Buying and Renovating a House in Bangkok

I show a lot of Condo Rentals on this Channel, but what about buying and renovating a house in Thailand? Let's get into it. The costs, the process, how to find a house for sale in Bangkok.
And if you're looking to rent or buy a condo, villa, or house in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui then reach out to me at [e-mail] and I'll hook you up with a great agent who has helped a lot of my viewers find a place.
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0:00 Bangkok Condo vs House
1:20 The Townhouse
3:10 How to Find House for Sale
5:04 The Renovation Process
7:48 Tour Chris' Business
10:04 Full House Tour
12:40 Renovation Cost
17:35 Good Financial Decision?
19:17 How to Find a Condo or House Rental

[@glennmcgee1729]

After watching decades of home remodeling, I must say that this project's design and interior treatments were very impressive. The costs are easily a fifth of a western metropolis. Great video, Chris.

[@Patatovski]

Chris I’m so glad you’re creating more content. I was saddened from your last video that you were slowing down due to your move from Bangkok. Please mate don’t stop we need you 🙏

[@evankuvaja9094]

That guy is truly living my dream! And Chris, this was one of best videos of yours! Cheers from Finland!

[@lutherfoust5483]

Chris's videos are almost always 100%. He is the KZbinR MVP in Thailand. Chris tried to pull the prices from Chris. Perhaps, one could guess the price. The Renovation is 5.5 million Baht and the cost for the initial land 2? million Baht: Total price 7 million BHT. I wonder how much the architect cost. I understand people are shy about prices. In the States, this isn't a problem. Purchase prices are public records.

[@RetiredWorkingForYou]

If you're looking to rent or buy a condo, villa, or house in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui then reach out to me at [e-mail] and I'll hook you up with a great agent who has helped a lot of my viewers find a place. Visit Len Golf here: maps.app.goo.gl/hSnE1KGG4stfLcoZ6

[@pyeitme508]

ok

[@BadboyMax1986]

Great Video =) But it would be interesting, how he think about the don't can own the ground of the house, only the house. This is the bad part of Thailand, that you can't not own the ground.

[@attilab317]

Beautifully house in a very good location! For that price unimaginable in the west. But I agree with the other comments. You should have mentioned the difficulties for foreigners to own land in Thailand. Not that people get wrong ideas. And to be fair. I totally agree with the Thai approach to not let foreigners own land. Otherwise rich people from Russia, china etc would just buy everything and drive up prices (that’s what happens where I’m living).

[@farangthony]

You can own condos and townhouses just fine, just not land (so not regular houses, say in the countryside).

[@brettallan7417]

@@farangthony What do you think a townhouse sits on - LAND?

[@727skydivers]

We don´t know the price for the house & land. Only cost for renovation. So the total cost is multiple of the renovation cost. Land at lower Soi's on Sukhumvit Rd, whoah! That is not cheap...

[@iceicebrew5059]

The thing is you don’t have to buy land just rent. I can rent for 50 -60 years if im 30 years old

[@thomasreedy4751]

@@brettallan7417 It really depends on where you live. In the USA, townhomes are typically considered as a part of condo development as they share a wall. I have no idea what the legal definition is in Thailand, but there are plenty of structures that you could buy in the USA without owning the land. Probably not a good investment but in some heavily populated areas you don’t have much choice.

[@MrGezz66]

Bangkok resident Farang here. We just moved back 2 months ago after being away for 9 years. We kept our 3 bedroom house in the northern suburbs and the plan was to come back and give it a serious makeover. This video was so timely, as we're 3/4 of the way through our renovation. My wife is Thai and has taken the lead, negotiating with the various tradies and organising the material purchasing. As we are coming to the end of our project, it looks like it's going to cost us just under 2 million baht. I must add, while we are proud as hell of our home, what Chris has done here is next level and hats off to him for that. I think what he's done is worthy of a Grand Designs program.

[@TimesandGens]

SMART GUY! Very chill. He did a lot with that house. Thanks

[@genokemp2433]

Fantastic home and very well done ,Who would have thought it's in the heart of Bangkok without knowing

[@jon780]

I would never consider taking on a project like this but the results were absolutely amazing. What an incredible place and so inexpensive.

[@0xVeniVidiVici]

Awesome video! Really appreciate the in depth look at the process of a renovation in the middle of Bangkok.

[@atheist63]

20 years ago I was doing renovations in Quebec . At the end of the year I'll be living in Thailand as a condo renter only , at my age , living the life is the goal .

[@DominanteMegaLit]

That's the way, indeed! You buy it, but also renovate it. The leverage aspect in real estate is so much easier to be created, unlike almost all other sectors. I personally like the Thai Condo Flips - You Buy the condo and re-enlist it for rent via the company you bought if from, or from the operational company. This guy is so cool!

[@exalhoa]

Love the intro at SWU. Reminds me of when I started watching your videos during covid (stuck in the US). I've had a condo in that area for over a year now and walk thru the university 2 or 3 times a week and it was only recently I realized this is where you did a lot of those videos!

[@NYC-2-BKK]

That’s a really nice house in a a great location Chris! I don’t know if I’d have the patience for the project to complete but as long as I had a comfortable place to stay while the project was being worked on I’d be ok.

[@marleymarl0]

Really nice job, and amazing results for 5mb. I bought with my wife run down 4 floor townhouse for 3.2mb and renovated for 1.5mb, beats condo living imo, but very budget compared to this project.

[@alavia84]

I love your videos Chris. Great content, personality and videography :) I look forward to attending a meetup when in Bangkok this year before you and Hailey head to Koh Samui

[@BinChicken544]

Nice renovation. Really shows the value of a good architect.

[@Nokyai]

Great video! It is such a beautiful house that has a nice floor plan.

[@I_m_Konstantin]

hello everyone from Phuket Thailand 👋. around 3 weeks ago I open KZbin channel too about my life in Thailand. English it's not my native but I try speak English and thai 😃

[@user-tz6xf9mz4w]

Great show Chris! Stay cool 😎 kind and generous.

[@craigh714]

Damn Chris did a bang up job on that renovation!!! Really NICE!

[@Chris-gn3bo]

lived on Soi 22 for a few years, right around the corner and loved that area! I miss it and will be heading back to live sooner than later

[@nils4409]

It is a very nice house. But you forgot to mention (or did I miss it?) that foreigners cant buy land in Thailand, that means that the house belongs to his wife 100%. Many newbies dont know that. If she divorces she can kick him out in a minute. That happens in Thailand every day. "In company name" is actually not wanted by the Thai government, laws might change, and if you go that way (where actually a Thai "nominee" owns 51% of the house) you are faced with high yearly costs for "audits" etc. Better rent in Thailand.

[@rayodesoona750]

If you have a good life partner There's no need to worry about that. Besides that I saw that most foreigners cheat

[@opus3989]

If you become a permanent resident in thailand , house issue is a non issue.

[@rayodesoona750]

@@opus3989 Thai government knows this. Most tourists are sex tourists. that why permanent resident It's difficult.

[@SYD_]

Foreigners cannot buy land in Thailand, except for a condo if the overall ownership throughout the development is below 49%. Foreigners can purchase house/villa under leasehold title only, subject to 30 year lease.

[@sotepniques]

@@rayodesoona750 good life partner, I pray that you smarten up my guy. relationships are constantly changing and Even if you have a perfect life partner you do not control elements of life that can separate the 2.

[@Olu-Olu]

Seen all sorts when it comes to Thai videos, Bar girls & the perverted foreigner drunks❗️ This was a breath of real fresh Thai sea breeze air; Calm guy and focused. The type that may truly sway you that there’s a decent fearless Thai family life that can be had if you want to try it…👍🏾 Thx Chris for this RWFY gem of a video💯

[@NeilMcCoyWard]

Great find & excellent job on the renovation 👌

[@BEEBEE58679]

Great video. Great interview. Worked with Thai Army in Vietnam. Both countries great people & cultures. Thanks.

[@Travel-by-Train]

This is useful video for our future life in Bangkok. Thank you

[@hungo7720]

What a wacky and stunning video on the living conditions hardly acquired by any foreigners.

[@bunnyv15]

thank you for sharing, Bangkok, Thailand will definitely my favorite place to retire in future.

[@MichaelKohTao]

Great Video Chris - happy to share our Koh Tao story anytime !

[@americaninthailand8760]

Great information! Thanks Chris!

[@Mike-du1dc]

Wow that came out really nice! Congrats to the owners & thanks for showing us

[@mariettathornton5924]

What an awesome house!!! Thanks for sharing this with us Chris 😊

[@RetiredWorkingForYou]

Any time!

[@stanstanyer9884]

Great to see you back Chris

[@abbasmirah3349]

well I think the decition depends on the plans and yes if the plan to live along time in Thailand I'd go with the buying option but if it's a short time then rent is the righ ,decition i admire his thinking and wish him and his family a happy life thank you for sharing that and looking forward for more videos, good luck.

[@kimwkahler7381]

Impressive, sounds like it’s an undertaking for the few :)

[@dougsinthailand7176]

Technically he bought it for his wife. Most important, make sure you have a stable relationship first. 👍🏼

[@tvr286]

One day she s not happy…

[@aaronw3461]

Not shure, as townhouses you can buy on a foreigner quote as well

[@jameswest3275]

@@aaronw3461 no. illegal.

[@aaronw3461]

@@jameswest3275 no, if the quote of the townhouses belong to 51% to Thais it’s legal, just for example…..

[@jameswest3275]

yes and people watching this video should know that it is illegal for foreigners to own land. houses, townhouses and shophouses are not the same as condos which are legal to own. great video. now if Thailand would make clear the new tax laws for foreigners.

[@magnumfunnels6165]

The fake golf looks fun, even easier than miniature golf for the old folks!

[@LWINSPAIN]

We glad to see you back!

[@Traderbear]

Gorgeous place. If I had access to someone to help with language skills, I’d definitely do that renovation

[@aeroAdvocate]

Beautiful spot and rebuild work. Nice design and color schemes too.

[@twinflowerfioretta]

Very interesting and refreshing video Chris P. 👍🙏Wow, very beautiful house ! Stunning, top notch renovation😍❣

[@hanumon22]

Foreigner Joe and Gift built their own home!

[@nealweeks6632]

What a neat project. Without a Thai wife I would not do the renovation.

[@lalalife0609]

You got very good price from the contractor. Beautiful and cozy home.

[@assail]

if to purchase a condo is 5million i much rather go ahead and purchase a house premade but after watching this video remodeling it seems to have a better touch in the end. thanks for sharing!

[@SecondLifeTravels1]

Nice video, Chris. In the future, can you please make a video about a cheaper house that needed more work, where the renovations were less expensive or the owner did the renovations himself?

[@user-bs4vb8vh6m]

So beautiful design and renovate old house. 😮😉👍🏚🏠🏡

[@MikeSeaver-rv3jr]

Awesome video, appreciate when you do higher end.great work dude

[@kathyhirsch379]

Good shit ,,,, ❤Good idea for changing it up ,,, 😊

[@dennisg.9785]

Just finished ours in Sikhoraphum...yes.. wayyyy out there.. although looking for the next in BKK.. This is another fantastic video ❤

[@jpbweb2023]

I would not be keen to do a property flip in Bangkok, given how difficult the market is over there, but in Samui the market for private villas is sort of booming. We are completing an extensive programme of renovation of our villa in Koh Samui, which was showing its age and had been working hard for its first 10 years as a rented property. A general refresh, 2 new bathrooms, a new kitchen, retiling the pool, various upgrades, new appliances ... One can improve an existing villa quite a lot for a very reasonable budget. And it is fun to do it too. The hardest bit is to find reliable contractors. Difficult to say how much all that work has boosted the value of the property, but we have no intention to sell anyway. With the new night ferry service from Bangkok, it has become possible to travel to Samui for a week or two of holidays, which is ideal for us. We may rent it out selectively, or just keep it all for ourselves.

[@all4fitz]

No renovations and no leases! I've been tied down all my life with obligations so it's time to travel with no chains. But that renovation for $135k is incredible!

[@nefertemur8951]

Greetings Chris Parker, awesome interview! Chris Rall and his wife make an excellent decision to purchase and renovate their home as a happy Thai wife means a happy life. Chris Rall as well as your journey are somewhat similar, by way of California, riches, foreign wives, and amazing choices of living arrangements, and business adventures😎. Chris Rall and his wife are working on creating a small platoon of Thai-European kids, amazing 😊😊. Wow, the cost of 148k in renovations as well as the original cost of the home I assume was an awesome deal? Thanks so much for sharing and all the best to the Rall family.

[@tatsf]

Beautifully done! I would prefer an inexpensive condo to rent myself, but do not have the family to consider.

[@damianforsyth39]

Great video very beautiful house .

[@leehughes2666]

This is impressive.

[@175924]

Such an awesome House

[@Lifewithalyssenandwilson]

Yes! I would need either a pretty big condo for these 2 dogs too or a house!

[@Silverwidows]

Seems like the idea is to set up a one stop shop rental company and get every house that's for sale on that website. Good business idea i think, a lot of work but that would make buying houses easier and quicker

[@chrisgray9972]

Another great video Chris, thanks mate.

[@pklee7395]

Great looking house - very affordable price for such a massive renovation by America standard

[@billg7531]

I really appreciate the video being of a townhouse versus the usual boring condos. I have mentioned this previously; how about doing some videos about actual houses outside of the downtown area? Show people what they can get in the suburbs of Bangkok. There are some great planned communities. As for Chris and his house, I like the design, but I am definitely not one for city life. I like being outdoors and having a lawn/garden. He has two kids, with the hopes of more, yet there really is not any place for the kids to play when they get older, unless you take them to a park or let them play in the street. It was also interesting that he was too embarrassed to give the total price of the project. While 5 million to gut the place and redesign it is awesome, I wonder how many million more he had to shell out for the purchase, and the various fees for architects, government fees, and miscellaneous.

[@tananbnb]

A townhouse of this size in that area would cost a minimum of 20M baht. This townhouse after the reno can probably sell on the market for 35M baht or rent out on AirBnb for 5000+ baht a night. Great job for him, it's a great investment overall.

[@727skydivers]

I think 20M THB is a bit low. Probably worth quite a lot more.

[@aeroAdvocate]

It'll be a lot more than that, simply based on the land value in the Asok area. Chris obviously has ample financial resources, and I'd guess his wife is from a well-to-do family as well, and they met in the U.S.. Good for them, nice setup!

[@1happydream]

I really appreciate ALL your Videos. Thank You for sharing infos about Thailand. PS Looking at you sweat face, I can imagine how HUMIDITY is always interfering with your day life. My personal opinion is: yes to Thailand for 6 months, no more (also for the new Tax Legislation)

[@ShelbyCorGT500]

Thank you Chris !!!!

[@sotepniques]

It would have been good to know abit of back story on how he got the money to do all this, the renovate and then have the finance to open up a business is pretty good going

[@user-kz9rp3pq2z]

Very light and elegant house.

[@soumaasma348]

Beautiful house 😍

[@ScottMcQuade1]

A nice video. It would be great to know a little more: how much was the original house, and the total cost overall (and the total time from architect to completion). Were there any issues getting planning permission? Chris, it would be really helpful if you mention the legal status of the properties you show. Often the condo videos just give a price and don't mention are they freehold, 30-year lease, etc., and what are the ongoing fees. In this case, it is presumably freehold, purchased in the name of the Thai spouse.

[@densmoreken]

Sick dude. How about a vid for the little guy who doesn’t have 5-10 Mil in rattling the pocket

[@pexx99]

Request: can you make a video on buying a used car in Thailand. Some pro tips would be appreciated.

[@TONYMOR]

Great location & cool renovation :)

[@vlodo001]

Great video. Please make more renovation videos of houses in BKK 🙏

[@martingoodef811]

Excellent presentation. ❤️ thank you

[@liveandlearnwithmike]

Great video

[@philipvclarke4902]

My (Thai) wife and I bought our Townhouse, also in central Bangkok, during covid for a very good price. But our renovation project was MAJOR, similar to this video where we stripped everything out and redid ALL plumbing and electric -> upgraded to western standards. But doing this during covid and the war ended up being costly as all prices increased, plus delays in shipping materials meant that there were less choices and options available from which to select. Our project was adding 1 floor to a 3 story townhouse -> we also added two spacious balconies so we went from 2 balconies to 4 balconies. Since we moved shortly after the renovation was completed I do not have the exact accounting, but to say we spent Bt.4,500,000 to 5,000,000 just on renovation and fitting out, is pretty close to accurate...maybe more when adding in appliances. I'm also a trained chef so our kitchen & dining room is massive -> the neighbors think it is funny that we added the floor because we do NOT have children....BUT my wife and I are both collectors of Asian art and antiques, so we have an extra floor to display and show our collections -> lots of wall space for hanging and floor spaces for carpets! One Big Tip: Shop for electronics @ Boonthavorn, they are a huge mall of anything to do with building, fitting out and decorating.....plus HomePro. Make sure your wife registers her ID card when paying so you get points fir all the expensive purchases....EVERYTHING ADDS UP AND YOU GET DISCOUNTS / REBATES after an amount is spent! Come On Chris....YOU SHOUKD BE INCLUDING THESE VALUABLE TIPS IN THESE VIDEOS!

[@RetiredWorkingForYou]

that's what the comments are for.....so thanks!

[@johnmayerislovee]

@@philipvclarke4902 thanks for your information. Out of curiosity, after adding the cost of the unit and the renovations, could you NOW sell your unit for a profit?

[@EricMeadows]

I've been out in Asok now for a few months on a Privilege Visa. I've got a fleet of camera equipment with me and would love to help you out with these educational videos to help others make the jump to Thailand!

[@ThailandThomas]

Did you find a place on Samui Chris, Sorry I missed you a month goes so fast in paradise. Back in the USA today. We just found 3 rai in Ban Phai we are buying for a very high price of 10k USD. 55555 Future home of the Monshine Distillery. I can not imagine spending 5 mil on a remodel. My custom built home cost about a million thb.

[@matthewbaker6177]

As foreigners can't own houses, this is unlikely to be an option for most. I guess you can lease. Having a Thai partner who won't screw you later is also quite a challenge. So, awesome house. Really happy for him and his wife. But it really isn't an option for 99.99 percent of westerners.

[@Kiterunner]

He has a business so maybe the house is in the name of the business😉

[@vintageexcellence]

You can totally own land…. Get citizenship, invest 40m baht, and a few other ways. Where there is a will there is a way it just most will give up when it’s more than a years work to get it done.

[@AbcdAsdf-xn8vz]

It's not all from his money. Guess his wife's money too. Previously they live in his wife's family condo, so she is rich.

[@Kiterunner]

@@AbcdAsdf-xn8vz if the whole family lives in 1 house I wouldn't consider it rich😂 Either way it looks like his business is doing great and earns plenty to afford a house now

[@tandepasta7716]

Interesting video, but I no longer want to live in a city. Bought a house in Huay Yai, did some improvements mostly filling in things that hadn't been done yet. There's some minor renovation still on the list which will be done soon. No regrets living close to nature.

[@kristoferjakistam832]

9:30 i see Hibiki there. Nice 😀

[@TheRealMafoo]

I know it's a show, so this is to be expected... but "nice to meet you" when he already has a mic on :)

[@cisean9205]

Great video Chris

[@pedrozatravel]

Very interesting, looks like a nice location.

[@thethailandtravellers]

Oh that house has become a real beauty!❤ But I wouldn't risk starting such a big project I think....

[@steveaustin1984]

Great upload. Would love to know "ballpark" what he paid for the house before reno.

[@defi-minnow]

Thanks - great work.

[@tom4wlt]

Beautiful remodel. I would love to have seen the before photos prior to the demolition. How did you find him?

[@practice4089]

Wow! nice work. This guy confirms what I've seen in videos where it was said real estate websites don't stay current. Why are current condo and house listings not readily available in Thailand?

[@lutherfoust5483]

My guess is there is no central organization that makes it happen. In the States, Real Estate licenses are controlled by the government. There is no such control in Thailand. It is the wild wild west.

[@petermilne9598]

Excellent rebuild Think they got lucky with the original find Price for reconstruction is amazing 200K NZ$ for renovations (wont even say rebuild) would get you sweet ~ all

[@weiwei107]

Been watching your Chanel. I just arrived in Bangkok yesterday with family, let’s grab a bite? 😊

[@ClaudeFeller]

Probably 25 million THB in total but looks like a great investment. The location is a killer!!!!

[@VladMatei]

Good video man! 🤞🏼

[@auwz66]

Lovely property, really nicely done. But to give the other side of the coin I would personally not do this. Rents are cheap enough that for me its just not logical to pump 15-20M THB into a property that. I would rather rent long term and invest the capital.. that said if I had kids who might one day need the house it might be a different story. I also prefer being up above the smog / noise / insects. Just my 2 cents everyone is different I guess.

[@MM-sf3rl]

Completely agree. I’m happy renting in BKK. You never know how situations with neighbors, building conditions, construction inadequacies/issues, noisy dogs and chicken, bugs, etc., can affect your quality of life. If that happens, you can move.

[@travelmang5421]

Very informative thanks

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

I had two thoughs. 1. Ever heard of a homeowner who can't remember the name of his architect? Kinda wondered why he wouldn't give the guy a shout. 2. Everyone here assumes the husband paid for everything and are hoping he trusts his wife. Does it say anywhere that she didn't pay for it or co-invest? Do people believe all Thai women are dirt poor village girls working in Soi Cowboy and that there aren't middle class families there too with daughters who have well paid professional careers? Is it impossible that he was struggling out in LA and he married her for her money? I'm not saying he was or he did, I'm saying the video doesn't tell us either way. The comments section however demonstrates what is called implicit bias or just straight out racism.

[@ujazz09]

Great video!

[@TropicTrdr]

This looks good! I used to go to Soi Cowboy in the 1970's when I was in the military. I'm single; can I own a house or is it strictly condos for me?

[@pattraynor3615]

Fair play to Chris, I see he's in the RA 🤣