Thailand’s award-winning properties target SMART Expo in Hong Kong

In an eventful year for Thailand, real estate professionals are still optimistic of a good response at the upcoming SMART real estate expo in Hong Kong, where a selection of award-winning properties will be vying to win over buyers with their exceptional design, construction and location.

Thailand’s property already has many fans in Hong Kong, where a modest apartment carries a heavier price tag than a spacious upscale villa in Thai resorts like Phuket or Hua Hin.

But visitors at this year’s SMART Expo at Hong Kong’s Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 5-6 can choose from developments that offer award-winning quality as well as attractive pricing and the proximity of a two-hour flight.

Phuket, for instance, will be represented at SMART by Baan Yamu, a low-density condo and villa development on the resort island’s exclusive east coast that was awarded Best Architecture Thailand award by the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

With spacious units and a stunning location overlooking the paradise islands of the Phang Nga Bay, Baan Yamu has already proved popular among buyers from Hong Kong, who have purchased villas and condominiums both as homes and investments.

‘One element of Baan Yamu that is especially attractive to investors is the project’s association with Twinpalms, one of Phuket’s top hotel management companies,’ says Cyrille Hareux of Bangkok-based real estate agency Company Vauban.

‘This collaboration opens up a substantial revenue stream along with the lifestyle advantages of comprehensive services.’

Baan Yamu offers buyers at SMART a guaranteed annual rental income of 6.5% of their investment for five years, he adds.

While Phuket has a special appeal for Hong Kong residents – a trend seen in recent investment by Hong Kong-based entrepreneur Allan Zeman – real estate professionals like Cyrille Hareux also see the royal resort of Hua Hin as well-suited to the Hong Kong market.

Baan Ing Phu is among the leading Hua Hin developments to participate at SMART. Voted as offering Hua Hin’s best condos by the influential Thailand Property Awards 2009 – which also placed its villas on a top-three shortlist – Baan Ing Phu adjoins the famous Black Mountains Golf Club and is built to pioneering international standards.

‘Upscale Hong Kong residents will naturally be drawn to Baan Ing Phu’s outstanding design and services and in Hua Hin they will also find a tranquil atmosphere and well-preserved environment in easy reach of Bangkok,’ says Peter Ton, the Dutch developer of the award-winning project.

‘The local leisure options are also a major draw for sophisticated buyers, with a selection of excellent golf courses as well as a host of attractions ranging from vineyards to underground temples, night markets and vast nature reserves.’

Bangkok is represented at SMART by developments such as Le Monaco, a distinctive glass-walled condominium tower in a prestigious neighbourhood of Ari, known as Thailand’s ‘millionaires’ row’.

Le Monaco combines groundbreaking eco-friendly features – such as solar power and low-E insulated glass – with the international building quality that helped win a commendation at Thailand Property Awards 2009.

‘Le Monaco is perfect for those who enjoy the stimulus of the big city but appreciate a gracious style of life – its location is also unmatched, as the only tower permitted in a neighbourhood of traditional luxury villas,’ says Cyrille Hareux of Company Vauban.

About SMART Expo 2010

The SMART Investment & International Property Expo featuring local and overseas property, stocks, funds and alternative investments will be held at Hong Kong’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 5-6.

About Company Vauban

Company Vauban is a full-service real estate agency that has assisted international investors in Thai property since 2006. The company’s multinational team of 16 provides research and consultancy expertise, helping buyers to realise opportunities, negotiate contracts and fulfil legal and bureaucratic requirements.