Discover Elegant Living with 999 Developments in Chiang Mai : Pool Villas in Classic and Modern Styles

When it comes to finding your dream home, the choice of style can make all the difference. At 999 Developments in Chiang Mai, we offer two distinct and beautifully designed house types to cater to varied tastes and lifestyles: the Classic Pool Villas and the Modern Style homes. Each style brings its unique charm and benefits, ensuring that every homeowner finds their perfect match. Our Classic Pool Villas exude elegance and timeless beauty, featuring traditional design elements that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, our Modern Style homes are the epitome of contemporary living, offering sleek lines, open spaces, and cutting-edge design. Both options come with their private pools, adding a touch of luxury and an oasis-like feel to your home. Whether you are drawn to the cozy and familiar or the chic and avant-garde, 999 Developments has something special for you.

Type A Modern Pool Villas

by 999 Developments are a testament to luxurious living, merging spacious comfort with sleek design. The development in Chiang Mai offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living with its 382 square meters of thoughtfully designed space. Each villa boasts four generously sized bedrooms and five bathrooms, ensuring privacy and comfort for all residents.

The interiors speak volumes of modern sophistication, with clean lines, open-plan living areas, and state-of-the-art fixtures. The use of light and space has been maximized to create an airy, yet cozy environment that you can call home. The outdoor area is equally impressive, with lush greenery complementing the cool blue waters of the pool, offering a tranquil oasis in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Type D Modern Pool Villas 

 at 999 Developments are designed for those with a taste for the finer things and a penchant for space and luxury. Priced starting at 13.91 million baht, these homes deliver both grandeur and practicality in a spacious 330 square meter total usable area, with an internal area of 208 square meters, accommodating a comfortable lifestyle.

The abode offers four plush bedrooms and four contemporary bathrooms, fostering a private and serene living space for each family member. Not just a living space but a canvas for memories, every corner of these villas is crafted with care and consideration.

Type E Modern Pool Villas

is now presented with an even more tailored experience for those seeking a fusion of luxury and practicality in the heart of Chiang Mai. These villas, sprawling across 328 square meters of artfully designed space, come equipped with four elegant bedrooms and four sophisticated bathrooms, catering to both comfort and privacy.

The architectural excellence of these villas is apparent in every corner, from the towering, airy ceilings in the living spaces to the seamless integration of the indoors with the outdoors, encouraging a lifestyle that is both relaxed and refined. The kitchen and dining areas boast modern amenities and a layout that makes socializing an effortless affair, while the overall design of the villa resonates with contemporary elegance, punctuated by the convenience of cutting-edge facilities.

Platinum Luxury Pool Villas

by 999 Developments encapsulate the essence of classic elegance and grandeur. These exquisite homes offer a lavish living experience with a generous build-up area of 685 square meters. They feature five opulent bedrooms and six well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring every family member or guest enjoys comfort and privacy in their personal retreat.

The villa’s design harkens back to a more refined era, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of its construction and styling. From the ample parking space that can accommodate up to seven vehicles to the carefully selected fixtures and finishes, the Platinum Luxury Pool Villas stand as a pinnacle of comfort and sophistication.

Type Gold Luxury Pool Villas  

by 999 Developments present an opulent lifestyle with the convenience of a ‘ready to move in’ status. Spanning a generous 685 square meters of build-up area, these residences provide an abundant living space with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, ensuring each occupant’s comfort and privacy.

Residents will appreciate the convenience of multi-point sliding door locks, a separate maid’s quarters, and the security of CCTV. For those with electric vehicles, an EV charger plug is a modern amenity that underscores the villas’ contemporary offerings.

Inside, the homes boast built-in bookshelves under the staircase, and a Western kitchen that is fully fitted with appliances like a dishwasher, cooker hood, and electric stove. Additionally, there is an Asian kitchen featuring a counter and sink. Convenience is paramount, with hot and cold water available to all taps, a luxurious bathtub in the master bath, elegant chandeliers, and tasteful wallpaper finishing the look of these magnificent homes.

Discover Elegant Living with 999 Developments in Chiang Mai

Type Gold Luxury Pool Villas are not just residences; they are a symbol of a sophisticated and comfortable lifestyle, offering all the features and amenities one could wish for in a serene and secure environment.

Set on a generous land starting from 141 to 175 square wah, the Type Silver Villas are characterized by their extensive build-up area of 382 square meters, providing an airy and expansive living environment. At the heart of the outdoor space lies a pristine 4×8 meter saltwater swimming pool, perfect for enjoying the tropical climate or entertaining guests.

Attention to detail is evident in the garden’s landscaping, complete with an automatic sprinkler system, while the interiors boast built-in bookshelves ingeniously placed under the staircase. The culinary needs are catered for with a built-in Western kitchen that is fully fitted with modern appliances, including a dishwasher, cooker hood, and electric stove, alongside an Asian kitchen with a functional counter and sink.

Type Silver Pool Villas are not merely homes; they are sanctuaries of tranquility and luxury that offer a superior living experience tailored to those who appreciate a blend of modern amenities and timeless elegance.

4 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Real Estate

Thinking about investing your money? Well, here’s a tip: consider putting it into real estate in Chiang Mai! Why, you ask? Because Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to invest in property.

Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, Chiang Mai offers some great opportunities that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into why investing in real estate in Chiang Mai could be a smart move for you.

Affordable Property Prices:

Compared to major cities like Bangkok, property prices in Chiang Mai are relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for real estate investors, both local and international. The lower cost of entry enables investors to acquire properties with lower capital investment, potentially yielding higher returns on investment compared to more expensive markets.

Quality of Life and Lifestyle Appeal:

Chiang Mai offers a high quality of life at a relatively lower cost compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a pleasant climate, natural beauty, and a laid-back lifestyle, attracting expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads seeking an affordable yet comfortable living environment. Investing in real estate in Chiang Mai allows investors to tap into this growing demand for residential properties, whether for personal use or rental income, and benefit from the city’s lifestyle appeal.

4 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Real Estate

Look at where real estate is worth more or invest with us.

How To Get Your Name on Household Registration in Thailand –

Are you planning to buy property in Thailand? Whether you’re a sole foreign property owner or are purchasing a property with a Thai spouse, getting your name on the household registration may be an important step.

First, let’s clear up any misconceptions about the Thailand House Registration Book (Tabien Bahn). The Tabien Bahn is an official document granted by the local District Office or Local Municipality Office to Thai nationals and foreigners. Thais will receive a blue book, while foreigners will generally be given a yellow book*. 

These documents are not used to prove ownership of a property in Thailand. Proof of real estate ownership in Thailand is verifiable by the Title Deed or Chanote, as it’s called in Thai. The Thailand House Registration Book is used to show proof of a permanent legal address.

*Condo purchases often come with a blue book for foreigners, not a yellow book. If you wish you can apply to change the blue book to the yellow book however they are essentially the same in function.

How To Get Your Name on Household Registration in Thailand

What Are The Benefits of Being Added to a House Registration Book in Thailand?

As a foreigner, acquiring the yellow book is quite useful if you frequently need to confirm your location and don’t want to make many excursions to your embassy or local immigration offices to get affidavits or certificates of residency. This means the yellow book can be used as a form of identity through residency, however, you must still present another form of legal ID such as a passport to prove you’re the same person named in the book.

Instances Where A Yellow Book Comes In Handy

The great thing about the yellow house book is it never expires and you won’t need to get any more certificates of residency to confirm your address in Thailand. Make sure to keep it in a safe place!

• Applying for a driver’s license
• Opening a bank account
• Buying a vehicle
• Apply for a work permit
• Apply for permanent residency
• Register for a SIM card
• Set up home internet 
• Registering as a patient at a hospital or clinic
• Checking into a hotel 
• Setting up electricity or water supply to your home
• It allows you to apply for a Pink ID card

Thailand Requirements For Foreigners To Be Listed On The Household Registration

Types of Registrations in Thailand and Requirements

Household registration is a crucial document that identifies who the head of the household is and who resides in the household, in accordance with the Registration Act. To request a household registration, you can register at the district or local registrar’s office – the Amphur. 

The two main types of house registration are the blue book (typically for Thai nationals) and the yellow book. There should be no fees to apply or receive either book, although there may be fees associated with translating and obtaining the required documents to apply. Also, processing may take some time.

How To Get Your Name on Household Registration in Thailand

How To Get Your Name In The Blue Book

The household registration form T.R.14, also known as the blue book, is an essential document for Thai nationals. It designates a “head of household.” Foreigners who wish to have their names on the household registration in this blue book, particularly in cases of marriage to a Thai national, must obtain consent from the household head. They will also need to provide important supporting documents.

Important Supporting Documents for Inclusion in the Blue Book Household Registration*

*Requirements vary depending on your local amphur office. It’s best to contact and confirm a documentation list before applying

1.Marriage Certificate: Foreigners need to provide a valid and legally issued marriage certificate, typically issued by Thai government agencies, Thai embassies, or consulates in their home country. This certificate must be translated into Thai and certified.

2.Passport and Visa: Foreign spouses who are not Thai nationals must present a valid passport that has not expired and a visa allowing long-term residency or a marriage visa specifically issued for Thai spouses.

3.Thai National ID Card and Household Registration: Thai national spouses need to provide their actual Thai National ID card and current household registration.

4.Proof of Current Address: Both spouses must provide proof of their current residence, such as utility bills, or a rental agreement, or a certificate of residency, to demonstrate that they live together as husband and wife.

5.Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of the foreign spouse, as per the requirements of their passport.

6.Certification of Support: Some district registrars may require a certification or letter of support from the Thai spouse to confirm their intention to support the foreign spouse while they reside in Thailand.

7.Witnesses: It may be necessary to have witnesses who can confirm the validity of the marriage and cohabitation. The qualifications of witnesses may vary depending on the local regulations.

8.Application Form: Both spouses will need to fill out an application form specifically prepared by the local registration office. The form must be completed accurately and truthfully.

How To Apply For The Yellow Book

You may apply to be added to the yellow book house registration after the real estate purchase has been made. You don’t need to be married to the head of household (owner) to be registered but you will need permission from the household head and all appropriate documents.

Which Documents Are Required To Get A Yellow Book in Thailand?

Remember, each amphur has its own stipulations, however, these are the generally required documents that you’ll need.

You’ll need a certified copy of your passport from your embassy and then get a certified translated copy of it. Complete this task in that order and bring it to the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)  Department of Consular Affairs near you.

The homeowner must provide a copy of their blue book, 2-3 photos of the front of the house, including with the person living there (you) and the owner. They must also bring the original purchase agreement for the condo with a copy of the title/deed along with the Thai naturalization certificate and a copy of its publishing in the Government Gazette.

Evidence of the relationship between yourself and the owner must be presented. This may be a rental agreement or marriage certificate. 

Depending on the documents, you may need to supply a work permit, residency certificate, or license to acquire Thai nationality.

Along with your original passport, you will need copies of your main page and visa along with 4 passport-style photos.

In addition, you will need two witnesses (they can be Thai relatives) over the age of 25 along with a copy of their ID cards.

Finally, you will need to complete the House Registration Form Thor.Ror.13. It will be in Thai so make sure you have someone who can translate on hand.

How Long Will It Take To Process the Blue Book and Yellow Book Registrations?

In an ideal situation, it should take about an hour. However, it is Thailand and some people have experienced month-long waits and repeated submissions of documentation. This is why it’s pivotal to contact your local amphur and confirm what is needed before applying.

So there you have it; the ins and outs of how to get your name on household registration in Thailand.

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Can You Live An Active Lifestyle in Chiang Mai?
No matter your age there will be plenty of active activities for you to do while living in Chiang Mai. You may even be wondering what kinds of sports you can play in Chiang Mai; the answer is nearly all of them! Access to activities and sports is one of the many reasons why Chiang Mai is one of the best places in South East Asia to live and why you should consider moving here!

Let’s look at the sports and activities available to you should you choose to live in Chiang Mai!

What Kinds of Sports Can You Play in Chiang Mai?

Can You Live An Active Lifestyle in Chiang Mai?
For outdoor sports it’s almost a; you name it, they’ve got it, scenario. The only sports off the top of my head that I can think of that aren’t supported here are baseball and bowling.

The climate and weather in Chiang Mai allow for outdoor activity nearly all year round making it a perfect destination for active people.

• Gymkhana Club Golf Course
• Lanna Golf Course
• North Hill Chiang Mai Golf
• Hang Dong Golf Club
• Star Dome Golf Club
• Summit Green Valley Golf Club
• Maejo Golf Club
• Sand Creek Golf Course

Where Can You Play Hockey in Chiang Mai?

There is actually a Chiang Mai hockey team that plays in the Thailand league. They practice at Sub Zero in Central Festival Mall. You can contact the team and see if they’re open to you joining a practice session, or it’s also possible to rent out all or part of the ice rink. This is also the same rink where you can go figure skating!

As for ball hockey, check Facebook to find out where and when the group meets to play.

What Are The Rugby Leagues in Chiang Mai?

There are currently two rugby leagues operating. There’s the Lanna Rugby Club and the Cobras Rugby Club. The Lanna Rugby Club is the most inclusive offering a women’s league and a children’s league as well. See their Facebook pages for more information.

Where Are Martial Arts Practiced in Chiang Mai?

You’ll see Muay Thai Gyms and Taekwondo dojos everywhere. These are both the most popular martial arts in the city, but Jujitsu is growing in popularity as well as lesser-known arts as well. A quick Google Maps search will reveal many locations, although some are better found through word of mouth.

For other racket sports such as badminton, well, you can play that pretty well anywhere as the Thais do! But, if you’re looking for a proper court, you can check out World Club Land, Serene Lake, OXY Badminton or Bouncy Badminton.

Table tennis is a bit hit or miss, but there are tables at some sports facilities.

Pickleball is also in Chiang Mai! There are two courts, the first being The Chiang Mai PickleBall Club and the other so new, it isn’t even on Google Maps yet out near Global House on the second ring road.

• Cycling
• Mountain booking
• Skateboarding
• Ice skating
• In-line skating
• Running
• Hiking
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Swimming
• Wakeboarding
• Ziplining

There is no doubt quite a few activities missing from this list as there seem to be neverending options of things to do in this incredible city.

There You Have It!

With so many options of activities and sports to do, you’ll never run out of things to do in your free time. In fact, it would take years to enjoy them all!

Why not investigate what it would be like to live in Chiang Mai and own a house here? It truly is the best city to retire in or raise a family. It’s also pretty incredible for singles and couples too.

Learn more about 999 Development Homes here. You may just find the house of your dreams!

Standard of Medical

Deciding to move to a new country, even a new city, comes with many considerations.

No matter your age, medical care should be at the top of your considerations. Whether you’re young, older, or with family, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be properly taken care of if something goes wrong. This article will review the state of medical care in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

An Overview of Medical Care in Thailand

As you know, medical care isn’t created equal. For example, some countries have such poor health care that people are actually flown out to neighbouring nations to receive care. This is the case in Myanmar (Burma) which is Thailand’s neighbouring country to the west. If you need serious medical care, they fly you to hospitals in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

One of the reasons they do this is that Thailand has top-of-the-line medical care. In fact, you might say medical care and going to the hospital is part of life here.

It’s a huge part of Thai culture to go to the doctor for everything from a small cut to a cough, to a fever and for emergencies. Sometimes it seems that people are seeing a doctor every other week. Because of this, Chiang Mai has hospitals and clinics everywhere!

In comparison to most western nations, rather than decreasing or amalgamating hospitals, Thailand keeps building more. Many hospitals have international standards of care, including 7 hospitals right here in Chiang Mai. In fact, all of 999 Developments homes are within a 15 minutes drive to the nearest hospital.

Private Medical Care in Chiang Mai

Private hospitals in Chiang Mai offer high standards, sometimes these standards of care are higher than hospitals in your home country. You’ll find that access to doctors and specialists is very quick and any tests, x-rays, and lab results are efficiently done. The best part is you’ll usually have results within the same day, sometimes even within an hour!

Are The Doctors Good?

You’ll be pleased to know that the vast majority of doctors and specialists in Thailand have been trained overseas. Their medical knowledge and practices are up to date and the hospitals have the latest and often state-of-the-art equipment to take care of you.

Nursing care on the other hand is a bit different. The large majority of nursing staff do not speak English. This can be frustrating, but all hospitals have translation departments so all you need to do is request a translation specialist in your language to sort out. 

How Much Does Private Medical Care Cost in Chiang Mai?

Standard of Medical

This of course depends on whether you have health insurance or not. Outpatient care (OPD) is usually affordable, generally starting at around 1,000 baht. Inpatient care (IPD) on the other hand can go into the millions of baht for serious surgeries and follow-up care.

If you plan on going to private medical facilities in Chiang Mai, 999 Developments recommends you have some sort of health coverage.

The cost of private hospital care also differs between international hospitals. The most expensive hospital in Chiang Mai, for example, is Bangkok Hospital.

Public Medical Care in Chiang Mai

Standard of Medical

There are also plenty of public hospitals to choose from in Chiang Mai. The facilities are generally older but are in the process of being updated.

You can often expect the medical equipment to be older and the level of care to be less-attentive. That is not to say the care isn’t good, it is! In fact, the same internationally trained doctors that work in the private sector, also are required to work in public hospitals. This means you’ll still get the same expertise that you would at a private hospital.

How Much Does Public Medical Care Cost in Chiang Mai?

Due to the lower quality facilities and equipment and the fact that government hospitals are heavily subsidized by the government, costs are much cheaper. Sometimes you can pay more than 50% less than what you’d pay in a private hospital.

This is something to consider should you lack health insurance.

Private Medical Clinics in Chiang Mai

Standard of Medical

Medical clinics are scattered all over Chiang Mai. Often their signage is in Thai, but you can easily locate them on Google Maps or by looking for a sign with a green plus sign on a white background. Here you can find general practitioners (GPs) who can prescribe you medicine and give general diagnosis. They can also book you with specialists and perform minor surgeries.

You may walk-in for medical care here or book in advance for an appointment making medical clinics very convenient. 

So as you can see, Chiang Mai makes for a wonderful city to lay down roots. Its top medical care and access to great health care facilities make it a perfect place to purchase a home.

Check out our latest newly-built modern luxury homes here, designed with every detail in mind because… every detail matters.

Living With A Pet In Chiang Mai : Are you considering moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand with your beloved pet? Traveling with a pet in Thailand is actually quite easy, however, if you plan to move to Thailand with your furry best friend, there could be quite a few hurdles to jump through. Traveling or moving to places like Chiang Mai with your pet requires planning ahead.

Is Chiang Mai, Thailand a Pet-Friendly Place to Live?

Overall, Chiang Mai is a pet-friendly place to live and is known as one of the more dog-friendly cities in Thailand! Nearly everyone seems to have a cat, a dog, or both! Sometimes people have other interesting pets as well such as snakes, turtles, and exotic pets such as pocket squirrels and even monkeys.

However, owning a pet is far more common outside of downtown Chiang Mai. Within the city, many apartments, condos, and home rentals do not accept pets.

Do Condos Allow Pets in Chiang Mai?

There is an unwritten rule that within apartments and condos, small pets may be allowed, but they must weigh less than 10 kg. Of course, the allowance of pets is up to the owner of the unit or the condo management. It’s more common for them to allow cats than dogs.

Do Rental Houses Allow Pets in Chiang Mai?

The best option for yourself and your pet is to purchase a home in Chiang Mai. Housing remains relatively affordable and you can still get a 2-3 bedroom home for about 2 million baht (about 46,000 pounds), but we recommend a newly-built home by 999 Developments. All of our homes come with a guarantee and are located in the best communities in Chiang Mai.

Do Housing Communities Allow Pets in Chiang Mai?

Living With A Pet In Chiang Mai

Housing communities in Thailand are known as moo baans. Moo baans are private and often gated communities that have their own management committee. This means that each moo baan has its own particular set of rules for pets.

So while you may have found the perfect home to rent that does allow pets, or you’ve purchased a lovely home in a moo baan, always check what the rules for pets are especially for dogs.

Often it’s required that dogs must never be off-leash, cannot roam the streets, and must live in a confined area where they can’t escape. Often there are unwritten rules about animals making noise as well.

Should You Be Worried About Stray Dogs and Dog Gangs in Chiang Mai?

If you live outside of a gated community, yes, stray dog packs can be a worry. There are lots of strays around Chiang Mai, and they tend to be territorial. It’s recommended that if you take your dog for a walk, they be on a leash and you avoid temples, where many strays live, and sois (small alleyways.)

What’s the Weather Like in Chiang Mai?

You may be worried that the weather may be too hot here in Chiang Mai. Actually, the temperatures don’t get extreme and many people own Huskies here. All condos, houses and other buildings have air conditioning to keep you and your pet cool on days when you need it!

There are also some pet hotels that you can escape to and let your dog swim around in a special dog pool.

How Can You Get Your Pet Into Thailand?

Planning your trip or your move overseas to Thailand needs to be done carefully, especially when bringing a pet. Cats and dogs are welcome in Thailand and the country has less strict pet importation requirements than other countries. However, they still require documentation which is outlined below:

•  Vaccinate and Microchip Your petTwo of the requirements for a cat or dog to enter Thailand are microchips and up-to-date vaccinations. You must have documentation as proof.

• Apply For An Import Permit

You’ll need a permit to import your cat or dog into Thailand.

• Apply For An Export Permit

Your home country may require a permit that will allow your pet to leave the country. 

• Understand What’s Required For Quarantine.

Pets are subject to a quarantine period of up to 30 days in Thailand. The duration of stay depends on the type of animal, size, and health concerns. The quarantine typically takes place in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, whichever city you have flown internationally into.

For a complete and in-depth look into what is required to bring your pet into Thailand, please see everything you need to import your pet to Thailand

You may also be curious about what you, yourself need to get into Thailand. Check out all of the available visa options in our handy article.

First Time Home Buyers in Thailand

Buying a home anywhere can be an overwhelming process, and then add to the pressure that you’re buying a home in Thailand! You’re going to have lots of questions and will be wondering if the process is similar to how you purchase a house in your home country.

999 Developments will attempt to make the process for a first time home buyer in Thailand a bit easier to understand.

We’ve already covered the following questions in another article – How to Buy a House in Chiang Mai, Thailand:

• How much does a house or condo cost in Chiang Mai?
• Is buying property in Chiang Mai a good investment?
• Can I buy a home in Thailand as a foreigner?
• How can I buy a house in Chiang Mai?
• How can I buy a condo in Chiang Mai?

This article will cover questions related to who can purchase a home, whether you get a loan or a mortgage in Thailand, how to pay for your home, government incentives to buy a home, and tips for first time home buyers in Thailand.

Who can purchase a house in Thailand?

First Time Home Buyers in Thailand
Anyone can purchase a home in Thailand, however, you can’t (necessarily) purchase the land that it’s on. It can be easier to purchase a home if you’re married to a Thai national or open a business here and buy the home under the business. This is covered in the article mentioned above.

Can You Get a Mortgage in Thailand?

Yes, you can! There are a few banks that provide property financing in Thailand. During the mid-2000s Thai banks saw an opportunity to cash in on Thailand’s popularity as a property investment destination. So whether you’re looking to buy a house for a long term investment or as a settlement, there are options for you to get a mortgage.

The two most popular banking institutions to obtain a mortgage from in Thailand are:

•  United Overseas Bank (UOB)
•  Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)

It is possible to get mortgages through other Thailand banks such as:

• Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)
• Land and House Bank (LH Bank)

However, access to these financial products as a foreigner remains severely restricted.

You can also expect to get unfavourable rates compared to what a Thai person would get, which is why, it is cheaper to purchase a mortgaged home if you’re married to a Thai. To purchase mortgaged property with your spouse, you should do so under a joint mortgage or as a guarantor.

If you don’t have a Thai spouse or a Thai business and the local banks have not approved you for a mortgage, you can look for an off-shore mortgage option. 

Some international banks have satellite offices in Thailand where you can apply for an overseas loan, however, this is usually only feasible if you’re a national from the country where you are obtaining the loan or mortgage.

In all cases, mortgages are approved on a case-by-case basis with no guarantees. You must provide all required financial documentation, some of which must be certified or obtained in your home country.

Do You Need a Work Permit or Visa to Purchase a House in Thailand?

Can You Get a Property Loan in Thailand?

Yes, you can, however, the process is similar to getting a mortgage and success is quite rare. Also bear in mind that the loan to value or interest rate will often be significantly higher than a local counterpart would be offered.

Government Incentives to Buy Property in Thailand

value (this requirements for this visa keep changing). With this purchase, you are guaranteed up to 10 years in Thailand. Unfortunately, this option is only for wealthy people and doesn’t allow for long term settlement.

In 2011, the Thailand government created a tax scheme to promote low-income earner home purchases. This first time home buyer incentive isn’t available all of the time so you’ll need to check with local authorities. The last mention of tax incentives for first time home buyers was in 2016 and looked like this:

Taxpayers were entitled to the tax benefit set out in this regulation if they met the following conditions:

1. The taxpayer must not have previously owned property.
2. The cost of the immovable property, which can be a building with land, or a room in a condominium, must not exceed THB 3,000,000.

iii. The purchase of property and the registration of ownership must be completed between 13 October 2015 and 31 December 2016.

1. The taxpayer must retain ownership of the immovable property for five years from the date of registering ownership, but this does not apply in the event of the taxpayer’s death, or if the property is damaged severely or destroyed.
2. The expense is tax-deductible at up to 20% of the purchase price of the property (a maximum of THB 120,000 a year) over five consecutive fiscal years.

(Source: Mazars) 

Once again, this was and is only available to Thai nationals.

What’s the Difference between Foreign and Thai Ownership?

An advantage to purchasing a house under Thai ownership is that you’ll likely get a lower price on the property and much lower mortgage rates. However, when it’s time to sell your home, it’s also likely that you’ll get a lower value for your home because a Thai national is more likely to buy it.

Buying a house with foreign ownership will likely result in a higher purchase cost and higher mortgage or loan rates, however, when you need to sell your home, you’ll likely get more value as foreigners often target other foreigners as home buyers who are able to or willing to pay a higher price.

How to Pay For a House in Thailand

Cash is king in Thailand! Avoid all the hassle by paying in cash if you can. The majority of foreign property buyers in Thailand are cash buyers because it just makes the first time buying process so much smoother and a lot faster.

Tips for First Time Home Buyers in Thailand

1. First come, first served

Always keep your eye on the market and eyes peeled for new housing development advertisements. You’ll get a better deal if you’re the first to bid! Also, with in build or pre-build developments, you’ll save hundreds of thousands of baht, but be careful as this can be risky and research should be done.

2.Location, location, location

Location will heavily affect the future value of your home and also the purchase cost. Why not choose an up and coming area and buy cheap now and sell for a profit in the future? Consider the region and city that you’ll be buying your first home in as well. 999 Developments has chosen Chiang Mai as it’s Thailand’s second-largest and fastest-growing city for our newly built homes because we know the valuation of homes here is only going to go up.

3.Research

This is so important. Get on the ground and talk to people in the neighbourhood where you’re looking to buy. Research developers online and talk to locals about the best areas of the city and why they recommend them. Also, if you can visit the home you’re interested in buying during different times of day and different types of weather. You don’t want to find that your property floods during a strong rain storm!

We also cover 7 mistakes to avoid when purchasing property in Thailand in this article.

999 Developments hopes you found this article valuable and have some beautiful, modern and luxurious newly built homes for you to come out and see in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Is Chiang Mai a Good Place to Retire?

Lucky you! Well, not lucky, you worked really hard to retire and you deserve to retire somewhere absolutely lovely that has everything you need. If you’re reading this, then you’re considering Chiang Mai, Thailand as your retirement destination (great choice by the way!)

999 Developments would like to showcase all the reasons why Chiang Mai is such a great place to retire.

Is It Better To Live In Chiang Mai Or At The Beach?

Is Chiang Mai a Good Place to Retire?

Chiang Mai is a great place to live whether you’re a retiree or not. It’s located in northern Thailand surrounded by beautiful mountains with access to waterfalls, lakes, gardens and parks and great medical care.

While Chiang Mai doesn’t have a beach, popular beach destinations like Phuket or Koh Samui are a direct flight away. Other beach destinations are readily accessible through Bangkok or Surat Thani should you need a beach escape.

Here at 999 Developments, we prefer living in the north surrounded by lush nature while still having the beach as a holiday destination. There is so much more to do here in Chiang Mai compared to any of the beach destinations, which can become same-same after a short while. 

Weather

Chiang Mai also has fantastic weather. In the north of Thailand, temperatures are cooler than in the rest of the country year-round. Granted, it’s still hot, but is at least 5-10 degrees cooler than anywhere else. In the cool season, temperatures can dip near freezing outside the city and some homes even have fireplaces to stave off the cold!

In the hot season, air conditioning is standard in every home so you don’t need to worry about overheating.

Social Life In Chiang Mai

There is a rather large retirement community here in Chiang Mai which you can connect to through Facebook groups. There are many weekly events organized and a good mix of men and women attend.

The community is welcoming and supportive and will have you on your feet in no time at all!

To be close to the action (so to speak) you’ll want to choose a place accessible to downtown where most social events take place. Check out the best areas to live in Chiang Mai before starting your house hunt.

Getting Around

There are plenty of transportation options in Chiang Mai which are especially if you can no longer drive on your own. It’s really easy to find and hire your own private driver or to get around using local transportation. There is no official public transportation system as Chiang Mai uses tuk tuks or Songtaews to get around cheaply and easily.

Rideshares also exist here and they are Grab, Bolt and InDriver. All options to get around Chiang Mai are affordable and are cheaper than renting a car, which for some reason is very expensive. 

Medical Care in Chiang Mai

You could say Thais are obsessed with medical care. There are medical clinics everywhere that accept walk-in patients and over 10 hospitals in Chiang Mai. Medical care is easily accessible and relatively affordable. Best of all it’s quick! You’ll be able to see specialists sometimes within an hour to two of visiting a hospital. The private medical care system has international standards and all doctors speak English. The same doctors that work in the private hospitals also work in the public hospital system so you will receive the same standard of care either way. Public medical care is also cheaper.

Availability and Quality of Accommodation

At the moment there is more supply than demand for housing so you can find some real bargains. You’ll have to decide whether you’ll be staying in your own private residence or retirement home.

Private Residences in Chiang Mai

Is Chiang Mai a Good Place to Retire?

There are lovely homes and condos available for rent in Chiang Mai. You’ll find that condos rent for more than a house, This is mostly because of their convenience and location and there are fewer things to take care of i.e. garden etc.

There are many Facebook real estate groups where you can find places to rent but we recommend buying property in Chiang Mai. It provides you with more stability and a greater chance to become a part of the community.

999 Developments builds newly built luxury homes with all the amenities you could dream of! We guide you and walk you through the purchase process and remain in contact with you afterwards because every detail matters to us.

Be sure you check out our available houses, which are all located in popular neighbourhoods, and our blog which can provide you with more information on purchasing a home in Chiang Mai.

Nursing Home or Retirement Community in Chiang Mai

Is Chiang Mai a Good Place to Retire?

Now it may be that you’re looking to live somewhere with like-minded people or you’re in need of more support. Chiang Mai has some of the best retirement facilities in all of Thailand. Some offer long term care assistance, while others offer private residences with nursing services and medical care just in case you need it. The majority of residences are located outside of the city, which means you would need access to transportation and some nursing homes do provide this as part of the package.

Here are a few nursing homes or retirement homes to check out:

• Care Resort Chiang Mai
• Ban Sabai Resorts 
• Vivobene 
• Baanlalisa 

How Much Do I Need To Retire In Chiang Mai?

This is a very important consideration. There are many factors that play into how much to save for your retirement in Thailand. Some factors to consider are:

• Health care
• Health and life insurance
• Visa costs
• Housing costs
• Nursing care
• Transportation 
• Daily living 

You are required to have health insurance if you choose to retire in Thailand. For those over the age of 70, finding affordable health insurance is a challenge. You’ll need at least 50,000 baht (1165 pounds) annually for this. Your health insurance must cover a minimum of 40,000 baht for outpatient and 400,000 baht for inpatient medical fees. 

Life insurance is not required but is often offered as a packaged deal with health insurance.

Visa costs are insubstantial, however, the monetary holding requirements are for many people. We will cover that in the section below. 

Housing costs depend on whether you’re renting or purchasing a home in Chiang Mai. Rental prices can be as low as 3,000 baht (70 pounds) a month for a single Thai style room, or well about 40,000 baht (932 pounds) per month for a large home.

Purchasing a home can be done for as little as 2 million baht (46,600 pounds) but for a home with all the appliances and security you need will cost more and you’ll have a property to pass down to any heirs. 

Nursing care, should you need it, can be acquired for as little as 8,000-10,000 baht (186 – 233 pounds) per month. Nurses can be live-in or daily and are easily found and all are professionally trained.

As mentioned above, transportation in Chiang Mai is affordable. Taking Chiang Mai’s version of transportation will be cheaper than buying your own car, which is expensive here. However, if you’re going to use ride shares, you may find renting a car is much cheaper.

How Much Do You Need To Live Comfortably In Chiang Mai?

For all other daily costs such as food, utilities and entertainment, be sure to read our article about how affordable Chiang Mai is!

Where Do Most Expats Live In Chiang Mai?

You’ll want to be near your future friends and there are a few popular areas to live in Chiang Mai. The city centre is popular due to ease of access to everything you’ll need and areas outside the city such as Hang Dong are also very popular as there are many western amenities there. Check out all the great places to live in Chiang Mai here.

Should You Buy A Property Or Live In A Retirement Community?

This depends on your mobility and medical needs. If you’re independent then we highly recommend purchasing a newly built home. 999 Development homes are under warranty for 2 years and all appliances for at least 5 years. We build modern homes with high standards to ensure that you won’t be needing any remodelling or renovations. Many of our homes are ready to move in (turn-key) so you can move into a fully furnished and functioning home right away!

What Do You Need To Retire In Thailand?

Retirement visa

You must have a retirement visa if you’re officially retiring in Thailand. There are other visa options available if you plan to keep working aka you’re semi-retired. The retirement visa costs are as follows:

• 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Single-Entry) 2,000 Thai Baht
• 1-Year Thai Retirement Visa (Multiple-Entry) 5,000 Thai Baht
• 5-Year Thai Retirement Visa: 10,000 Thai Baht

However, to be eligible for a retirement visa in Thailand, you must have 800,000 baht (about 18,700 pounds) in a bank account in Thailand for 2 months before you can apply for the visa and it must remain in your Thai bank account all of the time. You must also prove that you have a monthly income of 65,000 baht (about 1,500 pounds). This income must come from overseas and you must provide bank statements to prove this.

Your deposit and annual income must be at least 800,000 baht

Health Insurance

As mentioned above, you must have proof of health insurance that covers at least 40,000 baht in out-patient care and over 400,000 baht for in-patient care. Costs for health insurance are quite expensive for ‘seniors’ and will be the second-largest cost after the visa bank deposit of 800,000 baht.

Let’s Return To How Much Do You Need To Retire In Chiang Mai, Thailand?

Overall, your costs will depend on your daily expenditures and style of living. We can do a base calculation based on estimated costs.

Visa – 2,000 baht per year

Bank deposit for visa – 800,000 baht

Minimum annual income – 780,000 baht

Housing (if renting) – between 3,000 – 20,000 baht

Food – 300 baht (minimum per day)

Entertainment – 500-1,000 per time

Nursing care – 10,000 baht and up per month

Health insurance – 50,000 per year (minimum)

Transportation – 200 baht per day at least (if taking local transport or rideshare)

You’ll likely need at least 2 million baht per year to live comfortably and retire in Chiang Mai.

Here at 999 Developments, we hope you found this information useful in your retirement decision. We’d be very happy to show you our homes in Chiang Mai and help you with the home buying purchase and introduce you to beautiful Chiang Mai!

Pros And Cons Of Raising A Family In Chiang Mai

Deciding to move to a completely new place with your children is a huge decision. You may have also discovered you’re about to have a family here in Chiang Mai, Thailand and are wondering if Chiang Mai is a good place to raise a family?

Each city in the world has its pros and cons and we’re going to look at the pros and cons of raising a family in Chiang Mai because while it may be a great city for people without kids, is it the city that you’ll find is the best place for your family? Let’s find out!

Pros of Raising a Family in Chiang Mai

Other families tend to come from the UK, Australia, America and Canada (and other parts of the world too) and love Chiang Mai for its ease of life and fantastically supportive community.

You’ll easily find other families with similar outlooks on life and children will make friends easily at all the incredible kid friendly attractions in Chiang Mai. There is an unending supply of things to do and many of the daily activities are completely free!

2. Chiang Mai has been nicknamed the Rose of the North for good reason. It’s surrounded by nature and mountains. You can find hikes, waterfalls, lakes and much more all at your doorstep so you don’t have to drive for hours just to see a tree as you might in some major cities.

There are beautiful gardens to visit, petting zoos, waterparks, zoos, elephant sanctuaries, and national parks all within 45 minutes of downtown.

Property prices still remain affordable and the quality of builds is improving as well. 999 Developments offers newly built ready to move in homes that are modern luxurious, and relatively affordable for the amazing craftsmanship, appliances and features that you get. Condos are also readily available and affordable with some still being offered for less than 1 million baht (about 23,000 pounds).

Childcare is also amazingly cheap. You can have a live-in nanny who cooks, cleans and takes care of your kids for about 14,000 baht a month (or less.) Finding help is easy, although finding help that speaks English or another language is a bit tricky.

Staycations are dirt cheap. My family and I aim to go away once a month because a nice hotel or resort room can be had for between 500-2000 baht a night. You can spoil your family with minivacations all the time! 

Cons of Raising a Family in Chiang Mai

Pros And Cons Of Raising A Family In Chiang Mai

1. While getting around can be easy, the one thing Chiang Mai lacks is a proper public transportation system. The city has experimented with a public bus system in the past, but it went defunct during Covid as there weren’t enough people to use it. It can be a challenge to understand the local ‘public transportation system’ but once you get it, you’ll be going everywhere with ease, but you won’t be walking anywhere.

Chiang Mai is not a walkable city for kids. It’s rather unsafe in that regard with loose electrical wires hanging down, holes in the street and a major lack of sidewalks. Locals don’t walk anywhere because it’s not safe and also, it’s just either too hot or too rainy to go anywhere.

Renting a car in Chiang Mai can be expensive. At times, it has been impossible to find an available rental car as well, so you may be out of luck for weeks at a time. You can however hire a private driver which usually costs about 1,000 baht per day (23 pounds). 

Children should wear PM 2.5 masks during this time to prevent lung damage and your home should have air purifiers in every room. It’s not advised to be outside for long periods of time at all which makes exercise difficult for kids to get during this time. 

Most sports are paused during these months and if you do send your child(ren) to any indoor activities, make sure they have air purifiers. 

Also, check that your child’s school has them in every room as well. However, there are times when the air quality index (AQI) will be so high, above 500, that schools will have to close because there’s nothing you can do at that point.

3. The weather in Chiang Mai is usually really nice, but it can be hot, hot, hot! This is a subjective opinion that heat is a con. You might love the hot weather! It can get really hot, about 45 degrees Celcius but it can feel hotter and during the months of April-May, you may find you’re melting and your electricity bill is through the roof.

How Do You Decide if Chiang Mai is a Good Place to Raise a Family?

The best advice is to come and visit for short term, say a month or so and see how it goes. Connect with local families through Facebook groups, explore neighbourhoods, visit schools and go on adventures. My family never runs out of things to do here and there are new attractions opening up every weekend it seems! There’s also plenty to do as adults too!

Traditional Thai Ceremony –The Auspicious Ceremony Of Raising The Main Pillar

You may be surprised to know that Thai people are actually quite superstitious and have various protection ceremonies for buildings, homes, and even their cars. Today we’re going to teach you about the special ceremony that takes place before building commences on all 999 Development properties here in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Each property built begins with a sacred pillar. This pillar is considered an important structure of the home, sort of like a support column of sorts, although in this case, it’s more of spiritual support.

The main pillar is what Thais believe will bring stability to the home in reference to structural integrity, personal and spiritual safety, and protection. The pillar is blessed to ensure that those living in the home can rest assured that they will be safe from any dangers.

The ceremony includes asking the spirits for permission to build and asking for forgiveness for altering the natural state of the land. It is carried out by local monks who bless the land to be built upon and sing special chants to imbue the spirits and garner their support.

When Does The Ceremony Take Place?

How to Prepare the Main Pillar?

Traditional Thai Ceremony –The Auspicious Ceremony Of Raising The Main Pillar

Typically, you will first contact a local wat (temple) and inform a monk of your intentions. First, he will help you determine an auspicious date. This is usually determined using the house owner’s year of birth. This date will also determine which location on the property the sacred pillar should be placed.

Traditionally, the main pillar was made from wood, as most houses were made from wood or teak. Nowadays, modern homes such as the ones designed and built by 999 Developments, are made from concrete. It’s more common now to have a concrete pillar.

Once the location has been determined, a hole must be dug and the pillar installed. This should be done 1 day before the expected ceremony to let the land settle and recognize that it is to be built upon.

There must also be 9 holes in the pillar to install 9 pieces of sacred wood during the ceremony.

What Auspicious Items and Offerings to Prepare for the Ceremony

• You’ll need gold and silver coins, 9 of each, afterwards 1 of each coin should be given to the monks for performing the talisman ceremony.

• There must also be 3 gold leaf sheets.
• Make sure to provide incense and candles and a lighter
• You’ll need 1 bowl of consecrated sand
• 1 bowl of holy water and 1 handful of ya kha
• 1 small roll of saisin thread (white string)
• 3 colours of satin fabric for covering the pillar
• 1 banana shoot
• 1 sugar cane shoot
• 1 bowl of popped rice (looks like popcorn) mixed with marigold petals, jasmine flowers and orchids, and scatter this around the ceremonial area.
• 9 auspicious types of wood such as ratchaphruek, jackfruit, chaiyapruek, thonglang, sisuk bamboo, teak, rosewood, and kangrao.

The Ceremonial Proceedings

5. The monks are then Invited to sprinkle holy water, sprinkle holy sand, sprinkle rice and place flowers into the pillar pit. They will anoint and cover the pillar in the gold leaf
6. The host/homeowner and participants will hold the saiyan (white string) together while raising the main pillar
7. The monk or host will then sprinkle the rice with flowers and holy water around the construction site.

Traditional Thai Ceremony –The Auspicious Ceremony Of Raising The Main Pillar

Each locality has its own special requirements that may be different from those below, however, these are the most commonly requested items.

• Set up an altar table with the following items
• Provide 1 set of offerings for the monks which includes holy water, and amulets which will help cast a special ‘spell.’
• Prepare food offerings for the spirits such as fresh fruit, desserts, grains such as sesame seeds or rice, betel nuts, fresh milk or freshwater.

1. Bring banana shoots, sugarcane shoots, and three-coloured cloth or loincloth to be tied to the main pillar before the auspicious time of the ceremony.
2. Prepare the altar near the pillar
3. The host or house owner will light incense and candles at the altar table which will be followed by praying and praying for prosperity. After that, three incense sticks will be lit for the guests and the villagers who attended the ceremony.
4. Bring prepared auspicious items such as the gold leaf, silver and gold coins, and the 9 auspicious wooden sticks for the host to hammer into the holes of the main pillar.

Other procedures may occur in addition to these depending on the local constituents and local customs.

Once the traditional thai ceremony of the auspicious ceremony of raising the main pillar is complete, the building can go ahead and your dream home can be built. You can also be at peace of mind knowing your future home is protected.

999 Developments is committed to providing the best homes for its customers including providing the start of the building ceremony. We pay attention to every detail, whether it’s respecting local customs or the best quality materials that we have carefully selected. Standardized construction by a team of qualified technicians or even the auspiciousness of the residents. You can trust in the quality and peace of mind in every 999 Developments home.