Property website DDproperty said consumers are now looking for homes near hospitals, as the pandemic has shifted residential demand toward areas with access to nearby health care services.
DDproperty.com’s country manager Kamolpat Swaengkit said today’s consumers had considered proximity to hospitals when choosing a home.
“Covid-19 has spurred awareness about accessibility to healthcare services. Consumers want a residential unit in locations that can easily reach hospitals to help plan their long-term healthcare,” she said.
A Thailand consumer opinion survey conducted by DDproperty showed that 88% of Thais expected to purchase a property close to hospitals. The survey, conducted with 1,000 citizens aged 22-69, also found that 65% preferred a residential unit with access to bank and supermarket services.
According to Ms. Kamolpat, it was the first time that proximity to hospitals scored so highly, showing that people care more about their health than before.
Surveys in recent years have shown that the main thing buyers considered was proximity to a public transit line. However, that category fell to third place in 2022, with only 59% of customers prioritizing transportation when choosing a residential location.
The study also found that 66% of current property buyers also avoid crowded areas, Ms. Kamolpat stated.
Responding to questions about the reasons behind their property choices, 82% said they were looking for “eco and health-friendly” residential units while 67% cited places where they could charge an electric vehicle.
Some 66% revealed that they preferred homes with natural ventilation and lighting, and 61% said they wanted a property furnished with quality interior fittings, as they expected to move in as soon as the unit was transferred to them.
Ms. Kamolpat also explained that around 55% of consumers consider choosing developers who offer financial incentives, cashback, or discounts.
A change in consumer behavior was also seen, with 63% expecting to maintain healthier lifestyle habits, the survey found. People are also interested in remote work and grocery shopping through online channels more often – at 59% and 58%, respectively.
Moreover, the study discovered that almost 50% of consumers had been spending more time with family members, and 31% were still worried about Covid-19.
