The frustration I have, after many years as a real estate agent here in Hua Hin, is seeing the same issues crop up time and again when it comes to buying or renting property. The power that social media and the internet has brought to the table is quite frightening and the daily news of disgruntled buyers being misled is such a concern.
It seems that when people visit Thailand, common sense sometimes goes out the window. The heat, the holiday feeling, and the relaxed vibe of this great country can get the better of them. I write these articles each month, but I can only presume many people miss them, or they prefer to believe what the internet — or worse, social media — tells them.
Recently, I saw a lot of comments from people looking for legal help with rental issues. Worse still, some were seeking lawyers for problems with property they believed they owned — years after they had bought it.
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I always try to make it clear: my time is free to you. We offer a coffee and even short tours of the area so you can take the time to gather all the information you need. And yet, I still hear of buyers or tenants rushing into ‘too good to be true’ deals.
I understand it’s exciting. Many of the homes, condos, and pieces of land offered here really do look like incredible value at first glance. Falling in love with a property is the easy part. What’s harder is properly understanding the surrounding area, the true form of suitable ownership, and whether the property will actually suit your lifestyle.
This is the key point — and the main reason so many properties end up back on the market. Too often they were bought on a whim, driven by the romance of a holiday destination. In all politeness, it’s extremely naïve.
If you’re renting, my advice is simple: arrive first, book two or three nights in a hotel, and take the time to meet with an agent to view several options. Try to see a variety of places and make sure you structure a proper contract with the owner before signing anything.
You might be talking to an agent before you arrive, but if they pressure you to reserve, just hold back and politely explain you prefer to wait. High season can make things a bit more competitive, but if you know the area well and the agent offers you something similar to where you’ve stayed before, it’s less risky.
Andy Dyett, the Hua Hin Property Expert
If you’re a first-time tenant, though, you really should proceed with caution.
Only today, I saw someone asking for help after arriving to find no sign of the ‘agent’ they’d booked through — no office, no real details other than a social media account.
It’s an awful way to start a trip and something that’s easily avoidable with a little care.
When it comes to buying, especially now during low season, condos need extra consideration. A condo that seems peaceful and perfect today might be completely different once high season arrives. You could find yourself caught in the middle of a tourist hotspot. Of course, you can’t complain that tourists are enjoying themselves — that’s just part of life here — but with the right agent and a bit more research, you could have avoided the issue altogether.
Experience is key.
As for houses, again, they can offer a lot of value. They often make a fantastic first impression. But the critical part of my job isn’t just showing you the house. It’s working with you to understand why you like it. Will it suit the time you plan to live there? Could it be rented out if needed? Be wary of an agent’s rental estimates — do your own checks too.
And of course, ownership is a major point. If you’re a foreigner, you need to know your options. If you’re married to a Thai national, there are important clauses that must be included to protect everyone involved. We all hope for a ‘happily ever after’, but it’s wise to prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Feel free to pop in or contact me — I’m always happy to discuss your needs over email, WhatsApp, or a good coffee.
Yours sincerely,
Andy Dyett
The Hua Hin Property Expert
📧 andy@huahinpropertyagent.com
📱 huahinpropertyagent
📞 0867779064
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