What is the difference between a condo and an apartment in Bangkok? [closed]

I've been looking for a place to stay for a longer period in Bangkok and am currently renting through Airbnb. I have a had a look at some property websites and contacted a few property companies.

One thing that's bugging me is that I can't really get a clear answer as to what the difference between a condo and an apartment is. I'm from a non-English speaking European country, so I guess that adds to the confusion a bit since I'm used to having just one word for this kind of thing :)

One popular explanation I've gotten is you buy a condo, but you rent an apartment but obviously it's not correct since there are condos out there for rent. The other day I got the explanation you can buy a condo or rent it from someone who has bought it, but an apartment you always rent directly from the property. This one makes a little bit more sense. Until I heard from a friend of mine that sometimes properties rent some of their "rooms" (whatever they're called) directly to consumers, but still call them condos.

What is a clear explanation of the difference?

While we're on the subject - how do rents, fees and other costs work?

I've seen some properties have a "building maintenance fee" that you're supposed to pay in addition to your monthly rent, while others don't.

And suppose one buys a condo, what would need to be paid on an ongoing basis?

Is there like a "rent" even if you bought the place (other than the obvious electricity, water, wifi, cable etc.)?

Best Answer

From a Thailand perspective of condo versus apartment rentals, a condo will be a privately owned unit being rented out by the owner either directly or through a company which provides rental management services. An apartment will be units within an apartment complex which are being rented out by the apartment management.

As a general practice in Thailand rental apartments are not allowed to be sub-leased. So any "apartments" for rent are almost always from the apartment building manager.

Thai apartments as a general rule are quite spartan in terms of decor, furnishings and appliances. Condos tend to be more western oriented with nicer decor, kitchen appliances, better furnishings. And these differences are usually reflected in the costs.

Most Thai type apartments come primarily with monthly fees for utilities (power, water, internet, TV) but not much in terms of community fees (those fixed costs are usually figured into the rent already). Condo buildings often have community fees which cover things like security, grounds cleaning & landscaping, pool maintenance, garbage. Community fees in condos are ongoing for as long as the services are provided.

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What is the difference between an apartment and a condo in Thailand?

The differences between condos and apartments in Thailand. One of the major differences between the two types of properties have is on the legal side. Condos are properties that are licensed and registered under the Thailand Condominium Act and on the other hand, apartments are leasehold properties.

Is condo and apartment the same thing?

The biggest difference between a condo vs. apartment is ownership. An apartment is defined as a residence that is rented, often as part of a larger residential building. A condo is similar in structure to an apartment \u2014 usually a unit within a larger residential building \u2014 but condos are owned instead of rented.

What is the meaning of condo in Thailand?

The Thailand Condominium Act defines a condominium as a building that can be separated into units for individual ownership and which include personal and common properties (land on which the building sits, hallways, elevators, etc.).

Which is better apartment or condo?

Community and amenities. Condo owners participate in the maintenance of the common areas via the homeowners' association (HOA), so these common areas tend to be kept up nicely. Condo buildings sometimes also have more luxury amenities than apartments, including onsite parking, pools, gyms, or tennis courts.

What's the Difference Between an Apartment and Condo?

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