CHINESE INVESTORS ARE STILL WILLING TO INVEST IN THAILAND
 
Jun 18, 2020
Category:

The willingness among Chinese investors to invest in the housing market of Thailand has shown no signs of abating despite the global economic slowdown due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Chinese tourists love Thailand, and more and more turn into investors in putting their money on Thai residential properties in the current scenario.

The largest investors in the real estate market

Apart from pristine and unspoiled beaches, Thailand also has low prices and quality health facilities. These features, coupled with the availability of a conducive atmosphere for investment in the real estate market segment of Thailand has always attracted the attention of Chinese investors.

The country offers a 10-year visa program for seniors, making it an attractive destination to own a home after retirement. For Chinese students, it is one of the most attractive study destinations wherein they perceive the best chances to acquire their college education.

When all these factors are added up, it accounts for the reason for the growing willingness among investors to invest in the residential properties in some selective cities in Thailand, including its capital city.

While the housing market of Thailand attracts the people of all nationalities alike, it attracts Chinese investors even more. One can gauge this from the fact that the investments from China in Thailand are primarily concentrated in the real estate sector.

COVID 19 slowed down the investment

The sudden appearance of the novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm. It emerged in Wuhan in early January and reached almost all countries across the globe in just a couple of months. Due to it, the governments of most countries have imposed a lockdown as a measure to deter its spread in communities, and impacts are important on the real estate market.

As the world grapples with the challenge to develop a vaccine for the infectious disease, experts predict an inevitable recession due to a disruption in the supply chain. Also, they do not write off the possibility of an economic depression.

Fortunately for Chinese investors, though, China has shaken off the worst part of the pandemic and is returning to normal life slowly and steadily. Experts predict that things are likely to slow down in China due to the global effect on experts but the negative impact of the pandemic will be lesser on the Chinese economy than the other economies around the world.

This accounts for the reason for the growing interest of Chinese investors in Thai properties despite the slowdown due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Why Chinese still want to invest in properties

The keen interest of Chinese investors in the housing properties in Thailand does not come across as any surprise. By and large, it is due to some specific reasons. According to Juwai.com, a portal dedicated to real estate dealings in China, Thailand has been the most popular destination for buying homes in the eye of Chinese investors.

In 2019, the majority of Chinese investors enquired about the housing properties in Thailand than that of Japan and other nations. Also, Chinese investors seemed to have overlooked the report stating a slowdown in the economy of Thailand.

Interestingly, “the majority of inquiries were for single-room apartments in the popular cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya”, reports Samui Exclusive, a real estate agent located in Koh Samui.

One of the primary reasons for this surging interest is due to the cheaper cost of the housing market in Thailand in comparison to the other nations. Though some strict local laws prohibit investors from buying a piece of property on their name, the cheaper cost of living suffices for it.

Contrary to the perception that the current COVID-19 pandemic would evoke a lukewarm response in the housing market of Thailand, especially from China, it is the other way around. While the data from Juwai.com are affirmative, Chinese investors look forward to the response of the Government of Thailand and the dynamics of its housing market to make their next move.

 
 
4 Ways To Create A Green Property
 
Dec 02, 2019
Category:

Global warming is having an increasingly damaging impact on our environment - polar ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and average temperatures are rising all around the globe. In response to this, many people are becoming more eco-conscious and looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to make your home more environmentally-friendly and reduce harmful emissions. Recycling, switching to energy-efficient appliances, and minimizing water waste, are all effective ways to reduce environmental harm and help save the planet. With this in mind, here are four ways to create a green property.

1. Upgrade to eco-friendly appliances

Upgrading to eco-friendly appliances is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption, save money on your utility bills, and lower your carbon footprint. What’s more, switching to energy-efficient appliances may also increase your property value by making your home appeal more to eco-conscious home buyers. It said that a modern energy-efficient refrigerator could use less than half the energy consumption of a refrigerator that is over 10 years old. This is because older appliances don’t meet today’s energy standards, which means they use far more energy than new models on the market today.

When purchasing new appliances, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR certification label. This means that the appliance has been built to be as energy-efficient as possible. You should also consider replacing any incandescent light bulbs with eco-friendly alternatives like LEDs. These use far less energy than traditional light bulbs and also tend to last far longer.

2. Make your roof more energy-efficient

Your roof can be a major source of lost energy. This is because heat travels up your home and out through your roof if it is not properly insulated. Fortunately, you can easily make your roof more energy efficient by installing extra insulation in your loft. The color of your roof is also extremely important. If you live in a hot climate, then consider painting your roof a light color to reflect sunlight and help keep your home cool.

If you live in a colder climate then your roof should be a darker shade to absorb light and warmth from the sun. If you’re planning any upgrades to your roof, then it’s always best to hire a professional with the skills and equipment to do the job safely. Remember that any projects involving working at height will also require additional equipment like scaffolding. This is needed to comply with health and safety regulations and to minimize the risk of accidents occurring. If you require scaffolding for a home improvement project, then Global Scaffold offers an excellent selection of global scaffolding to suit every job and budget.

3. Recycle more efficiently

Recycling is a great way to minimize waste, lower harmful emissions, and reduce the number of items ending up in landfills. Recent research shows that the average person in the US produces almost five pounds of trash each day. This equates to over 1,600 pounds in a year! This waste must be disposed of in a manner that is responsible and environmentally-friendly.

Most households have access to recycling programs, so there's no excuse not to recycle your household waste. Make sure you educate yourself on what can and can't be recycled in your area. You also need to ensure that you separate and clean items correctly before placing them in recycling bins. Keep in mind that one dirty product could contaminate a whole batch of items, resulting in them ending up at landfills instead of being recycled. Explain to your family the importance of recycling and encourage everyone to adopt healthy, green habits in your household.

4. Reduce water waste

Water is a precious resource that is vital to all life on our planet. Wasting water can have long-term serious consequences, including damage to aquatic environments, a lack of safe drinking water, and poor agricultural productivity.

However, there are many simple ways to conserve water in your household. This includes turning taps off while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, fixing any water leaks immediately, and installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures. You should also consider collecting rainwater and using it to water plants and flowers in your yard. Not only will these techniques help reduce water waste, but they could also save you significant amounts on your annual water bill.

Try some of these useful tips to reduce harmful carbon emissions, save money on your utility bills, and create a more environmentally-friendly household today!

 
 
How to Enhance Your Home for 2020
 
Sep 30, 2019
Category:

When we move to a new house, there is a buzz of excitement as we decorate the walls and paint the ceiling - hours are spend imagining how to make our home beautiful and unique. After a few years, we stop investing time and energy in the appearance and functionality of our property and it can begin to look tired and dull. There has never been a better time to upgrade your home, and if you start investing time and money into building work and home improvements now, they will be ready to show off by 2020. Here are a few ideas for how you can enhance your home for 2020.

Build an Extension

When your family is growing rapidly and requires more space, you may consider buying a bigger house, but that is not your only option. Building an extension can add thousands of dollars of value to your home - and that’s before you consider how much you could make from renting the space.

Many property owners do not have much outdoor space that can be used for a house extension, and so if this is the case for you then you could consider a basement extension. Basement extensions are extremely popular in large cities where properties do not have enough outdoor space to expand their premises. It is worth considering planning experts because you could even have enough space to build an entire apartment underneath your house.

If you are reluctant to invest in a large-scale extension, a garage extension could be the perfect solution for your home. Garage extensions are relatively inexpensive and allow you to expand your home without requiring planning permission.

Invest in Green Energy

Eco homes are becoming exceedingly popular throughout the world; this is due to the growing concerns over the threat of climate change. From rain to sunshine, there are dozens of ways that you can produce green energy within your home. There are many well-priced and efficient companies such as Renew Energy who can fit solar panels on to your roof professionally. You will then be able to heat your own water and home, saving you a lot of money on bills while helping you to reduce your home’s carbon emissions simultaneously. But if solar energy is not something you are comfortable with, you can definitely opt to get cheap energy here.

Focus on Your Outdoor Spaces

Your garden is where friends, family, and neighbors will garner their first impression of your home. Therefore, one of the easiest ways you can boost the visual impact of your property is to invest some time into the garden. Fall is the best time of year to prepare your garden - it is the season to plant bulbs, prune dead flowers and decide which vegetables to start growing. There is unlimited potential when it comes to focusing on your garden and outdoor spaces; you can even build a small house or conservatory in the garden if you have space.

There you have it: enhancing your home has never been easier, and the exciting home investment won’t go unnoticed by friends and loved ones in 2020 and beyond into your stylish, eco-friendly and fit-for-the-future home.

 
 
The Battle Against Noise Pollution
 
Sep 18, 2018
Category:

As more people live on the planet, we contribute to noise pollution in big ways. It means more vehicles on the roads, more air travel, more train travel, more machines running, and so on. Noise pollution damages our eco-system as well as our homes and buildings we live and work inside. So how are we combatting noise pollution?

Stone Walls Along High-Traffic Areas

Cities are employing their department of transportation services to look at ways to cut down on noise pollution. Many are opting for those giant concrete or stone slabs we see lining major highways and companies are now specializing their skills around noise pollution. Salt Lake City-based Aftec’s stone wall panels are just one example of what we are seeing pop up in cities across the United States. Their function is quite simple: they deflect or absorb the noise that is being generated so that those on the other side of the walls do not hear the sounds as much. You may still hear a bit, but not at the level it would be without the wall panel.

Repaving the Roads

In Phoenix, Arizona, the city has begun a new repaving project of the highways to lessen noise pollution. This project mixes concrete and recycled rubber tire bits. Once it is on the highway, it is meant to absorb the noise of the tires on the highways. It has been suggested that a majority of noise pollution from the highways is from the tires, not the engines like many of us believe. While it has been effective at reducing some of the noise, it’s also been very effective at finding a new way to recycle old tires. For Phoenix, it’s been a win-win situation.

Using Headphone Technology

In Singapore, scientists have found a fascinating way to utilize noise-canceling headphone technology and apply it to your open windows. It's a small device that affixes to your open window area and then absorbs the noise pollution from outside. Since the headphones do allow for some sound to come through, there will be some sound in your open window but it won’t be nearly as noisy.

Lowering Local Roads

Another interesting movement we are seeing overseas in Europe is the lowering of local roads. The idea of lowering the road means the noise is less likely to invade citizens in a particular area. Most noticeably, it has been effective when combined with paving the roads with rubber bits. Sometimes you simply need more than one course of action to make the biggest impact.

Lessening Traffic

This idea has not been as popular in the US but we are hoping to see it catch on. Lessening traffic is one of the more ideal methods for reducing noise pollution and the Europeans seem to have a grasp on this ideology. Some cities are now rezoning and changing their roadway systems so that it is more difficult to drive through the city and encourages the use of bicycles or walking in downtown areas. This has a greater impact than many of us realize. These cities have seen a huge reduction in noise pollution and an increase in their economies. In other words, people are still spending money and shopping downtown despite the “inconvenience” of having to walk or bike in the downtown area. It also snowballs into healthier citizens between encouraged exercise and reduction of noise pollution.

What kind of noise reduction would you like to see? What if we incorporated them all in some way? Can you imagine what it would be like to be in a major city and not inundated with noise?

Written by Jane Brown

 
 
Thai Tips - 5 Features Of Thailand's Serviced Offices
 
Aug 29, 2018
Category:

Thailand is in the midst of recovering from a season where a dark cloud covered much of the economy. Since its sharp downturn a few years ago, the country is making a slow comeback, and while growth is a little slower than other countries in the area, Thailand business is preparing for an upturn that will continue into next year. In anticipation of this, many in the business community are hopeful that this growth will translate into opportunities for private ventures.

These opportunities extend to foreign business interests as well. Those looking to do business in Thailand’s growing economy might find the whole process of setting up shop in a different country overwhelming, in addition to having to look for suitable office space. Of the various types of fit-outs, businesses used to the traditional office space but needing budget-friendly options should consider the serviced office for a few reasons.

Continue reading to find out more information on the various features of Thailand’s serviced offices

Affordability

The serviced office is affordable simply because the leases provide businesses with fully-furnished space, usually, in a corporate building. While your office does share the floor with other businesses, your overhead every month is much lower than it would be if you leased a conventional office and then had to fit out the office with equipment, furniture, utilities, and internet services. Take a look at Servcorp’s offices at http://www.servcorp.co.th/en/serviced-offices/ to see what is typically included in a package. This streamlining of office services makes it much easier for businesses to budget on a monthly basis.

One of the greatest features of the serviced office is the fact it is much more affordable to conventional leases. This is important because in many of Thailand’s business districts office rents are high. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the area might find themselves having to research zoning and renting laws to gain the advantage. In the end, a more convenient, budget-friendly solution is the serviced office.

Office Amenities

Included in a serviced office plan are the same amenities you would find by leasing a regular office. For one, businesses do not have to worry about staffing an information or reception desk because many of these plans come with support staff. Additionally, serviced offices provide businesses with some of the best in IT services. As a business occupying space in their buildings, most of your IT needs are taken care of by professionals.

Location

Another feature of serviced offices in this country is that most tend to be located close to business districts, which are usually characterised by high rents. The serviced office places you in proximity to businesses in more affluent areas. In terms of image, the serviced office can provide your outfit with reasonably-priced office space in a prime business location.

Scalability

Another feature of the serviced office is that it provides your business with room to grow. If your business in Thailand grows substantially, you have the option of modifying the lease to reflect your business’s new needs, and this can be done relatively quickly with no downtime for your business. For perspective, in a standard relocation situation, businesses would need at least nine months to successfully orchestrate moving from one location to another.

International Offices

Finally, look for fit-outs that have international offices. For example, Servcorp, one of Thailand’s leading office providers, has offices around the world. These offices typically provide businesses with access to conference and meeting room space. This benefits your business in that it provides you with a place to work regardless of where you are in the world.

Finding Your Space In Thailand’s Office Landscape

The serviced office can do wonders in this landscape where you really have to know the terrain to avoid entering into disadvantageous deals. Your serviced office provides you with a one-stop shopping experience that removes the hassles associated with initiating your office set up. In saving both time and money, you can focus on being more productive at work.

 
 
How To Renovate Your Home On A Budget
 
May 02, 2018
Category:

Wherever you happen to live in Asia, or in the world, your home is always going to be important to you. That’s why you’ll want it to look its best, but renovating a home and making it look wonderful can feel like an expensive task and can be rather daunting. Don’t worry, though; there are many ways that you can renovate your home on a budget, and here are just some of them to get you started.

Your Budget

The first thing you’re going to need to consider when you want to work to a budget is what your budget is. Do you have a certain amount of savings that you can use, for example? Or will you speak to Bonsai Finance about a personal loan? Perhaps you intend to work overtime to pay for the changes that you want to make. It’s best to know how much money you’re going to have and fit your purchases into that budget rather than adding up everything you want to buy and trying to work out how to pay for it all.

Once you know your budget, you can start planning, but until the sums are worked out, it’s best not to get started. You don’t want to begin something that you just won’t be able to finish. It will also be important to know things like Who pays for title insurance in Florida when considering your overall house costs.

The Architect

Not all home renovation projects are going to need an architect, but for the larger ones, the ones that involve, for example, moving walls or adding rooms, they are highly useful, assuming your budget can stretch to one. If not, there are alternatives that you can try. To begin with, you could draw up the plans yourself. The only difficulty here is that if you get something wrong and the builders start their work based on what you have drawn, you could end up having to fix a costly mistake. This is why an architect has trained for many years; they won’t make mistakes, but if they do, they are well insured. However, if you are confident that you can do it, this can save you a huge amount of money which can then be used to buy high-quality materials. And if you're thinking about converting your house into a loft, be sure to check out Visionary lofts for top notch services.

Shop Around

When you want to buy supplies and materials for your new bathroom, kitchen, living room, or anywhere else in your home, you may have a few brand names come immediately to mind. These are fine, and they may be very good, but don’t only go to these companies because of their great advertising and slick brochures. Once you have their prices and you can gauge the quality of the items they are selling, take some time to shop around for alternatives. The smaller suppliers may not have such a big marketing budget, but that doesn’t mean their products aren’t as high quality, or even better than the big brands. You could find that you can save a lot of money when you look around and compare prices.

Reuse Old Materials

When you are changing things in your home, you might be able to save a lot of money and make your budget go much further if you can reuse some of the old material. Often there will be nothing wrong with it, and all it will take is a coat of paint to make it look new and improved.

If there is nothing in your home worth reusing then take a look at salvage yards because you can find all kinds of great bargains there that will look just right in your renovated home. You can buy them at good prices although they may need a little work to bring them back to their former glory. Taking the time and effort to do this will pay dividends when you see how much money you can save and when you realize how they finish your home off perfectly.

DIY

It’s a nice idea to bring someone in who understands how to paint perfect walls and join shelving so that there is no gap, but it’s not always possible when you don’t have the money to do it. Therefore, whatever you can do yourself, you should. It will take longer if you also have a full-time job, but sometimes that is the sacrifice that will need to be made. You can find out how to do many of the more simple jobs using books you can borrow from the library, so you don’t even need to spend money on buying them, or from watching videos that other people have put up on YouTube. Learning these skills can help you now and in the future, saving you money and giving you a great sense of satisfaction when you look around your home and see what you have done.

For the larger jobs, it might be best to bring an expert in to help, but if you have done the smaller jobs yourself, your budget should be able to cover hiring someone for the harder things that you don’t want to worry about yourself.

De-Clutter

De-cluttering is something you’re going to need to do in your home anyway, no matter what kind of renovation you’re planning, big or small. It will make painting or wallpapering, putting in a new carpet, or any other kinds of changes much easier. It may also make them less expensive. That’s because, when you de-clutter, you can see what the room looks like and it might be that it doesn’t need as much work as you thought it would.

Smaller Changes

Rather than making huge changes and completely re-doing entire rooms, making smaller changes can be just as impactful yet much less expensive. That could be simply changing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets, for example, or even painting the cabinet doors rather than replacing them. Just because they no longer look fresh and modern that doesn’t mean they are no good, they only need to be changed cosmetically.

Outside you can paint the trim on your home instead of painting the whole house. Of course, painting the trim could show up how much the rest of the house does need painting, so bear this in mind, but it’s a good start, and it could motivate you to do more yourself if you feel confident enough to go ahead.

 
 
3 Proven Tips for Selling Your Home
 
Mar 03, 2016
Category:

Unlike past eras, more people than ever are reselling their homes. This is due to a variety of factors. Many times the simple reason is that a relocation is needed due to work or related personal issues. Much like purchasing a home, reselling your home can be a long process with many difficult decisions to make. There are many steps and things to be considered even before you put your home up for sale on the market.

Current economic conditions have resulted in homes being harder to sell than was the case over a decade ago. With buyers on stricter terms, it is necessary to do everything you can to stay ahead of any potential competition. By following these tested and well-proven tips, you can prepare yourself for putting up your house for sale on Property Guru. These tips will get you better deals when it comes to the actual selling itself and ensure you attract dozens of potential buyers to your residence.

1. Utilize Social Media and the Internet

The World Wide Web is the absolute best means of accessing any piece of information in today's world. Any information on practically any topic can be found with a few simple clicks. This information can even include relevant facts about your home.

Utilizing the Internet and social media is one of the most popular means of attracting potential buyers to your home. Most experts even use this practice in long time real estate businesses. As Bankrate reports, using social media and online websites can help expose your home to the whole new audience that was previously unreachable. No longer do you have to sell only to local buyers when advertising your residence online. With a clear and concise strategy, you can combine a variety of social media posts to build attention to the home you are selling. Studies have also shown that homes which include the use of in-home video tours are almost six times more likely to sell when compared with non-video home listings. As homeowners looking to make a great sale, you should always utilize the latest in cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of your competition and make a great deal.

2. Consider Partial Furnishing

Most homes are sold today entirely unfurnished. This makes browsing multiple properties seemingly the same. It can appear as if there are hardly any significant differences between houses other than how the rooms are shaped. It may pain you to do so, but consider leaving some partial furnishing behind in the house you are attempting to sell.

Partial furnishings help make a house stand out. Potential buyers will notice such things as a television or kitchen appliances. Not only do such things make a house more desirable to buy, but for the buyer, it means less money they have to spend on future furniture purchases. This subtle fact can result in a great deal being made and your house selling quickly.

3. Set Realistic Prices

The number one mistake of many homeowners looking to sell their property is setting the listing price at too high value. This is particularly the case for houses being listed for the Spring season. Being stubborn about your house's price is the main reason a home may not sell. We live today in an open economy, and this requires flexible prices.

Following the advice of professional real estate agents when it comes to pricing is the best course of action to take. But you can also do some research yourself. With a simple internet search, or by driving around the neighborhood, you can look at the prices of other homes for sale and compare these costs to your own. If your price seems unrealistic to potential buyers when compared to other homes, it is time to start thinking about lowering the cost of your property.

In Conclusion

Selling your home is a long process. It is also a process that requires much patience on the part of the homeowner. As the Telegraph reports, the amount of time needed for selling a home varies by region, but can range anywhere from three weeks to upwards of 40 weeks. With such vast spans of times involved, patience is key.

The best deal you can get on your home is possible to obtain. All it requires is patience and foresight on the part of the homeowner. With these tips, you can begin your home listing process and draw attention to your property that is for sale. Utilizing social media and online resources, including partial furnishing, and setting realistic prices are three key ways to sell your home as quickly as possible. In a process that already takes a long time, by following these tips, you can help lower the hassles involved and sell your home so you can begin your new life elsewhere.

 
 
Interested in Purchasing Property in Malaysia? What You Should Know
 
Feb 09, 2016
Category:

One of the factors driving Malaysian property is the Iskandar project. This is government backed economic development policy where businesses are encouraged to set up in special development zones. The other factor is the fact that local property prices have been rising since 2008 leading to an upsurge in buying due to more land been available for less money and lower stamp duty. However, to buy property in Malaysia on Property Guru, here are factors that you should be on the lookout for to find the right piece.

Before Buying Real Estate

If you are looking to purchase a new apartment or house directly from a developer, the initial down payment is a minimum of 10 percent the property value or depending on what the developer is willing to accept. Other costs and charges you will incur include:

• If you are borrowing money from a bank, a loan application fee
• Fire and MRTA insurance if you are taking a housing loan
• Stamp duty
• Legal fees
• Deposit for utilities (water and electricity)

Purchasing from a vendor will also attract the same fees and charges as above. It is important that before the process starts, you identify and work with a qualified real estate agent. Malaysian real estate agents are registered by the Board of Valuer, Appraisers and Estate Agents. The agency fee for services rendered is at, minimal, 3 percent of the property sale value.

You will also need a valuation report to show that the property in Malaysia on Property Guru value is not less that the proposed load. The valuation report is required by banks when an individual is applying for a loan.

The Basics of Home Loans

Budgeting is an essential part of your journey towards property ownership. You have to determine how much monthly loan repayment you can comfortable afford and the property’s highest price. It is advisable that your recurring monthly expenses – house, car and others – do not exceed a third of your monthly income. To get funds for your down payment, start with your savings, then the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) before getting a loan from a financial institution.

Most financial institutions have either a:

• Fixed-term loan: This will require you to pay a fixed amount every month for the length of the loan. This traditional loan term is better suited for individuals with a strict and predictable cash-flow pattern.
• Flexi-loan: Offers you the option of reducing your interest as you wish, with the flexibility in paying off your home loan when you can.

It is important that you also carry out research and find a loan package with the lowest interest rate. Financial institutions charge interest as determined by the Base Lending Rate (BLR) set by the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Other interest rate systems are:

• Mortgage Lending Rate (MLR)
• Base Finance Rate (BFR) – for a Shariah compliant loan

Types of Properties in Malaysia

Before venturing into the real estate world, it is important that you have a fairly basic grasp of the most basic things. Below are the most common types of properties you can purchase in Malaysia:

• Land
• Commercial
• Residential

The four key real estate market segments are:

• Developer/New: New development for direct purchase from developers once you have views the plans or show units.
• Secondary or sub-sale: Defines existing property that has been purchased by a seller who is not a developer.
• Auction: Properties within this market are usually available at below-market rates.
• Commercial: The properties within this segment are for business purposes like offices and shops.

My First Home Scheme and PRIMA

Due to the dramatic increase in property taxes, Malaysia’s government instituted two schemes to help young adults afford property. The two schemes are:

Skim Rumah Pertamaku (SRP) or My First Home Scheme: Helps young adults who have just joined the workforce to obtain 100% financing. The scheme is open to Malaysian citizens up to 35 years and with a gross income not exceeding RM5,000 a month. On purchase, the beneficiaries are expected to occupy the property and loans are payable via monthly salary deduction.
Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia (PR1MA): Aims to provide middle-income households in urban centeres with affordable lifestyle housing. Open to Malaysian families and individuals with an average monthly income of up to RM7,500. Applicants should be over 21 years and not own more than one property. Beneficiaries are also expected to occupy the property once purchased.
 
 
Building a House Floor Plan? Avoid These Common Mistakes
 
Feb 09, 2016
Category:

Building a house is just about as difficult as it sounds – there are no shortcuts, simplifications, or acceptable mistakes. Homes are complicated mounds and structures of steel, wood and stone – messing up isn’t an option.

As long as you keep a few common mistakes in mind and seek professional assistance, building a home is a lengthy, but concrete step-by-step process. You may encounter some hurdles, and some difficulties, but by and large it’ll be an adventure. And with Thai housing being in a boom according to Global Property Guide, getting yourself a home won’t be a bad investment. So let’s dive right in and get you on the path to having a home of your own.

Don't Try and Be a Contractor

First things first: when it comes to executing your floor plan, don’t try to be the general contractor. A general contractor oversees the subcontractors who work on the home – from the construction crew, to the electrician, the plumber, the lighting specialist and so on. They work with the architect to create the home you want – and for some, that may seem like a job they could tackle.

The truth is that subcontractors are extremely busy people – and in their line of work, repeat customers are those that get them the most money in the long-term. They’re more likely to put more effort into communicating and working on your house with a general contractor they know, than they are to simply work with you. You cannot replace a general contractor – or at least, you shouldn’t try to.

When Visiting Model Homes, Strip Them Bare

If you’re fond of visiting other homes to get an idea of what yours should look like, don’t be entranced by shiny amenities and interior detailing. Strip away the beautiful floors, nice furniture, carpeting, drapes and windows – just the walls and structure remain. Then imagine what you would do with the space, and if you could live in it.

See the house for what it is – an empty structure. All the added finishing is there to sell the place to you – and if you like the floor plan because of its finish and interior design, rather than the nitty gritty of the plan itself, you’re setting yourself up for a disappointment.

Be Efficient, Rather than Grandiose

It may be tempting to make large foyers and halls and cathedral-style high ceilings in your home – but all these things do is waste space and square footage, while driving up your heating or cooling costs as your home becomes larger and more expensive to regulate.

Cut out the unnecessary rooms and large halls, and instead focus on spacious dining areas, a large garden area and backyard, a beautiful terrace for eating under the sun or stars, and whatever else you could want that makes more sense space-wise.

Take a Few Lesson in Basic Floor Plan Structure

You don’t need an internship at an architecture company or a degree from school – a basic online crash course on architectural terms and the jargon of house layouts will help you understand exactly what it is you’re looking at when confronted with a house plan.

You’ll be better off for it – once you know how house plans are formulated and made, you’ll also have a basic idea of what’s a good idea and what’s a horrible mistake. For one, avoid building a “Garage Mahal” – that is, a large unsubtle home unsuitable to the family and neighborhood it’s situated in, and with a major focus placed on its garage – so much so that the garage takes over the front porch and invades the potential for curb appeal.

Don't Ignore Your Location

Remember where you’re building your home. Since you have control over your house plan, you can save yourself a lot of money and make a beautiful home by adjusting it to the location you’re building in. Where is east? Where is south? Where is west? Build a floor plan with most of the rooms you spend your mornings in – the bedroom, the kitchen – in the east, to catch the warmth of the morning sun as it rises. What do you do in the afternoons? Have these rooms – and their windows – in the west.

As Houzz points out with various examples of architectural ingenuity, the sun can be an important factor in home design. Having more windows in the south than in the northern portion of the home lets you catch more sun all year long, if that’s what you want. This way, you’ll have no need for lighting during the day, and you’ll easily get your share of sunlight, even if you get to frolic under the sun on rare occasions.

Keep It Simple

There’s no need to overcomplicate your home. A garage, a few bedrooms, an area for cooking and dining, easily accessible yet hidden bathrooms, and whatever else you can make use of – these are all essential rooms because they’re rooms you’ll use every day. If there’s a portion of your home plan that you don’t see using daily, then that’s space you don’t need, and could be used in a more efficient manner. In the end, all that’s left to do is bring your house plans to a professional like DDProperty, and work out the details to building your dream home.

 
 
The Realities of Living in a Tiny Home and How It Helps the Environment
 
Nov 05, 2014
Category:

The micro homes movement has started to get big. So-called tiny homes are being embraced by those who are interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, not only to create financial freedom but also to reduce the impact they make on the environment.

Those who are new to tiny homes might have a lot of questions about this housing choice. What, exactly, are tiny homes? What are they actually like to live in every day? How do they help the environment?

The definition for a micro home varies, but it typically includes homes that are anywhere from 90 square feet to 800 square feet. Some are no bigger than the shed that might be in your backyard right now. The emphasis inside a tiny home is on design, not open space. Therefore, the home takes advantage of vertical space, with loft beds, cabinets that run all the way to the ceiling, and more. Convertible furniture is a must, such as beds that pull out of the walls or desks that turn into dining spaces.

Here are a few of the many ways that these homes can help to reduce a family's impact on the environment:

Use of Fewer Building Materials

Because micro homes take up less square footage, they also naturally use up fewer building materials. In fact, many people also use recycled or repurposed materials to build these homes. Enterprising homeowners can build a tiny home for as little as $20,000 if they rely primarily on recycled materials.

Whether using new or recycled materials, you will still be consuming far fewer materials than you would with the construction of a traditional home, and that will help you save on natural resources, reduce consumption of fossil fuels, and more.

Reduced Energy Consumption

Not only do micro homes automatically require less energy to light, heat or cool, but they also typically use an "off the grid" system. This means that they aren't plugged into a standard electricity source. These homes rely on gas heat, wood burning heat, and other closed systems.

Tiny homes often use barrels to collect rainwater, and have composting toilets that reduce water use and turn some of that waste into usable fertilizer. The water and electric system in these homes is much like that of a camper or RV, so those living in the homes do not suffer any inconvenience.

Less Land Mass

Tiny homes are built to be mobile. They aren't built on a concrete slab foundation; they are built on wheels, just like a mobile home. That means that they can travel and be parked anywhere an RV can be parked. It also means they take up considerably less land.

You can buy a plot of land and build your tiny home on it if you want to create a more permanent space. You can buy pecan trees, grow apple trees, or even start an avocado tree orchard. You can start your own farm -- you'll have so much additional land that you can make much better use of the space to grow your own food and create a more sustainable lifestyle.

Small homes aren't just a passing fad. More and more people are choosing these tiny homes as they realize the benefits not only to their pocketbooks, but also to the environment. Consider looking into this alternative housing to discover the financial freedom you crave and to reduce your environmental impact.

Written by Jane Brown