Koh Samui is an island in Thailand that’s been receiving a lot of attention lately and, considering its perks, its popularity shouldn’t come as a surprise. The island has a lot of breath-taking scenery, beaches with white sand and coconut trees, and modern infrastructure. Even though the popularity of this paradise island is rising, it has still kept its traditional feel of a secluded tropical island. It’s small meaning beaches are never too far away from you. One major flaw that has been keeping the beauty of the island on an enviable level is the one saying you aren’t allowed to build buildings that are more than 12 meters tall. Not only that, but Thailand has very healthy attitudes concerning the protection of the environment. For all of these reasons and more, many are looking to buy property there. If you’re one of them, these tips might help you.
Do your research
As with many things you do in life, you need to do some research in order to know what you’re getting yourself into. Visit some websites, talk to agencies and locals, and visit the destination. Property isn’t a small investment and you need to be sure about what you’re getting. Consider the location and the type of property. Do you want to be in a gated community or you want as much privacy and peace as you can get? Drive around the island and see what would work best for you. On conradproperties.asia you can find more tips on how to choose the right property and what are the main things you should consider when making your choice. Some of the most popular locations are Cheong Mon, Bophut, Maenam, Chaweng Noi, Chaweng and Plai Laem mostly because of their proximity to different services and facilities.
Find your real estate agent
Once you got a general idea of what you want, find a real estate agent that has valuable experience with property on Koh Samui. Of course, keep in mind that in order to be able to buy a property there you need a visa. Start working on obtaining a visa on time as the process can sometimes belong. Check out the reviews and recommendations before you choose your agent. You need someone who speaks your language, has good reviews, and who you click with.
Choose the type of ownership
You can choose between leasehold and freehold. Leasehold ownership is the cheapest option and also the most convenient one. In Thailand, foreigners are legally allowed to lease land for 30 years maximum, but the lease can be extended or renewed. On the other hand, freehold ownership applies only to condominium units with a 49% cap on the total units that can be owned.
Know the rules
You aren’t allowed to freely build a house anywhere, you need to ask for a permit from the municipality office. You also can’t build a house on the land that is less than 10 meters away from the beach. The further away from the beach, you are, the bigger the property you can build.