Thailand's leading property-for-investment developer Habitat Group's Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse commented "There are a number of external forces currently affecting the property industry. The volatile global economy and exchange rates, the energy prices and trade war between the United States and China, as well as the political uncertainty and the increase in interest rates are just some. These have forced many real estate developers to adjust and lower their goals as well as to be more careful in investing in new land-buying. However, Habitat Group remains confident in our upper market clients' buying power regardless of the trends."
The company still anticipates 2019 to be a year of growth and will go ahead with its expansion plan and more developments. The company is preparing to launch five new projects worth a total of over 8 billion baht. These projects remain true to the group's core as being property-for-investment projects located in Bangkok's central business district along the BTS line in Thonglor, Phrom Phong and Asoke areas, as well as in Pattaya's central business district. This year, the company has targeted its sales to be 3 billion baht, a 50% growth compared to its actual 2018's sales of 2 billion baht.
"We are committed to continuous growth and our targets as previously projected. This will be supported by new projects in the pipeline that will double in both the quantity and investment size when compared to those of 2018. At the same time, we are also managing our risk diversification by expanding our customer base and aim to increase our recurring income through a widening of the company's portfolio," declared Mr. Chanin.
Three new luxury low-rise condominium developments in Bangkok will be developed under the "Walden Brand". All are located in the CBD and together are worth approximately THB 3.5 BN. There will also be two more projects in Pattaya, which will be lifestyle investment projects that are managed by global hotel management brand partners. The total project value of these two developments is approximately THB 4.5 BN. The first project in Pattaya will be located in North Pattaya and will open for sales in the first quarter of 2019. Another project will be a condominium in Na Jomtien Beach, situated on a beach front plot of 8 rai. The project is undergoing architectural design and is expected to be launched in mid-2019. For Pattaya, the company has planned for larger development projects in order to offer more units to serve a growing demand. Last year, Habitat was able to close sales in all its Pattaya projects.
The company has forecasted a healthy growth for its condominiums which target upper market buyers, and expects them to continue to appeal to Thai and international residents and investors, especially those that are located in prime locations that have limited land available but remain high in demand. This trend matches with the company's strategy that prioritizes prime locations such as areas close to Bangkok's mass transit system. The company also offers affordable unit prices to its targeted customers. As for Pattaya, the company has recognized that the city is ripe for expansion on the back of a strong tourism sector and that it is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor Development Project (EEC).
"Based on these factors, we are confident to move forward with our growth plans and double the value of our properties for investment. We anticipate a positive growth in the property market this year as it will be driven by the government's continuous infrastructure development projects, further supported by by various private sector investments, especially in the EEC region. However, the company has realized it is essential to develop competitive products for the market as well and we will ensure our designs distinguish ourselves from others and make us stand out from our competitors," said Mr. Chanin.
Mr. Chanin also added that in terms of risk diversification, Habitat Group will implement a strategy to expand its customer base. The company will look for opportunities to open up new markets in addition to the Thai, Chinese and Hong Kong markets in which Habitat Group are strong. The company will reach new markets such as the Middle East as well as Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and India for Asia. Last year, the company reported total sales of 600 million baht from international buyers. This was 30% of total sales, and Habitat Group expects it will grow to be 40% of total sales this year.
Moreover, the company has targeted to increase its recurring income portfolio by 10% this year. It has also targeted the recurring income portfolio to grow to 30% within three years in order to create a stable income and strengthen the business. Currently, two of its hotels are already being under operation in Pattaya, including the Ville Jomtien and X2 Vibe Pattaya Sephere. These hotels are managed by its sister company Habitat Hospitality. In 2019, the company plans to open two new hotels; X2 Pattaya Oceanphere in the second quarter and the Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya in the third quarter.
"A vital factor for strong and sustainable growth is risk management. Our decisions are based on our market evaluation as well as our experience in these core markets. Launching more new projects in 2019 is another big step for Habitat Group and one we will manage successfully," Mr. Chanin concluded.