Phuket Thailand

eurogirlinthai · #1 30-03-2005, 22:38

Hi, I am relocating from BKK to Phuket. I will be moving in the next couple of weeks and need to find out where to live! Anyone know of any places that rent by the month? My company has given me a budget of about 70-85k Baht per month. I want very modern, very nice facilities and love the beach so on or vicinity is a huge bonus! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

stevem · #2 30-03-2005, 23:36

Checkout the classified section of www.phuketgazette.net

ashley · #3 31-03-2005, 10:13

70-85 thousand baht per month for accomodations!! Is your company hiring?? Sounds too good to be true. I would look in the Laguna area or check out the luxurious condos for rent. You will live like a queen.

GOod luck.

jojo78 · #4 31-03-2005, 10:28

Try http://www.siamrealestate.com/ - do a search for long term rentals in Phuket. Plenty for your budget.

Also http://www.phuketvillarentals.com/

Going through an agent is probably less hassle than doing it yourself, more expensive for sure, but if your company is paying, who cares?

LivinLOS · #5 31-03-2005, 10:41

Thats a really large amount for Phuket.. To put it in perspective I have just taken a 5 bed 5 bath home 500sqm living, pool, wet bar, gardens on 3 levels, top of the hill right in Patong (possibly the highest rental cost area) for 70k..

Normal 2 bed house in a normal street from 10 - 12k up to perhaps 25k for nicely fitted out.. Real luxury with gardens / privacy etc starts at about 30 / 40 or so in Patong area but drops fast outside it.. Adding a pool to the equation is what costs LOADS !!! Finding your own private pool in Patong is murder, took me 2 years to find something !!!

I know of a real nice 2 bed place with private pool / big screen TV / etc out in Blue point (1km outside of Patong super quiet but all the 'scene' accessable.. IIRC thats 60.. Another 2 bed with private pool for summer rental for about 60 or so.. These are HIGH END (furnishing / views / etc) places usually rented for short term vacations..

Then there is a 3 bed Bali style villa on a golf course with private pool for 80.. Multiple townhouses and apartments in 'Phuket Beverly Hills' with a shared pool for 25 - 35 depending on size..

If you get to keep any change out of the rental money you could add a lot to your earnings but finding a normal place to live, I used to live on about 80 or so per month in my old home, thats just your rental budget (and I was not counting my pennies either).. If they wont let you keep it you may as well spend it on something superb..

Many of the places I am mentioning are in Patong.. How into Patong you are is a tough call based on your other threads, you may be more comfortable living in Chalong / Rawai / etc, though the lack of nightlife of any sort may then be too much.. Also Phuket is not like living in BKK, public transport is not so easy so you also need to consider if they supply car or if you use a bike and how and where you shop, how close to action and fun you are, etc..

I dabble in property and know most of the agents on the island.. once you know what you need I can try and find you something that fits...

eurogirlinthai · #6 31-03-2005, 10:51

Well I do not get to keep any change so I may as well spend it! I am glad to hear it goes a long way there though as here in BKK I live in a serviced apartment and it was 75k per month and nothing that special. I looked at others but nothing seems so 5 star quality here! I had heard it was more expensive in Phuket so I am surprised to hear that I can get such great value! I am allowed to rent a car as I need to travel the whole island and all over the south as well so that is not a problem. And yes, I am looking for luxury, not because I am a snob but more because I live on the road and it is important for me to feel very comfortable. I also need to be sure I have 24/7 internet access which has been no problem here but because most of my days are spent on the computer researching etc.

I will check out those links Jojo and if anyone has any first hand experience let me know. Also, I would prefer to have access to nightlife, though many of you may have got some impression that I am uptight and uncomfortable around Thailands nigtlife, that is not the case, I just would prefer not to be in girly bars but rather around more mixed bars with just a nice young crowd.

LivinLOS · #7 31-03-2005, 12:13

OK... Well if you intend to spend the lot then you will get something nice.. Finding it fast and right timing will be your biggest problem..

That 2 bed at blue point would probably do you VERY nicely.. Pool.. spacious for a 2 bed, very quiet area, close to everything Patong has, etc..

Whatever your opinions about nightlife are Patong is the only place that has a farang based nightlife.. There is great stuff to do in Phuket town but its definately thai based and I have been the only farang in some places some times.. OK for a change of pace but would be tough on my own or regularly.. You want nightlife its gong to be Patong to be honest and its going to have some elements of 'scene' to it.. Thats all that can be said..

Internet.. Broadband is new.. Very few places for rent will have it.. In the right areas it can be fitted fast (days to a couple of weeks) but you have to do it and you have to buy the hardware etc (ADSL modem / Router / Etc).. Depending on who supplies the line your lookng at anything from 1000 - 2500 per month.. The delay may be more of an issue (and getting signatures / ID of the line owner, Thai red tape, etc etc etc)..

Car rental is actually pretty economical (Have S African buddy who is here months on and months off.. He gets a great deal on a Honda Jazz type thing)..

If you want to PM me your arrival dates / when you want a property from / Anticipated stay time.. I can try and assist.

urtheman · #8 31-03-2005, 12:50

There are some agents here in the north of the island one is called PIPS. Laguna is an area you might want to consider. Your money will go much farther here than BKK. The north part of the island is the affluent part but much quieter in terms of nightlife than Patong, however most Farang women aren't attracted to Patong anyways and steer clear or it.

That is a great housing allowance and I would consider pocketing it and getting something cheaper, or make a deal with a landlord

Cheers!

LivinLOS · #9 31-03-2005, 15:50

Was just going to suggest the same as Robert, I know many agents that would provide an invoice for 85.. set yopu up in a 15k place and drop you most of the change each month.. Maybe 60 you and 10 them..

Then again maybe I am getting so bent I need to screw my trousers on in the morning..

Just been and seen an agent mate of mne over a land plot.. He has 2 things that are within your remit and price.. available in a few days a 170 sqm place in Phuket Beverly hills.. Superb views over Patong and shared pool.. Furnished to a high standard. Asking 55k.. This is a high rent price for what you get but its available immediately and it is nice..

Then there is highland resididence.. High end luxury townhouses with one of the best possible views of the (again Patong) bay.. dont know rent yet as its brand new and the buyer (buying to rent) has not completed the furnishings.. Should be ready about 2 weeks..

Nakatami Village on the Kamala rd has some luxury places..

eurogirlinthai · #10 31-03-2005, 16:06

You guys are great! Thanks for all the tips! I can't really pocket the money unless the landlord wrote me an inflated receipt!

LiviLos I was going to pm you but will just announce it here: I am looking to come about the 11th. Though I would gladly come earlier like 8th or 9th as I have a meeting on the 8th here but then am free to leave. My problem is that due to the nature of my job it could change but I doubt it will now as Songkran is coming up and I will not have anything on that week and will not wait around here any longer.

Car or no car guys? I am thinking of renting a car rather than taking taxis, I will need to go to meetings etc. all over the island. My big fear is driving on the other side of the road...never done it!(except one mishap in London long story).

Urtheman I do not want to be in some old maid place!!! I want to be near some action, so that is important for me too, especially if I rent a car as I do not want to have to make the mistake of getting pissed and driving home....not that I would on purpose but I have been known to go for a drink after work and end up getting pissed, and with car in tow I may not have the sense not to drive it...I have woken up many mornings with no clue what happened the night before and there is my car in the drive!

eurogirlinthai · #11 31-03-2005, 21:19

One other questions guys, do I need a special driver license to rent a car in Thailand? Her in BKK I never rented one so I am wondering if I will need to get anything special to get a rental?

LivinLOS · #12 01-04-2005, 20:25

Yes the landlords would write any reciept you like for a cut of the action.. hardly needs to be said but also with some people getting ANY kind of reciept will be a struggle as they are not declaring income..

You can usually rent a car with any euro or US licence but the insurance is nil.. A Thai or international licence is required to be really legal.. Taxi or Rent is up to you really..

Mr Floatplane · #13 04-04-2005, 17:26

Get a car...Motorbikes are fun if you are in no hurry and just on holiday. If you can afford a car it is MUCH safer - and saves turning up to work wet through from all the raing (20,000 a month will get you a little run-about).

Mr Floatplane · #14 04-04-2005, 17:28

Get a car...Motorbikes are fun if you are in no hurry and just on holiday. If you can afford a car it is MUCH safer - and saves turning up to work wet through from all the rain (20,000 a month will get you a little run-about).

LivinLOS · #15 04-04-2005, 18:13

Except for the fact that a car in Patong can be a major PITA for parking.. If this new weekend 'closure of Bangla' does come into force that takes out the SeaDragon car park and leaves only the Beach Rd one as a largish parking area for the whole Bangla area..

If they do close Bangla I hope they have the sense to close it to through traffic / cars and at least allow the sides of the Rd for Parking use.. If they blocked the North Eastern end completely it would make some parking sense..

domifletch · #16 05-04-2005, 12:38

I can recommend this site
http://www.houseinphuket.com/

Very nice houses .... but not sure you will find expensive enough

Anyway, excellent service, quick answer, etc...

domifletch · #17 05-04-2005, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurogirlinthai

One other questions guys, do I need a special driver license to rent a car in Thailand? Her in BKK I never rented one so I am wondering if I will need to get anything special to get a rental?

I rent a car in Feb. International driving License needed (or Thai driving License but I'm not sure you can get it so easily). Just ask at your Embassy, it's normally very fast.

eurogirlinthai · #18 05-04-2005, 17:49

That is a great site Domi. I just spoke to the girl and am going to likely rent through her as she has more or less what I am looking for in terms of flexibility on dates, internet access, etc. Thanks!

LivinLOS · #19 05-04-2005, 22:34

Yeah Wellta has plenty of stuff around the lsland.. Didnt think she had much in the uber high end your budget suggested though..

eurogirlinthai · #20 05-04-2005, 23:19

Some of her stuff looks pretty nice, brand new and internet and all that I need! At this point I am going to check into a hotel and just take a look around and then move into a place...Wanida said she would take me around as soon as I get there, seems like a nice hard working girl as she did not care what day of the week I came!

LivinLOS · #21 06-04-2005, 00:04

yeah days of the week doesnt make much difference to a tourist island.. I am just as likely to have a mad night on a tuesday as a sat..

The one in Kalim is nice 2 beds for 40 - 45.. Nice place but again close to Patong..

What did she have with broadband.. I thought that was a 'must' for you ??

domifletch · #22 06-04-2005, 04:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurogirlinthai

That is a great site Domi. I just spoke to the girl and am going to likely rent through her as she has more or less what I am looking for in terms of flexibility on dates, internet access, etc. Thanks!

You're welcome. It's a pleasure for me to make you meet some great peolple in Phuket ... and Wellta is one of them. I met her with her boyfriiend, from Holland, last Feb. Good dinner in Chalong and great time with both of them and my girlfriend. You can get good advices about many things too.
Hope the best for you.

domifletch · #23 06-04-2005, 05:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurogirlinthai

Some of her stuff looks pretty nice, brand new and internet and all that I need! At this point I am going to check into a hotel and just take a look around and then move into a place...Wanida said she would take me around as soon as I get there, seems like a nice hard working girl as she did not care what day of the week I came!

I guess you speak about Wellta

and i can say yes, she will take care of you, you can be sure. It's the one of the most professional service I have seen in Phuket (hey guys, we are speaking about immo rental service now

)
Wellta and her boyfriend Ivo will always welcome you the best they can and will be happy if you feel happy. It's not advertising, just my experience

eurogirlinthai · #24 06-04-2005, 11:07

Well I called CB Richard Ellis and they took two days to get back to me and have not gotten back to me since, mentioned some places in the Laguna but never sent through the details. I called Wellta and she gave me her honest opinions and told me she would take me to see properties even on Saturday if I wanted...great service orientated attitude.

LivinLOS · #25 06-04-2005, 12:01

You will find that many of the name brand agencies are not interested in the rental market at all.. Consider sell one 20m baht home at 3 - 5% commision v one months rental commision (if that for short term) and the homes she shows are mostly in the 20 - 40k range max..

So your looking at 'perhaps' 20 or 30k commish against 600k - 1m for showing people around perhaps the same amount of houses.. Hence the reason companies like Frank Knight, Richard Ellis, even to a large extent William Pinset dont show any enthusiasm to work the rental market.. Much rather attend property shows in HK / Sillypore / Etc and target the 30 - 60m uber luxury villa sales..