Buying Villas In Phuket, A Guide
While everyone craves their own tiny slice of paradise complete with ocean view and hidden location, if you have enough cash to splash then a Phuket villa is certainly an excellent way to invest your savings and make these dreams come true.
Many agencies exist that help you combine luxury with privacy plus seclusion similar to that sought by Hollywood movie stars. If that sounds like your idea of heaven then a private villa may be just the ticket. Plus prices are not nearly as high as some places as long as you use your head and shop around for the best deal and conduct business with professional real estate agents you can trust.
Villas in Phuket are available with anything from two to 15 bedrooms depending on your personal needs and tastes. You perhaps just want a quiet spot to retire or maybe you need some spare for to kids to come and stay when on holiday. Of course, Phuket is an island with a party side and if that is your scene then perhaps a villa near Patong Beach or some of the other great afterhours locations will fit the bill best of all.
Where to buy
A lot of people arrive at Phuket to take advantage of the opportunities for great nightlife and unbelievable watersports pursuits. If diving is your passion then it may pay to consider taking a villa in Phuket by one of the beaches which features coral and calm seas that are tranquil enough for snorkelling like Freedom Beach. But if windsurfing and surfing is more your cup of tea then perhaps Kata is the best place to be based. That means you can meander down to the breaks whenever the whim hits you rather than lugging a bulky board to the waves by car.
But if food occupies more of your time than sport then a villa close to Phuket Town may bestow better opportunities for gorging on the fantastic variety of grub on offer there. Plus there are so many gold courses in Phuket that people keen to get in the swing of things can always opt for the ready-built villas that surround these plush clubs.
The primary question to consider is what facilities you need with your Phuket villa. Those that don’t mind sharing facilities such as a pool or jacuzzi with other guests may be able to save a little cash on the overall cost. Sharing luxuries like a gym helps get value for money but, however, if privacy is something that you value most of all, or alternatively, you simply crave the option of entertaining at any hour of the day or night, a private deck and pool will make the neighbours green with envy.
Sailing is another great pastime for expatriates who settle down in Phuket and if you have a boat you may want to consider somewhere right by the coast. This, of course, could cost a few more pennies but when factoring in transportation costs it may be a wise investment depending on how often you take to the water.
Practicalities
Luckily real estate agencies abound in Phuket so you should have little trouble finding someone to show you about and provide you with useful on the ground advice. Most of these are used to dealing with foreign investors and speak perfect English. Many will aid you with buying land, getting amenities such as gas, telephone and power set up plus the design of your perfect villa just as you want it.
Thai law is very obstructive when it comes to foreigners trying to own property outright which makes condos sometime a more simple investment. However, you always have the option of putting whatever investment you choose into the name of a Thai friend/relative/spouse and circumnavigate these problems that way.
Decent legal representation is the most crucial thing when considering buying a villa in Phuket and any reputable real estate agent should be able to help you find this. But be sure to ask around and check credentials before engaging in any process as you can never be too careful when such large sums of money are involved.
About the Author
Chuck Young has purchased a retirement villa on Phuket after being in the real estate game for 30 years. For more information visit; http://amazingphuketvillas.com
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