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What are the best steps to take when considering buying a condo in Thailand for retirement?

Thailand Condos Retirement in Thailand Real Estate Rent vs Buy Pattaya Expat Advice Local Knowledge Moving to Thailand

Jul 19, 2025

19 hours ago

Mick *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Team,  I'm looking at retirement in Thailand,  just starting the process , what i would like to do is come to Thailand and look for a Condo to buy in a quite place . So what i need is a guide to take me around and show me places each day , no problems paying someone for quality service, local knowledge...Help me decide the best place to settle down ...If anyone could recommend , would be greatly appreciated...cheers

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is seeking advice on buying a condo in Thailand as part of their retirement plans. They are looking for a guide to help them explore various locations. However, several commenters advise against purchasing immediately, recommending that the user first rent for a year to better understand the area and make an informed decision later. They suggest starting with an extended holiday and exploring different neighborhoods before committing to buying property.

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Robert *********

No no no .

Last few at least one year before you buy anything .

You will be so much better informed ,knowledgeable.

People value things based on home so they look cheap...big shock when it's time to sell.

Do not be in a hurry !!!!!

12 hours ago

Stephen ********

Come for an extended holiday first, travel around till you find somewhere that you like, rent in the area first to see if you like it, then, if your still open to buying, do so then.

I only rent because it’s a lot easier, if I want to move somewhere else.

13 hours ago

Guy *********

500.000.baht what are you renting..we have a beautiful bungalow 3 bedroom air-conditioned all round..only 500 metres from the beach at karon beach..only pay 20 thousand baht in high season..wake up

16 hours ago

John **********

Never first come to Thailand and buy, biggest mistake you could ever do! Rent for a year or two, it's cheap enough, then decide. Never make a hefty life changing decision like that without knowing the area or what you really want! I talked my friend out of it years ago when he had been coming to Thailand for several years on holiday, and he's now so glad I did persuade him not to buy.

18 hours ago

Mick *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

ok ..probably not what wanted to hear ! But thanks for the great advice ,I definitely will take it on board....and will seriously consider that advice , thanks John for your honesty

16 hours ago

Reply to

Mick *******

Dek ******

Rent to start with and find your feet

18 hours ago

Bent *************

Send

19 hours ago

Bent *************

Why pay rent for one year, maybe 500.000 baht, money you never get back

19 hours ago

Paul ********

I'm sure any Real Estate agent would show you around condos in various areas, but if you don't know Pattaya it would far better to get a hotel for a couple of weeks, then view a few rental properties, rent for several months and then take your time to get to know the different areas of Pattaya, then make an informed decision on where to live.

19 hours ago

Mick *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul *******

not interested in Pattaya , but thank you...

16 hours ago

Reply to

Mick *******

Kylie *******

@Naim *******

could you help him ??

19 hours ago

Harry *********

Why do you want to buy ? Why not rent at least at the start ? Gives you more freedom as you don’t yet know where you want to stay . Rent for a year to see if you like the area

19 hours ago

Moira *********

@Harry ********

BEST advice

13 hours ago

Reply to

Moira *********

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