As a property agent in Bangkok, I am often asked, as are many Bangkok Real Estate agents and brokers, ‘Where is the best place to live in Bangkok for an expat?’ Well there is no direct answer to that one, as everyone’s needs are different, but time and time again, Sukhumvit is seen as the most popular choice for expats in Bangkok.

I think Sukhumvit is such a popular place to rent a condo or apartment, because of its wide geography, large choice of restaurants, bars and cafes, and finally due to the fantastic choice of condos and apartments.

There are so many condos and apartments on Sukhumvit that the choice can seem endless to those who are just starting to explore the area. However this article is designed to help cut through a lot of the confusion and focus on some of the best quality condos to rent on Sukhumvit at this time. We are not going to be looking at renting a Sukhumvit apartment at this time, as we will save that for a future Bangkok property blog.

So the next question to ask then is ‘What are some of the best luxury condos to rent on Sukhumvit Road?’ Well here we will look at 5 of the best. These condos are in no particular order and as you will see cover all manner of styles, requirements and locations along Sukhumvit road.

The Lakes Condominum – Asoke

The Lakes Condominium is located near both the Sukhumvit MRT, and Asoke BTS stations. The location alone is therefore a massive selling point. As it means that residents can get around Bangkok city center on the Metro System with real ease. However The Lakes also offers so much more. With great views of the Queen Sirikit Lake, 5 star facilities and a roof top pool and gymnasium.

Also The Lakes offers highly spacious condos, with floor to ceiling windows, solid wooden floors and excellent fittings.

It is small wonder The Lakes condominium has been a favorite amongst expats for over 5 years and its popularity looks set to continue for many more years as occupancy levels are almost always at 90 – 100%. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-lakes-317

Bangkok Citismart Condomnium (BKK Citismart Condo)

Staying in Asoke, the Bangkok Citismart Condominium, also known as the Bkk Citismart condo, is another quality and well established Bangkok condominium in the heart of Sukhumvit. This was on of AP Properties first condos and is located within a 2-3 minute walk of Asoke BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station.

With a New York style design and a fantastic quality finish Bangkok Citismart condo offers high-end condo living in a very convenient mid-Sukhumvit location. Within easy reach of mix use towers such as Exchange Tower, Interchange Building and Jasmine Towers, residents have a lot on their doorstep. But if you live in Bkk Citismart condo you will also have enough to keep you busy without even having to leave this Sukhumvit condominium.

With a large swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, two saunas, two steam rooms, a squash court and a gymnasium on two levels, Bangkok Citismart condo really offers one of the widest and best quality set of facilities for expats whom are renting on Sukhumvit. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/citi-smart-asoke–45

Sansiri at Sukhumvit (Sansiri@Sukhumvit)

For a long time now the name Sansiri in the world of Bangkok property and more particularly Bangkok condominiums, has been synonymous with quality, class and luxury. Sansiri have built some fantastic condos in the Sukhmvit area such as Sansiri 10, Sansiri 13, Baan Sansiri Twenty Four and of course Sansiri Residence 24. All these condos offer high-level of luxury.

However in 2007 Sansiri launched its flagship on Sukhumvit, called appropriately enough Sansiri@Sukhumvit. This Bangkok condo is located just 5 mins walk from the Thonglor BTS station and therefore gives residents access not just to a BTS station, but also to Thong Lo itself, one of the best neighborhoods in Bangkok.

Sansiri at Sukhumvit has great facilities including a large swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms. All designed in Sansiri’s signature luxurious contemporary design. Sansiri at Sukhumvit offers clean bright condos but with that overwhelming feeling of luxury and style.

Sansiri@Sukhumvit only opened in early 2010 and so if you are thinking of renting a condo at Sansiri@Sukhumvit, then if you are likely to be the first to occupy any of these brand new units. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/siri-at-sukhumvit-1361

Emporio Place Condominium

Another brand new condominium located on Sukhumvit Soi 24, which is the same soi as the famous and extremely popular Emporium shopping center, which has clearly influenced the name of this luxury Sukhumvit condominium project.

Located within 350m of the Phrom Phong BTS station and the Emporium shopping plaza, this condominium really is located in a top residential area of Bangkok. Consisting of 3 towers, this cleverly designed condo allows most condo units to have access to 3 different viewing angles, so that each unit can attract a lot of light in through the large windows in most rooms.

Also to add to the intelligent design the architects of the Emporio Place condominium have designed in duplex units for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units, as well as many single level condo units. Therefore offering anyone wanting to lease a condominium at the Emporio Place great choice of units.

Of course like the above condominiums this Sukhumvit condo comes with a great range of facilties such as a large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, high-end light retail shopping plaza, Children’s playground, sauna and steam rooms. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/emporio-place-phrom-phong-1200

Athenee Residence

Last but certainly not least, the Athenee Residence Condominium is also built by TCC Capitalland the developers in charge of the Emporio Place condominium project. And is located in Ploenchit within an easy walk of the Ploen Chit BTS station, therefore allowing quick access to both Chit Lom, Siam square and the rest of Sukhumvit.

When built this condo set a new bench mark in luxury and was widely acknowledged as one of the best quality condos in the whole of Bangkok. With ceiling to floor windows, extensive facilities including a large swimming pool, tennis court, garden area, gymnasium, saunas, Jacuzzi and steam rooms.

This all glass structure is almost futuristic in design, but the quality and style of the design makes sure that the futuristic image does not detract from the feeling of quality and luxury this Sukhumvit condominium exudes. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/athenee-residence-ploenchit-1277

Of course these 5 luxury Sukhumvit condos are not the only ones in Bangkok, and I am sure there will be readers of this Bangkok Real Estate Blog that disagree with some of the choices here, after all beauty and quality are difficult to quantify and are subjective. But in my opinion, although there are arguably other Bangkok condos that can be placed in this list as well, it is hard to disagree that these 5 Bangkok condominium developments are top class.

Condos in Ekamai have been developed fast and in large numbers over the last 5 years. There have been luxury Bangkok condos built in Ekamai close to the BTS Ekamai station, and there have been many mid-range units built also within walking distance of the BTS sky train Ekamai station. Many of the condos are in well designed modern chic Bangkok condominium blocks offering great facilities like swimming pools, fitness studios and sun-deck areas.

A lot of these condos units in Ekamai, have been bought as buy-to-let properties, particularly in the mid-range Ekamai condos, so renting in Ekamai can offer plenty of choice. In the blog we will look at some of the best mid-range condos on offer to rent in Ekkamai.

Plus 67 condominium is located in Sukhumvit soi 67, and is within a 10 minute walking distance of either the BTS Ekamai or the BTS Phrakanong station. Built in a contemporary style, this Bangkok condominium offers residents a roof-top swimming pool, a large fitness studio and a roof tope sun deck, as well as great surrounding views of Ekamai and Sukhumvit.

With Bangkok studios for rent at only THB 12 000/ month and one bedroom condos for rent for THB 18 000/ month, these really are great value. One bedroom condos are over 50sqm in size and two bedroom condos for rent for THB 27 000/ month offering the residents almost 80sqm of space. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-67-sukhumvit-1195

Another great building in the area is also built by Sansiri whom built Plus 67, and is called Condo One 67. Built in a similar style to Plus 67, this Bangkok condominium is also a low-rise and also located in Sukhumvit soi 67. Again residents can take a short 10 minute stroll to either Ekamai BTS station or Phrakanong BTS station. And Condo One 67 also offers condos to rent in Ekkamai in the form of Studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units. With no swimming pool available in this building, rental prices are a little cheaper with one bedroom units renting from THB 16 000/ month and two bedroom units renting from just THB 23 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-sukhumvit-67-1191

Further up in the same Sukhumvit soi is Life@67, built by AP Properties, this low-rise Bangkok condo offers a feeling of more luxury than even Plus 67. With fantastic facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, parking and luxurious lobby this really is a condominium with class.

Of course though the prices reflect the quality and these Bangkok condos rent for THB 17 000 for a small One bedroom of 31sqm, and larger one bedroom units rent for THB 23 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@67-sukhumvit-67-1222

This Bangkok condominium also houses two bedroom units, cleverly set out to maximize the 65sqm they cover. And these Ekamai condominium units rent at approx THB 30 000/ month. And once again this building offer residents a short walk to the BTS Ekamai, in fact as it is a little closer to the BTS Ekamai than Plus 67 then the walk can be done in well under 10 minutes.

The Life@67 condominium located of course in Sukhumvit 67, has a much larger big brother. Unlike Life@67 which is a low-rise condominium, Life@Sukhumvit, is located very nearby in Sukhumvit soi 65 and is even closer to the Ekamai BTS station.

Life@Sukhumvit is a high-rise housing over 500 units and again like Life@67, these units are divided into small one bedroom units at 31sqm, larger one bedroom units at 41sqm and two bedroom units at 65sqm.

With so many units there are a few big advantages to Life@Sukhumvit, one is that the facilities are impressive and beautifully designed, featuring a roof top swimming pool and sun deck.

Also renting a condo at Life@Sukhumvit is great value, with larger one bedroom condos of 41sqm renting at just THB 20 000/ month and the two bedroom 62sqm units renting at just THB 28 000/ month. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/life@sukhumvit-65-ekamai-1190

Again living in Life@Sukhumvit is very convenient as Sukhumvit soi 65 is very close to the BTS Ekamai station.

Most expats in Bangkok are familiar with Ekamai, Sukhumvit Soi 63, and probably know someone living in a condo or apartment in Ekamai. However how many people have visited the area recently, and seen the development that has occurred in the area?

For years expats have been familiar with the Thonglor district, Sukhumvit soi 55 has become popular and well known for offering a good quality high-end lifestyle to both middle-class Thai’s and expats alike. Luxury condos in Thonglor are commonplace, and good quality service apartments in Thonglor are very popular with short-term contract workers. And of course with many Japanese restaurants and bars, Thonglor has become a favourite with Japanese expats.

However Ekamai, has in contrast been waiting in the wings, and was always destined to be the next district to be developed. With its own Ekamai BTS station, links to Petchburi Road, many sub sois including Thonglor and Phrakanong Road and already boasting quite a few trendy bars, cafes and restaurants Ekamai has always been well placed to be developed.

Located in Mid-Sukhumvit, Ekamai is an easy commute to any of the offices along Sukhumvit and Asoke. In fact if one lives in a condo in Ekamai, they can quite comfortably make it in to Siam square in approximately 20mins.

In the last few years Ekamai has witnessed the arrival of several quality and modern condos that have complimented the rise of trendy outlets such as The Horizon in Ekamai, the California Wow on Sukhumvit Soi 63, the Bangkok Mediplex, and of course even more practically the Big C Ekamai, which houses a supermarket, cafes and an Index furniture shop.

Three of the most high-end luxury Bangkok condos in Ekamai, are Nusasiri, The Address 42 and Avenue 61.

Nusasiri Grand Condo Ekamai has a rare quality in actually being linked to a BTS Sky Train station. So that residents of the Nusasiri Grand Condo in Ekamai, can actually leave their condo and board the BTS sky train without having to be exposed to the elements. This is particularly useful in the wet season when the rain can be heavy.

Nusasiri Grand Condo Ekamai boasts a whole host of facilities that would be impressive in any Bangkok condominium, not just in a condo in Ekamai, but anywhere in Bangkok. With a large cascading swimming pool, large fitness area, jogging track, gardens, the building also houses the Bangkok Mediplex, Cafes and a Supermarket. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/nusasiri-grand-condo-709

Bangkok Studio condos in Nusasiri Grand Condo start at THB 25 000/ month, with large One Bedroom units of 76sqm at THB 40 000/ month and Two Bedroom units fetching THB 60 000/ month onwards.

Just around the corner from Nusasiri Grand Condo is The Address 42, located on the same soi Sukhumvit Soi 42 as Nusasiri Grand Condo. This Bangkok condo within 350m of Ekamai BTS station makes it a simple 5mins walk along a pleasant quiet soi to the train.

The Address 42 is a beautifully designed condo in Ekamai and has a very tasteful retro feel to the building. Well built, designed, with luxurious fittings and fixtures this Bangkok condominium gives off a real sense of quality.

One of the best Ekamai condos, The Address 42 has One bedroom units starting at THB 25 000/ month, with excellent lay-outs maximizing space. And the two bedroom condos in The Address 42 are priced at between THB 40 000 ~ 55 000/ month depending on the size, the view and the furnishings. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/the-address-42-308

Both The Address 42 and Nusasiri Grand Condo have been opened in the last 2 years, but a condo in Ekamai district that has been opened a while longer, but was a condominium in Bangkok that set many new standards for the construction and design of future Bangkok condos, was Avenue 61, located in Sukhumvit soi 61, this beautiful low-rise condominium, still looks as good today as it did when it first opened over 5 years ago. http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/avenue-61-ekkamai-1141

With large One Bedroom units of over 60sqm renting for THB 35 000/ month these are great value and great quality. Renting a condo in Ekamai cannot come much better than a Two Bedroom at Avenue 61, with over 100sqm at your disposal and solid wooden to compliment the high quality build and facilities. With a beautiful swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness room and of course security and parking this Bangkok condominium in Ekamai, is ideal as it is also located within 5mins walk of the BTS Ekamai station.

In the next blog we will look at the mid-market condos in Ekamai, another area of the Bangkok Real Estate market that has seen quite a boost in recent years.

If you buying a condominium in Thailand for the first time you may not be familiar with the local Thai Property Laws, so here is a brief explanation of what can be expected during a Bangkok condo purchasing process.

Foreign Purchasers of Condominiums in Thailand

Information for foreigner purchasers of condos in Bangkok or Thailand whom are not Thai permanent residents.

Under the Condominium Act 2008 (amended) regarding non-residents of Thailand, foreigners who purchase condominium units in Thailand must remit in funds to pay for the unit from overseas. That means that the entire payment must be transferred into the country to buy the Thai condo or Bangkok condominium as ‘foreign currency’ and not Thai Baht. The beneficiary bank will issue a ‘Foreign Exchange Transaction’ certificate which should be presented to the Thai Land Department in Bangkok when registering the ownership of the Thai condominium.

For each transfer, banks will only provide a ‘Foreign Exchange Transaction’ certificate for amounts over US$ 20,000. For amounts of less than this, the bank will issue a credit note, which may be presented, with the confirmation letter from your Thai bank, to the Land Office in Bangkok order to register the condominium in Thailand.

1. In case that you do not have a bank account in Thailand, you can remit the finds directly to the owner of the condominium you are buying or to a third party account, such as a Thai Lawyer or Legal Representative in Thailand.

For the case in question, we thoroughly suggest you transfer the funds to your own bank account here in Thailand and obtain the Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate from the Head Office of the Thai Bank, the Bank’s Head Office is often located in Bangkok. Condominium related certificates and/or credit notes and receipts should all be kept safely, with the letter from the bank in Thailand until the date on which the ownership of the condominium units is transferred.

Payment Procedure:

1. To obtain a Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate in Thailand from a Thai Bank, you will have to ensure that all the following instructions are adhered to:
   1. The name of the remitter must be the same as the purchaser of the Bangkok condo (as indicated in the S & P agreement). Please fill in full name and address of remitter and the beneficiary.
   2. The money transferred as foreign currency. Please do not convert in Thai Baht before making a transfer. The conversion will be done by the beneficiary bank in Thailand.
   3. Please indicate in the transfer instructions that the purpose of the transfer is ‘To purchase a Bangkok condominium unit No:…….. at the (name of the Thai condominium building)
      
      

   Please use the exact wording in order to avoid any misinterpretation by the Land Department of Thailand. For example, the word apartment, a term which is frequently used in other countries, has a different meaning from condominium in Thailand.
   
   

   4. Please indicate overseas and beneficiary charges for each payment.
2. Transfer of ownership
   
   

   Prior to the transfer of ownership, we will inform you of the total amount due, including any minor amenities or utility deposits.
   
   

   1. If the final payment is NOT financed by a bank, then this amount needs to be remitted into Thailand exactly like the previous payments.
   2. If the final payment is financed by a bank, then this amount needs to be paid by a cashier’s cheque which will be exchanged with the Thai condominium’s title deed on the date of transfer of ownership.

We hope the above information has been useful to you when purchasing a condo in Thailand.

Sukhumvit Plus, now entering its 4th year of operation became landmark and set a benchmark on higher Sukhumvit when opened in 2006. it was the first and most prominent condominium in the Phrakanong area to offer the modern convenient living that was soon to become the trend and direction for all new modern mid-ranged condos in the Sukhumvit area.

Why was Sukhumvit Plus so special?

Well it was built purposefully close to the Phrakanong BTS stations, it was the first Sukhumvit condo to offer chic, stylish and modern affordable living for people in Bangkok. Before Sukhumvit Plus was opened the choice for Sukhmvit residents amounted to the following:

1. Live in a stylish modern Sukhumvit Condo close to a BTS station, like The Fullerton close to Ekkamai BTS station, but pay a high price
2. Live cheaper and still within walking distance of a BTS station, but sacrifice quality, age and facilities.
3. Keep quality, style and facilities at a reasonable cost, but then live further away from a BTS station and face the problem of Bangkok traffic.

But Sukhumvit Plus offered it all! Great facilities with a large pool, saunas and a fitness room/ gymnasium. And all within a 5 minute walk of Phrakanong BTS station. Higher Sukhumvit and Phrakanong in particular had never seen anything like it. Now residents could get a Bangkok Studio apartment in a modern attractive building for just THB 15 000/ month.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sukhumvit-plus-289

Those looking for something a little bigger could get a stylish and intelligently designed one bedroom Bangkok condo in the heart of Sukhumvit for only THB 18 000/month.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sukhumvit-plus-290

And small families looking for great facilities for the kids, plus access to a BTS station and whilst retaining a reasonable rental rate, could get a two bedroom condo in Sukhumvit Plus for under THB 30 000/month.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/sukhumvit-plus-291

The success of this brand new Bangkok condominium was evident for everyone to see. There was a time when the success rate of clients seeing the property to taking a condo within Sukhumvit Plus was roughly 1:3, a very high ratio! This prompted other Bangkok property developers and of course Plus Properties themselves to try and repeat and expand on the success of this Bangkok condominium project.

Close by there was a short underdeveloped soi, Sukhumvit Soi 67 was within walking distance of both Ekkamai BTS station and Phrakanong BTS station. With only a few Bangkok apartments on this soi, it was an ideal location to launch a new project.

With Bangkok real estate building laws it was of course not possible to launch another high-rise development like Sukhumvit Plus, so instead Plus 67 an 8 storey low-rise Bangkok condominium was launched.

Again this was a great Sukhumvit condo, with a more intimate atmosphere than Sukhumvit Plus, the views offered by Sukhumvit Plus had been sacrificed, but a far more peaceful and cosy atmosphere was the replacement. With a very inexpensive starting price of just THB 12 000/ month for a Studio condo which is a very competitive price for a Sukhumvit condo within walking distance of a BTS station.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-67-265

If a Studio condo is not big enough the one bedroom condos offered in Plus 67 are a good size at 50sqm, giving ample room for any bachelor or bachelorette, as well as a couple or a small family. And again at THB 18 000/month are very competitively priced for a condo in Sukhumvit.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-67-266

Finally in keeping with the great value for these Sukhumvit condos, the two bedroom units are also well priced at under THB 30 000/month and all within a chic, modern condominium block in the heart of Sukhumvit, with swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/plus-67-267

Plus 67 condominium was another great success and was so good that the same developers built an almost identical property right next door to Plus 67. Condo One 67, was the next successful condominium built in the Phrakanong area.

As we know, this was also within walking distance of Ekkamai BTS and Phrakanong BTS stations.

Again with Studio units starting at just THB 12 000/month, one Bedroom units at THB 16 000/month and two bedroom condo units at just THB 23 000/month, these really are great value Sukhumvit condos.

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-67-1070 – Bangkok Studio Condo

http://www.easyhomes.tv/property/condo-one-sukhumvit-67-1191 – Condo One 67 Two Bedroom Condo