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

Try Parkland Srinakarin. After living along the Sukhumvit, Soi 42, Soi 52, I realized no need to live there.

After 7 years, in 2008, bought the condo, I am there now. It is a gated community, no traffic, no stray dogs. The pool is probably bigger than what any of 5* hotels may have.

Bang Na Central, Mega, everything is there. In a circle of 300m there are 6 x 7-11s, TOPS supoermarket. Street food market (with a cluster of sit down reastaurants, 5 mins walk. Absolutelly no need to ever set foot into Sukhumvit.

There is an agency selling and renting, the complex has 1,360 condos. Once you own it, like 2BR, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, yearly fee is 1 dollar a day. Maintained prefectly, no difference between 2008 and 2025.

The foreigners living in the complex are retired former professionals, some in mid-40s working legally in Thailand. Great company, no obligation, we see each other around the pool, about 5pm daily. No drinking, having even complex conversations about literature, politics, economy, Thai visa rules.

There are 77 provinces in Thailand. Where do you wanna stay? Have you been here before?

100% rent and look around you can always move

Area largely depends on your budget and personality type: if you’re a loner on a modest budget, Isaan might work for you; if you’re a sociable person with a decent budget then you could consider the Bang Tao area of Phuket. And everything in between.

In general when you leave the Farang enclaves within a couple of hours there are fewer western luxuries such milk / cheese / wine - again your appetite to live like a local will play a factor.

As many have suggested, pick 2-3 possible areas, come and rent a place for 3 months and see how it feels

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 !!!!!

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.

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

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.

Rent to start with and find your feet

Send

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

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.

@Naim *******

could you help him ??

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