🏠 New Build vs Resale: what to choose in Phuket?

Question #1 in our chat:

"Is it better to buy a new project or a ready condo?"

🆕 NEW BUILD

Price: 5–7 million THB (1-bedroom in Bang Tao)
Handover: Q4 2026 (in 6 months)

✅ PROS:

1. INSTALLMENT PAYMENT — this is the main plus!

Option A (during construction):

• Down payment: 20–30%
• Installment: 2–3 years during construction
• Example: bought for 5 million, down payment 1 million, then you pay 100–150k THB per month over 3 years
• Advantage: they build — you pay gradually

Option B (after construction):

• Down payment: 30–50%
• Installment: 1–2 years BEFORE handover
• Only for the first 50–100 buyers!
• Example: down payment 2.5 million, then you pay 100k/month for a year, then you live/rent it out

This is a BIG plus. For 5 million THB = instead of 1 million at once, you pay 300–500k, the rest is stretched out.

2. QUALITY GUARANTEE
There is a defect? The developer is obliged to fix it. Resale — as is.

3. MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE
New air conditioners, plumbing, electricity, Wi-Fi. No renovation needed for at least 10–15 years.

4. "PROMOTION" OF THE PROJECT
The developer invests in marketing, management, services. The project grows in price faster.

5. NO HIDDEN PROBLEMS
You are the first owner = no history from other owners. Everything is new, everything is out of the box.

6. OFTEN THERE IS A GUARANTEED INCOME
Many new builds in Bang Tao offer: "First 2–3 years — guaranteed income of 7–8% of the value" (while the developer advertises the project).

❌ CONS:

1. MARKETING = EXAGGERATED PROMISES
They promise "8% guaranteed", then it gives 5–6%. The first year is often lower (the apartment is gaining traction on the market).

2. DEVELOPER RISK
What if the developer faced problems? (rare, but there is a delay in handover by 6–12 months). Your down payment is at a slight risk.

3. WAITING (but installment payment!)
6–12 months from the moment of purchase to handover. But during this time you pay gradually, not all at once.

4. FIRST YEAR — ADAPTATION
The new apartment is gaining traction, guests are looking for ratings. Income in the first year can be 60–70% of the expected.

5. CONSTRUCTOR'S CATCH (rare, but happens)
First 1–2 years sometimes have problems: leaks in the bathroom, the AC doesn't cool immediately, minor cracks in the walls (settlement). But the developer is obliged to fix it under warranty.

🏘️ RESALE (READY CONDO)

Price: 4.5–6 million THB (1-bedroom in Bang Tao, 5–10 years)
Handover: NOW (you can move in tomorrow)

✅ PROS:

1. RENT OUT IMMEDIATELY
Bought on Monday — rented out on Wednesday. Income comes from the very first month. In a new build, you have to wait a year for the first income.

2. YOU SEE WHAT YOU BUY
Don't believe the marketing — you see the real condition. You see the neighbors, you hear about the real rental income. No surprises.

3. PRICE IS LOWER
Resale is cheaper than a new build by 15–20%. For 5.5 million of a new build you pay 4.5–5 million for a resale. Saved 500k–1 million THB — this is money for investments!

4. NO CONSTRUCTOR PROBLEMS
If it stood for 8 years and nothing broke — it means it's good. A new build is still unknown (how it will be in 5 years).

5. PROVEN MANAGEMENT
You know who manages, what the real service is, what the real income is. In a new build, the first year is unknown.

❌ CONS:

1. NEED ALL THE MONEY AT ONCE
No installment payment. In a new build you pay gradually over 2–3 years.

2. MAY REQUIRE RENOVATION
5–10 years = the AC may go out of tune, the wallpaper may peel off, the paint may chip. Not visible immediately (a specialist inspection is needed). Renovation can be from 50k to 200k THB.

3. WEAR AND TEAR REDUCES CAPITALIZATION
New for 5.5 million, old for 5 million. Price growth is slower (5–7% vs 7–10%).

4. MAY BE HARDER TO RESELL
"It's already 8 years old" — people sometimes prefer new. But if the project is good and the area is good, then it is liquid normally.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? New build or resale?

Write to us on WhatsApp or Telegram — we will help you choose the best option for your goals and budget!