Why Thailand’s “Utility Market” Keeps Winning 🇹🇭

85% of Thai buyers are end-users — not speculators. Plus: Phuket’s newest launch near Rawai Beach and this week’s Asia vs. Europe poll.

Author

Johnny Leverington
November 04, 2025

Welcome to Hawook — your guide to Southeast Asia’s emerging property market. From Phuket to beyond, we bring you early access to curated off-plan projects, plus clear insights to help you invest with confidence.

🎨 THE TITLE Cielo Rawai — Rhom Bho's family-centric oasis, steps from Rawai Beach

🏡 At a Glance – Quick Facts

  • Location: Rawai, Phuket Town, Phuket

  • Scale: 171 units, 4 buildings, 5 floors (low-rise complex)

  • Status: Off-plan, completion Sep 2026

  • Developer: Rhom Bho Property PLC (known for The Title & Katabello brands)

  • Positioning: Family-focused condo resort with cinema & kids' zones, 50m from Rawai Beachfront

💸 Pricing Snapshot

  • Studio (~36 sqm): ~฿5.00M (≈ ฿139k/sqm)

  • 1BR (~35–42 sqm): ฿4.38M – ฿6.19M (≈ ฿107k–฿151k/sqm; river-view units offer entry price)

  • 2BR (~56–83 sqm): ฿6.70M – ฿12.20M (≈ ฿118k–฿158k/sqm; significant range based on size, view, and floor)

Pricing Insight: Strong value in entry-level 1BRs (from ฿107k/sqm), while larger 2BRs and higher floors command premiums. Foreign quota units are clearly marked.

🧱 Why This Project is Turning Heads

  • Leisure: Multiple swimming pools, rooftop Sky Pool, Jacuzzi, kids' pool, indoor & outdoor kids' zones.

  • Lifestyle: Co-working space, library, mini theater, indoor games room, clubhouse.

  • Fitness: Communal gym.

  • Security: 24H security, CCTV, key card access.

  • Parking: 52% ratio, conventional

👇👇👇

🗺️ The Location Lowdown

  • Rawai Beachfront: 50 meters / a 1-minute walk

  • Restaurants, Cafes, Shops: All within walking distance

  • Rawai Park (Waterpark & Playground): ~1 minute drive

  • Nai Harn & Yanui Beaches: A short drive away

  • Lighthouse International School Phuket: Nearby

  • Phuket International Airport: ~47.7 km / ~60 minutes

Use-case: Live a car-optional lifestyle with the beach and daily necessities at your doorstep. Ideal for families with school-age children.

💡 Investment & Ownership Insights

  • CAM: ฿85/sqm/month

  • Sinking fund (one-time): ฿850/sqm

  • Utilities: Government rates (electricity & water)

  • Parking: 52% of units (conventional)

📜 How to Buy – Step-by-Step

  • Reservation: ฿100,000

  • Upon Contract Signing: 25%

  • Down Payment Part 1: 25%

  • Down Payment Part 2: 25%

  • On Handover (Sep 2026): 25%

🧭 Who should short-list this

  • Families seeking a secure, amenity-rich environment near an international school.

  • Investors targeting the vibrant Rawai rental market with a high-spec, family-focused product.

  • End-users who prioritize a low-rise, resort-style community directly in the heart of Rawai.

  • Buyers looking for a clear, evenly-structured payment plan.

❓ FAQs

Is foreign freehold available?
Yes—condos allow up to 49% foreign freehold by area. Many listed units are explicitly marked "Foreign Quota."

What are the ongoing costs?
Budget CAM ฿85/sqm/month plus utilities at government rates. The sinking fund of ฿850/sqm is a one-time fee at transfer.

Is this pet-friendly?
No—pets are not allowed.

Rental outlook?
Exceptional walkability to Rawai's cafes and beachfront ensures strong tourist demand. The family-friendly amenities (pools, kids' zones, cinema) are unique selling points that can command premium rents, especially for larger 2BR units during holiday seasons.

🔍 Final Take – Should you shortlist this?

If you want a modern, family-oriented condo in the absolute core of Rawai with an unprecedented level of on-site leisure facilities (cinema, kids' zones, sky pool), The Title Cielo Rawai is a top contender. Its 2026 completion is later than some, but the developer's strong local track record and the project's prime, walkable location justify the wait for the right buyer.

🇹🇭 Thailand’s “Utility Edge” — Real Homes, Real Demand

Thailand isn’t your typical boom-and-bust property market. Over 85% of Thai buyers purchase homes to live in, not to flip — making it one of Asia’s most utility-driven real estate markets.

This cultural and financial stability shapes everything: developers build for families, not speculators; credit rules curb risky borrowing; and prices move gradually, not wildly. Even during downturns, the market holds steady because buyers are anchored in lifestyle, not leverage.

For investors, understanding this “utility mindset” is key. It’s less about chasing hype — and more about backing livable, long-term assets that grow with real occupancy and demand.

In a region often fueled by short-term gains, Thailand’s “boring” market might just be its biggest strength.

💬 Property Pulse Poll

Asia vs. Europe

Tropical escape or Mediterranean charm? Both regions are magnets for lifestyle investors — but they offer very different paths.

🌴 Southeast Asia tempts with year-round sunshine, strong rental yields, and a lower entry price.
🏔️ Southern Europe draws buyers with its heritage architecture, established markets, and long-term capital appreciation.

So, if you were to buy a vacation home today — where would you go?

👉 Hit reply and tell us: Asia or Europe — and why?
We’ll feature a few of your thoughts in next week’s issue.

🙏 Thanks for Reading

That’s it for this week’s Hawook! We’re glad to have you with us on the journey through Southeast Asia’s property market. If you found today’s edition useful, please share it with a friend who might benefit from these insights.

See you next week with more opportunities, updates, and ideas.

— The Hawook Team