While Hong Kong, Singapore and even Bangkok are in the midst of a luxury residential surge, Jakarta is now seeing strong demand in the sector.
The well situated Keraton Residences next to five star hotel has seen pricing points top USD2 to 3 million.
One point is clear, is that size does. Luxury buyers want smaller more exclusive offerings and Keraton is just 54 units.
Other notable upscale offerings include Ciputra's Raffle Residences and the Regatta in North Jakarta
Expect a number of high profile branded projects to be launched into the market over the next twelve months.
Taking a page out of the vacation ownership sales manual, the Patong headland Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa is offering prospective purchasers a three night stay for USD199.
Pricing for the condominium which offers freehold units starts at THB5 million, with studio, one and two bedroom units on offer.
Ownership options include freehold, leasehold and a fractional program.
Management is being provided by Jones Lang LaSalle Thailand.
After its well documented sub-prime catastrophic meltdown, the US housing market is seeing a staged sign of recovery.
In what the sector terms a Zip code by Zip code shift, it's all about location.
Recurring progress over the past six months is a positive sign and affordability remains one of the key demand generators.
With the threats of the fiscal cliff still on overhang the question remains can the US continue to stage a long term return in 2013 and beyond?
It's a bird. It's a plane. No wait it's Phuket from high up above.
One of the internet sites which I love looking at is Above Phuket by Helicam.
This is a great virtual way to explore this diverse island and for businesses and wide range of products and stock images are available.
Something that always amazes me is that while we talk about the over development and dense population when you view the island from above, you never quite realize just how much open space is available.
For more<link>http://www.abovephuket.com*CLICK</link>
At last Phuket will get it's Convention Center, though it's not going to be the government sponsored project in Mai Khao.
Thailand's Central Retail Corporation has announced plans to developed a 136 rai site across from its Central Festival Mall.
The mega lifestyle facility will house not only the Convention Center, but also luxury shopping, dining and entertainment outlets.
A project cost of THB10 billion has been attached to the development, which is targeted to complete in 2016.
Bali's Villa rental market is showing signs of adapting to a broader demographic.
One property that has caught your eye is Eden in Canggu.
Part of a integrated complex of 14 individual two and three story villas. Configurations range from seven 3 bedroom units, six 5 bedroom units and one 4 bedroom.
Rental options are flexible depending on the group size.
Taking a quick check online of rates these range from approximately USD600 up to USD1500.
Phuket's rental market continues to lag behind the Island of the God's though demand this high season has been surging, so expect improvements this year.
Both the media and private sector is buzzing in the aftermath of Phuket International Airport's (PIA) unexpected 16-day closure to private aircraft during the holiday season.
During the time private aircraft were rerouted to Krabi, Surat Thani and Bangok's Don Mueang.
Airport operator AoT has placed the blame on high volumes of regularly scheduled flights and charter traffic, and the current apron upgrading process.
Many of the traffic spikes come from the long-haul charter flights from Europe, which tend to have landing time variances due to weather factors, as well as connecting domestic flights from Bangkok who are delayed waiting for international arrivals.
The Bangkok Post published a piece which private aviation firm Mjets that over 50 flights were lost during the airport issue during Christmas and New Year.
At the same time Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport has plans to build a USD8.3 million private airport terminal to attract the luxury crowd.
Phuket's condominium property sector is continuing to gain momentum with news that Thai listed development firm Sansiri will launch a 206 unit project in Mai Khao this March.
Named Baan Mai Khao, the medium rise project which sits at 13.2 rai site, is situated between the Renaissance and Holiday Inn resorts.
While Sansiri has traditionally focused on inland properties, this marks the first time in Phuket they will target a large scale foreign market. The oceanfront site will command average pricing at the THB120,000 per square meter mark.
Comprised of nine buildings, these are configured into 3 story and 5 story blocks. Unit types kick off with one bedroom units at 60 square meters, and include two bedroom, duplex, and 3 bedroom and penthouse units.
Unlike some of their previous Phuket offerings these units have been upsized with a two bedroom unit ranging from 100 up to 120 square meters.
Pricing points go from THB7.3 million up to THB35 million.
According to market sources, Sansiri has a purchase option on additional land next to the site for future expansion.
The resort destination of Samui will be joining Phuket and Pattaya, with a new Central shopping mall under development.
I visited the 30 rai site last week in Chaweng near both the lagoon and beach front area and work is underway.
Thai firm Chamnan Construction is the contractor.
An opening date has yet to be confirmed but is expected within 2014.
The advent of Central Festival malls in various Thai resort destinations has been a strong demand generator for the respective local tourism and real estate sectors.
