The Asoke area of Bangkok has become popular once again after several new project launches in the past three months. The most talked about projects inevitably include Noble Recole by Noble Development and Ashton Asoke by Ananda Development. These two projects are both located in the Asoke area and were also first launched to the market at almost the same time. While pricewise they are also quite similar the main difference between these two projects is location.
Ashton Asoke is located closer to the main road and BTS network than Noble Recole, however the price there is higher. Noble Recole enjoys a more peaceful environment, as the project is about 500 metres inside Sukhumvit Soi 19.
For many property buyers and investors that are planning to buy a condominium in the Asoke area, they may have to consider up to five projects – Noble Recole, Ashton Asoke, Circle Rein, Q Asoke and Sansiri Edge. The first three projects have just been launched while the latter two are now at the construction stage.
Noble Recole, Ashton Asoke and Sansiri Edge were all sold out in a short time after launching, reflecting the potential and demand for properties in this area.
Today we will focus on Noble Recole.
Projects initial details (Data updated October 2014)
- Developer: Noble Development PLC
- Detail: High-rise condominium 28 floors, five underground parking floors with a total of 288 residential units.
- Project area: 1-2-28 rai
- Construction starts: 2015
- Scheduled for completion: 2018
- Average price per sqm: THB180,000
Location analysis
If we look at a map of Bangkok we can see that Asoke is in the centre – between Thonglor and Siam, Silom, Sathorn and Rama 9, Ladphrao. Moreover, this area is an important intersection for both the BTS and MRT masst transit networks.
Another important strength of Noble Recole is that there are many ways to avoid traffic congestion. Shortcuts via Nana in Sukhumvit Soi 11, 13 and 15, or through Soi 19, 21/1, 21/3. If driving from Phrom Phong or Rama 4, Sukhumvit Soi 19 would be the better choice. If driving on Petchburi Road in-bound, the best option will be to take Sukhumvit Soi 21/3, however at certain times drivers cannot turn right into the Soi. If you are on Petchburi Road out-bound, turn into Soi Nana then into Sukhumvit Soi 11 through to Sukhumvit Soi 19. With so many alternative routes to choose from, you can plan your trip as you wish.
The project is 500 metres from Sukhumvit MRT station and Asoke BTS station, and it takes less than 10 minutes to walk to either via Soi Sukhumvit 19 or Asoke. If you prefer taking a motorbike taxi, it costs THB15 from Asoke intersection to the project.
Noble Recole is also within walking distance to a lot of shopping, dining and entertainment venues. If you are in the mood for shopping, the Terminal 21 shopping mall and Robinson department store are just around the corner. If you need to relax after a long day at work, Healthland is also nearby.
There are also hospitals, schools and university located nearby.
In-depth project review
All units were sold within just a few hours on the first day of pre-sales, but potential buyers shouldn’t despair. If you want to own a unit in this project keep your eyes and ears open as we understand the developer plans to launch a second phase, although prices will be definitely higher.
For the current phase there are only 288 residential units, ensuring high levels of privacy when compared with other projects in the vicinity.
The project provides a wide range of facilities, including infinity edge pool, fitness and also steam room on the 28th floor
Noble Recole provides well-designed room layouts. Unit types include one- and two-bedroom units with sizes starting from 34.53 sqm – which is pretty comfortable for living. The two-bedroom units range from 62.25 sqm. The ceiling height – at 2.65 metres – makes the rooms feel large, light and airy. One negative would be the fact that the project doesn’t provide bathtubs in any of its room types
From the layout image, A1-A5 are the one-bedroom types and don’t look very different. Personally, we don’t think it’s necessary to have a balcony both in the bedroom and the living room. Just one in either room is enough so we can have more space for the room. Layouts for the two-bedroom types seem to offer more variety, depending on the unit location. Overall, this project has done quite a good job on its room layout designs.
All units at Noble Recole face north or south, which is better than facing east or west. This means you don’t have to worry about the sun too much. The south-facing units will definitely take advantage of the year-round wind, while the higher you are, the better city views you will see.
The north-facing units might get to hear noise from the nearby Wattana Wittayalai School, but the views from this side on higher floors are quite fantastic.
In terms of price, the north-facing units are a bit higher than the south-facing ones, so if you plan to buy for investment the south facing unit is probably a better choice as they are literally a few hundred thousand baht cheaper.
In terms of the building design, the building will be designed in a modern style and will use light tone colours, creating a warm atmosphere throughout. The use of large, light-colored laminated floors will add a luxurious feel to the room.
In summary, this is another interesting project to buy or invest.
From what I have experienced from the site visit, I quite like the location. Although being close to a school the area is quite peaceful and nice for living.
Considering unit sizes and prices, I think this project would attract people who buy for living rather than for investment, but if you really want to invest in this project, choosing the south-facing units would give you a better return as they are cheaper.
Pricewise, due to the potential of this area and the lack of land for new developments, I expect the price will definitely increase a lot more within a four- or five-year time frame.
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group, edited this story with contributions from Napong Pathong and Kanchana Paha. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
