Beyond The Brand
Samui has a buoyant property market that doesn't rely solely on international brand names. And it includes properties to suit all budgets.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
All the recent media attention on Samui has been about the big brand names that are arriving; international hotel groups that are raising the profile of the island with their resorts and residential options. It’s undeniable that all of this coverage is good for the future of Samui. And, it is a significant sign that tourism and real-estate is here to stay.
However, although it’s true that Samui is evolving in to a high-end destination, with the majority of properties featured in magazines and newspapers often priced well over Bt20 million. In fact, many Samui homes now advertised easily surpass both the $1 million (Bt30 million) and the £1 million (Bt70 million) mark. But we should remember that people from all backgrounds and financial situations still want to buy properties here.
It would be easy for a buyer with less than this substantial amount to get the impression that the island’s property market doesn’t cater for them. The danger of this is that such potential investors could take their money elsewhere without looking deeper into what’s actually available on Samui.
Samui has got a large number of new top-end highly priced luxury properties. But the majority of homes available are far more realistically priced. Despite first impressions Samui can provide a home for anyone and any budget.
Price ranges can be bracketed to incorporate an exceptional range of living options on the island. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can get for your money.
For under Bt5 million you can still get a bargain. It’s fair to say that any new home under this amount is likely to be an apartment or town-house. But it’s still possible to pick up a larger detached two-, or even three-bedroom used property. Koh Samui Land & Homes has a two-bedroom detached house in Bang Rak with room for a pool at only Bt3.5 million. The Samui Sanctuary in Choeng Mon also has beautiful apartments from Bt2.9 million baht, on offer with Horizon Homes.
There are numerous townhouse projects that fall into this price range but one that really stands out is The Gardens in Bang Rak. Built and marketed by Kalara International Properties, this is an exceptional fully-completed development of 12 semi-detached homes on a spacious landscaped plot around a large pool. The complex has onsite staff and is only a short distance from the beach. A fully inclusive high-quality furniture package is included in the value-for-money price of Bt4.9 million and includes stylish leather sofas, flat-screen TVs and everything you need to move in or rent out.
Between Bt5 million and Bt10 million there are numerous opportunities to buy a very nice home. This price bracket features apartments, townhouses, detached homes and even up to three-bedroom villas with private pools. For example, Advance Inter Developments is selling a new three-bedroom detached home in Namuang complete with private swimming pool for Bt7 million. And, in Bophut, Bt9.7 million will buy you a three-bedroom pool villa on the Whispering Palms project.
The Bt10 million to Bt15 million price range really does open up your options to what many would consider the start of the luxury property bracket. Within this section of the market there are numerous pool-villas, luxury apartments and larger properties available. It may also open up some of the more desirable or convenient locations around the island.
The stunning and expansive Samran Gardens in Maenam offers a peaceful and luxurious environment. And still available is a brand new three-bedroom detached home set in the private gated project with on-site fitness centre and park. This property has a private 40sq.m pool; fully landscaped gardens; and also features a modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and a master-bedroom suite with walk-in dressing room and Balinese shower. This outstanding property is priced at Bt13.9 million.
Samui Villas & Homes is selling a five-bedroom, two-storey, 400sq.m home, also in Maenam, at Bt15 million. For the same price, in Choeng Mon, Horizon Homes has a delightful three-bedroom house set in 1 rai of lush private gardens with tasteful statuettes and water features; a free-form swimming pool and sala provide the ideal setting for relaxation and entertainment. The master-bedroom suite has a very nice indoor/outdoor en-suite bathroom that typifies the tropical feel of the island. Horizon’s own contemporary luxury garden villas also fall into this category at Bt12.5 million.
Properties priced between Bt15 million and Bt20 million represent a large financial investment for most people. However, some of the properties in this range are truly exceptional. For this price you can still expect to get a great location; a large luxurious property; a good sized plot of land; and a home that characterises many people’s idea of a luxury tropical home.
Koh Samui Land & Homes has a property for sale at Bt16.5 million that epitomises such outstanding opportunities. At Samui Beach Village this three-bedroom detached property is situated on a small, fully-managed high-end development ideal for full-time living; using as a holiday home; or for getting exceptional returns on your investment. Occupying an idyllic location just 100m from the totally un-commercialised wide, white-sandy beach at Laem Set the house is only 10 minutes’ drive to the centre of Lamai. Outside, the villa has a private freeform swimming pool and inside it offers outstanding must-be-seen luxury.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the only truly luxury properties available on Samui are branded. The big brands such as Four Seasons, Conrad and W Hotels aresituated in stunning locations and the properties on offer are of an expected standard to best represent that brand. Luxury lifestyles and world class services are guaranteed there. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be found elsewhere.
The branded residences provide another option for those that can afford them. However, there are numerous non-branded properties that can also offer the same quality and luxury. The Samui property market is eclectic in styles, quality, sizes, locations and prices. Whatever your needs, desires and restrictions there is a property here that will be suitable for you. If, like the vast majority of buyers, your budget doesn’t stretch to the new high profile residences being promoted, then, if you’re prepared to look beyond the brands you’ll find the property that’s right for you and is by no means second-best.
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