, overlooking the surrounding area and it has stunning views of the  Pattaya skyline, Pattaya Bay and offshore islands. The house is fully furnished and tastefully decorated in a contemporary design, with  pastel shades. The dining area looks out onto the private pool which is set in a tropical garden. This villa offers the very finest features  of  high-end living. Ref: H006207. Our final property I would like to present to you is in Jomtien, View Talay Villas. This three-bedroomed home has a private pool  surrounded by landscaped gardens and has a shaded terrace. The living area is an open plan design with an equipped European  kitchen. View Talay Villas is a unique development with wide streets lined by palm trees. Combining western standards with a Thai-Bali  theme, this villa is tastefully decorated and provides comfortable living, just a stone’s throw away from Jomtien Beach.  Ref: H006117. In recent articles, I have introduced you to our company, myself and a colleague.So, now I would like to familiarize you with another colleague, K. Supian.  She has been living in Pattaya for 9 years. After graduating from commercial collage in Bangkok she started work in 2005 with the most famous spa in Pattaya as the receptionist. Then, in 2010 she felt the need to do something different and not just sit, take bookings and do the same thing every day. So she quit her job and changed direction. One day she saw the job advertisement for Coastal Real Estate, which was the first time she had heard of the company. She sent them her resume and quickly got a phone call from Mr. Kevin Mattson, the managing director. She was a little nervous about her interview as she was not fluent in English. When she met Kevin and Tarm, who is still my colleague, her first question that sprang to mind was, “Are there only two people in this company?” The answer was ‘yes’. After speaking with Kevin everything, she was no longer nervous and she got the job as an Administration Assistant of Coastal Real Estate in December, 2010.