EDITOR'S CHOICE - Thailand/New England USA

The Lofts Southshore - Thailand

If you fancy investing in the Far East, condominium developer Raimon Land has launched The Lofts Southshore in Pattaya, bringing Bangkok's well-established "The Lofts" lifestyle concept of providing a quality modern urban design and functionality at an affordable price to this popular beach resort. 

The site is perched on a hillside in the Khao Pratamnak area overlooking Pattaya Bay, and offers 360-degree views of the sea, Pattaya City and surrounding area. It's just minutes from the downtown area and the idyllic beach.

With the Pattaya property prices starting at 2.9 million baht (around £46,000), The Lofts Southshore condominiums range from 33 square metres studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom units between 58 and 169 square metres. Duplexes are also available, as are spacious 282 to 308 square metre penthouses with private gardens. Construction started in July and the project will hopefully be completed by 2011.

Raimon Land has already experienced success in this area of Thailand with their 187-unit Northshore project, which was launched in 2004 and sold out before its completion in 2006.
 
"Northshore was our first project in Pattaya and we have seen Pattaya property values increase by 70 per cent to 80 per cent. It also set a benchmark for the Pattaya property market with a resale in January this year for a seafront unit that fetched 180,000 baht per square metre (approximately £2,900)," said CEO Nigel Cornick.

"The reason for the increasing rates is largely due to a very limited supply of high-quality condominiums. Property prices are set to continue to rise, and no more than 1,000 to 1,200 units that have currently broken ground will be completed over the next three years," he added.

International five-star hotels are scrambling to get a foothold in property in Pattaya. Local luxury brand Centara, along with international players Hilton, Mšvenpick, Le Meridien and InterContinental all plan to open hotels or resorts by 2010.
 
Pattaya property is also a rising star in the international yachting scene. The 2007 Top of the Gulf Regatta - held at Jomtien's Ocean Marina Yacht Club - attracted more than 500 sailors to what is becoming one of the highest profile events of its kind in Southeast Asia.


Rangeley Lakes Lodges - New England

Now to the other side of the world, and north-eastern America. New England Concepts has released its second development in the Rangeley region of Maine, New England. Capitalising upon the success of its Saddleback ski in/ski out project, this new offering sees each of the striking duplex lodges overlooking the Rangeley lakes and being within walking distance of the quaint village centre. For those who enjoy the white stuff, skiing at Saddleback mountain is just minutes away and in this instance, the often over used tag of a true 'four season destination' really does fit the bill.

Richard Jennings, New England Concepts director says: "In keeping with our company's principal design mantra's, we have again blended European standards of interior sophistication and clean, contemporary architectural lines with the typical North American lodge design. Use of local timber and stone add texture to the exterior appeal, while light and open plan interiors that feature a stunning central fireplace vie for attention with the panoramic lake views. We have high hopes for this development which has been extremely attractively priced, with the first Maine properties being offered at just $375,000 (£213,000).

"Our early stage buyers at Saddleback Mountain are now sitting on ten to 15 per cent capital appreciation before the properties have even been finished - so much for the supposed US property market malaise," he added.

With three oversized bedrooms and a living area that opens directly out onto a timbered deck to take in the views overlooking Rangeley lakes, at this price there is very little to compare throughout the whole of New England, particularly in terms of design. Each property comes with three years all-inclusive membership to the adjacent Rangeley Wellness centre and, a cost effective maintenance management programme ensures that buyers really can 'lock up and go', safe in the knowledge that their property is being cared for. Every property is built to order and is also 'turn-key' in nature.   

New England Concepts offers a complete furnishing package for $25,000 (£14,000) making the buying process even simpler and also providing for ready availability in renting out these lodges for those homeowners wanting to generate income. With all eight lodges in the first release reserved within just two weeks, New England Concepts unique development proposition again illustrates the attractions to the marketplace of position, architecture and price. 


First published in Homes Overseas Magazine December 2008.
Some information contained within this article may have changed since it was first published. Homes Overseas strongly advises you to seek current legal and financial advise from a qualified professional.