Luxury real estate prices on Koh Samui are hot and keep soaring. Many high-net-worth individuals are buying homes as a hard asset, and with the wealth of the world’s richest people growing, the potential market for luxury properties in Thailand is larger than ever. If you want to get in on the action and can afford the steep price tag, here are several options for doing so.
Defining “Luxury Property”
It’s important to understand what features characterize a luxury property before you invest because a high price tag alone won’t put a property in this category. “It has to be unique and exclusive, in a good way in a desirable way. People who are wealthy will pay a premium for something that’s perceived to be superior. Many luxury buyers seek the natural beauty of a beachfront location, or at least views of a river, ocean or lake. Others want countryside or mountainside views.
High-end buyers want many of the same features that all buyers want, but on a grander scale. They want privacy and security, sometimes to the point of seclusion. They want beauty inside and out and can afford custom architecture, custom design, over-the-top attention to detail and opulent finishes. They also want amenities on top of amenities: a chef’s kitchen, luxury pool, expansive master suite and outdoor living space, not to mention home automation, motion detectors, car lifts and temperature-controlled wine cellars. They also want space.
When choosing a luxury home, it’s extremely important to think about the aspects of the property that can’t be changed. You can't change the path of the sun, the location of the ocean or the fact that there is a flight path for large airplanes over your head. Ugly wallpaper in the bathroom is far less important than the weather.
How to Do It: Your Options for Investing in Luxury Real Estate
If you want to invest in luxury real estate, there are several paths you can take.
Choose a High-End Vacation Rental Property
A luxury vacation rental can provide a wealth of benefits including asset appreciation, tax deductions, business networking opportunities, and most importantly, personal enjoyment. Choosing a location with a typically strong market is key, such as a ski resort town, Hawaii or a tropical island. They are great for seasonal income and perform well during good financial markets. However, they may suffer more during a recession than the homes near major cities.
Indeed, the luxury housing market experienced the strongest rebound from the housing crash in major cities, but resort areas are starting to follow suit, states a recent report from Christie’s International Real Estate.
In addition to choosing the right area, investors should consider buying a property that will be attractive to vacationing families. It will increase your occupancy rate and your ROI. High-profile tourist resort destinations, such as Koh Samui are a sound choice, and investors should look for properties with the potential for long-term gains.
Complete a Custom Build
Building a new home from the ground up offers the highest profit margins but has a longer time frame, but a home where everything is new and has today’s most desired styles and amenities is crucial in getting top dollar.
If you aren’t building the home for yourself, be careful about how you customize it. You’ll want to select a layout, amenities, and finishes that will appeal to a broad segment of the luxury market to maximize your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar. Make sure the home is functional and welcoming and has the security and privacy features that high-end buyers want. But there’s a fine line between creating that broad appeal and creating the uniqueness that luxury buyers crave.
When something is not commoditized, and it is desirable, and there is demand, that’s when you see prices really jump. If you look at a bottle of ‘82 Lafitte Rothschild, the price appreciation grows exponentially over a vintage that is less superior because of supply and demand. It’s the same thing with luxury real estate. The more exclusive and harder to find, the more worthy of investment the home becomes.
The Bottom Line
Investing in luxury real estate can be more exciting than investing in securities thanks to its tangible aspect, and there are many ways to do it, from building a custom home to flipping a mansion to buying a vacation property. You can enjoy your luxury home as a resident, as a traveler or as a landlord or build luxury homes for others to enjoy. Before you buy, make sure you understand the features that create lasting value in this asset class to get the best return on your investment.
Hin Fah offers a limited opportunity to build in one of Thailand’s lowest density, signature, private gated communities. Only a few discerning members will be able to own a piece of this 60 acre sprawling piece of paradise. Contact us for further details.
(via Amy Fontinelle)
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