Sansiri, the giant Bangkok-based property developer that has been so active in Phuket recently, plans to launch only nine new condominiums worth a combined THB17.6 billion this year, blaming the low number largely on the country’s political instability.
It is still going ahead, however, with announced projects in Phuket, such as The Base Downtown near Central Festival (pictured), almost completed, where it held a press briefing last week.
Senior Executive Vice President Uthai Uthaisangsuk said prolonged political protests have hit the property sector hard, as indicated by a significant drop in site visits by prospective condo buyers.
Last year, Sansiri launched 29 condo projects worth a combined THB42 billion – more than three times the number planned for this year.
“Last year, the company was able to produce sales at a satisfactory level thanks to extensive condominium development both in Bangkok and provincial areas,” Uthai said.
“More importantly, the company also succeeded in expanding its customer base to foreigners, particularly for The Deck-Patong, where foreigners make up 75 percent of buyers.”
Part of that change was attributed to the launch of a “Rental for the Holidays” programme by subsidiary Plus Property that offers long-term rental services to foreigners.
Uthai said the company’s condo development plan will this year focus on the “urban slow living” concept under the Haus brand, while expanding the popular The Base and dCondo brands.
Next month, Sansiri will introduce its first condo project of the year, Nyx, worth THB3 billion. The project, near Wong Wian Yai skytrain station in Bangkok, offers 853 units with a starting price of THB2.49 million.
Uthai said the company also plans to expand its condo development into new locations such as Phitsanulok and Chonburi’s Si Racha district.
This year it has set a target for its condo presales at THB15.6 billion, down by 47.1 percent from 2013 presales. Overall, the company plans to develop 19 new projects worth a combined THB33.3 billion this year, about half of last year’s number, with a 29 percent decrease in presales, citing rising concern over political instability.
President Srettha Thavisin said earlier that the conservative business plan was based on the political crisis ending within six months.
If it lasts longer than that, the company will stall some of the planned projects.
This story was published by The Phuket News and is reproduced as part of an editorial partnership between PropertyGuru Group and The Phuket News.
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