Recently, the Thai real estate market has faced pressure from economic factors and purchasing power limitations, leading to a slowdown in consumer buying decisions. However, a deeper look reveals that the demand for housing has not disappeared; it is merely adapting to the changing market context. A clear trend is that an increasing number of consumers are opting for second-hand homes due to their affordability. At the same time, the rental market continues to grow, driven by credit constraints and an increasing demand for flexible living arrangements.

This shift reflects a 'new mindset' among consumers who are placing greater importance on value, financial burdens, and long-term risks. Decisions are now based on whether the chosen 'asset will enhance life and retain value in the future.' Within this context, investment opportunities in real estate still exist, particularly in assets that meet rental demand. Additionally, foreign buyers seeking second homes in Thailand, especially in the booming Phuket area, contribute to this trend. Meanwhile, owner-occupiers are focusing on the potential of properties, particularly luxury projects that continue to expand, with consumers prioritizing quality of life in their living environments.

It can be said that choosing to buy or invest in brands that offer comprehensive product and service designs—addressing both the aesthetic appeal of the project and practical functionality, as well as the real living experience—provides a significant advantage in enhancing the long-term value of the project.

Plus Property, as an expert in property management and residential living with over 30 years of experience, summarizes the 5 key factors that play a role in creating and maintaining added value in real estate to assist in making informed decisions when purchasing or investing in real estate projects:

Functionality — Flexible functions that meet real usage needs

Designing spaces that can adapt to the behaviors of residents, creating room layouts that are practical for daily life—such as appropriate space proportions, functional flexibility for future usage changes, and building layouts that consider light direction, airflow, and access to common areas—are all elements that impact both the quality of living and the value of the asset.

Future-Ready Technology — Technology that supports the future

Implementing concepts like Smart Building and the Internet of Things (IoT) in buildings, such as the LIV-24 system, provides 24-hour security alongside real-time monitoring of equipment and systems within the building. This allows for efficient maintenance planning and reduces the risk of malfunctions that could affect usability, impacting both costs and asset value.

Sustainability — Sustainability that reflects value

Designs that consider energy and environmental factors help reduce living costs and are increasingly important to buyers and renters today, especially among the new generation of consumers who choose products from brands with a sustainability stance. This can be seen in the use of eco-friendly materials, building orientation for natural light and airflow, heat-reducing materials, and systems that help reduce energy consumption in homes.

Safety & Privacy — Safety and privacy

Standard security systems and designs that consider privacy are fundamental to a good quality of life. Attention should be given to access control systems, clearly defined usage zones, and designs that minimize disturbances between units, such as the distance between rooms and the orientation of balconies or windows, all of which affect residents' feelings of safety and privacy.

Experience — Tangible living experiences

The quality of management and service determines the 'feel' of living, which affects occupancy rates, rental yields, and the project's image. This can be assessed by the quality of project maintenance, such as cleanliness and upkeep of common areas, responsiveness in service or problem-solving, and management standards by professional teams, which are crucial factors that truly reflect the long-term quality of the asset.

An example that clearly reflects this concept is '98 Wireless,' a luxury project on Wireless Road by Sansiri, managed by Plus Property. Over a period of 9 years, the project has seen an average selling price increase of over 70%, reaching approximately 1 million baht per square meter, demonstrating that quality design, coupled with continuous management and maintenance, plays a significant role in creating and maintaining the added value of assets in the long term.

As the real estate market and consumer behaviors evolve, selecting assets with a strong foundation that can continuously create added value is a crucial factor that helps both investors and residents feel confident that their decisions today will continue to generate value in the future.