Pattaya is a city that is maturing. During the past few years, a number of country clubs, shopping centres and family friendly entertainment facilities have opened and more are currently under construction. This isn’t to say the city is changing, the famed nightlife remains, but there is now a wider array of activities available.
Paul Camilleri of Pattaya Foreigner Service (PFS) has witnessed the diversification of Pattaya first hand. He notes that the city’s transformation has seen its appeal grow with people all over the world now deciding to call the city home.
“You have many different types of people deciding to purchase property in Pattaya these days,” Camilleri said. “It was always been popular with retirees, especially those from Europe. You also see employees from the multinational firms located in Rayong and Laem Chabang living in Pattaya. There is a growing number of people living in Bangkok who choose to purchase a second residence along or near the beach here too.”
The city has become one of the more diverse in all of Thailand. American, Australian and British expatriates have long called Pattaya home. They were joined by a wave of retirees from Germany, Scandinavian countries and Camilleri’s native Switzerland. There was a major influx of Russian property buyers a few years back. In recent times, Chinese and Indian citizens have decided to purchase property in Pattaya.
“The city has really become a place that has something for everyone. There are clubs of social activities and international schools providing instruction in different languages,” Camilleri explained. “And don’t forget the food. There is a very large choice of restaurants and most are quite nice. Diversity can be found all around Pattaya in many forms.”
Spoilt for choice
This diversity extends to Pattaya’s housing market, where there are numerous types of accommodations at various price points available. Everything from multi-storey detached houses to penthouses with beach views can be found in the city, but it is important to have some ideas of what you are looking for before going house hunting.
“Many properties in Pattaya have attractive prices regardless of if someone is searching for a holiday home or a fulltime residence,” Camilleri said. “It’s important to have an idea of what your budget is, what area you want your property to be in and what type of features you would like it to have so you’re not searching forever.”
And while a lot has been made about property prices in Pattaya, Camilleri pointed out that the situation isn’t as bad as it has been portrayed. In fact, prices in prime Pattaya locations have held steady or risen with external matters doing little to dampen demand.
PFS lets the property speak for itself
A number of property agents in Thailand choose to tell you everything little thing about what makes a property great. Camilleri and the team at PFS do things a little differently. They prefer to let the property speak for itself and simply give you the facts to help inform your decision.
“Buying real estate is a big decision and it is one you should feel comfortable with. The house should sell itself,” Camilleri noted. “Honesty is a very important part of the process. If a place doesn’t feel like home, we respect that and try to find one that does.”
Respect and honesty are two characteristics PFS is best known for. Much like building any type of professional relationship, searching for a home requires both the agent and buyer to get to know and understand each other. That’s where respect comes in.
“Some agents will show you properties that don’t match your needs or requirements without telling you first. I prefer not to waste time doing that and respect what you have told me,” Camilleri stated. “I want to find the place that you love and that can only be done by respecting your wishes and being honest with you. If there is a place I believe you might like, but falls outside of your requirements, I will show you photos of it first and let you decide whether or not you wish to see it.”
Building a relationship is important at PFS. Not only will Camilleri take the time to get to know you and understand what you are searching for, but will be there provide support.
“PFS will be there should you need anything. Whether it be extra assistance arranging service and support or troubleshooting paperwork issues, we will be by your side,” Camilleri said.
About PFS
Pattaya Foreigner Service is an independent sales and letting Swiss run property agency. Celebrating its eighth year in business, Paul Camilleri and the PFS team visit every property in their listings portfolio, ensuring they are familiar with what they offer. The firm is also well connected in the Pattaya property market and cooperates with other agencies to provide unmatched service and affordable prices.
