Land, property and real estate portal for Krabi province in Thailand

Living the dream... Are you thinking of moving to Krabi? We talk to people who have done just that. This month our case study looks at some retirees

GRAHAM and Gaynor Jones, a retired couple from Wales, moved into their new home in the Green View Homes estate, near Ao Nang, in September 2006. A large, 3 bedroom house, with garden and parking, it's a lot bigger than the cottage they used to live in back home.

With their daughter and future grandchild living on Phi Phi, they could easily have chosen to live in more developed Phuket, which also has good access to the island, but they say their decision to buy in Krabi was influenced not only by the area’s natural attractions, but the local character and hospitality.

"We found Phuket too business-oriented and the traffic and sprawl was too much for us. Krabi is more friendly – we've met some lovely, helpful people here. And if we do need to visit the bigger shops, it’s very easy to drive over there."

Graham acknowledges, however, that "the most stressful part of the whole move was actually finding a house we liked and could afford." For the moment, residential property development in Krabi remains a fledgling business compared with other parts of Thailand. Condominiums, which are straightforward for a foreigner to buy, do not yet exist here; and the housing projects underway are, for the most part, small-scale.

Graham advises factoring in the cost of a car to your moving budget. "There is almost no public transport here, so a vehicle will be essential to get around. A pick-up truck is relatively cheap and also practical."

With the oven on for lunch and the washing machine whirring in the background, the couple seem settled in to the relaxed lifestyle here. Gaynor expresses "no regrets", though Graham admits one major frustration: the difficulty of getting a phone line installed for his internet connection. "Waiting lists are more than a year - though we have a mobile phone, I still feel we are cut off from the world at times."

R E S O U R C E S > > >

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Intro to your property rights
UPDATE! Your new property rights as a company owner
Land titles 101
The price of land in Krabi
Krabi Property Clinic: your questions answered

SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Common pitfalls when buying real estate in Krabi
Beware of bogus agents!

CHOOSING A PROPERTY
Where to buy your home: a guide to the different areas
The Krabi holiday home checklist
Self-build or off-plan?
Focus on Had Yao: Krabi's next big thing?

DESIGN & INTERIORS
Design tips from a Krabi architect
Creating a modern Thai-style interior
Planning a tropical garden
Should you install a swimming pool?

SHORT STAYS AND RENTAL PROPERTY
Renting a house in Krabi: a guide to the different types of houses available, prices, and where to look
Long term hotel stays

LIVING IN KRABI
Case study: retiring to Krabi
Expat life in Krabi
(Practicalities for the long-term resident)
Expat testimonials: moving to Krabi - how was it for you?

KRABI PROPERTY LISTINGS
Homes and land for sale and rent in Krabi

Krabi property news - new developments, infrastructure etc.

WHO WE ARE('nt)
Krabi Property is not a real estate agent - we do not sell houses, land, or property of any kind, nor are we affiliated with anyone who does. We provide the only honest and independent information about the housing scene and the legal process of property purchase in the Krabi area, because we are not trying to sell you anything. Though you will find listings of Krabi villa projects and developments on our site, these are paid for as normal advertising and we do not receive any commission or kickbacks for sales. Finally, we regret that we cannot provide help for individual customers; those interested in property purchase should contact our advertisers directly, not us. More about us.

More from our partner sites - for your complete guide to Krabi Province:
Your Krabi (Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Railay and the mainland coast)
 
Phi Phi Islands Guide
 
Lanta Islands Guide