South East Asia News

Investments

Thailand has abandoned plans to sell land to foreign buyers.

Opposition parties vehemently opposed the government’s proposal to allow foreigners to acquire land for housing in Thailand, labeling it as detrimental to the nation’s sovereignty. They argued that such a move would essentially amount to “selling out” the country’s valuable resources. Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri announced during a recent cabinet meeting in Bangkok that the proposal was being withdrawn for further evaluation. He emphasized the government’s commitment to considering public sentiment and feedback on the matter before any decisions are finalized. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha addressed reporters, clarifying that while the initiative is temporarily on hold, it is not entirely

March 17, 2024 No Comments

South East Asia News

Government supports land sales to foreigners.

The government has defended a law letting four categories of foreigners seek authorization to purchase up to 1 rai of land, provided they invest at least 40 million baht for at least three years. According to government spokesperson Anucha Buraphachaisri, the law is only an update to the ministerial rule that has existed since 2002. According to him, if the change is approved, it will apply to four categories of foreigners who hold Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas under a recently implemented program to promote foreign investment. He stated that the targets are high-net-worth individuals, wealthy retirees, work-from-Thailand professionals, and highly

March 11, 2024 No Comments

Featured

Phuket real estate fluctuates in response to urban flight

The real estate market in Phuket, Southeast Asia’s top resort destination, is seeing drastic changes due to urban flight and a steady influx of new lifestyle inhabitants. The rising demand for detached houses and more enormous condos has become the island real estate mantra. Since 2019, when over 9 million sun seekers visited Phuket, the island has seen a dramatic shift. Most of these visitors came from mainland China. At that time, condo developments catering to first-time investors sprung up around Phuket. Many carried hotel chains’ names and assured high rates of return. However, COVID-19 quickly put a damper on

March 9, 2024 No Comments

Australia News

Australian borrowers will highly experience mortgage stress due to high rates

How many Australians are now likely to have trouble with their mortgages? The sharp rise in mortgage rates over the past few months will force families to make complex changes to how they spend their money. What is mortgage stress? There is no official definition of mortgage stress, but it is when a family has trouble making home loan payments. People who spend more than 30% of their income on mortgage payments are often used as a measure. However, it doesn’t do an excellent job of expressing this idea. Situations are different for everyone. This is usually easy for households

February 29, 2024 No Comments

News

Why these are the top spots to buy property in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has emerged as a key asset location with superior long-term growth prospects, thanks to the region’s economic potential and pandemic management. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. It manages to ooze exotic multi-ethnic appeal while offering the facilities, infrastructures, and comforts of a world-class modern metropolitan centre, having transitioned from a modest, thatched-roof tin-mining town in the mid-1800s to a well-connected high-tech city today. Internationally acclaimed restaurants coexist with hawker centres, and quaint old shophouses and ancient colonial structures provide a contrast to the gleaming towers and modern condominiums. BANGKOK, THAILAND. Bangkok sustains much of its originality and charm despite its

February 26, 2024 No Comments

Hong Kong News

JLL: APAC commercial property transaction volumes to improve by 15-20% in 2021

The pandemic accelerated industry trends and revealed an exciting ‘opportunity in obsolescence’ in Asia’s commercial property sector As we enter the second year since the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc in the world, we are now starting to see some positive light. Outlook for commercial property in Asia is improving as industries stabilise and growth areas prop up demand for office spaces. Traditional sectors like finance and service were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, but this may not be fully attributed to the virus. Talking to Bloomberg Markets Asia, JLL APAC CEO Anthony Couse said that the pandemic only accelerated

February 11, 2024 No Comments

News

Why Penang still tops the Malaysian holiday home market

Next to Kuala Lumpur, Penang is probably the most highly urbanized island in all of Malaysia. It is home to more than 1.7 million Malaysians who enjoy high standards of living but with considerably minimal costs than that of KL. Although a haven of development, Penang still houses the charm of the old-world – breathtaking coastlines, lush greenery, nature parks, wild animals, to name a few. This is primarily the reason why both foreign nationals and locals are drawn to getting their prized properties in the region. Realty developments in Penang are mostly centred in its capital city, Georgetown. The

February 11, 2024 No Comments

News

Trump scrubbed out of Indonesian leisure project

The trajectory of Donald Trump’s plans to establish The Trump Organization’s presence in Indonesia has taken an unexpected turn, encountering various obstacles along the way. Overview of the Project: Originally envisioned as a sprawling Rp35tn (S$3.2bn) leisure complex, the project aimed to introduce an array of residential homes, country clubs, and leisure resorts to Southeast Asia. In collaboration with Indonesia’s MNC Group, it aspired to create “the first integrated Trump Resort and Residencies in Asia.” Initial Enthusiasm: The initial stages of the project were marked by enthusiasm, with Donald Trump Jr. gracing a pre-launch event in August 2019. The event

February 10, 2024 No Comments

News

Investors scoop up luxury properties amid boom in branded real estate in Southeast Asia

Branded residential schemes are propping up the real estate sector across Southeast Asia as brand association boosts buyer confidence in construction quality and amenity offers Luxury hotel chains like Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton promise five-star living for investors with capital to spare. There are currently 500 branded residential property schemes worldwide and Savills research shows this residential sector boasts a 170 per cent growth over 10 years. With 100 new schemes in the horizon, property gurus share an optimistic outlook despite the current recession brought on by the pandemic. Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines account for the majority of branded

January 26, 2024 No Comments

News

Stronger Thai baht cause exodus of expats dreaming of easy retirement

Foreign retirees who flocked Thailand partly due to the cheap costs are now feeling the financial strain from stronger baht and stringent measures Thailand ranks among the world’s top 10 destinations for retirement for the tropical climate, beautiful beaches, great food, and affordable cost of living. Budget-conscious foreign retirees flock to the country to live the good life. However, the recent surge in Thai baht is threatening their idyllic life in paradise as Thailand courts wealthier expats with their stringent measures. British retirees flock Thailand partly due to the cheap costs. Two decades ago, a pound could be exchanged for

January 18, 2024 No Comments