5 Questions to ask before booking a condo. Most people only ask about the price and the view, but smart buyers ask these instead.
Buying a condo is one of the biggest financial decisions in life, yet many people walk into a showroom with only two questions: "How much is it?" and "What is the view like?" While those are important, they aren't enough. Experienced investors and seasoned buyers know there are 5 other questions that matter far more, and the answers to these questions are what tell you if a project is truly worth investing in.
Question 1: What projects has the developer built and delivered?
Beautiful renderings can make any project look impressive, but completed developments reveal the true picture. Before booking a unit, take the time to review the developer’s track record. Which projects have they completed? Were they delivered on schedule? Does the actual construction quality match what was promised? If they have completed projects nearby, visit one in person if possible. Seeing the finished development for yourself is one of the best ways to understand what you can expect from your investment.
Question 2: How much is the common area fee (CAM fee) per square meter?
Many people focus so much on the unit price that they forget about the ongoing costs you'll have to pay every year as long as you own the property. Common area fees are unavoidable and can add up to a significant amount in the long run. For example, a 35 sq.m. unit with a fee of 60 THB/sq.m. means an expense of 2,100 THB/month or 25,200 THB/year. But if the fee is 100 THB/sq.m., that figure jumps to 42,000 THB/year. Over 10 years, that difference is substantial, especially for investors calculating their net rental yield.
Question 3: Is furniture included in the price, or do I need to buy it separately?
Some projects claim to be "fully furnished," but closer inspection reveals only basic pieces, while others offer furniture packages that cost hundreds of thousands of baht. The difference between a project that is truly fully furnished and one that is not can be as much as 300,000–500,000 THB, which is a significant percentage of the room price. Investors who want to rent out their unit immediately after transfer must clarify this before making a decision.
Question 4: Is there property management service available after transfer?
For international clients or buyers who won't be living in the unit themselves in Pattaya, this question is crucial. Having good property management means someone is looking after your unit, finding tenants, handling issues, and transferring rental income to you without you needing to be in the area. Projects with strong property management systems usually enjoy better occupancy rates and more consistent yields because a professional team is always on top of things.
Question 5: What is the down payment installment schedule during construction?
Pattaya projects often use a model where down payments are split into monthly installments throughout the construction period, but the details vary by project. Some projects have equal installments, while others have "balloon" payments during certain phases. Knowing this schedule clearly before signing the contract will help you plan your finances accurately and avoid any surprises later on.
A good agent should be able to answer all 5 questions before you even step into a showroom.
That’s the difference between buying directly from a developer and having an experienced property agent by your side. While project sales teams focus on closing sales, a trusted agent puts your interests first and helps you make an informed decision. At The Property 999, we are ready to answer these five questions and more about every project in our portfolio, so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact our professional team today for a free consultation! 😊
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