Construction & Real Estate
From The Report: Thailand 2017
View in Online Reader

An important engine of growth for Thailand, the construction sector is acting as a hedge as many other sectors face challenges in the form of global economic weakness and tepid consumer demand. Together with tourism and, to an extent, finance, construction is keeping the slowdown from becoming too severe. The Thai real estate market is decidedly split. In general, buyers are increasingly constrained and finding it difficult to fund or finance purchases. However, in the centre of Bangkok and at the high end, the story is very different. Demand remains firm, new stock is being taken up nearly as fast as it is offered, and prices are rising to record levels. The market is bifurcated, with the lower end lagging and the upper end forging ahead. This chapter contains an interview with Naporn Sunthornchitcharoen, President, Land & Houses.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Storey time: Infrastructure investment is keeping the pipeline well stocked
OBG
plus

An important engine of growth for Thailand, the construction sector is acting as a hedge as many other sectors face challenges in the form of global economic weakness and tepid consumer demand. Together with tourism and, to an extent, finance, construction is keeping the slowdown from becoming too severe. This is a significant change from recent years. Until 2015 construction was a drag on growth, but when the current administration came to power in 2014 it prioritised the development of…

Overview

A tale of two cities: The top end of the property market is thriving while the lower end is being squeezed
OBG
plus

The Thai real estate market is decidedly split. In general, buyers are increasingly constrained and finding it difficult to fund or finance purchases. The average Thai is being held back due to persistent slow economic growth and high levels of consumer debt. However, in the centre of Bangkok and at the high end, the story is very different. Demand remains firm, new stock is being taken up nearly as fast as it is offered, and prices are rising to record levels. The market is bifurcated, with…

Interview

Well-diversified development: Naporn Sunthornchitcharoen, President, Land & Houses, on advice and opportunities for investment
OBG
plus

Interview: Naporn Sunthornchitcharoen How do you assess the current disparity between the high-, medium- and low-end residential markets in terms of demand and pricing? NAPORN SUNTHORNCHITCHAROEN: Over the past two or three years, due to the nation’s overall economic situation, the Thai public’s income has been impacted and the effects of this are evident especially in the medium-to-low end side of the market. Banks are very cautious in terms of mortgages, and this is a large problem which…

Analysis

Lap of luxury: Demand for high-end property remains strong, with prices reaching new highs
OBG
plus

The upper end of the residential market in Thailand has not only proved resilient, but it is showing remarkable strength in terms of sales volumes and prices. Demand is strong from local and international buyers, and from both potential residents and passive investors, and inventory is quickly being absorbed. Activity at the high end is concentrated in a few areas in Bangkok, resulting in the rise of hubs of premium properties downtown. Mahanakhon The history of MahaNakhon is instructive.…