If you are planning your retirement in tropical Thailand, who could blame you? This amazing country has everything you could possibly want, plus a little more! Escaping the cold European climate is a smart move and if you are planning a new build in the Land of Smiles, here are a few pointers to make the project a smooth one that brings you your dream retirement home in the sun.
- Make it Legal – It is imperative that you hire an English-speaking Thai lawyer; foreigners are not permitted to own land in Thailand, however, there are ways around this; setting up a limited company and purchasing the land in the company name is one method. The other is to lease the land on a 30×30 lease, which gives you up to 60 years of secure tenancy. If you are buying a plot of land, your lawyer will be an important connection and can hopefully secure you a low price, just as with a long lease. Your lawyer is Thai and can help you in many ways.
- Energy Efficient Build – Such is the technology that you can use thermal blocks and have an insulated roof (known as หลังคาติดฉนวนกันความร้อน in Thai ), which reflects the heat, saving you a fortune in a/c costs. Talk to a local builder about energy efficient building materials and let’s not forget solar panels; Thailand has more sunshine hours than any other country.
- Choosing a Builder – If you have any Thai connections, ask them to source a reliable builder, or you might be purchasing through a developer with foreign experience, in which case, you have peace of mind and staff will speak English. You need to visit at least one property that was built by the contractor to see the standard of work and any builder who can’t provide you with at least one viewing should be avoided.
- Learn the Thai Language – The sooner you can speak the local language, the easier your life will become and if you can have a basic conversation when the house is being constructed, at least you will have some idea of what’s going on.
Whatever you decide, Thailand is a wonderful country and you can spend time in the south, experiencing the best beaches in the world, while exploring the mountainous north and let’s not forget Bangkok and the central region. Once your house is complete, you can move in and enjoy poolside luxury in a tropical paradise.
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