Why Do People Rent Apartments In Bangkok, Thailand?
Bangkok is one of the most popular expat locations in the world, which comes as no surprise. Rich in history and culture, Bangkok, as the capital of Thailand, has become the hub for all sorts of entertainment, as well as a home to an ever-growing expat community. Bangkok is a massive, dense urban area with a modern skyline, pleasant weather, low living costs, and a varied choice of activities to enjoy. An apartment in Bangkok can provide you with the opportunity to live among individuals from many walks of life, potentially resulting in a valuable social or professional link as many professionals who want more space tend to rent apartments in Bangkok. Additionally, similar to condos, apartments are easy to rent, even on short-term leases. It's not always easy to stay in a big and busy city, but Bangkok manages to make it enjoyable.
1. How Is The Apartment Life In Bangkok, Thailand?
The first thing that might come to your mind when you think about life here is the humidity. Bangkok is a tropical country, so it's not surprising that it gets hot and humid. It can get really hot sometimes in Bangkok, but fear not because many apartments have open balconies, with some of them stretching wide, giving you ample space to enjoy the air, or even have a garden. You can find many apartments with large living spaces, and
huge balconies. If you live in an apartment with a shared common pool, you can easily take a dip in to cool off anytime you need, because several of the apartments in Bangkok usually have a common pool and gym for their renters. However, if you do find an apartment without any facilities, the cost of rent will be lower, giving you a chance to rent a cheap apartment in Bangkok.
As for transportation, The BTS, which is Bangkok’s Skytrain System, makes transportation in the city extremely convenient. The BTS conveniently runs through central Bangkok, and is even connected to many popular shopping malls for direct and easy access. It also helps you escape Bangkok traffic on your way to work. While you won’t find many apartments close to the BTS,
Grab has made transportation easier in the city. It’s incredibly easy to order a Grab for transportation or
food. It is not impossible however, to find apartment buildings
closer to the BTS. It’s just that if you prefer space over travel convenience, then simply choose an older apartment building, further away. Since many apartments are located deeper within the soi though, it actually gives you a chance to explore the street if you ever decide to walk to your building. You might discover a fresh market, or great street food. And if you haven't tried Thai food in Thailand, you haven't experienced true Thai cuisine.
When renting an apartment, there is usually a hired team whose job is to look after the tenants on behalf of the apartment complex's owner. As a result, any issues or problems you may have can be expressed to the building personnel, who will promptly address them and you, which is much less of a hassle.
2. What Is The Rental Price For Apartments in Bangkok? 2021 - 2022
✦ Average Rental Price for Bangkok Apartments
As previously mentioned, you can find many rental apartments with big spaces, and so this can also mean more bedrooms. Prices of apartments for rent may vary. Sometimes even if the apartment has a lot of space, it can be cheaper or more expensive than other apartment units with the same amount of space due to its modernity, completion date and location, particularly in relation to the apartment’s proximity to the main road. Moreover, an apartment with less bedrooms can offer more living space than an apartment room with more bedrooms, and vice versa. Therefore these are just average starting prices of nice apartments in Bangkok:
Apartment | Average Monthly Rental Price |
39 SQ.M - 58 SQ.M | THB 25,000 - 65,000 | USD 751 - 1,954 |
70 SQ.M - 100 SQ.M | THB 35, 000 - 85,000 | USD 1,064 - 2,553 |
150 SQ.M - 350 SQ.M | THB 70,000 - 140,000 | USD 2,103 - 4,206 |
420 SQ.M - 650 SQ.M | THB 160,000 - 280,000 | USD 4,797 - 8,403 |
3. Where The Nicest Apartments Are Located In Bangkok, Thailand
You will find that most expats in
Bangkok choose to live within
Sukhumvit,
Silom and
Sathorn. This is mainly because these places are within Bangkok's CBD. Additionally, many might say it’s where all the fun and entertainment happens. This is why many of the best apartments in Bangkok are located within these areas as well. In Sukhumvit, you will specifically find great apartments in:
These are the most popular Sukhumvit neighborhoods for expats looking to buy or rent real estate in Bangkok. Other locations though, such as On Nut,
Phra Khanong, and
Bang Na have begun to gain popularity as well. If you choose the right place, you'll be able to experience a fantastic expat community.
4. Should You Rent an Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand? 2021-2022
What are the advantages of living in Bangkok? What makes Bangkok special? This city can provide you with a lovely combination of the past, present, and future. Bangkok is both current and traditional at the same time. One of Thailand's most well-known characteristics is its low cost of living, and while this may not always be the case, you will be surprised to experience the affordability Bangkok offers. You can live a luxurious and incredibly comfortable life in Bangkok without breaking the bank.
Moreover, Bangkok is just a 1-2 hour drive away from
Pattaya, 4 hours from
Hua Hin, and more. And as previously mentioned, there are a lot of business opportunities in the city of Bangkok. This makes it relatively easy to find a job, especially as a foreigner. If you’re looking for a rental apartment in Bangkok with your partner and only one of you has a job, it won’t be long till the other finds one too.
5. What Is The Cost of Living In Bangkok?
Numbeo, the world's largest cost of living database, estimates that renting in Bangkok will cost you 73.70% lower than renting in New York City. Additionally, without rent, Bangkok has a 50.06% lower cost of living than New York. And without rent, a single person's average monthly expenses would cost around ฿19,653.30 / $597.73, whereas a family of four would, on average, spend ฿70,776.12 / $2,152.56 a month.
Still, these are all simply estimations. Your cost of living in Bangkok would largely depend on how you love to live. However, as mentioned earlier, it is very much possible to live comfortably in Bangkok without spending a whole lot of money.
6. Difference Between Condo For Rent and Apartment For Rent In Bangkok
Apartments and condominiums are two different types of properties that you can rent in Bangkok. An apartment is a form of residential dwelling that is rented on the basis of square footage or floor area. In the same manner as condo residents share common indoor areas, renters in an apartment complex do as well. In Bangkok, perhaps 99% of apartment buildings provide renters with a shared common pool, and a gym. The majority of apartment buildings, unlike condos, are owned by a single person, which is perhaps the biggest distinction between the two types of real estate properties.
A condominium, on the other hand, is a residential building in which each unit is owned by a different person. It usually has two or more units with common areas including corridors, laundry rooms, lobbies, pools, and gyms. Typically, investors buy condo units with the purpose of profitably renting them out.
If the property is closer to the BTS, there is a 95% chance that it’s a condo. Condominiums are usually around 100 meters away from the BTS. You will find just a few apartments along the road to the BTS. This is because the land price is more expensive due to the convenience that is offered. It would not be worth it for an apartment owner to spend millions of baht for the land and the building just to have it rented as it would take too many years to make all of that money back. That is why more condominiums are built close to the BTS instead of apartments, because the goal of condominiums is for units to be sold, and then rented, which makes for more profit. A majority of apartment owners would much rather build their buildings further from the BTS or main road. Therefore, if you find a property that is situated deeper into the soi of Bangkok, that’s most likely an apartment. Just remember that both properties have much to offer, it all simply comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
7. How To Rent an Apartment In Bangkok?
Apartments in Bangkok are listed for rent on a monthly basis, with a common rental length of 1 Year or more, similar to condominiums. However, you can also find apartment complexes, which you can rent for shorter periods of time, such as 3-6 months. Before deciding on a place, as with everything else, it is important to let the agent or property owner know how long or short you wish to stay. Please remember though that the property owner will always have the final say.
Actually, it is recommended that if you only need a place to stay for 3-4 months in Bangkok, then rent an apartment. Renters who choose this residential property will be able to sign short leases with flexible notice periods when renting units. It is advised to have a lawyer review the lease for you.
In Thailand, the usual deposit is 2 months.
If you’re searching for a large but affordable apartment unit, then you’ll have a better chance at finding them in older apartment buildings, at least a couple hundred meters away from the BTS or MRT.
✦ What’s Usually Included In Apartment Rent?
While a majority of apartments in Bangkok come fully furnished, you will notice that the furniture will be quite old. However, the unit will most likely be equipped with a few electronic devices and household appliances, such as a TV, a microwave, and a fridge. High-end apartments come with a fully functioning kitchen, and a bigger fridge.
In Bangkok, tenants are not responsible for common area and management fees, nor are they accountable for property insurance or residential taxes.
✦ What’s NOT Included In Apartment Rent?
➥ Other essential household items: bedding, utensils, etc.
➥ Utility costs: electricity, water, fast WIFI (some apartments offer their own wifi, but it’s usually slow)
Air conditioner servicing is another common cost that is sometimes forgotten. It is your responsibility to have and pay for your aircon to be cleaned by specialists every 3-6 months, especially during the summer.
8. How Do I Find an Apartment In Bangkok, Thailand?
The best way to find the right apartment for rent is by working with real estate consultant agencies. It not only saves your time, but is also free! Property agents are typically local experts who can help you uncover a variety of rental possibilities and negotiate the best rental rates for you.
The best part is that it is the landlord who pays the real estate agent / agency’s expenses. This means consultation is free. No finder’s fee or contract drafting fees either. You will be able to easily find the perfect apartment for you to rent.
Before you work with property agents, however, please be informed that working as an agent in Thailand does not require a "Professional Real Estate License." Therefore, please double-check the credentials of the expert you wish to work with, and check their
social media, as well as website for
reviews.
AccomAsia has 26 years of proven track record of experience in luxury properties. We have had the privilege to serve over 10,000 international families, including Executives, Expatriates from Top international companies in Thailand, and the Embassy community. A variety of premium quality apartments and properties, especially in the CBD area are available for your selection. Our experienced team can match a client's insight needs with the right
properties.
The following are typical services provided by a real estate agent:
➥ Property sourcing and scheduling viewings
➥ Rental process assistance
➥ Preparing lease agreements, inventory lists, and photo inventories to support them.
➥ Assisting with the property's check-in and check-out procedures.
9. What Is The Difference Between an Apartment and Serviced Apartment?
Serviced apartments come fully furnished. They are like the next level of condos and apartments. If you want to feel like you’re living in a hotel, as well as have the facilities that condos offer, then a serviced apartment is the one for you. It includes daily amenities, housekeeping, and a variety of other services as part of the rental payment. Maids are frequently available to clean your room in serviced apartments.
When it comes to utilities, serviced apartments come with electricity, water, and internet fully installed. They even offer shuttle buses to take you to the nearest BTS Skytrain station.
Perhaps the biggest distinction between the average rental apartment and a serviced apartment is the flexibility of the lease. Serviced apartments in Bangkok may be rented either on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis. However, the longer you stay at a serviced apartment, the less you'll have to pay.
10. Is Bangkok, Thailand Pet-Friendly?
✦ Pet Friendly Bangkok Properties For Rent
In a few areas in Bangkok, Thailand, pets are not permitted. Pets are not prohibited on most Thai transit systems and public spaces, such as the MRT, BTS, and local parks. Despite this, Thailand is growing increasingly pet-friendly. In fact, just in October of 2021, Grab launched
GrabPet, which is a new service that offers a Grab ride for pets and their owners at reasonable prices. Not only that, but there are a number of pet friendly condos and apartments that have been built, and in fact, are being built more now, as of 2021.
BTS Ekkamai
MRT Sukhumvit
