Investing in a smaller apartment in Prague or a luxury villa in Asia? The price is comparable

16 December 2022

The past months on the Czech real estate market have been marked by the development of the economy, huge inflation and the security situation in Europe. Therefore, the demand for a stable and long-term investment in the form of a property purchase is growing. However, the exhausted domestic supply is not sufficient, so investors are turning their eyes abroad. The demand is especially for luxury houses, villas or apartments, which are much more resistant to price fluctuations than traditional ones. Thailand, for example, is now experiencing a boom, having reopened to tourists after the pandemic. Property can also be bought at bargain prices in Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

People who are currently looking for a profitable way to save their money have started to look more for investment abroad due to the high prices of domestic apartments. Apartments, as well as villas in exotic countries, are now easily accessible to Czech residents. In view of this phenomenon, the real estate agency Luxent – Exclusive Properties has significantly expanded its portfolio of exclusive properties in far and near Asia. Moreover, in general, premium real estate does not experience significant fluctuations even when the market for ordinary real estate is turbulent. “We do not see a clear and widespread price drop in our luxury real estate segment; quality houses and apartments will continue to sell. Interested parties are watching them closely and are also looking abroad,” explains the director of Luxent – Exclusive Properties, Jiří Kučera, adding, “Many suitable investment opportunities are offered by the real estate markets in Thailand or the United Arab Emirates, for example, which we are now focusing on.”

Vacation properties in Thailand – a sure investment:
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is very popular with both European and Asian holidaymakers. This is confirmed by the real estate agency Luxent – Exclusive Properties, which has recently acquired the Naya Villas resort in the south of the island on the Andaman Sea for its portfolio. Each of the nine 3-bedroom holiday villas with private land and a large terrace covers an area of 132 m². The resort includes a tropical garden full of mature trees providing plenty of privacy as well as a communal swimming pool. The fully air-conditioned houses are completely furnished in a modern Thai style and have an airy and timeless feel. The new builds have sprung up in a secure secure guarded compound in a quiet location, with cafes, bars and restaurants nearby, including authentic fishing villages. Less than 2 km away is one of the cleanest white sand beaches on the island – Nai Han Beach. The resort is just 46 km from the international and domestic airports.

The project was built just before the 2019 pandemic, then rented out for a long time to people who could not leave Thailand due to the measures. As of October 2022, when the Kingdom of Thailand lifted all covid restrictions, the resort is beginning to reach its full potential. “Phuket is very popular with Asian clientele in addition to Europeans. With the relaxation of restrictions remaining for the time being in some countries, 100% occupancy of all villas can be expected in the high season, from November to April. And even though the current owner has not used the most popular platforms such as Booking or AirBnb, he is currently occupied until the end of April,” says Kateřina Zajícová, a real estate broker at Luxent – Exclusive Properties, adding: “Based on all parameters, we consider Naya Villas to be a great investment opportunity with a secure return within a few years.”

In addition, the new owner does not have to worry about the service and operation of the resort, which will be taken care of by local staff. No major investments are required in the next 10 years or so. “The resort is suitable primarily for one investor who will buy it as a whole, but in case of great individual interest we can also sell it individually by villas. The price of one property is less than 10 million EUR. CZK. In terms of investment properties, this can be compared to a 2+kk apartment in the wider centre of Prague with an area of around 60 m2. Exotic destinations, however, bring an immense benefit in the form of the possible use of the property for your own recreation at any time of the year,” specifies the real estate broker.

The resort is also unique in that it has its own land, which is a rarity in Thailand. “Although only a Thai can own the land according to local legislation (minimum 51%), a foreigner can still purchase it through a Thai entity (e.g. similar to a Czech s.r.o.). This is a perfectly common and legally safe practice. During the transaction, the new owner can of course count on the help of Czech and Thai lawyers with knowledge of local conditions and legislation,” concludes Kateřina Zajícová.

Bali and the Middle East are also tempting:
Southeast Asia has great investment potential. This is also true, for example, for Indonesia, which has one of the most promising emerging economies in the world. On the island of Bali, the real estate agency Luxent – Exclusive Properties is selling for just over EUR 13 million. The Luxury Palm project, consisting of just three properties, of which only two are currently available, combines the premium lifestyle of the location with innovative sustainable design. It is situated in the seaside village of Pererenan amidst green rice fields and in close proximity to popular beaches. These offer maximum enjoyment for surfers and lovers of relaxing by the sea.

Bali’s newly emerging Neano resort with 54 designer villas in the seaside town of Candidasa, right above the famous beach of the same name, also invites good investment. In an attractive location, the project will offer a peaceful, green leisure experience right by the ocean and close to the natural beauty of the local rocky cliffs, waterfalls and mountain lakes. The timeless new buildings are being built on a cascading plot so that each one has plenty of privacy while overlooking the ocean from all corners. There is a terrace with its own private pool. As for the interiors, the generously proportioned living room space connected to the fully equipped kitchen flows seamlessly into the master bedroom and bathroom. The approximate price of the property, which varies depending on the size of the plot and the usable area, is 5.2 mil. CZK.

When we head to the Middle East, Dubai is a constant among investor locations. Thanks to its laws and high level of technology, the United Arab Emirates is one of the safest countries in the world. The popularity of its capital is further enhanced by a trade policy that is very open and business-oriented. The year-round sunny weather and good accessibility (about 6 hours flight time and visa-free travel) are also among the notable factors. In the offer of Luxent – Exclusive Properties, it is possible to find, for example, apartments with a layout of 2+kk to 3+kk and a size of up to 144 m2 in the new exclusive project Liv Lux. All apartments are light-filled and overlook the Dubai Marina or the Arabian Sea. Residents can enjoy five-star service and a plethora of services available from a 24-hour reception to a lounge, cinema room, conference facilities, sauna and steam room, fitness centre, swimming pool, relaxation garden, barbecue area and golf.

Additional 2 bedroom apartments are offered by the real estate agency in the luxury Dubai project Vincitore Volare. This is unique not only for its location in a quiet spot next to the central Arjan Park, but also for its architecture with Victorian elements, high quality workmanship and the full range of services available in the building. A 61 sqm unit can be purchased for just over 5.5 million. CZK.

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