Location, Location, Location
Resort vs. remote? Golf course vs. gorges?
Infrastructure vs. in the middle of nowhere?

Falling in love with a patch of grass near the beach is luring many to Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka; interest is also rising in resort destinations such as the Indonesian islands of Bintan and Batam, says Djodi Trisusanto, a Jakarta-based vice president of real-estate company Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. But property analysts say that Phuket and Bali, with their high degree of tourism infrastructure, remain the most popular locations for buyers -- even after the blows dealt by terrorism and the December tsunami.

For those who want to stretch their purchasing power, there are areas of Thailand and Bali where paths are a little less beaten. Take Thailand's beachside hot spot south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, where investors recently bought up off-the-plan houses at the AKA Hotel Resort & Spa; it's less developed than Phuket, and a highway currently being built from Bangkok to Hua Hin should cut the 2.5 hour transit time to about 1.5 hours. Plus, says one former banker in Hong Kong who recently bought a $235,000 villa in the AKA development, the royal family has a summer palace in Hua Hin, which means security levels are high.

Read full article on Wall Street Real Estate Journal.

More and more people are looking to invest in property abroad due to the increasing house prices in the UK. With its thriving tourism industry Thailand is considered a good prospect for development. The many islands and beaches make it popular with sun seekers and the mountainous scenery and the varied culture of the north make it an interesting holiday destination.

Purchasing a holiday home in Thailand is an option worth considering for those who are not planning to emigrate and wish to buy to let. Others may be considering relocating to Thailand.

English teachers in Thailand are well sought after and there are other jobs for foreigners (farang). The exchange rate is working in the UK's favour as well with the strong pound, which is good for travellers and those wishing to invest abroad, as the pound will go much further.

There are restrictions for foreigners wishing to own land, property or businesses in Thailand. It is best to take legal advice when buying real estate in Thailand. Foreigners are usually allowed to own a part share of a company with a Thai co-owner and companies can purchase land and property.

If you wanted to live and work in Thailand there are visa requirements and work permits to sort out. Having a Thai spouse helps. As an alien who is not purchasing Thailand property though a company can own a unit in a condominium or a building (but not the land it is on). Leaseholds up to 30 years for land and buildings can be bought.

Types of Thailand properties available to buy are: condos, houses, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and complexes.

You can buy land to have housing or wooden bungalows built fairly cheaply. Buying land in popular holiday resorts for development is an option, but some of these areas have now been protected so there are limitations on development. A non-refundable deposit of 10% is usually required and the balance should be paid within 30 to 60 days depending on the contract. Also when buying condos, find out what the maintenance charges are and make sure you get it in writing.

Check where the estate agent is getting their commission from. This should be from the seller at about 3% to 6% of the selling price.

Usually a deposit of 10% is required to secure a property and closing payments will normally be expected within 30 to 60 days. Occasionally longer closing terms can be agreed, but this usually means paying a larger deposit. Deposits are normally non refundable except in the event of default by the vendor. So remember that once the deposit is placed, you are committed.

If the vendor defaults on the contract, typically there is an impartial and corresponding commitment from the vendor that he/she will commit to the refund of your deposit and payment of a penalty of an equivalent amount. Deposit in escrow is still rare in Thailand, but it is becoming an increasingly recognized way of proceeding. It generally trades off greater security for the buyer's deposit versus a weakened claim for damages in the event of vendor default.

Location - Roads, proximity and access to business, shops, hospitals and etc.

Telephones - Access to direct lines and IDD facilities.

Internet Access - Availability of broadband internet.

Water - Mains water and supplementary storage facilities.

Electricity - Mains connection, and backup generators for condominium blocks.

Security - 24 hour security service, door and window locks.

Cable or Satellite TV connection.

Pest Control - localised spraying and flywire screens on windows.

Hot water facilities - nearly all in Thailand are instant and not storage.

Air Conditioning - an absolute necessity in Thailand.

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	Kamala Hills-Naka: Condominium apartments and Pool Villas for sale in Phuket Thailand. A low density mixed development of modern tropical Penthouses, Garden Duplexes, En-pool apartments and private Pool Villas. Email: sales@kamalahills-naka.com Website: http://www.kamalahills-naka.com/

Buying Overseas

Malaysia: Foreigners can buy freehold property in their own names, but the Malaysian Foreign Investment Committee and the relevant state authorities must approve the purchase. However, participants in the "Malaysia My Second Home" program, who are required to keep a minimum level of assets in the country, are exempt from having to get FIC approval. Strata title and leases are also an option, with the maximum term for a lease being 99 years. Check out Malaysia My Second Home

Thailand: Foreigners can get 30-year leases; developers often structure leases with options to renew. Strata title is also possible on properties registered as condominiums. Freehold ownership can be obtained by setting up a Thai company in whose name the property is registered; the company must be majority Thai-owned, but will have a share structure that allows the foreign owner control of the property.