Baan Yamu woos long-stay expats to Phuket’s East Coast
After their eventful working lives, the post-war baby-boom generation is embracing Phuket as long-stay expats and retirees
‘Grey boomers’ or ‘snowbirds’ may sound exciting for birdwatchers – but, in Phuket, it is the real estate industry’s whose pulse they send racing.
In fact, they are terms to describe new categories of expats whose migrations are creating a new property market.
As the post-war baby boom ends its eventful working lives, Thailand’s leading resort islands is eyeing a fresh influx of oldsters with a love of spectacular scenery, Asian hospitality and an attractive cost of living.
One of the warmest welcomes comes from Baan Yamu, an upscale villa, duplex and penthouse project overlooking the stunning Phang Nga Bay – a location forever etched in the memories of James Bond fans as the hideaway of hitman Scaramanga in the Man With the Golden Gun.
As a location for spending your golden years, Baan Yamu’s offer is – above all – tranquility combined with spacious and beautiful natural surroundings.
Built across the exclusive Yamu peninsula, the residence has sparkling, island-dotted seas on both sides, along with an unspoiled natural setting of spacious gardens and wooded hills – as, unlike much of Phuket, the East Coast has been spared unsightly over-development.
But Baan Yamu completes its offer for the baby boom generation with the bonus of comprehensive services, financial advantages and rental options.
Phuket has, of course, been high on the radar for retirement for many years. Fortune magazine picked it as one of the world top five places to retire back in 2005.
But in recent years, the island’s attraction for retirees has received a boost from a mushrooming network of low-cost carriers flying in to its international airport – a key appeal to ‘low-stayers’ or ‘snowbirds’, who migrate from their chilly homelands to warmer climes over the winter months.
For them, Baan Yamu’s serviced apartment model – in co-operation with the highly-rated hotel management company Twinpalms – holds special appeal, says Cyrille Hareux of real estate agency Company Vauban.
‘As well as providing the level of convenience that we all seek at that stage in our lives, this is an excellent opportunity for retirees to open up a new revenue stream while they are not in residence,’ he says.
‘The rental pool provides an income during the months when residents are not there, even if the specific unit is not occupied.’
The financial advantages also extend to a guaranteed rental income scheme that could prove particularly tempting to those planning ahead for their retirement.
‘Baan Yamu offers an immediate discount of 25% or a guaranteed annual income of 6.5% for five years to buyers who made their units available for rent for five years,’ says Hareux.
‘When capital gains are factored in, purchasers can recoup 75% of their investment over the five years before they retire.’
Phuket’s appeal for retirees and snowbirds was recently spotlighted by the Finnish government, which is considering whether to set up retirement villages so it can provide its citizens with a better retirement at a lower cost.
The scheme’s proposals calculate that the advantageous cost of living means that the outlay of constructing a retirement village would be repaid in just eight years.
Retirees at Baan Yamu can also be sure of healthcare that matches the highest international standards. The clinical excellence and five-star service of Thai hospitals such as the nearby Bangkok Hospital Phuket is reflected in an influx of over a million medical tourists to Thailand each year.
The residences are also conveniently placed for a range of leisure opportunities to suit sophisticated long-stayers. For instance, golfers have a choice of delightful courses within a short drive, including the world-famous Blue Canyon Golf Club.
On the East Coast, another major draw is yachting. Residents at Baan Yamu can take a part share in a yacht, with which to explore the Phang Nga Bay, considered the world’s premier marine playground for its lively winds and craggy limestone islands topped with lush jungle.
A launch is also available to carry residents over to a private beach reserved for their use on a nearby island.
A few minutes away in the historic streets of Phuket Town are a wealth of shopping and dining options. While the latest international fashions can be found at Central Festival Phuket mall, enthusiasts of Thai culture will relish a host of charming boutiques and traditional restaurants.
‘The baby boom generation is known for pioneering new lifestyles and retirement is no exception,’ says Cyrille Hareux.
‘Places like Baan Yamu are a fresh blend of stimulation and tranquility for retirees that can appreciate the best of what Thailand offers.’
Like this? Then share with your friends and colleagues!
Tel: (+34) 952 471 774 | 
UK Freephone: 0800 047 0597 | 
US Toll Free: +1-866 656 7152
Subscribe to the Property Bulletin
Let Us find Property in Thailand for You
Help me find property in Thailand
Property News in Thailand
Property News Search
News Archives
