The "Golden Rule" of Property: Location, Location, Location... and Then the Unexpected
Yes, location is everything — until it isn’t.
You can buy in the most desirable part of town and still end up with a half-empty building. Why? Because not all buildings in a prime area are created equal.
In places like Vientiane, Phnom Penh, or even Bangkok, I’ve seen two condos 100 metres apart with wildly different occupancy rates. One thrives. The other struggles. Same postcode, different outcome.
Why? It comes down to micro-location and building specifics: – Does the layout suit expats or locals? – Are the amenities outdated? – Is the developer trusted? – What’s the building’s reputation among agents and tenants?
You’re not just buying square metres — you’re buying a story, a lifestyle, a position in a local market hierarchy.
Do your homework. Walk the neighbourhood. Talk to renters. And always ask: “Would I live here… or recommend it to someone?”