Hua Hin Real Estate

Hua Hin is a diverse real estate market, comprising seaside condos, luxury homes and expat-dominated housing villages. While the property market has traditionally been of interest to Thai investors, this trend is beginning to change, as more and more foreigners arrive on the scene.

One reason for Hua Hin's appeal among Bangkok residents is the presence of several world-class golf courses, and golf property is heating up, says Ian Lawrie.

Marching in step with the increase in property development, corporate heavyweights are also kicking things into overdrive. Construction of Hua Hin's first shopping complex, the Hua Hin Market Village, is underway. A Sheraton resort is also slated to open in the first quarter of 2006, and the town already features Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott, and Thai-owned resorts Dusit and Anantara. The pricey Chiva-Som International Health Resort, which attracts the likes of football superstar David Beckham and super-model Kate Moss, has increased Hua Hin's prestige as a preferred destination for spa-lovers.

Steps are being taken to prevent Hua Hin from going the way of Thailand's overdeveloped tourist destinations, like Pattaya. There are already rules in place restricting the height of buildings in town, and because the king and queen receive many international visitors at the palace here, this will ensure Hua Hin is kept under control.

One of the main reasons Hua Hin hasn't gained the interest enjoyed by its southern counterparts is because it doesn't have the world-class beaches and scuba diving opportunities that draw tourists in. But the nightlife and general atmosphere of the town is far less rowdy than that found in Pattaya, Phuket or Koh Samui, which happens to be a high selling point for both tourists and residents there.