Condo buyers switch priorities post-quake

Since the March 28 earthquake, construction standards and developer accountability have become the top priorities among homebuyers, with prospective condo buyers wishing to establish whether a potential home is able to stand up to a quake while seeking to identify the contractor.

- KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN

Artitaya Kasemlawan, head of residential sales projects at property consultancy CBRE Thailand, said when customers visit a condo project, one of the first questions they ask is whether the structure is earthquake-resistant.

"In the past, buyers only focused on what they could see, such as the materials, brands and specifications. But now they ask about the structure, though not the technical details."

She said the topic has become a key factor when it comes to securing buyer confidence, particularly questions regarding who constructed the project and whether the structure is able to withstand seismic activity.

The shift reflects a growing awareness that unseen elements such as engineering and structural design are just as important as aesthetic factors.