Grant Thornton launches ASEAN property industry services

Bangkok, Thailand, March 2021 – The global outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the property industry, recording a downturn trend with low foreign investments and pending projects. The growth of the industry is slower due to the unprecedented demand shock from the outbreak of COVID-19 and market uncertainties, impacted by the restriction of movement by governments across the ASEAN region.

Lower demand on luxury or high-end properties, fewer residential project launches and lower level of transactional activity were observed in the beginning of COVID-19 mainly due to travelling restrictions and stringent bank loan approval as banks are cautious and strict in choosing clients to minimize risk of being defaulted. However, more transactions were reported during the recovery stage with the help of the government such as introducing numerous economy recovery plans.

Partner Khun Amornjid commented:

“Developers should consider repositioning their products, readjusting their prices to suit the current market, develop creative marketing strategies such as offering virtual house viewing in order to stay competitive during this challenging time.”

On the flipside, affordable houses have seen to be taking the market lead during this time as more buyers see the downturn as an opportunity to own a house with the introduction of lower interest rate, stamp duty exemption and lower price in property. Besides, COVID-19 might have changed the buyers’ preference from owning a house in city centre to a house with more spacious layouts but decentralised location to accommodate the new norm - work from home.

“We anticipate a surge in transactions when the COVID-19 situation is more stable, as we foresee a lot of first-time homebuyers and investors will be taking this opportunity to own a house for their own stay or for renting or investment purposes,” she continued.

In line with the ASEAN focus services launch, Grant Thornton ASEAN is organising a webinar on Wednesday, 24th March to give insights on the market landscape and opportunities for the Property Industry in ASEAN. Mr Sarkunan Subramaniam, Manging Director of Knight Frank Malaysia and also tax experts from Grant Thornton Malaysia and other ASEAN offices will be speaking in this informative webinar.

With a team of local experts from the Big 7 ASEAN countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Grant Thornton ASEAN can provide medium to large enterprises valuable business insights and strategic perspectives, evaluate business challenges and support their needs in local or regional growth, risk management or cost management.

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Further enquiries, please contact:

Kosol Sruamsri

Corporate Communications Specialist

Grant Thornton Thailand

T: 02 205 8160

E: kosol.sruamsri@th.gt.com