In this intense competition over the property market shares, where differentiation through physical location and convenience never begins to wane in effect but makes a giant leap for a business, the only option without leaving a landmark on the prime location is to lose or win no one. AP (Thailand) clearly wouldn’t end up with a short end of the stick as it bought a portion of land close to Wutthakat road several metres from Wutthakat BTS station, and developed it into a luxury mid-rise condominium affectionately known as Aspire Wutthakat. The rest of the developers who were swept in this cult-like trend of snatching the prime location would be put in difficult position as Aspire Wutthakat was not only located on one but offered at incomparably low price of THB 1.85 million/ unit, which was THB-1-million-/unit cheaper than the condos located by Talat Phlu and Pho Nimit BTS stations and just half of the price of the condo units sold near Wongwian Yai and Krung Thonburi BTS stations. It goes without saying that this stately condominium yet unborn has already added another layer of attraction to Thonburi District.
Project Details (Last Updated July 31st, 2015)
Project Name: Aspire Wutthakat
Developer: AP Thailand
Address: Near Soi Wutthakat 19, Wutthakat road, Talad Plu sub-district, Thonburi district, Bangkok (approximately 200 metre away from Wutthakat BTS station)
Condo Area: 1-1-77 rais of land
Architectural Design: This mid-rise condominium puts 8 storeys comprising 166 luxurious units on display. The 1st floor embraces all of the lobby hall, lifts, mailroom, public restrooms, juristic person office, laundry room and 40% parking space. The 2nd floor provides condo facilities featuring a salt pool, fitness centre, public restrooms, and comes with 19 residential units. The remaining floors each contain 24 residential units. To add more, the condo rooftop terrace is decorated with a garden space, covering up the elevator machine room, plumbing engine room, and tank.
Lifts: 2 lifts (for both passenger and service uses)
Unit Layouts:
Studio 22.5 sq.m.
1-bedroom 30.0-30.50 sq.m.
2-bedroom 42.5 sq.m.
Construction Period: August 2015 – September 2016
Sinking fund: THB 350/ sq.m.
Maintenance Fees: THB 65/sq.m. a month. (The special promotion offers a discount of THB 20/sq.m. per month on the monthly maintenance fees for one year after moving in)
Average Selling Price: THB 1.85
Starting Price: Approx. THB 82,000-84,000 /sq.m.
Selling Rate: 30% of total units sold out. 1-bedroom is the best-selling unit type according to the sale figures.
Floor Plan Review
Condo Facilities
A beautifully arranged garden offering 360 degree uninterrupted views of city and skytrain railways from the roof. An open-air salt water pool with sun-drenched pool deck & private fitness centre on the 2nd floor of the building.
Aspire Wutthakat Ground Floor Plan inclusive of a lobby, juristic office, mailroom, laundry room, and restrooms.
Aspire Wutthakat 2nd Floor Plan coming with the condo’s exclusive facilities featuring a salt water pool and fitness centre.
Aspire Wutthakat 3rd-8th Floor Plan with mainly residential units.
Unit Layout Review
1. Studio
2. 1-bedroom
3. 2-bedroom
Layout Review:
Floor-to-Ceiling Height: 2.5 metres
Furnishings: Unfurnished (but comes with kitchen and bathroom cabinetries and sliding doors for kitchen).
Air Conditioner: Fitted
The only sample rooms available at this time is a 30-sq.m. 1-bedroom as shown below. The sample room is properly furnished with home items of perfect sizes and shapes and is painted in matching scheme colours. The real unit sold is unfurnished.
The front door of sample 1-bedroom.
A front door made of wood equipped with a door handle for 1-bedroom unit.
The dining space is set on the right/left behind the front door according to the floor plan.
A sizable two-person table set can perfectly fit in the dining space without being excessively spacious.
The living zone is gracefully furnished with L-shaped sofas topped with a full-sized bed. The room is shaded with blue and crème schemes matched with the light brown of furnishings, lending an immaculate beauty and warmth to the room. No need of lush décors at all.
A TV, TV cabinet, and cabinet shelves are wall-fitted along the doorway in the forefront of the unit.
A romantic close-up look of a large comfy bed on top of sofas.
A wardrobe and dressing table can perfectly fit in the leftover space at the end of the bed.
The room comes with two fixed windows and one top-hung window.
The top-hung window comes with a lock.
Opposite to the perfectly blended bed/living room lies a smart and well-proportioned kitchen enclosed behind see-through glass sliding doors. The bathroom and balcony can be conveniently accessed from the kitchen.
The door comes with a lock handle.
The 1-bedroom package has a countertop in the kitchen.
A cabinet and shelf are wall-fitted.
The countertop is equipped with drawers and cabinet. No hob included.
A spoon-fork-chopstick drawer.
A spacious cookery countertop is in place ready for use.
A wall-mounted cabinet suitable for placing light-medium weighted appliances.
An outdoor balcony can be easily accessed from the kitchen through the door at the end of the passage.
The glass sliding doors keep a border between the kitchen and balcony.
The sliding door has a handle with a lock.
The compressor is hanged outdoor in the balcony.
The wet and dry zones are not separated in the bathroom as no shower curtain is provided.
A sink is located on the left near the door when entering.
The bathroom is inclusive of a sink & mirror, toilet bowl and other sanitary, but doesn’t come with a shower curtain, shower warmer and window for ventilation.
Laminate flooring for the bed/living room.
30×30-cm-tile flooring in the bathroom.
The floorings in the kitchen and balcony are the same with a strip of granite stone set in between.
There had been many condominiums put up for sale supplying over 5,000 exclusively designed units located off the bustling roads by Wutthakat BTS station several months before commencing the station’s operation in December 2013. This skytrain station was established on the viaduct carrying the transit lines over Klong Dan canal that is situated in-between the two separate communities, and can be accessed from the four entry/exit gates stationed opposite to each other. These two communal areas are termed Ratchapruek zone and Wutthakat zone after the roads throughout them and shall be analysed as follows;
Any residents living in Ratchapruek zone for the first time will be thrown out of whack by the directional confusion without fail. The road network within this area was so haphazardly constructed that some old inhabitants even today are forced to make a U-turn from afar in order to take on the reversed lane and drive another several hundreds of metres or kilometres to home. Because the turnarounds here have a great distance in between, missing to make a U-turn at the nearest junction to their home is something they avoid at all cost. That’s when the condominiums have come in handy. The residents of the condominium who do not seek to travel by road here can conveniently commute by BTS from Wutthakat station. Currently there have been 6 condominiums within Ratchapruek-road-based sites under development of 4 major developers during 2012-2014 as follows: The Key Sathorn-Ratchapruek and The Key Wutthakat condominiums by Land & Houses, Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Timber Zone) and Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Brick Zone), 2 of the 4 main phases by AP (Thailand), Ideo Wutthakat by Ananda Development, and Tempo Grand Sathorn-Wutthakat by Built Land Plc.
On the other edge of Klong Dan, the commune with mainly Wutthakat roads provides some areas outlying Wutthakat BTS station for new condominium developments to be taken place. The said community has long historical background as reflected in the old-world charm and character of the houses, stores and commercial buildings set along the roads and comes to fame for the Thai traditional market “Talat Phlu” as one of the few veritable evidences of the community’s rich cultural heritage, best to commute by Terdthai road. The majority of condominiums open along Wutthakat roads are mid-rise with no more than 8 storeys, consisting of PE:LA Wutthikat by Chanuntorn Development located near Soi Wutthakat 21, Aspire Wutthakat by AP (Thailand) sited by Soi Wutthakat 19, The Key Wutthakat II in between Soi Wutthakat 5 and 7 (coming in the end of 2015), amounting to 3 in total.
Note: For traveling to PE:LA Wuthhakat, Aspire Wutthakat or The Key Wutthakat II by BTS, exit the platform through the gate 3.
The condominiums surrounding Wutthakat station have only experienced gradual increases in price per unit on average, while those situated one BTS stop from there have gained additional values which makes them THB 1 million more expensive as of now.
The Tempo Grand Sathorn-Wutthakat more than half way to fully constructed.
The Key Wutthakat Condominium verging on its fully complete form.
Getting There
2.1 For the first direction, drive along Sathorn road across Tak-Sin Bridge past Wongwian Yai and Pho Nimit BTS stations and make a right at the intersection with Ratchadapisek road. Go along Ratchadapisek road until approaching Thapra Intersection, do not cross the bridge but keep left toward Thoetthai. Drive along the road and before arriving at Talat-Phlu intersection, turn left to Thoetthai road. Keep straight until approaching a T-junction, turn left to Wutthakat road, past The Key Wutthakat II, and just before arriving at PE:LA condominium and Wuttakat Station, turn left to enter Aspire Wutthakat.
2.2 The second direction is much less complicated than the pre-mentioned route. Drive along the expressway toward Ratchapruek past Bang Wa BTS station and when getting near the Wutthakat-Thoetthai-Ekkachai signpost seen on the left off-highway, keep left to descend the expressway off-ramp. Make a left at the intersection to Wutthakat road, continue along the road approximately 200 metres past PE:LA condominium and make a right at the junction near Soi Wutthakat 19.
Drive along the expressway toward Sathorn, past Bang Wa BTS. Then look for the guide post of Wutthakat Road on your left.
Keep left as passing that signpost and descend the expressway off-ramp. Then make a left at the intersection with Wutthakat road, and go straight about 200 metres passing PE:LA condominium. After that, slow down and keep right ready to make a right to enter Aspire Wutthikat.
Note: Due to the ongoing construction of Aspire Wutthakat, the condo head office is temporarily located with Aspire Sathorn-Thapra condominium, steps from Talat Phlu BTS station through the gate 3-4.
Nearby Amenities
1. Street Food Talat Phlu (Phlu Market)
Truly so-called Street Food Paradise. This market is full of street food vendors with Thai traditional unique cuisine in business as long as anyone there can remember. One of the most delighted food of Talat Phlu no one should ever miss out on is the Chinese chives cakes that are divine and delicious with a taste of local essence. Conveniently located near Talat Phlu intersection, steps from Talat Phlu railway station.
2. The Mall Thapra
This long-established shopping mall is centred on Thonburi district, near Talat Phlu BTS station. The residents of the condominium shall conveniently commute to the mall by BTS from Wutthakat station to Talat Phlu and take minutes of walk (or ride the motorcycle at their convenience). The Mall Thapra is the only reservoir of urban living experience around here offering brand name clothes shops, banks, fast casual restaurants and such.
Rate of Return Analysis
Aspire Wutthakat is a perfect little home for any small-sized family but despite that, has been showing a low potential for investment by far. Renting out the condo unit doesn’t contribute to greater earning capacity of a person judging by the rate of rent prices offered by the nearby condominiums including The Key Sathorn-Ratchapruek and Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Timber Zone), which are in range of THB 10,000-14,000 a month.
Note: The condominiums sited along Ratchapruek road have a greater potential for price uplift than those mid-rise set along Wutthakat road as they’re taller and closer to the BTS. Considering the current state of affair, Aspire Wutthakat or any condominiums in Wutthakat zone alike can enjoy the rent rate of THB 3,000-7,000/ unit a month. In the meantime, the average rent prices of the condominiums close by Talat Phlu BTS station range from THB 10,000-15,000/unit a month, which are approximately twice as much.
Nearby Condos
1. Ratchapruek-road-based
1.1 The Key Sathorn Ratchapruek
The Key Sathorn-Rachapruek
Launched by Land & Houses in 2012 on medium 7-2-57.5 rais of land, the entire project consists of 4 buildings inclusive of a ready-to-move-in 23-storey building, 7-storey building, 3-storey building, and 48% 7-storey parking space serving around 403 cars. The total number of residential units is 834 units which come in layouts of 1-2 bedroom ranging in 5-63 sq.m. in sizes. Its official starting price is THB 1.73 million, equal to THB 57,600/ sq.m.
1.2 The Key Wutthakat
The Key Wutthakat
The second product rolled out by Land & Houses in 2013. Expanding on 3-0-20 rais of land containing a 22-storey building with a 53% parking space (worth 234 parking lots) and 441 residential units in total comprising 32.40-33.10-sq.m. 1-bedroom, and 56.30-57.60-sq.m. 2-bedroom. The starting price based on pre-sale was approx. THB 5million/ unit or averagely THB 76,000/sq.m. while under construction to complete in October 2015. The ready-to-move-in 2-bedroom units are fully furnished and offered at THB 4.5 million/unit.
1.3 Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Timber Zone)
Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Timber Zone)
The condo project developed by AP (Thailand) was undertaken on 2-3-77 rais of land and fully constructed ready to move in now. The starting price is THB 1.75/unit, whereas the presale rate ranged from THB 65-3.35million (approx. THB 63,000-74,000/sq.m.) before. The condominium constitutes a 25-storey building with 1 shop unit, 195 parking lots (35% parking space), and 546 residential units with 1-2 bedroom floor plans ranged in sizes of 26-45 sq.m.
1.4 Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Brick Zone)
Aspire Sathorn-Taksin (Brick Zone)
The other product of AP (Thailand) was introduced in year of 2014, with 35% allotted parking area (140 cars) and two planned 8-storey buildings with a combined total of 364 28-sq.m. studio units enclosed within 4-9-94.7 rais of land. The starting per-unit price was said to be THB 1.63 million or approx. THB 60,000/sq.m. but the price now is actually THB 1.69 million/ unit.
1.5 Ideo Wutthakat
Ideo Wutthakat
Developed by well-known Ananda Development with its debut in 2013, expected to complete in 2016 with a fully developed 31-storey tower containing 5-storey parking space and 949 residential units of 20-21-sq.m. studio, 21-30-sq.m. 1-bedroom, and 45-sq.m. 2-bedroom over 4-0-19 rais of land. For sale at the opening price of THB 1.59 million/unit (THB 78,000/sq.m.). The current price per unit is THB 1.9 million.
1.6 Tempo Grand Sathorn-Wutthakat
Tempo Grand Sathorn-Wutthakat
In 2013, Built Land Plc presented a 32-storey building and 24-storey under construction for pre-sale with a combined total of 1,004 excellently designed units and 48% car space (450 lots). This condominium covers 5-3-53 rais of land and comes with the floor plans of 29.7-37.2-sq.m. 1-bedroom and 56.79-sq.m. 2-bedroom. It was initially offered at THB 19 million/unit (approx. THB 74,000/sq.m.) and later rose to THB 2.35 million/unit. The complete construction is expected to take place in 2016.
2. Wutthakat-road-based
2.1 PE:LA Wutthakat
PE:LA Wutthakat
Encased in a narrow landscape worth 1-1-51 rais, near Soi Wutthakat 21. Under auspices of Chanuntorn Development, a luxurious 21-storey building sets out 47% parking space and 190 exclusively designed residential units in wide layouts comprising 33-54.5-sq.m. 1-bedroom, 58-109-sq.m. 2-bedroom and 5-92-sq.m. duplex. The opening per-unit price was THB 2.3 million (equal to THB 71,000-73,000/ sq.m.). The current selling price has gone up to THB 2.49 million. Expected to come to fully constructed form in 2016.
2.2 The Key Wutthakat II
The Key Wutthakat II
New condominium under development by Land & Houses. No information available as of July 31st, 2015.
Making a home purchase today is not only about finding a place where anyone can truly feel at home and enjoy the comfort in their own skin, but also related to the monetary reward from renting or selling out the home they no longer want to live in. By looking at this case, Aspire Wutthakat is a dream home worth a lifetime stay rather than a temporary settlement to be put up for sale/rent on and off. Recouping the expenses on the purchase price rapidly by renting out your property, or making dreamlike profits by selling it several years from now, such chances are pretty slim here to be frank. Like a two-sided coin more or less, Aspire Wutthakat wouldn’t be whole without either one of strong and weak characters, of which the strongs are represented by its extreme proximity to the public transit and incredibly low price offer, and the weaks are recognized as the difficulty to travel by road and frustrating and enduring traffic jam. Nevertheless, the buyers should keep in their mind that even though buying a home sided by the BTS line may not turn out all they want, it indeed helps them save other costs that would’ve been spent if they were to live elsewhere in a long term, especially fuelling and maintenance costs for a car. Besides, driving confusing roads is not such a cost hard to bear.
This project review is written by Kittikom, a full-time reviewer at DDproperty.com, the No.1 property listing portal in Thailand. For any questions, please email to kittikom@ddproperty.com.
For latest property news to automatically send email reports, click here for a free subscription.
CARAPACE Hua Hin-Khao Tao one of the interesting projects which is not far from Hua Hin. It is located at Khao Tao beach near Petchkasem road. There are many room types available. The space varies between 26 to 43.53 square meters. Full facilities access in the common area whether it be the Grand Lobby, All Day Dining, Fitness, Swimming Pool, Water park, Beach Club. The price starts from THB3.5 million.
Supalai Icon Sathorn is a 56-storey (not included rooftop) luxury condominium with 787 units. The project offers a variety of unit types, and is close to the BTS, MRT, BRT as well as the Rama 4 and Sathorn expressway entries. The starting price is 8.2 MB.
The Triple Y Residence is located in a mixed-use development, Samyan Mitrtown, which comprises office, retail, residence and facilities Starting 4.49 million Baht
