ColliersThailand

A SURGE IN SERVICED APARTMENTS

2011-11-20T10:30:00.000+07:00

THE NATION Issued date 16 November 2011

Early Sukhumvit remains the most popular venue.

More than 800 new serviced apartment units are scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year and early Sukhumvit retains the vast priority of the new supply, while Central Lumpini has also become a preferred location to live in, with a surge in more Grade A units being built.

According to Colliers International Thailand, approximately 200 units have been completed and are already occupied, out of the nearly 1,000 units that are scheduled to be completed in 2011. Sukhumvit Road still retains its mantle as the most popular location for serviced apartments, mainly due to the fact that more than 70 per cent of total units scheduled for completion in Q4-2011, will be located along the initial stretch of this road.
Total supply of serviced apartment units, for the end of 2011, is expected to be approximately 17,860.

Distribution of serviced apartments differs according to location, based on the particular profile of each area. Central Lumpini, for example, contains many large embassies and is therefore seen as being the most prestigious location to live in and, as such, contains more grafe A units. Late Sukhumvit also contains more grade A units, due to the existence of a number of luxury branded aprtments in Thong Lor Road, catering to the large Japanese expatriate community there. However, early Sukhumvit remains the preferred choice for grade B apartments, as it is a more unpretentious and relaxed location, which also explains the location of more Up-Scale, rather than Luxury hotels. 'Other' areas contain more grade C products, mainly due to their distance from the centre.

More than 800 units are scheduled to be completed in Q4-2011. Sukhumvit Road, alone, will host the vast majority of a new supply this year. More than 75 per cent of the new units scheduled to be completed in 2011 are located on Sulhumvit Road, with nearly 80 units also scheduled for completion in 2012 in the Sukhumvit area. The main driver is not only the popularity of this road as a residential destination, but also the fact that the relative land price is lower than more central locations and it is also convenient for the BTS line.

The addition of new retail centres, such as "Terminal 21", will add to the appeal of this road to both tourists and expatriates alike. Average occupancy rates in Q3-2011 have increased from the previous quarter and compares favourably with the same quarter last year. However, last year was a troubled one for the sector, mainly due to the political upheavals.

Occupancy rates in all location increased deom the previous quarter, especially in Central CBD and Central Lumpini, which increased approximately 9-11 per cent, mainly due to a reduction in rental rates.

Growth in occupancy was partially fuelled by a small fall in rental rates overall and the addition of significant new supplies in Q4-2011 are more than likely to lead to a weakening of the sector, after bouncing back strongly after Q2-2011. Although the political situation has stabilized for the short and medium term, growing concerns regarding the global financial situation, as well as the short term impact of massive flooding throughout Thailand, could lead to a more difficult period for the serviced apartment sector.

Meanwhile, Patima Jeerapaet, managing director, Colliers, said that for the remainder of the quarter, residential launches are most likely to remain subdued, due to the current sentiment and logistics. However, unlike the post May 17, 2010 situation, when buyers jumped straight into the market, many will now probably be more cautions about making a big decision on property purchases, until ongoing events have ended and an analysis of the flood situation is undertaken.

The decision on whether to purchase landed property, versus a high-rise condominium unit, will most probably find favour in the latter, due to the recent floods experience, but people will, nevertheless, continue to evaluate areas that are less prone to floods.

"Even if your high-rise home is protected you still don't want the area around it inunfdated with floodwater for weeks", pointed out Jeerapaet. However, long delays in buyers coming back to the market will result in a pent-up demand, very likely to increase until, eventually, a significant number of launches will take place.

According to Tony Picon, Associate Director at Colliers, condominiums will become even more popular than they were before the floods. In the aftermath of the floods, many who were forced to evacuate to relief centres may now rethink their options. "You may now find families encouraging one of their number to purchase a condominium unit, even helping with the financing, as it would then function as a back-up residence for the family in the event of a recurrence".

At the high-income end of the market the same reasoning could add to the trend for purchasing second homes in resorts, such as Hua Hin, or Pattaya. "Many fled to these resorts during the flood inundation, especially people who didn't need to work in Bangkok, or children and the elderly", said Monchai Orawongpaisan, senior manager for residential project sales and marketing. Family pressure could therefore result in more property being purchased, not only as a weekend retreat, but also as a back-up residence in emergencies.

"We could see significant activity in the market during the first half of next year, based on this trend, Hua Hin, Pattaya and other nearby resorts", he added.

Although high-rise accommodation will continue to prove more popular, it is considered that landed property will still retain a strong presence in the city. Dire warnings of global warming leading to more regular flooding problems, including flash floods from heavy downpours, may lead to a future trend of simply opting for houses on stilts, which reflect a common mode of living in the past that catered to the possibility of flooding.

Picon pointed out that the problem for buyers of finding suitable locations relatively safe from future floods, is that effects can vary, based on a number of factors, as we have witnessed during the latest situation.

Bargains ample post-floods

2011-11-20T10:27:00.000+07:00

BANGKOK POST Issued date 15 November 2011

KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN
PROPERTY

Prices of land an other property in flooded areas will drop in the next couple of years, while home purchasing sentiment will take at least six months to return to normal, says the property consultant Colliers International Thailand.

Managing director Patima Jeerapaet said the next two or three years will be a golden opportunity for property developers to buy up land in flooded areas at bargain prices.

However, there may not be any large migrations of residents from the flooded areas, as Thais usually like to stick with familiar locations and will forget about the flooding in the next couple of years,he told a media conference on the postflood Bangkok real estate market yesterday.

"Homebuyers will wait and see the situation after the floods and delay making a decision. Housing sentiment will resume towards the middle of next year at the earliest. Housing developers will delay launching new projects," he said.

While new low-rise launches will be postponed, inner-city condominiums,especially near mass transit, will continue to enjoy healthy sales.

After the floods, the protection paradigm will change. Individuals will raise up land levels and erect water barrier fences.

Drainage systems will be improved,water storage tanks installed and electrical sockets moved up."The popularity of single houses and townhouses will stay the same. But their design may change to that of high-rise developments,with parking on the ground and the living area including the electricity system starting from the second floor," he aid.

He said an initiative by many condo developers to have fewer parking slots in new residential high-rises should be scrapped, as car parks in such buildings are crucial for keeping residents' vehicles safe from floodwater.

น้ำท่วมทำพิษ นิคมอุตสาหกรรมเสียหายหลายร้อยเท่า

2011-11-20T10:24:00.000+07:00

มากกว่า 59 จังหวัดที่ประสบปัญหาน้ำท่วมไม่เพียงแต่พื้นที่การเกษตรเท่านั้นที่เสียหาย แต่ยังทำความเสียหายอย่างรุนแรงไปถึงนิคมอุตสาหกรรมในภาคกลางอีกหลายแห่ง และส่งให้เกิดการหยุดชะงักของระบบบการขนส่งสินค้า, จากคำกล่าวของ คอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย

เมื่อน้ำท่วมในหลายพื้นที่ของประเทศไทยตั้งแต่เดือนสิงหาคม และส่งผลกระทบต่ออุตสาหกรรมการผลิตไม่มากนัก เนื่องจากโรงงานส่วนใหญ่ตั้งอยู่ห่างจากพื้นที่น้ำท่วม แต่เมื่อระดับเริ่มเพิ่มสูงขึ้นจนเกินกว่าแนวป้องกัน และมากกว่าที่เกิดขึ้นในจังหวัดอยุธยาในวันที่ 5 ตุลาคม ซึ่งเป็นฐานการผลิตใหญ่ และส่งผลกระทบรุนแรง, จากคำพูดของ นางสาวนฤมล โรจน์สิรวรพัฒน์ ผู้จัดการอาวุโสฝ่ายบริการอุตสาหกรรม คอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย มีความแตกต่างกันอย่างมากมายมหาศาลของความเสียหายที่เกิดขึ้นในช่วงไม่กี่วันนี้กับหลายเดือนก่อนหน้า “ความสูญเสียในภาคอุตสาหกรรมเพิ่มขึ้นมากกว่า 100 เท่า ตั้งแต่วันที่ 5 ตุลาคมที่ผ่านมา เนื่องจากนิคมอุตสาหกรรม 2 แห่งโดนน้ำท่วม ส่วนอีก 2 แห่งยังคงอยู่ระหว่างการเฝ้าระวัง” นางสาวนฤมล กล่าว

โกดังสินค้าและศูนย์กระจายสินค้าจำนวนมากได้รับผลกระทบจากน้ำท่วม โดยเฉพาะที่ตั้งอยู่ที่จังหวัดอยุธยาและบนถนนพหลโยธินที่ปัจจุบันถูกน้ำท่วมบางช่วง ซึ่งสถานการณ์ยังคงอยู่ในขั้นวิกฤตเนื่องจากมีฝนตกอย่างต่อเนื่องช่วงสัปดาห์ที่ผ่านมารวมทั้งปริมาณน้ำจำนวนมหาศาลกำลังไหลลงมายังจังหวัดภาคกลางตอนล่าง ดังนั้นนิคมอุตสาหกรรมต่างๆ ในจังหวัดปทุมธานี และกรุงเทพมหานคร กำลังอยู่ในอันตราย

นางสาว นฤมล ยังกล่าวอีกว่า มากกว่า 500 โรงงานต้องปิดตัวลงในช่วงนี้ และคนงานมากกว่า 100,000 คนต้องตกงาน “ความเสียหายจากน้ำท่วมน่าจะใช้เวลา 2 – 3 เดือนหลังจากน้ำลดในการแก้ปัญหาต่างๆ เพราะบริษัทต่างๆ ต้องใช้เวลาในการปรับปรุง ซ่อมแซม อาคาร และเครื่องจักร ”

ภาคอุตสาหกรรมฟื้นตัวขึ้นอย่างรวดเร็วจากปี 2553 และเกิดการขาดแคลนพื้นที่โกดังสินค้าในบางพื้นที่ โดยเฉพาะโกดังขนาดใหญ่และมีมาตรฐานดี ในอยุธยา และบางพื้นที่บนถนนบางนา – ตราด และแหลมฉบังซึ่งเป็นที่ต้องการอย่างมากในขณะที่อุปทานมีอยู่จำกัด “ผู้ประกอบการควรเข้าใจถึงความต้องการของผู้เช่าที่คำนึงถึงมาตรฐานของอาคาร ทำเล รูปแบบอาคาร และพื้นที่นั้นๆ เป็นพื้นที่ปลอดภาษีหรือพื้นที่ธรรมดาทั่วไป เป็นต้น และพวกเราหวังว่าโกดังสินค้าใหม่ทีจะเกิดขึ้นในอนาคตควรจะเป็น raised floor ทั้งหมด” นางสาว นฤมล กล่าวเพิ่มเติม

ถึงแม้ว่าปฏิกริยาหลังจากน้ำท่วมอาจมีการย้ายฐานการผลิตบ้าง แต่ในภาคอุตสาหกรรมการผลิดของประเทศไทยยังคงสดใส นาย ปฏิมา จีระแพทย์ กรรมการผู้จัดการ ของคอลลิเออร์ส กล่าวว่า “นักลงทุนจำนวนมากลงทุนเป็นเงินจำนวนมหาศาล และเป็นระยะเวลานานแล้ว และพวกเขาไม่สามารถที่จะย้ายไปที่อื่นได้” “และยังต้องใช้เวลาในการสร้างเครือข่ายด้วย” เขากล่าวเพิ่มเติม นาย ปฏิมายังให้ความเห็นเพิ่มเติมว่า ความเสียหายไม่ได้เกิดขึ้นที่ประเทศไทยเท่านั้น แต่น้ำท่วมส่งผลกระทบต่อ กัมพูชา ฟิลิปปินส์ และลาว “ประเทศไทยยังคงเป็นตัวเลือกที่ดีที่สุดในการเป็นฐานการผลิต เมื่อพิจารณาถึงปัจจัยอื่นๆ เช่น ระบบสาธารณูปโภคที่สามารถรับมือกับน้ำท่วมได้ เมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับ เวียดนาม และกัมพูชา” นาย ปฏิมา กล่าว

ความเป็นไปได้อีกอย่างหนึ่งคือการสร้างโกดังสินค้าสำรองในพื้นที่ที่น้ำท่วมไม่ถึง “ภายหลังจากเหตุการณ์รุนแรงในพื้นที่ธุรกิจในกลางกรุงเทพมหานครเมื่อปีที่ผ่านมา ผู้เช่าในอาคารสำนักงานต่างเริ่มมองหาสำนักงานสำรองในทำเลอื่น และน่าจะเกิดขึ้นในภาคอุตสาหกรรมด้วยเช่นกัน” นายปฏิมา กล่าว อย่างไรก็ตามการประเมินความเสียหายจากน้ำท่วมน่าจะใช้เวลาเป็นสัปดาห์หรือมากกว่านั้น “พวกเราคาดหวังว่าความเสียหายจะไม่มากจนเกินไป” นาย ปฏิมา กล่าวเพิ่มเติม

Cost multiplying for industrial market due to floods

2011-11-20T10:23:00.003+07:00

The ongoing floods that have affected more than 59 provinces in Thailand have devastated huge swathes of agricultural land but the extremity of the floods have put more damaged industrial activity, including industrial estates and further potential flooding threatens more central locations causing greater disruptions to the supply chain, according to Colliers International Thailand.

While the floods have ravaged many parts of Thailand since August, relatively little damage to manufacturing was inflicted due to most factories being located away from initial flooding areas. However this changed on October 5th when water levels reached their highest point in living memory and Ayutthaya, home to significant manufacturing, was seriously affected. According to Narumon Rodsiravoraphat, Senior Manager for Industrial Services at Colliers, far greater damage was caused to industry in the last few days compared to the previous few months. "Over a hundred times greater financial loss to industry was incurred since 5th October due to severe damage to two industrial estates and two others have been evacuated in anticipation of flood waters reaching them", said Narumon.

Many warehouses and distribution centres have been seriously affected especially in Ayutthaya area and along the main highway of Phahonyothin road which has become effectively the channel for water in the north to flow down to the central provinces. Over the course of the week further flooding is expected due to looming storms and industrial facilities in Pathumthani and Bangkok itself are now in danger.

According to Narumon, more than 500 factories have been forced to close during this situation and more than 100,000 workers have been affected from this crisis. "The damage from the flooding may be take up to two to three months to be accessed and rectified after the water level decreases as companies must take time for renovation of facilities as well as repair and re-operation of machinery", she added.

The industrial market has picked up rapidly from 2010 and there has already been a shortage of warehouse space in some locations, especially good quality large space in Ayutthaya and some Bangna areas. Lamchabang, where there is strong demand for free zones, also seems short of supply. "Developers should understand more of the market demands and requirements in terms of specification, locations, layout, and general/free trade zones, etc. And we do hope that all new warehouse developments will all be raised floor", said Narumon.

Although the initial reaction after the flood will be for the relocation of manufacturing, in reality manufacturers will remain rather sanguine according to Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers. "Many have invested significant amounts of money over time and they are just not going to walk away", he said. "It also takes time to create a supplier network as well" he added. Patima also noted that serious damage was not limited to Thailand and the horrors of the flood are also evident in Cambodia, Philippines and Laos. "Manufacturers will be wary of relocating to countries with less reliable infrastructure to cope with floods and they may decide that Thailand is a better location than say Vietnam or Cambodia due to this fact. However new investment for manufacturing locations may be shifted towards non flooding areas in Thailand. All factories, distribution centers, and logistics companies also must create and work out their contingency plan well enough in advance”, said Patima.

One possible ramification could be the development of back up storage centres in locations upon higher ground that can protect goods from damage. "After the riots in 2010 many office occupiers considered back up locations and the same may now apply for industrial activity", said Patima. However, unfortunately the flooding story has not run its course and a better assessment can be made in a week or so time. "We only hope that further damage is kept to a minimum"' added Patima.

Cost multiplying for industrial market due to floods

2011-11-20T10:23:00.002+07:00

Residential market likely to remain uncertain for sometime after the floods

2011-11-20T10:23:00.001+07:00

With the ever growing inundation of Bangkok and exhausting uncertainties regarding the potential flooding situation in the centre of the city; even in the best case scenario the pattern for the residential market will be difficult to assess even after the floods have receded, according to real estate company Colliers International Thailand. For the rest of the quarter residential launches are very likely to remain subdued due to current sentiment and logistics. However unlike the post May 17 2010 situation, when buyers jumped straight into the market, many will probably be cautious about making such a big decision as a property purchase until the ongoing events have ended and an analysis of the flood is undertaken, according to Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers. "The full story will need to be known before buyers come rushing in again and developers will also need to reevaluate projects", he said.

The decision as to whether to purchase landed property versus a high-rise condominium will likely be in favour of the latter due to the floods but even then people will evaluate which areas are less prone to floods. "Even if your high-rise home is protected you still don't want the area inundated with flood water for weeks", pointed out Mr Jeerapaet. However long the delays in buyers coming back in the market the pent up demand is likely to increase and eventually a significant number of launches will take place. According to Tony Picon, Associate Director at Colliers, condominiums will be even more popular than they were before the floods. "We are noticing that more older people and children are staying in condominiums at the moment and the reason is that the owners are using units as temporary accommodation for their extended families", he said. In the aftermath of the floods many who were forced to evacuate to centres may rethink their options. "You could find families encouraging one of their number to purchase a condominium unit and even help in financing, as it would then function as a back-up residence", pointed out Mr Picon.

At the high-income end of the market the same reasoning could add to the trend for purchasing second homes in resorts such as Hua Hin or Pattaya. "Many have fled to these resorts especially people who don't need to work in Bangkok such as children and the elderly", stated Monchai Orawongpaisan, Senior Manager for Residential Project Sales and Marketing. Again family pressure could result in more property being purchased not only as a weekend retreat but also as a back- up residence. "We could see significant activity in the market during the first half of next year based on this trend in Hua Hin, Pattaya and other nearby resorts", he added.

While high rises will prove more popular, landed property will still remain a strong presence in the city. There are dire warnings of global warning leading to more regular flooding problems, including flash floods as a result of heavy downpours and a future trend could be simply opting for houses on stilts which reflected a common mode of living in the past. "Many countries have been affected by floods and stilt based housing is proving more popular with innovative designs coming to the fore which exclude the use of hardwood pilling", said Mr Picon. The existence of such properties would also support the city in allowing water to run off quickly. "It is basically a way of accepting Mother Nature and living with it rather than trying to confront the situation ", he added.

Mr Picon pointed out that the problem for buyers finding locations that will be relatively safe from future floods is that effects can vary based on a number of factors. "Firstly, flooding is a combination of run-off from the north, heavy rains and high tides in November; and the impact of each differs for every flood leading to different geographical patterns of inundation ", said Mr Picon. The other variable is that the elaborate flood protection system for Bangkok is managed by politicians and administrators, and their priorities can change. "If the whole of Bangkok is inundated this time then buyers will face a big dilemma as to finding suitable locations in the future", warned Mr Picon.

ตลาดที่อยู่อาศัยยังคงมีแนวโน้มผันผวนหลังผ่านสถานการณ์น้ำท่วม

2011-11-20T10:22:00.000+07:00

คอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย บริษัทที่ปรึกษาด้านอสังหาริมทรัพย์ชั้นนำเผยว่า ปัญหาน้ำท่วมในกรุงเทพฯ และความไม่ชัดเจนเกี่ยวกับความเสี่ยงต่อน้ำท่วมของบริเวณกรุงเทพฯชั้นใน ทำให้ยากต่อการประเมินสถานการณ์ตลาดที่อยู่อาศัยช่วงหลังน้ำลด แม้ว่าจะอยู่สถานการณ์ที่ดีที่สุดก็ตาม นายปฏิมา จีระแพทย์ กรรมการผู้จัดการของคอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย ให้ข้อมูลว่า ตลอดช่วงเวลาที่เหลือของไตรมาส การเปิดตัวโครงการที่พักอาศัยคงจะค่อนข้างเงียบตามสภาวะความรู้สึกของตลาดและปัญหาด้านการเดินทาง สถานการณ์จะไม่เหมือนกับช่วงหลังเกิดเหตุการณ์ในวันที่ 17 พฤษภาคม 2553 ซึ่งผู้ซื้อกระโดดเข้าสู่ตลาดในทันที เพราะหลายคนคงจะระมัดระวังมากขึ้นเกี่ยวกับการตัดสินใจครั้งใหญ่ อย่างการซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์จนกว่าเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นจะยุติลง และมีการวิเคราะห์ผลที่เกิดขึ้นจากเหตุการณ์น้ำท่วมในครั้งนี้ “รายละเอียดทั้งหมดต้องถูกเปิดเผยก่อนที่ผู้ซื้อจะเร่งหวนคืนสู่ตลาด และเจ้าของโครงการเองก็จำเป็นต้องประเมินโครงการต่างๆ ใหม่” นายปฏิมากล่าว

การตัดสินใจเลือกซื้อระหว่างบ้านพร้อมที่ดินกับคอนโดสูง อย่างหลังน่าจะได้เปรียบมากกว่าเมื่อคำนึงถึงปัจจัยเรื่องน้ำท่วม แต่ถึงแม้จะเป็นที่พักอาศัยในอาคารสูง ประชาชนก็ยังต้องพิจารณาว่าทำเลไหนเสี่ยงต่อน้ำท่วมน้อยกว่า “แม้ว่าที่อยู่อาศัยบนอาคารสูงของคุณจะไม่ได้รับผลกระทบจากน้ำท่วม แต่คุณก็คงไม่อยากอยู่ในบริเวณที่มีน้ำท่วมนานหลายสัปดาห์” นายปฏิมาชี้ อย่างไรก็ตาม เมื่อผู้ซื้อหวนคืนสู่ตลาดหลังจากชะลอไปนาน น่าจะทำให้อุปสงค์ที่อั้นไว้เพิ่มสูงขึ้น ซึ่งจะส่งผลให้มีการเปิดตัวโครงการต่างๆ ตามมาอีกหลายโครงการ นายโทนี พิคอนวิเคราะห์ว่า ความนิยมในคอนโดมิเนียมนั้นจะเพิ่มสูงขึ้นกว่าเมื่อครั้งที่ยังไม่เกิดอุทกภัย “เราสังเกตเห็นว่า ณ ขณะนี้ มีจำนวนผู้สูงอายุและเด็กมาพักอาศัยอยู่ในคอนโดมิเนียมเพิ่มขึ้น ซึ่งเป็นผลจากเจ้าของห้องชุดหลายคนได้ใช้ห้องพักเป็นที่พักอาศัยชั่วคราวสำหรับครอบครัวขยายของพวกเขา” นายโทนีอธิบาย ผลกระทบที่ตามมาจากน้ำท่วมจะทำให้ประชาชนจำนวนมากที่จำเป็นต้องย้ายไป อาศัยอยู่ตามศูนย์อพยพต้องพิจารณาทางเลือกของตนเสียใหม่ “คุณจะพบว่ามีหลายครอบครัวสนับสนุนให้สมาชิกในครอบครัวซื้อห้องในอาคารชุดรวมไปถึงการเสนอให้ความช่วยเหลือด้านการ เงินเนื่องจากห้องในอาคารชุดจะทำหน้าที่เป็นที่พักอาศัยสำรอง” นายโทนีชี้

ในตลาดกลุ่มผู้มีรายได้สูง เหตุผลเดียวกันนี้ ทำให้แนวโน้มในการซื้อบ้านหลังที่สองในบริเวณสถานที่พักตากอากาศอย่างหัวหินหรือพัทยา เพิ่งสูงขึ้น “หลายๆ คนหนีไปยังสถานที่ตากอากาศ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่ง กลุ่มคนที่ไม่มีความจำเป็นต้องทำงานในกรุงเทพฯอย่างเด็กและคนชรา” นายมนต์ชัย อรวงศ์ไพศาล ผู้จัดการอาวุโสฝ่ายขายโครงการที่พักอาศัยระบุ แรงกดดันจากครอบครัวอาจส่งผลให้มีการซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์เพิ่มมากขึ้น ไม่ใช่สำหรับการพักผ่อนในช่วงสุดสัปดาห์เพียงอย่างเดียว แต่ยังเป็นที่พักอาศัยสำรองด้วย “เราจะเห็นการเคลื่อนไหวอย่างมีนัยสำคัญของตลาดในช่วงครึ่งแรกของปีหน้า โดยแนวโน้มอยู่ที่หัวหิน พัทยาและสถานที่ตากอากาศใกล้กรุงเทพฯ” นายมนต์ชัยให้ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม

แม้อาคารสูงจะเป็นที่นิยมมากกว่า แต่อสังหาริมทรัพย์พร้อมที่ดินก็ยังคงมาแรงในกรุงเทพฯ คำเตือนเรื่องโลกร้อนก่อให้เกิดปัญหาน้ำท่วมบ่อยครั้งยิ่งขึ้น รวมถึงน้ำท่วมฉับพลันที่เกิดจากฝนตกหนัก ส่งผลให้ประชาชนมีแนวโน้มจะเลือกบ้านยกพื้นสูงซึ่งสะท้อนวิถีชีวิตทั่วไปในอดีต “หลายๆ ประเทศได้รับผลกระทบจากน้ำท่วมและบ้านยกพื้นสูงเป็นที่นิยมมากขึ้น โดยมีนวัตกรรมใหม่ๆ ออกมาเรื่อยๆ รวมทั้งการปูพื้นด้วยไม้เนื้อแข็ง” นายโทนีกล่าว อสังหาริมทรัพย์ในรูปแบบดังกล่าวยังมีส่วนช่วยให้น้ำไหลผ่านกรุงเทพฯได้เร็ว ขึ้น “เป็นวิธีพื้นฐานในการยอมรับสภาพธรรมชาติและ ปรับตัวให้เข้ากับธรรมชาติแทนการเผชิญหน้า” นายโทนีเสริม

นายโทนีชี้ว่า ผู้ซื้อมีปัญหาในการหาทำเลที่เสี่ยงต่ออุทกภัยน้อยเนื่องจากผลกระทบจากน้ำท่วมขึ้นอยู่กับหลายปัจจัย “ประการแรก น้ำท่วมเป็นผลจากน้ำที่ไหลบ่าลงมาจากภาคเหนือ ฝนตกหนักและน้ำทะเลหนุนในเดือนพฤศจิกายน ผลของแต่ละปัจจัยทำให้สถานการณ์น้ำท่วมแต่ละครั้งแตกต่างกัน ซึ่งทำให้บริเวณที่ได้รับผลกระทบจากอุทกภัยแตกต่างกันด้วย” นายโทนีกล่าว ปัจจัยอื่นๆ ได้แก่ระบบการป้องกันน้ำท่วมอันสลับซับซ้อนของกรุงเทพฯ การบริหารจัดการโดยนักการเมืองและข้าราชการซึ่งลำดับความสำคัญอาจเปลี่ยนแปลงได้ “ถ้าครั้งนี้น้ำท่วมทั่วกรุงเทพฯ ผู้ซื้อจะตัดสินใจเลือกทำเลที่เหมาะสมได้ลำบากในอนาคต” นายโทนีเตือน

ตลาดคอนโดยังคงสดใสและแข็งแกร่ง แม้จะมีสัญญาณเตือนภัยให้เห็นอยู่รำไร

2011-07-24T13:49:00.002+07:00

รายงานฉบับล่าสุดของคอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย (Colliers International Thailand) เผยให้เห็นว่า ตลาดคอนโดมิเนียมในกรุงเทพฯ ในไตรมาสที่ 2 ของปี 2554 ยังคงสดใสต่อเนื่องจากการรุกทำกิจกรรมในช่วงครึ่งหลังของปี 2553 ในไตรมาสที่สองนี้ มีอาคารชุดประมาณ 11,900 ยูนิต เปิดตัวสู่ตลาดซึ่งเพิ่มขึ้น 9.6% จากไตรมาสก่อน ยูนิตที่เปิดตัวใหม่บริเวณใจกลางกรุงเทพฯและชานเมืองกรุงเทพฯมีจำนวนใกล้เคียงกัน และเป้าหมายคือกลุ่มตลาดราคาย่อมเยาและใกล้เส้นทางขนส่งมวลชน

ข่าวเด่นประจำไตรมาสได้แก่การเปิดตัวโนเบิล เพลินจิตขนาด 1,442 ยูนิต เพียงวันแรกก็ทำยอดขายได้ถึงประมาณ 700 ยูนิต นายปฏิมา จีระแพทย์ กรรมการผู้จัดการบริษัทคอลลิเออร์สฯ ประเทศไทย เชื่อว่าอนาคตของกรุงเทพฯมีแววสดใสรุ่งโรจน์ “ความสำเร็จอันงดงามในการเปิดตัวโครงการทั้งๆ ที่เป็นช่วงเลือกตั้งซึ่งมีความผันผวนสูงนั้น แสดงให้เห็นว่าคนไทยไม่ได้หวั่นวิตกมากนัก” นายปฏิมาตั้งข้อสังเกตว่าขนาดห้องซึ่งค่อนข้างเล็กและส่วนใหญ่เป็นห้องประเภทหนึ่งห้องนอนนั้น แสดงให้เห็นว่าแม้แต่โครงการระดับบนยังคำนึงถึงกำลังซื้อ และยังกล่าวเสริมด้วยว่า “บริษัทผู้พัฒนาโครงการสำหรับลูกค้าทุกกลุ่มลดขนาดห้องชุดลงเพื่อดึงดูดอุปสงค์ของผู้ที่มีแนวโน้มว่าจะซื้อเพิ่มขึ้น” นายปฏิมาพอใจที่โนเบิล เพลินจิตและโครงการศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล เอ็มบาสซีซึ่งอยู่ในระหว่างก่อสร้างจะเติมช่องว่างระหว่างชิดลมถึงต้นถนนสุขุมวิท “ฝั่งตะวันออกของเพลินจิตค่อนข้างจะร้างมาสักพักแล้ว” นายปฏิมาอธิบาย
ลุมพินี วิลล์ พัฒนาการ – เพชรบุรีตัดใหม่ของแอลพีเอ็น ดีเวลล็อปเมนท์ เป็นอีกหนึ่งโครงการที่ประสบความสำเร็จในการเปิดตัวในไตรมาสที่ 2 ยอดจองในช่วงเปิดตัวอยู่ที่ 70% จาก 1,605 ยูนิต ฝั่งใต้เองก็ไม่น้อยหน้า ยอดจองช่วงเปิดตัวพรีมา พระราม 3 - นราธิวาส ของศุภาลัยอยู่ที่ 80% โดยราคาขายเริ่มต้นที่ 56,000 บาท ต่อ ตร.ม. ระบบขนส่งมวลชนยังคงเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญในตลาด โดยโครงการในระยะ 200 เมตร จากสถานีนั้น ตั้งราคาขายได้สูงกว่าและมียอดจองมากกว่าโครงการที่อยู่ห่างออกไป

แม้ว่าคอลลิเออร์สฯยังคงเชื่อมั่นว่า ตลาดคอนโดมิเนียมจะยังคงเติบโตอย่างต่อเนื่อง แต่นายแอนโทนี พิคอน ผู้ช่วยผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายวิจัยของคอลลิเออร์สฯได้กล่าวเตือนว่า “เนื่องจากยังมีอีกหลายโครงการที่อยู่ในระหว่างก่อสร้าง และอัตราค่าแรงขั้นต่ำที่มีแนวโน้มพุ่งสูงขึ้นอาจส่งผลให้ต้นทุนการก่อสร้างในอนาคตเพิ่มขึ้น” นายพิคอนเตือน แรงกดดันจากเงินเฟ้อที่เพิ่มมากขึ้นส่งผลให้อัตราดอกเบี้ยเพิ่มสูงขึ้นไปอีก ซึ่งนายพิคอนกังวลว่าดอกเบี้ยสูงจะเป็นผลร้ายต่อผู้กู้ “ถ้าดอกเบี้ยสูงขึ้นถึงระดับหนึ่ง ผู้กู้จะชำระไม่ไหว และแม้ว่าวันนี้ยังไม่มีปัญหา แต่เศรษฐกิจที่ร้อนแรงเกินไปอาจกลายเป็นปัญหาเพราะการใช้จ่ายเกินตัว” นายพิคอนเสริม

โครงการใหม่ที่เพิ่งเปิดตัวในไตรมาสที่ 2 ของปี 2554 เพิ่มขึ้น 9.6% จากไตรมาสที่ 1 ของปี 2554 ห้องชุดประมาณ 11,900 ยูนิตจะออกสู่ตลาด ซึ่งแสดงให้เห็นว่าตลาดยังคงสดใสหลังจากครึ่งปีหลังของปี 2553 มีการเปิดตัวโครงการไปแล้วหลายโครงการ

ราคาขายเฉลี่ยสำหรับบริเวณใจกลางเมืองแตะระดับสูงสุดที่กว่า 130,000 บาทต่อ ตร.ม. ซึ่งสูงกว่าราคาขายเฉลี่ยในกรุงเทพฯถึง 45% ราคาขายเฉลี่ยในบริเวณชานเมืองฝั่งตะวันออกสูงเป็นอันดับสอง เนื่องจากบริษัทผู้พัฒนาโครงการซึ่งจดทะเบียนในตลาดหลักทรัพย์แห่งหนึ่งกำลังพัฒนาโครงการหนึ่งในย่านนี้ซึ่งราคาขายสูงกว่า 120,000 บาทต่อ ตร.ม.

http://www.colliers.co.th

Colliers gives hope to children

2011-06-27T14:24:00.002+07:00

On June 24, 2011, Colliers International Thailand has recently contributed money, toys, gifts and clothing to Santisuk Foundation to give hope and encouragement to the children, to live their lives with dignity and quality and support their various activities that Santisuk Foundation set up on special occasions.

ตลาดภูเก็ตกระเตื้องขึ้น แม้ยังสู้ยุคเฟื่องฟูไม่ได้

2011-06-27T13:02:00.002+07:00

รายงานสภาพตลาดที่อยู่อาศัยในภูเก็ตของคอลลิเออร์ส อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล ประเทศไทย (Colliers International Thailand) ระบุว่า ปี 2553 และห้าเดือนแรกของปี 2554 เป็นช่วงฟื้นตัวจากสภาพตลาดซบเซาอันสืบเนื่องมาจากวิกฤตการณ์ทางการเงินทั่วโลก นักลงทุนต่างชาติกำลังหวนคืนสู่เกาะภูเก็ต

รายงานฉบับนี้แยกตลาดในพื้นที่ไม่ติดทะเล ซึ่งเป็นที่ตั้งของอสังหาริมทรัพย์ส่วนใหญ่ กับตลาดบริเวณชายฝั่งที่ถึงแม้มีจำนวนอสังหาริมทรัพย์และที่ดินน้อยกว่าแต่มูลค่าของทรัพย์สินสูงกว่า นายปฏิมา จีระแพทย์ กรรมการผู้จัดการบริษัทคอลลิเออร์สฯ ชี้แจงว่า ชาวต่างชาติสนใจตลาดชายฝั่งทะเลภูเก็ตมากกว่ารีสอร์ทในพัทยาและหัวหิน “เศรษฐีคนไทยส่วนใหญ่เลือกซื้อบ้านหลังที่สองในรีสอร์ทใกล้ๆ กรุงเทพฯ เพราะเดินทางสะดวก ดังนั้นกลุ่มเป้าหมายของอสังหาริมทรัพย์บริเวณชายฝั่งทะเลภูเก็ตจึงเน้นชาวต่างชาติ ซึ่งอ่อนไหวต่อสถานการณ์เศรษฐกิจโลกมากกว่าที่อื่น”

แม้ว่าทรัพย์สินประเภทที่ดินจะครองตลาดที่อยู่อาศัยส่วนใหญ่ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งบริเวณไม่ติดทะเล แต่ในปี 2553 ที่ผ่านมา เป็นหนึ่งในจำนวนหลายๆ ปีที่มีจำนวนคอนโดมิเนียมออกสู่ตลาดมากกว่าปกติ ประมาณ 1,020 ยูนิต โดย ณ เดือนพฤษภาคมปี 2554 มีคอนโดมิเนียมจำนวน 200 ยูนิตออกสู่ตลาด ส่วนใหญ่ตั้งอยู่ในพื้นที่ไม่ติดทะเล และปัจจุบัน ตลาดในประเทศได้กลายเป็นกำลังซื้อหลักไปแล้ว

ตลาดชายฝั่งทะเลชั้นสูงยังต้องรอเวลาคืนสู่ความคึกคักเหมือนช่วงก่อนเกิดวิกฤติการณ์ทางการเงินทั่วโลก แต่ความสำเร็จของหลาย ๆ โครงการชี้ให้เห็นว่าตลาดกำลังฟื้นตัว “สภาพตลาดในปัจจุบันจะเปรียบเหมือนแก้วที่มีน้ำเหลือตั้งครึ่งแก้วหรือแค่ครึ่งแก้วนั้น ขึ้นอยู่กับว่าคุณนำไปเทียบกับช่วงปี 2549 – 2550 หรือปี 2552" นายแอนโทนี พิคอน ผู้ช่วยผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายวิจัยของคอลลิเออร์สฯกล่าว นายแอนโทนีชี้ให้เห็นถึงความสำเร็จหมาดๆ ของโครงการอันดาราบนหาดกมลาว่า เป็นตัวอย่างซึ่งแสดงให้เห็นว่าภูเก็ตยังคงครองความเป็นที่สุดในตลาดอสังหาริมทรัพย์ระดับหรู “ผู้ที่มีกำลังซื้อสูงมาจากหลากหลายประเทศ ไม่ใช่แค่ยุโรป แต่ฮ่องกง รัสเซียและตะวันออกกลางกลายเป็นผู้ซื้อรายสำคัญของตลาดในปัจจุบัน" นายแอนโทนีชี้ บริษัทผู้พัฒนาโครงการอยู่ระหว่างพิจารณาปรับกลยุทธ์ทางการตลาดเพื่อให้เหมาะสมกับโปรไฟล์ของผู้ซื้อที่เปลี่ยนไป "โครงการกมลา ฟอลล์เสนอขายในรูปสินทรัพย์แบบฮาลาล โดยมีสระว่ายน้ำเฉพาะสำหรับผู้หญิงเพื่อดึงดูดผู้ซื้อมุสลิม" นายแอนโทนีอธิบาย

อันที่จริง หาดกมลาและบริเวณชายฝั่งทะเลทางทิศตะวันตกเฉียงเหนือเป็นทำเลที่กำลังบูมสำหรับโครงการระดับไฮเอนด์ มิเลียนแนร์ส ไมล์ยังมีพื้นที่อีกมากให้สร้างอสังหาริมทรัพย์หรูหรา อีกโอกาสหนึ่งที่น่าสนใจคืออนาคตของภูเก็ตในฐานะท่าจอดเรือซูเปอร์ยอร์ช เอเชียกำลังกลายเป็นจุดหมายในการล่องเรือสำราญที่ได้รับความนิยมไม่แพ้คาริเบียนและเมดิเตอเรเนียน แต่น่านน้ำในเอเชียแออัดน้อยกว่า “เศรษฐีชาวเอเชียเป็นกำลังซื้อสำคัญของซูเปอร์ยอร์ช และสถานภาพของภูเก็ตในฐานะจุดหมายในการล่องเรือยอร์ชที่มีชื่อเสียงเพราะมีท่าจอดเรือชั้นดีและมีเกาะแก่งงดงาม อาจยิ่งดีขึ้นหากมีการพัฒนาและยกระดับตลาดอสังหาริมทรัพย์ระดับสูง” นายปฏิมาแนะนำ อันที่จริง บริเวณรอบๆ ภูเก็ต พังงาและกระบี่สามารถพัฒนาให้เป็นจุดหมายในการล่องเรือยอร์ชระดับโลกได้ในอนาคต โดยมีภูเก็ตเป็นศูนย์กลาง "ภูเก็ตเป็นสัญลักษณ์แห่งความหรูหรา” นายปฏิมาเสริม

ปัจจัยสำคัญอีกประการหนึ่งซึ่งเป็นผลดีต่อภูเก็ตได้แก่ จำนวนเที่ยวบินนานาชาติที่บินตรงสู่ภูเก็ตมีเพิ่มมากขึ้น ซึ่งเป็นผลจากการขยายตัวอย่างรวดเร็วของสายการบินต้นทุนต่ำ นายแอนโทนีเชื่อว่าปัจจัยส่งผลให้มีจำนวนนักท่องเที่ยวมาเยือนภูเก็ตมากขึ้น ซึ่งนักท่องเที่ยวก็จะกลายมาเป็นผู้ซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์ในที่สุด “ตลาดที่อยู่อาศัยสำหรับชาวต่างชาติในภูเก็ตยังต้องฟื้นตัวกลับสู่ช่วงก่อนเกิดเหตุการณ์เลย์แมน แต่ยืนอยู่ในจุดที่ดีโดยผู้ซื้อจากตลาดดั้งเดิมอย่างยุโรปและสหรัฐอเมริกากลับมาเป็นแรงหนุนตลาดประเทศกำลังพัฒนาที่กำลังเติบโต" นายแอนโทนีชี้แจง

Tokyo Records Highest Warehouse Rentals Globally In 2010

2011-05-02T20:17:00.000+07:00

Asia Pacific warehouse demand is expected to take a dip due to the impact on the regional trade after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan

Colliers International recently released the Global Industrial Highlights – Second Half 2010, with Asia Pacific emerging yet again as the most robust region, North America registering a pick-up in leasing activity while Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) reported a modest growth.

In terms of warehouse rental, Tokyo topped the world at USD 22.56 as of end 2010. This is followed by London – Heathrow, Zurich, Hong Kong and Geneva – the global top five industrial warehouse rentals.

Asia Pacific
In the second half of 2010, exports in many countries posted encouraging growth rates, with healthy economic growth in the region and exporters boosting sales both within the region and globally. Asia Pacific continued to be the world’s most robust region. Across most markets in Asia Pacific, warehouse rentals were steady or in upward swing. Tokyo’s warehouse rentals were the highest at the end of 2010, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore at the 4th and 7th spot respectively.

Thailand witnessed a continued surge in industrial estate activity over the course of 2010 with an additional supply of 8,914 rai (3,523 acres) of Serviced Industrial Land Plots being added to the market.

However, with Japan’s devastating earthquake on March 2011, trade across the region will feel some effects with demand for warehouse space in the region expected to be sluggish compared to 2010. Disruptions in the supply chain have been felt in Thailand, a strong manufacturing base for Japanese companies. However over the medium and long term Thailand is expected to benefit as Japanese multinationals consider moving more production away from its own shores.

North America
Both the United States and Canadian warehouse market registered a noticeable pick-up in the second half of 2010. Warehouse demand in the United States was concentrated in a number of port-related markets, while in Canada, most markets recorded a fairly brisk period in the second half of 2010. Meanwhile, with a return of demand and continued drop-off in construction, vacancies in Canada and the United States decreased.

Amid signs of economic recovery in both countries, occupancy gains are expected to be sizeable in 2011 given healthy gains in manufacturing and a continued bounce-back in consumer spending. However, rentals are expected to remain largely directionless this year. Taking the second half of 2010 as an example, rental in United States fell 2.9% while those in Canada increased marginally by 0.2%.

EMEA
In EMEA, various markets were characterised by sluggish leasing activity and little expansion. Warehouse rentals again kept steady in the second half of 2010, similar to the first six months in the year, although Europe is home to some of the most expensive warehouse rentals in the world. For example, London – Heathrow, Zurich and Geneva were included in the top five most expensive warehouse rentals in the world.

London - Heathrow not only registered the most expensive warehouse rentals in EMEA, its prime industrial land prices at USD 56.82 per sq ft was the highest in the region and remained far in excess of any other markets in EMEA.

Bangkok condominium market cools down for Q1 2011

2011-04-28T11:56:00.000+07:00

Concerns regarding an overheating condominium market supply were allayed in Q1 2011 with a fall of around 46% of new launches compared to the previous quarter according to the latest Condominium Market Report from Colliers International Thailand.

Approximately 10,800 units were launched in Q1 2011 with slightly more coming from suburban Bangkok . The six months prior to Q1 were a frenetic time for the condominium market and Antony Picon, Associate Director of Research at Colliers believes this represented an aberration rather than a trend. "Many of the launches were tapping into the first time buyer market with small unit sizes and affordable prices and the reaction was similar to any new high profile product hitting the market for the first time such as the ipad", he said. "After a while things steadied and become more sustainable and that is what we are seeing with condominiums now", he added.

Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers, stated that the recent Bank of Thailand's loan to value requirements and the steady rises in interest rates went a long way to restrain the breakneck pace of launches. "There was considerable media attention at the end of last year regarding the high number of launches and prudent action has been taken that allows the market to consolidate rather than come to a complete halt and this can only be good for the market in the long term", Mr Patima pointed out.

Increasing land prices and construction costs are creating pricing pressures and it will be difficult for developers to pass these on the buyers, claimed Mr Picon. "Unit sizes can only be reduced by so much and already there is talk of action to limit this so any future price rises will only be possible with strong economic growth translating into higher wages", he said.

New launches for Q1 2011 were down compared with the previous quarter by around 46%. Just under 10,800 units were launched in Q1 compared to around 20,000 in Q4 2010.

In Q1 2011, the Suburban Bangkok area trumped urban Bangkok with the higher number of units launched. Many projects in the Suburban Bangkok area contain over 600 units.

Within urban Bangkok, the Northern Fringe and Southern Fringe areas have shown the highest numbers with approximately 1,600 units or 15% of each location from the total.

New supply

Approximately 3,500 new condominium units were completed and registered at the Department of Land in Q1 2011 and the total number of the whole of Bangkok was approximately 300,000 units, and more than 39,500 units are scheduled to be completed in 2011. The number of condominium units under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2011 is the highest since the global financial crisis in 1997.

The average selling price in the City area is the highest at more than THB 95,000 per sq m, however this is nearly 13% lower than the average selling price in 2010. This was due to less prestigious projects being launched in Q1 2011.

Bangkok remains the biggest supply of office space in ASEAN

2011-03-21T18:10:00.001+07:00

Bangkok contains most office space compared to other ASEAN commercial cities including Singapore according to research by Colliers International throughout Asia Pacific. Tokyo contains by far the greatest amount of space in Asia as a whole with around ten times the amount as Bangkok. Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers in Thailand asserted that Bangkok's strong position is a springboard for Bangkok to benefit from the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. "The service sector will be a key factor in the changes that will occur in 2015 and the fact that there is a significant amount of office space already and potential for more is a huge advantage for the city" he said.

Research by Colliers shows that Bangkok has around 7,900,000 square metres compared to Singapore's just over seven million. The other cities of Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur are further behind but not by much, according to Antony Picon, Associate Director for Research at Colliers. Most of the supply in Bangkok occurred in the 1990's. "Other cities are catching up but opening up the service sector in Thailand should lead to the next wave of office development" he pointed out. Mr Picon also explained that commercial activity in Thailand was centralized in Bangkok while in other countries it was more dispersed. "In Philippines there is a large office market in Cebu, Indonesia has Surabaya, Malaysia has Penang and Vietnam has an additional office market in Hanoi and Danang; in Thailand it is limited to Bangkok".

One of the key components of the AEC is the allowance for 70% ASEAN foreign equity participation in all domestic service industries by 2015. "It takes time for companies to really pay attention to the changes and make plans for benefiting from this, stated Mr Picon. "Thailand has many service sectors that can compete in the region such as architecture and IT but companies must hone the skills of their employees to become true regional champions", he said. "Language skills will be a key factor in all types of business in the future and this is one area that Thailand must move forward on", he stressed. The danger for Thailand, according to Mr Picon, is the wish to have greater protection from non-ASEAN companies using the AEC to further penetrate the market."The more protectionist clothing you wrap yourself in, the weaker you become" he warned. "Manchester United wouldn't be where they are today if they didn't play the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool", he contended.

Mr Patima recognizes the great potential for Bangkok to be a key service sector provider in the coming decades. "There is still plentiful land available for office development especially close to the mass transit lines and rentals will remain very competitive within ASEAN", he said. Mr Patima believes that concerted action by both private and public sectors should take place as soon as possible to ensure that 2015 will be a positive for the country. "If this happens then we will see a renaissance of the office market in the second half of the decade and Bangkok will continue to lead the way", he added.

EARTH HOUR 2011 : One hand for our WORLD

2011-03-18T16:28:00.001+07:00

Colliers International Thailand would like to invite everyone to be a part of EARTH HOUR 2011 campaign to help the EARTH.

Earth Hour 2011, the annual ‘Lights Out’ event, will take place on Saturday 26 March 2011 at 8:30pm. By turn off the lights for 1+ hour. “We are creating a campaign to public and our clients to be aware and to understand Earth Hour initiatives. We would like to raise awareness about better environment and sustainability living on the public’s perspective. We want everyone to get involved and have the sense of belonging of their own contribution to the earth.” said Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand.

“We start this campaign since 1st of March 2011 with 3 properties under our management, Deutsche Bank, Assumption University (Suvarnabhumi Campus) for AU Mall, Dormitory, Sport Complex, Car Parking and The Tepp Serviced Apartment and we are promoting this campaign with our clients during this period” he added.

Colliers International Selected By International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) as Top Outsourcing Provider

2011-03-18T16:04:00.001+07:00

-- Leading Real Estate Services Firm Makes Elite List for Sixth Consecutive Year --

Reinforcing its position as a best-in-class commercial real estate organisation, Colliers International has been selected as one of the world's top 100 outsourcing providers for the sixth consecutive year as part of the 2011 Global Outsourcing 100®. The list recognises the best outsourcing firms across multiple industries, as selected by an independent judging panel organised by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP).

The Global Outsourcing 100 is a critical resource for all companies seeking to do business with best-in-class service providers and vendors. In this way, The Global Outsourcing 100 is more than just a ranking - - it is a critically important referral tool for any company seeking to find top-quality business partners.

“It comes as no surprise to us that Colliers International has once again been recognised as a leading firm by the 2011 Global Outsourcing 100,” said Douglas P. Frye, Global President and CEO of Colliers International. “Our enterprising service philosophy and approach truly differentiates our professionals from other service providers. In addition, our shared culture and commitment to excellence has enabled Colliers International to accelerate the success of clients throughout the world.”

“To make this prestigious list for the sixth consecutive year is a great achievement for us and a true reflection of our company’s essence. At Colliers, our people are our asset,” said Piers Brunner, CEO of Colliers International Asia. “In Asia, we have carved a name for ourselves in service excellence and we will continue to advance further this year to become the undisputed top real estate organisation in the region. We look forward to collectively accelerating our success.”

Condominium growth matching demand in Pattaya's vibrant market

2011-03-15T08:42:00.001+07:00

The Pattaya condominium development market is in good health according to the latest market report from Colliers International Thailand. Supply of units in 2010 was the greatest since 1997 with around 4,700 being added and launches for last year were also strong with over 3,400 being introduced. However take up remains robust throughout all zones so the new supply is being absorbed well. "There are no concerns regarding a bubble in Pattaya as many are talking about in Bangkok at the moment", said Antony Picon, Associate Director of Research at Colliers. "Take up was high at around 70% in Jomtien which reflected the popularity of the lower end products on the market there" he added.

The new darling of the condominium scene in Pattaya is Cosy Beach located in the Pratumnak Hill area, according to Mark Bowling, Senior Sales Manager at Colliers Pattaya Branch located on Second Road opposite Central Festival. "Several high rise condominiums are either currently under construction or in the relatively early stages of sales and marketing" he said. The Cliff by Nova Group was the first to enter the race in late 2009 and has successfully sold approximately 70% of its 427 units in little over 12 months, "a fantastic achievement taking into account the economic climate during that period", added Mr. Bowling.

Following on from the success of The Cliff, Nova Group recently introduced the similarly priced Legend on Cosy Beach, which together with five other proposed high rises in the same area, will increase the supply hugely in this hot spot by several thousand units between 2012 and 2013. Wongamat will also fuel future supply for 2013 with the introduction of three large scale luxury projects The Palm, Zire and W Tower.

The success of Pattaya stems from a number of factors maintains Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers, ranging from the introduction of retail outlets such as Central Festival shopping mall, a wider choice of trendy entertainment and dining venues, faster access to Bangkok and an increasing number of family friendly tourist attractions. "That is why many Thais are now purchasing property in the city like never before", he added.

Mr. Bowling was also keen to point out the number of local developers who are now well established in Pattaya, which provides buyers with confidence when purchasing off plan. "Local developers such as Nova Group, Heights Holdings, Iguana, View Talay and Rattanakorn Asset have a strong portfolio of already constructed products", he said. "Also two well known listed developers, Raimon Land and Major Development, are engaged in the market here and for others the city is appearing on the radar screen", he added.

Despite the continued strength in the Baht foreign buyers from the Euro zone, United Kingdom and USA continue to buy property in Pattaya in large numbers. Nevertheless spending power has been curbed with the most popular price range being between three to six million Baht. Mr Bowling added "There is plenty of availability in this market segment as we see designers and architects have given much thought to innovatively maximizing limited floor space more efficiently thus reducing sales prices without sacrificing location, facilities and overall quality".

The Russian market has become a force to be reckoned with especially in Cosy Beach and Wong Amat. Growth in tourism from India and Middle East also presents an opportunity but one for the future claims Mr. Bowling. "They mostly have a huge desire to buy property here, but are still very cautious and many have modest budgets. I do however see these countries becoming super powers on the Pattaya property scene in the near future, just as the Russians started off slowly several years ago" he explained.

Large building sales buoy Thailand property market in 2H 2010

2011-03-04T12:25:00.000+07:00

Large building sales buoy Thailand property market in 2H 2010
Kanchana Paha | Mar 03, 2011

Thailand’s real estate investment market in the second half of 2010 remained buoyant with several major transactions being sealed, according to the latest report from Colliers International.

The THB35.5 billion (US$1.16 billion) sale of Carrefour retail stores to the French retail operator Big C Supercenter boosted up the Kingdom’s investment market sentiment last year amidst unfavourable conditions including political uncertainty and legal impediments.

Other transactions included sales of 302 units of Millennium Residence by City Development to Lee Don Assets at THB5 billion (US$165.8 million). L.P.N. Development managed to acquire two plots of land on Rama III (22,968 sqm) and Sukhumvit Soi 24 (5,690) for THB779.01 million (US$25.84 million) and THB387.33 million (US$12.85) respectively.

Rojana Property, the developer of the Madison condominium on Sukhumvit 41 bought a plot on Sukhumvit Road from Metrostar Property at THB512.96 million (US$17.01 million).

Two major commercial property transactions last year were sales of Pacific Place I and II buildings of Lehman Brothers to Thai Property at THB727 million (US$24.11 million), and a purchase of Siripinyo Building of the country’s leading developer Sansiri from Kasikornbank at THB540 billion (US$17.91 million).

Bangkok Office Market Q4 2010

2011-02-04T10:42:00.000+07:00

The year 2010 represented one of the least active years for the office market as a whole in Bangkok as businesses were preoccupied with political disturbances and a possible double dip recession for many of its export destinations. The latest Bangkok Office Market Report Q4 2010 by Colliers International Thailand was released with one positive being that limited new supply over the coming few years should help bring occupancy levels back up. Antony Picon, Senior Manager of Research, pointed to issues facing the office market. “Future limited new supply can provide the market with an opportunity to reduce vacancy rates over the next few years”, he said. Mr Picon feels that Bangkok should try to capitalize on future opportunities for service sector growth especially in the form of ASEAN 2015 liberalization. “Thailand should compete harder by improving education as well as more incentives from the Board of Investment . Other countries are moving fast in the Business Process Outsourcing market such as Philippines and Vietnam; Thailand shouldn’t be left behind”, he remarked.

Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers emphasized the positives including new incentives for Regional Operating Headquarters and growing interest from China in Thailand as a regional hub. “Thailand is located in the heart of South East Asia and could gain significantly from the dramatic changes that are shaping the region and this will be very beneficial for the office market,” he pointed out. Mr Patima was also optimistic regarding Sathorn Square, the largest office building in the CBD since Empire Tower. “It is time that we saw new modern office towers being built in our city which reflects the energy and optimism we feel about the future”, he added.

Occupancy rates remained stable over the course of the year as a whole but with variance according to area. The Northern Fringe dipped from just over 86% to just below 84%, while the Outer CBD improved by about the same amount and now reaches 86%. The CBD registered about a 1% improvement over the course of 2010. Rental rates remained fairly static in 2010 as landlords maintain rates and provide incentives to attract tenant s to stay put. Only just under 6,000 sq m was added to supply in 2010 in the form of Office@Sivatel . “In many ways the big story of the office market in 2010 was that there was no story,” asserted Mr Picon. “ My forecast for 2011 is the same again although the opening of Sathorn Square in Q1 2011 will alter the dynamics in the Sathorn Road area but overall the tense global financial situation and lingering domestic tensions will keep many businesses in a holding pattern” he said. However Mr Picon ended on a more optimistic note. “If the country can move forward in the latter half of the year with developing its service sector in a more stable environment, then we might see a big improvement ”.

For more information please contact

Colliers International Thailand
Antony Picon
Associate Director | Research
T: 662 656 7000
E: antony.picon@colliers.com

Surachet Kongcheep
Senior Manager | Research
T: 662 656 7000
E: surachet.kongcheep@colliers.com

Bangkok Retail Market Report Year End 2010

2011-01-25T21:12:00.000+07:00

The retail market in Bangkok remained resilient in 2010 against the backdrop of the troubles in April and May, according the latest report from the Colliers International Thailand. Rentals remained stable over the year and th ere was even a slight uptick in occupancy in all areas. Around 185,000 sq m of retail space was added to supply in 2010 and in Q4 five community malls came online adding approximately 38,000 sq m. Although these community malls are small in size they represent an increasing feature of people’s daily lives, according to Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers. “They fit into the pattern of condominium development around the city”, he pointed out. “They are also beneficial to the environment as they reduce the need to drive long distances to shop”, he added.

The big story for 2010 was the sale of Carrefour’s hypermarkets to Big C, another hypermarket chain. This will create something approaching a duopoly and the high price recorded for the sale reflects the new reality for the retail sector in Bangkok’s urban area, contends Antony Picon, Senior Manager for Research at Colliers. “Impending legislation restricting large scale retail development in the centre of the city will lead to existing retail centres having a premium attached to them”, he said. Mr Picon believes that the Carrefour episode is unlikely to be last. “Developers are likely to scramble for these increasingly prized assets”, he added.

Future supply for 2011 is expected to be just shy of 300,000 sq m based on current projections. However one of the key stories over the next few years is the renovation of existing centres. Mr Picon referred to the total difference in design of retail centres now and those that are decades old. “Modern centres have designs that entice people to move up its levels by allowing them to see what is above, where older centres just have straight forward ceilings that block the views of the uppers floors”, he explained. Mr Picon pointed out that older retail centres need to be refurbished in order to maintain their customer base. “When a new centre is placed alongside a much older one the difference in appeal can be stark, so developers have no choice but to upgrade in order to remain competitive” he said.

RICS Thailand announces the new appointment of new Chairman and office bearers (2011-2012)

2011-01-22T11:07:00.003+07:00

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) announced today the new Chairman and office bearers for its Thailand board were elected on 13 January, 2011 (Thursday) for a one year term of office with immediate effect.

Patima Jeerapaet, PhD, MRICS, MVAT, MTVA, is Managing Director of CIT (Colliers International Thailand) Property Consultants Co Ltd, a global real estate services firm equipped with more than 23 years of knowledge of Thailand’s property market. In addition, he also chairs the Property Committee of Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) in monitoring and enhancing Thailand’s property industry’s competitiveness. He also serves as board member of Thai-Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce to promote Thai properties to Singapore and Swedish investors.

The newly elected office bearers and members of Thailand Board are as follows:

Major Office bearers:
Chairman: Patima Jeerapaet

Honorary Treasurer: Navaporn Wongurai

Honorary Secretary: Nicholas Brown

Elected Members:
Apibarn Ariyakulkarn
Roy Beevor
Sonthaya Vanichvatana
Janet Geddes
Ian Hamilton
Simon Landy
C P Leong
Sutee Sumatanonsak

Dr Patima Jeerapaet, the first Thai elected as Chairman of RICS Thailand, says “I am honoured to take up the post and hope to build on the achievements of Ian Hamilton and the executive team. Having built a presence in Thailand for more than ten years, RICS Thailand has over 100 Chartered Surveyors practicing in the country. I foresee the market of Thailand will continue to grow and become one of the key markets in South East Asia. I am looking forward to further strengthen membership services locally and create a strong RICS brand by working closely with fellow board members and staff of RICS.”

About RICS & RICS Asia

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is an independent professional body originally established in the UK by Royal Charter. Since 1868, RICS has been committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity – providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues affecting businesses and society.

RICS is the worlds’ leading qualification when it comes to professional standards in land, property and construction. With over 150,000 members globally, RICS represents, regulates and promotes the work of property professionals throughout 146 countries.

RICS Asia supports a network of over 11,000 individual professionals across the Asia region with an objective to help develop the property and construction markets in these countries, by introducing professional standards, best practice and international experience. It promotes RICS and its members as the natural advisors on all property matters. It also ensures that services and career development opportunities are provided to members.

RICS Asia region covers national associations and local groups locating in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The People’s Republic of China and the SAR Hong Kong. It also has members working across the region such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos PDR, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, The Maldives, The Philippines, Timor East and Vietnam.

Investing in Thai property market, be ready for the big changes, AEC 2015!!

2011-01-17T16:45:00.001+07:00

Thailand’s property market is considered one of the major business sectors in Thailand which is inevitably on the boom with the economical development of the country.

Thailand has passed its turbulences in year 2010 which is considered one of the most difficult years in the Thai history as well as for businesses in all sectors. Surprisingly, despite the political turbulence, many huge deals were closed during 2010. In fact, some property investment sales did hit the highest record. This is an indication of high confidence in the property sector as investing in a property is a long term investment.

The property market is mainly categorized into 5 different sectors which includes: industrial, commercial, residential, retail and hospitality. But when property is talked or discussed about, the general public will most likely perceive on the residential market or condominiums. So, what about the property market in Thailand? Will prices go up in 2011? Is there really scarcity of land? Is it equilibrium for the property market and what will happen in 2011?

We have so many questions on our minds. There is no doubt that prices of property along the BTS or MRT lines will increase continuously because of the limited amount of land and the high demand. This is a scarcity amongst developers because these are considered the prime locations. However in the future, should these lines expand, I believe that land along the extended lines would then become more attractive for developers.

For year 2011 - the right defined statement would be “Certainty is uncertainty”. We should be ready to surf the changing wave if there is any!! We should plan for uncertainty and be ready to apply all strategies for each challenge and each circumstance.

Judging from the Q4, 2010, I would view the Thai property marketing in each sector for below for 2011.

Industrial
Many key industrial estate developers were able to achieve their targets in 2010. The overall industrial market seemed to have improved and growth is expected by 10% in 2011, especially in manufacturing, automobile and parts, electronics and IT businesses. There are also more demand from foreign and local manufacturers for the expansion of industrial estates. The many concern for the industrial sector would be Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Health Impact Assessment (HIA).

Commercial
The office market has improved slightly especially for Grade B office buildings because of the extended mass transit. Many office buildings outside the CBD seem to attract interest from Tenants as well. Within the CBD, many office buildings are adopting the trend of renovating their office buildings with a more modern look to retain existing tenants as well as attract new tenants.
Where Regional Operating Headquarter (ROH) is concerned, no clear movement can be seen as yet but can expect to see results with 2011. This year should be a brighter year for the office market.

Residential
The overall residential market in 2010 mainly condominium was on the rise. In 2011, this will rather be stable. Condominium prices ranging between 80,000 – 120,000 baht per square meter will still be available within the city while on the outskirts prices would range between 50,000 – 75,000 baht per square meter. Upper-end condominiums for foreign investment have slowed down because of the strong Thai currency there are still some investors who look for quality products at bargained prices. This year we can expect for developers to gear their interest to building town houses or detached houses along the new mass transit extension lines.

Retail
The retail market has shown continuous improvement. Local demand continue to grow strongly but for tourists, this might be a little hesitant because of the strong Thai currency. There are many newly launched retail projects, for example supporting retail space in residential projects and community malls along the new mass transit lines.

Many big retailers and department stores are also adopting the trend to renovating / face lift / re-branding their stores to attract shoppers both in the capital and upcountry. There are also a number of new shopping centers which is likely to be completed in 2011.

Hospitality
For hotels industry in 2011, we can expect that there will be approximately 1,662 new rooms for the upper scale and luxury hotel. Hotel investors look for long term investment. Please do not perceive this to be an oversupply because the expected payback period for hotel investors in between 10 – 12 years. Hotel investors invest with an objective for capital gain in the future. The low labor costs, low material costs and low import cost since 2010 are striving hotel investors to seize the opportunity for construction.

Like other businesses, the property market also has its life cycle. Certain properties within the main business and shopping areas are also starting to rejuvenate their assets such as properties within the Sam Yan area of Chulalongkorn University properties, Bangkok Bazaar and Langsuan of Crown Property Bureau, some old shop house projects along Sukhumvit Roads and other main roads.

Nevertheless, there is another sector that the locals should look into as another choice of property investment. This is the agricultural sector which is rather sensitive, complex and controversial with regards to property rights and cultural rights. This is an opportunity for the local property investors and is a way for life’s sustainability as well.

Another major change in the Thai property market we look towards in 2011, is the possibility of leasehold extension that will encourage and assist Thai developers, Thai investors as well as foreign investors in their property investment. This will also bring in foreign direct investment into the country.

Looking a little bit further, the major change in 2015 would be the Asian Economic Community (AEC) which will positively impact the property market in all sectors as well as transportation and logistics. The high speed trains from China and the roads connecting countries will hugely benefit Thailand. AEC will open up businesses amongst the Asian countries. Geographically with Thailand in the center of many countries, Thailand will have a larger distribution channel. The public may be scared of over supply of condominiums but once AEC is introduced this will no longer be on ‘over supply’ as we will have more demand for residential. There will be a higher possibility and opportunities for Commercial, Industrial, Retail and Hospitality sectors as well..

Some of the property investment tips are:
1. Aim for best price, high return with low risks
2. Be well aware of the rules & regulations
3. Select for good location
Use them wisely and they could make you rich.

Dr. Patima Jeerapaet is the Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand
Please feel free to drop your comments or questions to patima.jeerapaet@colliers.com

Asia Investors Show Greater Optimism Pointing to a Full Upswing in Real Estate Markets

2010-11-18T13:50:00.002+07:00

73% Expected to Expand Their Portfolio; 59% of Investors Eye on Overseas Investment
(Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore are Preferred Investment Targets in Asia)

Most commercial real estate markets around the world have passed the bottom and are now on the rise, according to the majority of respondents in the Colliers International Global Investor Sentiment Survey for the third quarter of 2010. In Asia, investors appear to be even more optimistic with 91% of respondents expressing a desire to buy property in their domestic region, and 73% considering to expanding their property portfolio in the coming 12 months.

Shanghai in China, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore, were the most-preferred hot spots for Asian investors looking to buy office space over the next 12 months. Shanghai is on its way of recovery; Hong Kong and Singapore are expected to have further upside in the office sector. Individual investors reported their intention to pursue residential investment opportunities in second-tier Chinese cities such as Nanjing and Hangzhou.

Moving from 6 o’ clock on the global property clock in 1Q, the average time today according to Asian investors is slightly past 7 o’ clock. In the coming 12 months, the Asian market is predicted to have moved towards between 8 and 9 o’ clock. And in both cases, the greatest number of respondents sees the market growing at an even faster rate.

“The survey shows that Asian investors are confident on the macro-fundamentals in the region,” said Piers Brunner, chief executive officer, Asia. “Personal and corporate debt levels are low. Interest rates are low and liquidity is high. Optimism in the market is reinforced by 75% of respondents in Asia saying a double-dip recession is unlikely.”

However there are concerns among Asian investors, such as the uncertainties on government policies to cool the overheated markets, change in market liquidity and interest rate increases.

MORE ASIAN INVESTORS EXPECT TO EXPAND THEIR PORTFOLIO
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, the largest group of Asian investors (73%) expect to expand their property portfolio. This figure was higher than the 65% registered in 1Q 2010. The next largest group of respondents (18%) expect to rebalance the size of their portfolio over the coming year.

STRONG DESIRE TO BUY PROPERTY IN ASIA
The desire to buy property in Asia among Asian investors continues to rise. 91% of respondents expressed a desire to buy property in their domestic region, compared to 78% in 1Q 2010. The high percentage can be explained by the growth expectations in Asia, primarily driven by the Chinese market.

While globally only 30% of respondents considered investments outside their domestic markets, 59% of respondents in Asia reported a desire to buy overseas properties. They would prefer Sydney office and Brisbane retail assets in Australia. Others think office properties in New York and Chicago would offer good market entry points amid the prevailing low real estate prices.

NEW OPTIMISM POINTS TO AN UPSWING IN REAL ESTATE MARKETS ACROSS THE WORLD
Globally, the largest group of survey respondents put the Global Property Clock for their particular regions at eight o’clock, with the second and third largest groups at six and seven o’clock, respectively. These responses indicate that most markets globally are on the upswing and are characterized by rising demand, falling availability and vacancy and rising headline rents. This marks a significant move from Colliers International’s last Investor Sentiment Survey conducted in Q1 2010, when most respondents placed their markets at between five and six o’clock.

Some additional key global findings of Colliers International’s Q3 2010 Global Investor Sentiment Survey include:

•90% of respondents said they planned to expand their current level of real estate holdings within a year or maintain them at current levels.
•New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, London, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong were listed as key cross-border investment destinations. Emerging markets mentioned include Poland, Ukraine and Brazil.

Nearly 80 percent think debt will be easier to access in the next 12 months. Respondents who said they believe the cost of debt would rise in the next 12 months fell slightly from the first quarter of 2010, with 44 percent predicting an increase versus 52 percent six months ago.

KEY REGIONAL FINDINGS
•In Western Europe, 62% of respondents now intend to make cross-border investments, a notable increase from the figure of 30% for Q1 2010.
•In United States, a significantly greater proportion of investors (65%) indicated they are considering selling property over the next 12 months versus the Q1 2010 response of 23 percent.
•In the next 12 months, fewer Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) investors (46%) expect to expand their property portfolio compared to the 68% who expected to expand in Q1 2010.
•Among investors from the Middle East and Africa, 63% stated that they would be looking to actively reduce risk levels, with 25% indicating they would look to increase the diversification of their portfolio, implying an overall degree of risk management.
•Across Central and Eastern Europe, the range of locations being targeted by investors was quite diverse, although Warsaw remains the most popular destination, notably for office product. Other popular targets quoted were Kiev, Prague, Moscow and Bucharest.
•Among Latin American investors, 69 percent of those surveyed reported they will not reduce their risk levels.
•67 percent of the investors surveyed in Canada think that prime effective rents for the office market will either hit bottom by Q2 2011 or have already hit bottom. In the industrial market, 78 percent of investors think the bottom has either been reached or will be reached by Q2 2011 and that percentage jumps to 83 percent for retail.

The Colliers International Q3 2010 Global Investor Sentiment Survey was conducted from August 15 to September 7, 2010. Major institutional and private investors across the globe participated. The primary purpose of the survey is to better understand global investor attitudes in the current marketplace at a global and regional level, including investors’ outlook for the coming 12 months.

Embassy of Japan appoints Colliers to sell former Bangkok Embassy site

2010-10-27T22:26:00.000+07:00

The Embassy of Japan has appointed Colliers International Thailand as its Sole Agent to sell the former location of The Embassy of Japan in central Bangkok.

Having now relocated to Wireless Road, the Japanese Embassy is putting the prime CBD site that housed the Embassy for some 40 years on the market. The former Embassy site, located at 1674 New Petchaburi Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok, covers an area of 8 rai 3 ngan 13 square wah (14,052 sqm) on a major intersection in the heart of Bangkok. Colliers will sell the land by way of tender.

This valuable property is located approximately 20 meters from Petchaburi MRT station and approximately 200 meters from Airport Rail Link Makkasan main station. The property is located in an area with very high potential for the commercial development of office buildings, large shopping centres, high-end hotels, serviced apartments and residential projects with its convenient access to both the MRT and the Airport Link, giving direct access to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The surrounding area along Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road is fully developed with high end office and residential buildings and constitutes one of the busiest business districts of Bangkok.

The sale represents the most significant disposition of prime land by tender since the British Embassy sold part of its former premises on Ploenchit Road to Central Group in 2006. That transaction achieved record high prices. With confidence in the property market returning, bidding for the former Japanese Embassy site should attract wide interest.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which owns approximately 1 rai next door to the former embassy site, is also planning to sell at the same time, subject to receiving formal approval.

“The Bangkok land market has continued to do exceptionally well, even throughout the political disturbances earlier this year,” said Mr. Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers. “We have
no doubt that this transaction will attract wide interest from both local and overseas developers as it represents one of the few remaining large redevelopment opportunities in the prime area of Bangkok.”

Bidding forms for the tender are available from Colliers from November 1, 2010 – February 14, 2011. Bids must be submitted on February 15, 2011.

Thailand Property Market Rebound

2010-06-02T21:14:00.001+07:00

2 June 2010, Bangkok – The Bangkok hotel market had a good Q1 2010 on the back of a return of robust tourism figures highlighting the enduring appeal of Thailand and its capital city. Occupancy rates for the Luxury/Upper scale segments came just shy of the 70% mark. Of the four areas in the city centre, The Riverside recorded the lowest rates and the Southern CBD (Sathorn/Silom) the highest.

The future of the market remains unclear due to the considerable new supply of rooms being brought to the market in 2010 and 2011. This year will witness the greatest addition of new supply of Luxury and Upper scale hotels to Bangkok in its history. This is likely to squeeze occupancy levels which in turn will lead to pricing pressures even in a stable political climate. The current situation is a grim time for the industry and we must wait for Q4 until we have a better idea of how much tourism has been affected.

Hotels will still have to cope with increasing competition from serviced apartments for the short stay market. The Bangkok serviced apartment market is facing a difficult 2010 with a significant increase in supply while demand has fallen and is likely to remain down until confidence returns. Conversely the serviced apartments may benefit at the expense of apartments for lease due to uncertainty from foreign residents leading to a requirement for shorter term leasing contracts provided by serviced apartments. However such benefits will be short lived.

From 2009 to 2011 it is expected that overall supply of serviced apartment units will have risen by 40%. This will be difficult for the market to absorb. Average occupancy has continued to fall in Q1 2010 to the 65-70% mark for long term stays. This pattern is likely to continue until supply stabilizes and demand picks up again.

The retail market remained stable for Q1 2010 due to growing consumer confidence but was adversely affected by protracted political uncertainty. Only one new retail outlet was added to supply in Q1 2010 in the form of a community mall located in Sukhumvit. Rentals remain stable while only the city centre recorded a small increase in take up of 3% in Q1 q/q.

The current closure of Centralworld and Centre One are unlikely to lead to an increase in rentals due to the limited time they will be inoperable before rebuilding and renovation are completed and lower consumer confidence expected in the wake of the violence. The short term prospects of the retail market in the centre hinge on incentives and special events that can lure shoppers to the main shopping streets again. The severely reduced tourism numbers will also negatively affect the retail sector in the centre.

No new office supply came onto the market in Q1 2010 and only a very limited supply is expected until Q4 2010 with the scheduled opening of Sathorn Square. Occupancy rates fell by 1% in the CBD and Outer CBD while the Northern Fringe recorded a nearly 1% increase in Q1. Rental rates remained more or less the same in the CBD for Q1, although a fall in rates was more pronounced in the Northern Fringe. This was likely to be a correction to the steep rise in 2009.

Companies are still assessing the impact of the recent events and whether further instability will ensue for the rest of the year before making relocation plans. In the shorter term there could be an uptick in demand coming from firms occupying space as back up for reoccurring violence disrupting operations. However any positive effect will be temporary as protracted unrest will cause investment and employment to fall thus negatively impacting the market.

The bright spot in property remains the condominium market. New launches in Q1 2010 continue the breakneck pace set in the last quarter of 2009. Many developers are targeting affordability and selling out in a matter of hours in some cases. Tax incentives remain an impetus to temporarily boosting existing supply and the future expiration of incentives at the end of May are likely to cool the market, allowing for some consolidation. Demonstrations in Bangkok have had only a limited affect on condominium launches as end-user buyers maintain interest in purchasing their first property.

2010 is likely to see the largest influx of new supply since 1997 with an estimated increase of just over 30,230 units compared with approximately 27,430 units in 2009. About 6,940 units were supplied in Q1 2010. Smaller developers are entering the market again but with projects with fewer units than the large listed players.

Overall the property market will enter a period of stasis while the country faces up to its deep divisions. Foreign investment will begin to flow into the market only when these have been addressed and a more liberal business climate is established.

For further information, please contact:

Colliers International Thailand
Dr.Patima Jeerapaet
Managing Director
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : patima.jeerapaet@colliers.com

Mr.Jean Marc Garret
Director of Hospitality Department
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : jean.garret@colliers.com

Mr.Antony Picon
Senior Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : antony.picon@colliers.com

Mr.Surachet Kongcheep
Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : surachet.kongcheep@colliers.com

Colliers International Thailand appoints new director of hospitality department "Jean Marc Garret"

2010-06-02T21:05:00.005+07:00

Colliers International Thailand has recently announced the appointment of Mr. Jean Marc Garret, a French national, as Director of Hospitality Department, to direct the growing business of Hotels and Leisure.

In his new role, Jean Marc in addition of the fundamental hotel brokerage activity of the group in Thailand will be responsible for our Consultancy Services Division, providing.

Hotel Financial Assistance, Corporate Solutions, Project Development Support, Asset Management as well as assisting in the development of investment programs and all related opportunities.

A 30 year group hotel veteran, he brings with him a wealth of experience in the tourism and travel industry. A graduate of the University of Law and Economics of Nice in France, Mr. Garret first arrived in Thailand more than 22 years ago to participate in the opening of Le Meridien in Phuket. He has since become a resident of Thailand where he also served as Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco and President of the Franco Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Garret is particularly well known within the hospitality industry circles for his keen business acumen and foresight in the field of development as well as management of hotel properties. He has diverse records of success in the areas of consulting and operations with global hotel chains such as Accor, Le Meridien and Choice Hotels International in Thailand.

Prior to joining Colliers International Thailand, he was with the Centara Hotels & Resorts group, for the last 12 years with his last position being Senior Vice President Development.

Jean Marc Garret is also Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce.

Colliers International Thailand believes that with his track records of expertise in the local market, Jean Marc will be an added asset in our Team to accelerating success and contribute to help our clients to make the right choices for their Hospitality business.

New launches in Q1 2010 continue the breakneck pace set in the last quarter of 2009

2010-05-20T23:31:00.002+07:00

The condominium market continues to be the star performer in the Bangkok real estate market with new launches and supply continuing to register record growth. This was the main conclusion of the latest Bangkok Condominium Market Report from Colliers International Thailand for the first quarter of 2010.
“We have witnessed another bumper quarter for the condominium market in Bangkok, a welcome state of affairs amid the continuing uncertainty clouding other property sectors” stated Dr. Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand.

“Nearly 13,700 units were launched in Q1 2010, a handful less than the previous quarter” observed Dr. Patima.

It was not only launches that made the news this quarter. “This year is likely to see the largest completion of new supply since 1997 with an estimated increase of just over 30,230 units compared with approximately 27,430 units in 2009” pointed out Mr. Surachet Kongcheep, Manager of Research & Advisory for Colliers International. About 6,940 units were supplied in Q1 2010.

Dr. Patima believes that the tax incentives remain an impetus to temporarily boosting existing supply and the future expiration of incentives at the end of May are likely to cool the market, allowing for some consolidation.

Whilst other sectors have been affected by the recent unrest in the capital, the condominium market remains immune. “Some launches have been slightly affected by the physical constraints caused by the recent demonstrations but not by any discernable lack of sentiment” Dr. Patima stressed. “End-user buyers maintain a strong interest in purchasing their first property” he added.

The key to the success in the condominium market recently is in large part due to the efforts from the developers themselves in tapping into pent up demand. According to the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) 88% of purchasers of new condominium units are first-time buyers. Most of these buyers are attracted to the low to mid end projects offering smaller sized units. “We are witnessing a rapid take up of units in the million and a half Baht range that appeal to first time buyers wishing to place their first steps on the property ladder” pointed out Antony Picon, Senior Manager for Research & Advisory at Colliers International. These are mostly one-bedroom units ranging from 26 sq m to 40 sq m. “The design of these units is interesting as the smaller units tend to have sliding doors in order to utilize space and can really function as studios as well” Mr. Picon added.

Affordability is likely to be the key demand driver going forward spurred on by the ongoing growth in mass transit railways. While the majority of newly launched developments were in the low to mid end category, the PYNE by Sansiri was sold out in one day and showed the resilience of the high end market as well. Most of the large scale developments were launched by listed developers such as LPN Development, Pruksa Real Estate and Asia Properties. “The experience and financial underpinning of the listed companies is critical to large scale projects” stated Mr. Picon

However, smaller non-listed developers launched a wide variety of projects in Q1 2010. In fact the majority were from these but the overall number of units was less than from the listed ones. Mr. Surachet stated that the average number of units from listed developers launched in Q1 2010 was 707, while the average from non-listed ones was 280. Mr. Picon said “ Those smaller developers are starting to dip their toes in the water although a lot more tentatively than in the past”.

Mr. Picon believes that the successful model for the condominium market that has been established here can be partially replicated in other countries. He tells of a friend of his who visited from Vietnam and viewed some show units in Bangkok recently. “He was exasperated that such condominiums, using high quality materials and designs as well as far superior facilities and affordable unit sizes, did not exist in Ho Chi Minh City”.”It could be time to export some of that success” he concluded.

For further information, please contact:

Colliers International Thailand
Dr.Patima Jeerapaet
Managing Director
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : patima.jeerapaet@colliers.com

Mr.Antony Picon
Senior Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : antony.picon@colliers.com

Mr.Surachet Kongcheep
Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : surachet.kongcheep@colliers.com

Stability for retail market in Q1 due to consumer confidence despite unrest

2010-05-14T23:33:00.001+07:00

The retail market in Bangkok continued to be the steady ship in uncertain seas for Q1, reflecting the sturdy performance throughout 2009 according to the latest Bangkok retail report from Colliers International Thailand.

Rentals remained stable while occupancy nudged up 3% in the city for Q1. New supply was limited in the quarter with just under 7,900 sq m coming from “K Village” community style mall located on Sukhumvit soi 26.

Shopping malls will continue to dominate the retail landscape with around 250,000 sq m coming on stream in the next couple of years, with nearly half that total coming from Central Rama 9 on the Ratchadapisek – Rama 9 Intersection. The second quarter will see the opening of Paradise Park, following new ownership, renovation and a change of name from the Seri Center.

Only community malls show real signs of life in the other retail categories with around 50,000 sq m scheduled to be added by the end of 2011. The development of community malls represents a move away from large scale retail centres. “The oil price surge focused our minds on car usage and the development of new mass residential projects means a greater need for smaller retail centres serving these residents” said Dr. Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand. Dr. Patima pointed out that since 2007 community mall space has grown by 70%. “They are now becoming an intrinsic part of the lives of many people in Bangkok” he said.

Future retail legislation points to a reduction in large scale development in the centre leading to hypermarket businesses such as Carrefour and Tesco Lotus continuing to scale-down future outlets taking the form of supermarkets and express branded stores. “The impending legislation is intended to protect the ‘Mom and Pop’ style stores” pointed out Antony Picon, Senior Manager of Research & Advisory at Colliers International Thailand, referring to the small traditional sole proprietors typically located in shophouses. “However the big players will now be competing head on with them by opening express and convenience outlets” he stated. “The large companies will have the advantage of superior logistics and greater pricing power” Mr Picon cautioned.

Dr. Patima is optimistic about the future of retail in Bangkok. “Personal consumption by credit card is nearly 13% compared to around 8-9% in 2005 and this represents a significant demand driver” he said. The growth in retail banking is another indicator that Dr. Patima stressed. “In 2010 there will be around 1,950 retail banking outlets compared to 1,200 in 2003”.

While new retail outlets are likely to spring up in the suburbs over the coming years, what are the prospects for the retail market in the centre; restricted by limitations on future development? Mr Picon sees this as an opportunity. “We should not only see the retail market in terms of area, size constraints will focus the minds on utilization of existing space and the development of new retailing concepts inspired domestically and from abroad”. “Retailing, unlike other property sectors, offers more options for innovation” he said.

For further information, please contact:

Colliers International Thailand
Dr.Patima Jeerapaet
Managing Director
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : patima.jeerapaet@colliers.com

Mr.Antony Picon
Senior Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : antony.picon@colliers.com

Mr.Surachet Kongcheep
Manager | Research & Advisory
Tel : 662 656 7000
E-mail : surachet.kongcheep@colliers.com

Ratchaprasong to stay prime site _ Colliers

2010-04-21T08:16:00.001+07:00

Ratchaprasong to stay prime site _ Colliers
Published: 21/04/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Business

The Ratchaprasong intersection area will remain the prime Bangkok location despite the risk of future protests in the area, says Patima Jeerapaet, managing director of the property consultant Colliers International Thailand.

''The central business district [CBD] remains the central business district but to future risks, there should be preventive measures to prevent a second blockage,'' he said.

Protests are often held in the centre of cities like London and Tokyo, he said.

Bangkok's CBD is continuing to expand and the demonstrations will have no significant impact on the rents as real estate is valued on a long-term basis while political problems tend to be shorter term, he added.

The appraisal of commercial real estate income is based on annual turnover. Income at department stores located in the Ratchaprasong area has dropped to zero since start of the rally. If the stores remain shut for 30 days this would cut 10% from the yearly projection.

But the appraisal method includes discount factors and business risks _ which cover negative factors such as inflation and business instability _ which account for about 5% of annual income.

''Offering rents will not drop as commercial property takes a long-term view,'' he said. ''Normally, when there's anything happening, landlords will help tenants by not charging rents for a certain period to help compensate disappearing revenue.''

With a situation like the rally at Ratchaprasong intersection, landlords must make sacrifices to help their tenants survive. But a landlord may ask for a higher increase in rents when contracts are renewed. Mr Patima said the government and Bank of Thailand should introduce financial measures to help business owners who suffer from the demonstration at Ratchaprasong, such as assisting debt negotiations or restructuring.

''Once everything settles down, the government should introduce a quick economic recovery plan or it might be too late to revive the worsening economy,'' he said.

He said the government should work in a parallel way with a contingency plan to cope with the political turmoil and the economic impact. The people in charge with the plan are civil servants, not government.

''We must be ready to face every kind of change, not only politics. There's also another critical change -disaster,'' he said.

Meanwhile, landlords and building owners should take preventive measures, such as building double entrances or reducing the potential for damage.

Colliers International Jumps a Notch

2010-03-18T11:46:00.001+07:00

Colliers International Jumps a Notch
- Firm moves to the Second Spot in the Annual Lipsey Survey -

The results are in and Colliers International has climbed to the #2 spot in the annual Lipsey Survey of the top 25 brands in the commercial real estate industry. The firm had a lock on third place since 2004 and rose from 6th place in 2002 to 4th in 2003.

The results reflect the ballots, informal focus groups, and opinions from a variety of sources made up of more than 50,000 practitioners and industry leaders from REITs, Institutions, Mortgage Bankers, Commercial Brokers, Asset Managers, Property Managers and related professionals surveyed and interviewed by The Lipsey Company, which is a training and consulting firm specializing in the commercial real estate industry.

“Although we are pleased to have moved up to second place, we will continue to pursue our strategy of ensuring our clients receive the highest levels of service and consistent delivery over the long-term,” said Douglas P. Frye, Chairman and CEO of Colliers International. “We have risen in the rankings largely due to our best-in-class service and the high quality service offerings that we provide around the world. We are in the process of integrating some of the top names in commercial real estate under the Colliers International brand including FirstService Williams, FirstService PGP Valuation and PKF Hospitality and Hotel Consulting which will mark the beginning of our final step to the summit in this survey and in the minds of our clients.”

Earlier in the year, Colliers International announced it will combine operations and global real estate services platforms with FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV) firms in the commercial real estate space. The combined entity will assume an industry-unique operating and partnership model and operate under the Colliers International brand.

For further information please contact:
Preedee Nukulsomprattana
Manager | Marketing & Communications
Colliers International Thailand
Tel : (662) 656 7000 # 501
Email : preedee.nukulsomprattana@colliers.com

FOR LEASEHOLD EXTENSION SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT

2010-03-13T18:44:00.002+07:00

FOR LEASEHOLD EXTENSION SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT

On 10 March, 2010, Dr. Patima Jeerapaet, Chairperson of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce's Property Committee and Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand submitted the final white paper for the proposal of Leasehold Extension to Khun Kiat Sittheeamorn, President of the Thai Trade Representative who seems to have been pleased with the proposal.

The purpose of the proposal is to stimulate a 60-year lease scheme, by ruling that the registration of two consecutive 30-year lease agreements be enforceable under the law at the Land Department. For further information of the submission, please click on link below.

Proposal for Leasehold Extension
Appendix 1 Property law comparative table
Appendix 2

Bangkok Condominium Market Q4-2009

2010-03-03T14:57:00.004+07:00

Colliers International Thailand has launched Bangkok Condominium Market Q4-2009

Rapid increase in supply
Q4 2009 witnessed a rapid increase in condominium units launched over previous quarters with approximately 13,700 units in total, over 9,000 of these in the suburban area. This represents a 5.8% increase in total supply q/q and a 10.7% increase y/y.

Rising in the east
The eastern fringe and the outer city east area recorded the highest price increases in Q4 y/y with 35% and 19.6% rises respectively. The preeminence of the Sukhumvit corridor as the most sought after area to live shows no sign of abating.

Mass transit on the march
Continued expansion of the new BTS lines dominates condominium growth in urban Bangkok. Q4 2009 witnessed continued development along the new BTS Silom line extension in Thonburi. The number of units completed along the extension will have risen over sevenfold from 2006 to the end of 2010.

New niche market
The new decade will herald in a significant increase of the relatively prosperous 50 to 60 age group. Developers should consider this an attractive but challenging niche market. In the next ten years there will be an additional 1.58 million people in this age category.

Cheap credit fueling growth
Interest rates remain low but rises loom in 2010. Continued low interest rates have energized the market but most forecasters predict limited increases in H2 2010.
The rebirth of suspended projects begins Nearly 1,000 units are expected to be completed by the end of 2010 from previously suspended projects. Two more projects are slated for 2011.

The urbanization of Bangkok
Mass transit development will expand the urban reach of the city with more condominium units to be supplied in the urban area than the suburbs for the next few years.

Read full report

Guidance note issued to assist valuations of incomplete property

2010-02-20T07:20:00.001+07:00

Thai lenders and the investment community will find it easier to set internationally recognised values on investment property under construction, thanks to a new guidance note issued by the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC).

Commenting on the guideline which was released today globally, Simon Landy, Executive Chairman of Colliers International Thailand, said it was another necessary step in bringing transparency and international alignment to property valuations worldwide.

"Partially completed buildings have always been something of a grey area when it comes to establishing their true value, not only in Thailand but in many markets around the world," said Mr. Landy. "With the anticipated level of merger and acquisition activity in international markets over the next few years, more certainty is required in the way these values are established. This new guideline will provide an internationally recognised benchmark which will assist in bringing transparency and clarity to valuations of incomplete property assets, especially in listed companies."

Mr. Landy is a member of the International Valuation Standards Board of the IVSC, a not-for-profit, private sector organisation which was established to ensure an independent and transparent international valuation standards setting process. He was appointed to the Standards Board in 2009 and chaired the working group which developed the new guideline

Foreigners seek clarity, consistency

2010-01-25T09:24:00.002+07:00

Thailand needs clearer regulations and policies to attract more foreign property investment, says George McKay, managing director of Colliers Corporate Services Asia Pacific Region.

"Rules should be rules. Some regulations are not clear enough - like foreign property ownership. Investors want clarity. It builds confidence. Unclearness will obstruct investment," he said.

As the Thai government aims to make the country a hub for regional offices, Mr McKay suggests the authorities set up long-term plans such as those implemented by Singapore.

"You need to know what type of business you want to attract," he added. "Pharmaceutical and biotech is a good opportunity to tap but key factors to building a regional hub include infrastructure, the tax system and education.

"Thailand should make a big investment in education to create more jobs and improve working skills. For instance, in the Philippines people can speak English and now it is becoming a rival to India in the call centre business."

The country also needs more aggressive strategies to compete with other countries and also should differentiate itself from others, he said.

The property market has bounced back and continues to improve in 2010 after a sluggish year in 2009, he said. Colliers recorded a 20% decline in the first half of 2009 but ended up with results on a par with 2008 as the second half was quite strong.

"The situation in Europe was worse but the Asia-Pacific region has come back, pushed by emerging markets like India, China and Southeast Asian countries," he said.

Colliers and FirstService Real Estate Advisors (FirstService REA) recently announced that they would combine their operations and global real estate services platforms. The combined entity will operate as Colliers International in 61 countries.

FirstService REA is an autonomous subsidiary of publicly traded FirstService Corporation on Nasdaq. With the announced integration, Colliers International is now ranked as the world's third-largest real estate services firm.

Source : Bangkok Post

Colliers International and FirstService Real Estate Advisors combine to create world’s 3rd largest commercial real estate services firm

2010-01-24T22:39:00.000+07:00

Colliers International and FirstService Real Estate Advisors (“FirstService REA”) announced that they will combine their operations and global real estate services platforms. The combined entity will operate as Colliers International in 61 countries around the world. FirstService REA is an autonomous subsidiary of publically traded FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV;TSX: FSV).

With this announced combination, Colliers International is now ranked as the world’s 3rd largest real estate services firm. Transiting from a network of affiliates to a more centrally owned and operated firm, the company will provide greater consistency in its operations and deliver highly specialised world class real estate services in markets around the world.

“Colliers International has many distinct competitive advantages when compared to other global service providers,” said Douglas P. Frye, Chairman and CEO of Colliers International. “Our successful partnership model enables key executives to retain significant equity in the businesses they operate day-to-day creating more alignment and accountability; ensuring clients receive the highest level of service and consistent delivery over the long-term.”

FirstService REA embarked on one of the most aggressive global expansion in the history of commercial real estate, largely executed during a time when competitors were scaling back due to the global economic recession. Apart from its expansion in the United States, most recently, the firm has acquired significant equity interests in Colliers International operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Russia and several other countries in Western and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific.

The fully integrated Colliers International business employs more than 15,000 people in 480 offices in 61 countries, and generates in excess of US$1.9 billion in revenues annually.

Successful Identification of an Operator for a 5-star Serviced Residence in Bangkok

2010-01-24T12:29:00.003+07:00

Bangkok – The Hotels & Leisure, Asia team of Colliers International has successfully concluded the selection of an internationally known serviced apartment operator for a luxury serviced residence planned to open in Bangkok, Thailand in early 2010. The team was the sole and exclusive advisor for the project and, after a lengthy process, Shama, a Hong Kong based, specialised serviced residence operator, was appointed by the owner to manage the property, which will be named as ‘Shama Bangkok’.

It is Shama’s first management agreement in South East Asia, although they have a number of serviced residences already operating in Hong Kong and the PRC.

The 19-storey property is situated in a prime position in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s premier location for business travellers and tourists, being within easy reach of both the BTS Skytrain and the Metro Underground system, plus being within 200 m of Bangkok’s main north to south expressway. The property is around 30 to 40 minutes’ driving time from both Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport.

The property, which is nearing construction completion, will be 5-star international standard and comprise 90 residences with a variety of unit sizes and configurations; there will be 20 one-bed units at around 60 sq.m., 52 two-bed units at 110 sq.m., 14 three-bed units at 140 - 145 sq.m. each and 4 three-bed units at 160 sq.m. each.

Other facilities include a lobby restaurant, a fitness centre and swimming pool, plus some meeting facilities.

“We were very pleased to have had this opportunity to work with the property owner in the selection and appointment of Shama, and are pleased to have been able to introduce Shama as the operator to their first serviced residence in South East Asia,” said R. Keith Humphreys, Director of Hotels & Leisure, Asia, Colliers International. “It’s an important milestone in Shama’s regional growth. Now the management agreement has been signed, Shama will commence work immediately and provide technical services and pre-opening services in order to have the property open by early 2010.”

View full press release

Colliers appointed marketing agent for 9@Tagore

2010-01-19T09:07:00.003+07:00

International property consultant, Colliers International has been appointed as the lead marketing agent for a brand new four-storey ramp-up light industrial building located at 9 Tagore Lane. Named 9@Tagore, the freehold property is developed by Chiu Teng @ Tagore Pte Ltd.

9@Tagore comprises a total of 124 units, ranging from 1,800 sq ft to 4,800 sq ft in size. Most of the units are column free, with a loading capacity of up to 15 kN per sq m and a floor-to-ceiling height of 6.0 m.

The development´s Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) is targeted at the end of 2011.

Mr Tan Boon Leong, director of Industrial at Colliers International, says, “9@Tagore is, by far, the only freehold ramp-up industrial development in Singapore that is available for strata sale.

As the majority of the existing industrial developments in the vicinity are 5-20 years old, 9@Tagore is an attractive development suited for companies looking to secure a brand new industrial space at affordable price. Additionally, given its high potential yield of 5-6 per cent, the development is also likely to appeal to investors. Prices for the units start from S$410 per sq ft.

Tan also explained that the expected improvement of Singapore economy as whole, including the manufacturing sector. Also an optimistic outlook in business sentiments could lead to a increase in demand for industrial space.

Enjoying a prominent road frontage along Upper Thomson Road, 9@Tagore is surrounded by flatted factories/warehouses, detached factories and light industrial buildings. It also enjoys easy access to other parts of the island via the Central and Seletar Expressways while Ang Mo Kio and Yio Chu Kang MRT stations are also just a short drive away.

Source : Property Report Asia

Thailand Megatrends | Unique growth prospects for the new decade

2010-01-17T22:21:00.001+07:00

Thailand is poised for a decade of growth according to substantive research released today by real estate and property services giant, Colliers International Thailand. “The research points to four compelling and positive factors that favour Thailand in the new decade” pointed out Patima Jeerapaet, Managing Director of Colliers International Thailand. “I have been involved in real estate for most of my adult life, but the next ten years could be the most exciting” he stressed.

“It is a unique period of opportunity, which provides a window of significant economic and social development for the country” said Antony Picon, Senior Research Manager for Colliers and writer of the report. “Demographic and regional economic factors are pointing in the right direction for sustainable development of the economy and it is vital that this reality is grasped by our policymakers and policy implementers, starting from today” he stated.

1. Demographic dividend presents window of opportunity

“Thailand is at the apex of one of its most dynamic and exceptional demographic periods for potential economic growth” points out Antony Picon from Colliers International Thailand.

While economists still debate about the causes of the Japanese economic miracle and later the explosive growth of the South Korean and Taiwanese economies, one key factor is often overlooked: demographics.

It is no coincidence that both Japan and Korea’s growth was coupled by a dramatic increase in the proportion of people aged between fifteen and sixty four. Korea’s economy expanded by over 8% a year from the 1960’s to 1990’s, occurring during a remarkable increase of the proportion of its population of working age. The same correlation occurred for Taiwan in the eighties and Ireland in the nineties. Some economists refer to it as the Goldilocks period, not too hot and not too cold; a period when many enter the workforce but few leave it for retirement and fewer babies are born due to low fertility rates. Antony referred to Japan. “Its demographic story is instructive; at around the turn of the new millennium the population started to age, which was also a period of sclerotic economic growth for the country”.

Thailand’s window of opportunity

The chart shows that Thailand is reaching the zenith of its most potentially productive period, which is set to last for the next 20 years. Vietnam is also entering this period as its young population enters working age. With the reduced burden of dependants, young and old, more labour and capital can be channeled into output thus fueling rapid economic growth. “This enormous catalyst for development is dependent upon the ability of the economy to absorb the extra workforce productively” highlighted Antony.

The lower fertility rates that accompany lower youth dependency lead to more women in the workforce. The upshot of this is increased household income leading to greater discretionary spending; and as a result greater emphasis on quality and branding of products. Smaller household sizes, coupled with greater spending power will provide the engine for the condominium market in the next decade. Antony emphasized that more families will seek their own home, in a location close to mass transit routes at an affordable price in smaller size units. “Developers will increasingly have to consider amenities and branding for their condominiums to cater to a more discerning buyer in the mid-end category” he said.

Antony remembered fondly the acronyms used in England in the eighties to described these trends in his home country. “Yuppie was most widely used, standing for young upwardly mobile professional but my favourite was DINK, which stood for Double Income No Kids. So perhaps I can start using that name again but this time for Thailand”

View full details

PROPERTY WATCH: ตั้งตัวรับเอเชียฟื้น

2010-01-17T21:56:00.000+07:00

PROPERTY WATCH: ตั้งตัวรับเอเชียฟื้น
ผู้จัดการ 360 ํ รายสัปดาห์์ ฉบับวันที่ 18 มกราคม พ.ศ. 255

อัญชลี จิตติวิชกุล

ผลพวงจากวิกฤตเศรษฐกิจโลกในช่วงปีที่ผ่านมา แม้จะไม่ได้ส่งผลกระทบต่อไทยอย่างรุนแรงเช่นเดียวกับวิกฤตต้มยำกุ้งเมื่อปี 2540 แต่ก็ถือเป็นเหตุการณ์สำคัญและเป็นหลักหมุดที่สะท้อนการเปลี่ยนแปลงครั้งใหญ่ ที่ต่อจากนี้กลุ่มประเทศในเอเชียจะมีบทบาทมากขึ้นในเวทีเศรษฐกิจโลก แทนที่อเมริกาและกลุ่มยุโรป

ฝ่ายวิจัยของคอลลิเออร์สได้นำเสนอมุมมองหนึ่ง ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับเหตุการณ์ดังกล่าว เรียกว่า Mega Trends หรือกระแสการเปลี่ยนแปลงครั้งใหญ่ที่จะเกิดขึ้นกับประเทศในกลุ่มเอเชียในช่วง 10 ปีต่อจากนี้ การเปลี่ยนแปลงนี้จะสร้างโอกาสทองทางธุรกิจครั้งใหญ่ให้กับประเทศไทยและเอเชียอย่างมาก ซึ่งคอลลิเออร์สระบุว่าในช่วงปี 2555-2563 ประเทศไทยจะมีกลุ่มประชากรในช่วงอายุ15-64ปีมากที่สุด โดยเป็นช่วงวัยที่มีกำลังซื้อในการบริโภคและจับจ่ายใช้สอยอย่างเต็มที่ ถือเป็นโอกาสของธุรกิจทั่วโลกที่จะคว้าโอกาสในการจับกำลังซื้อขนาดใหญ่ในภูมิภาคนี้ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งในยุคใหม่ที่กลุ่มชนชั้นกลางขยายตัวขึ้น มีกำลังซื้อสูงกว่ายุคก่อน ชอบความสะดวกสบาย ส่งผลให้อสังหาริมทรัพย์ประเภทซิตี้คอนโดได้รับการตอบรับเป็นอย่างดีและมีโอกาสขยายตัวมากขึ้น โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งคอนโดมิเนียมที่มีขนาดเล็กลงเหมาะกับกำลังซื้อ ตอบรับกับไลฟ์สไตล์ของคนรุ่นใหม่ที่มีขนาดครอบครัวเล็กลง

นอกจากนี้ศักยภาพของไทยก็ยังมีโอกาสสูงในการจับตลาดต่างประเทศ ทั้งการลงทุน และการซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์ไทยเพราะไทยมีสภาพแวดล้อมที่ได้เปรียบหลายด้านในการทำธุรกิจหรือการพักอาศัย รวมถึงข้อตกลงการค้าเสรีกับกลุ่มประเทศในอาเซียน จะยิ่งสร้างโอกาสของการค้าระหว่างประเทศมากขึ้น และจะเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นในการดึงดีมานด์ชาวต่างชาติกลุ่มใหม่ๆ เข้ามาในตลาด อาทิ การลงทุนในเซอร์วิสอพาร์ตเมนต์ โรงแรม อาคารสำนักงาน คอนโดมิเนียม ซึ่งคอลลิเออร์สได้ยกตัวอย่างว่าปัจจุบันมีกลุ่มเศรษฐีชาวอินโดนีเซีย เชื้อสายจีน ต้องการหาช่องทางลงทุนในไทย เพราะประเทศตัวเองไม่มีปัจจัยเอื้อในการลงทุน และสนใจซื้อคอนโดมิเนียมในไทยด้วย รวมถึงทุนต่างชาติยังมองหาโอกาสที่จะย้ายฐานการผลิตและเข้ามาตั้งสำนักงานในไทยแทนเนื่องจากสู้ค่าเช่าในสิงคโปร์และฮ่องกงไม่ไหวรวมถึงกลุ่มคนวัยเกษียณจากเยอรมัน เกาหลี อังกฤษสแกนดิเนเวีย ออสเตรเลีย ที่จะเพิ่มขึ้นมากในช่วงปี 2558 เป็นต้นไป และจะหลั่งไหลเข้ามาซื้ออสังหาฯ ไทยและเอเชียอีกมหาศาลสำหรับพักอาศัยในยามเกษียณ

สิ่งเหล่านี้ถือเป็นความท้าทายว่า เมื่อโอกาสก้าวมาถึงตรงหน้าแล้ว ภาครัฐและดีเวลลอปเปอร์จะมีการเตรียมตัวอย่างไรไม่ให้ตกขบวน เพื่อคว้าโอกาสทางธุรกิจในครั้งนี้

THAI MARKET TO RECOVER ACROSS ALL SEGMENTS

2010-01-17T21:41:00.000+07:00

THAI MARKET TO RECOVER ACROSS ALL SEGMENTS
THE NATION Issued date 12 January 2010

Foreign buyers have returned to the Thai property market thanks to recent price stability and signs that prices may rise between 5 and 10 per cent this year, Patima Jirapath, managing director of property agency Colliers International (Thailand), said yesterday.

He said the property mar-|kets in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore still faced tough |times, as they had not yet stabilised following the global recession. However, Thai property prices bottomed out last year and are showing signs of rising this year, leading foreign investors to consider expanding their investment here instead of in other parts of Asia.

According to the company's research, luxury condominiums located close to the cen-tral business district and the mass-transit system, and priced between Bt150,000 and Bt200,000 per square metre, have the potential to rise by more than 5 per cent from last year.

Demand in this market is both domestic and from other Asean countries, such as from Chinese investors living in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Most foreign buyers are in-|terested in purchasing residences in Bangkok because they are cheaper than in Singapore and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, office rental prices also show potential to rise 5 per cent this year, following a drop of 5-10 per cent last year, Patima said.

He added that rental prices for the retail market showed signs of increasing 5-10 per cent because of limited supply. Most new retail space was delayed from last year and is now due for completion this year. "In my view, the property market this year will recover in all segments," he said.

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Prices in Bangkok to climb by 10%

2010-01-17T21:38:00.000+07:00

Prices in Bangkok to climb by 10%, says Colliers
BANGKOK POST Issued date 12 January 2010

PROPERTY
KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

Prices of residential projects close to Bangkok's mass transit system and rents for grade-A office and retail properties in the central business district will rise by about 5% to 10% this year, says property consultancy Colliers International Thailand.

Managing director Patima Jeerapaet said prices of luxury and mass residential units will this year increase by 5% and 5% to 15%, respectively. The residential market is expected to be buoyant during the first half of the year.

Factors such as affordability and access to the new mass transit lines will be key drivers of housing demand for the next few years. Prices of new condominium units rose by 5% to 10% since the third quarter last year. But new launches of high-end condominiums have slowed as developers have shifted their focus to the middleto upper-middle income buyers.

Colliers' research estimated that about 70,000 condominium units were sold last year, down by 4% to 5% from 2008.The firm expects the figure to rise to 80,000 units this year, of which 30,000 will be under the BoI Home promotion.

Though foreign buyers have faded from the local property market in recent years, Chinese and Indonesian investors are increasingly shifting their focus to Thailand from the Singaporean market,where prices are soaring, said Mr Patima.

Expatriates living in Vietnam are another potential buyer group. They are likely to buy in Thailand as rampant speculation in Vietnam could soon lead to a crash in prices, he said. "We are offering condominium units in Bangkok downtown priced at around 200,000 baht a square metre to ChineseIndonesian buyers," said Mr Patima.

Domestic politics and the Map Ta Phut issue are key factors in reducing foreign interest in the Thai property market, he said. The current situation at Map Ta Phut continues to cast a shadow over the industrial sector, especially foreign investment in the oil and gas sector. But the last quarter of 2009 saw an increase in inquiries and transactions, he said.

No major new office developments were completed in the second half of last year and demand remained weak during the period. Rental rates were cut by 5% to 10% in the central business district and other areas, according to the firm's research.

Demand is expected to remain lacklustre in the first half of this year, but rents should stay firm with no new significant supply coming online until the fourth quarter. There will be 72,000 square metres available at Sathorn Square, developed by listed developer Golden Land Development, and 6,000 sq m from Sivatel on Sukhumvit Road which is developed by local firm.

Colliers research found that the prices of luxury condominiums dropped by 10% last year, while mid-end condominium prices rose by 5% and grade-A office rents declined by 5% to 10%. Luxury hotels were the worst performing sector last year, where average daily room rates dropped by 30% to 40%, while grade-A serviced apartment rents decreased by 5% to 10%.

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Colliers : Plan for older buyers

2010-01-17T21:20:00.000+07:00

Colliers : Plan for older buyers
BANGKOK POST Issued date 14 January 2010

PROPERTY
KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

Thailand should capitalise on the surge in the elderly population in the coming decade through medical and wellness tourism, special packages for retirees and a clearer property ownership structure.

Antony Picon, senior research manager of the property consultant Colliers International Thailand, says concerns over freehold and leasehold ownership for foreigners persist and a more open and clearer structure involving longer lease periods and streamlined inheritance procedures should be set in place.

"This will help Thailand make the most of the dramatic population shift in Europe and North America," he said."It must also be remembered that other countries will provide stiff competition for this burgeoning market."

These rivals include Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia. The distinction between tourist and resident will become blurred as many retirees are likely to stay in Thailand for the winter and return to their home countries in summer.

"Thailand has long been a magnet for retirees and second-home occupiers,"Mr Picon said."The grey baby boomer is rising extraordinarily. Economists have been talking about it for a long time, but finally it is upon us.

"The first baby boomers, born after the Second World War, are about to retire and the positive consequences for Thailand could be substantial."

The number of people who will be of retirement age over the next two decades is massive. They are American, Japanese,German, Korean, Australian, British,Scandinavian as well as other Europeans.These present strong tourist markets for Thailand.

"An amazing 3% of the Scandinavian population visits Thailand every year,"he said.
About 1 million people there will enter retirement age during the 2010s, over double the number in the previous decade. And that is just a small fraction of the total in Europe and North America.

He expects the market to become more sophisticated with retirement home property developers from Europe, North America and Australia providing specialised packages and financing.

He believes that as a population grows older, it also grows healthier. Mr Picon denies that old means inactive. "Senior citizens will demand more facilities in the future as they will be more active because of their free time.Activities such as golf and hiking will be partly driven by new retirees and expect concurrent growth in medical and wellness tourism."

In 2009,1.2 million visitors came to Thailand for medical tourism and this is set to swell due to new retirees. They could significantly affect growth and development of resort areas in Pattaya,the Hua Hin corridor, Chiang Mai and Phuket as well as the less well-known areas of Chiang Rai and Hat Yai.

A key focus will be on clusters, as retirees care more about who their neighbours are and especially if they can speak their language. Mr Picon expects partially clustered retirement communities in the future with shops, restaurants and community centres catering for language groups.

"Some serviced apartments and hotels are likely to offer special packages for those over 60 to capture this growth market," he added.

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