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The Differences Between Buying a Home “for Living” and “for Investment”

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When talking about buying a house or condo, it can be divided into two types: buying for personal living and buying for investment/speculation. At first glance, it may be said that no matter which way you buy, you must choose the “best house/condo.” However, the word “best” for these two types is not the same. Whether buying for personal living or buying for investment, the way to choose real estate is different. The differences between the two are as follows.

Different “Locations,” Changing Environments

Although it is said that when buying real estate, “location” is the most important factor, for buying to live in and buying for investment, the principles of choosing a location are quite different, as follows:

• Buying for personal living must mainly consider “your own needs,” whether you want a residence near your workplace, near your child’s school, or near other places according to what you want, whether it is a shopping mall you like or your favorite coffee shop. In addition, do not forget to survey the surrounding environment. Some people may like a peaceful atmosphere, while others may like a lively and colorful one. This depends entirely on “personal needs.”

• Buying for investment must mainly consider “market demand.” The selected location must be in a community area, have employment sources, and not be too quiet. In addition, the location chosen does not always have to be close to you, but should be the location most suitable for renting out, such as a location that provides high rental returns.

“Loan vs Cash” — How Important Is It?

The money used for the purchase is also an important matter. When viewed from the two perspectives of buyers who buy for personal living and buyers who buy for investment, the way money is put in is something that must be given importance. The two types have the following differences:

• Buying for personal living: if it is a purchase for personal living, it is recommended to use as much “cash” as possible. This is because buying for personal living means that we do not receive any income from this purchase to circulate. This is equal to paying interest to the bank in full. Therefore, the more cash you put in, the more it will help reduce the interest burden.

• Buying for investment: if it is a purchase for investment, it is not necessary to put in a large amount of cash. Focus on borrowing money from the bank, because we create income from this purchase through the rent received. It is as if we have someone helping to pay the interest and helping to pay the bank installments. If anyone has cash left, they can use that money to expand into other investments. This is considered risk diversification and also increases the proportion of investment.

“Future Potential” That Must Be Observed

Whether buying a house for personal living or for investment, we all want a good location with future potential. It is necessary to observe the following things:

• Buying for personal living: focus mainly on the potential of the location in terms of transportation networks, such as whether an electric train line will pass through, or whether there is an expressway connected to the city, in order to facilitate our travel. However, when buying for personal living, the thing that should be watched out for most is whether that area has a tendency to be expropriated or not, which may create complicated problems that require moving residence later.

• Buying for investment: focus on the overall potential of the location. In other words, whether there are large projects or developments expected to open in this location, or an electric train extension line that is likely to open soon. All of these will affect the value when we sell in order to make a profit, whether we can add a lot or a little profit, depending mainly on a “location with potential.”

Source: TerraBKK Knowledge Center

Question: What is the difference between buying a home for living and buying one for investment?
Answer: Buying a home for personal living focuses mainly on personal needs, such as being close to work, children’s schools, shopping malls, or preferred surroundings. Buying for investment focuses more on market demand, such as locations near communities, employment areas, rental demand, and high rental returns.

Question: What kind of location should you choose when buying a home for personal living?
Answer: You should choose a location that suits your daily life, such as being close to your workplace, your children’s school, places you often visit, or an environment you personally like, whether peaceful or lively.

Question: What kind of location should you choose when buying a home for investment?
Answer: You should choose a location that meets market demand, such as a community area with employment sources, not too quiet, and suitable for renting out. It does not always have to be a location close to you personally.

Question: Should you use more cash or a loan when buying a home for living?
Answer: According to the original content, if you are buying for personal living, it is recommended to use as much cash as possible because the purchase does not generate income. The more cash you put in, the more you can reduce the interest burden paid to the bank.

Question: Should you use a loan when buying a home for investment?
Answer: According to the original content, if you are buying for investment, you do not need to put in a large amount of cash and should focus on borrowing from the bank, because rental income can help pay the interest and mortgage installments. Any remaining cash can also be used for other investments.



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