Areeya's new mid-income condominium off Asoke-Racha-dapisek junction is one of the largest residential estates to be started in the midtown zone recently.

While the site is yet to be built, the 20-rai plot is expected to house 10 buildings that will contain more than 2,000 units.

It is also expected to have an enormous car park building, which will house 1,600 cars.

The Areeya team at the sales office say six buildings, varying between eight storeys and 14 storeys have been booked.

The firm is now selling its seventh tower, a 14-floor structure. The strong bookings are remarkable considering the Bt1.25 million asking price for a 25-square metre studio is hardly cheap.

While the price does include air conditioners and built-in furniture, the studio unit is a tad tiny.

The one-bedroom unit is a much better design.

It is fascinating how well received A Space has become lately.

The location, which some people may find oddly placed, about 400 metres from the nearest subway station, is not exactly convenient to get to. Drivers will need to be patient. To walk there on foot requires an effort as the congested environment often sees cars at a standstill for some hours during the day and night.

But it is near the city centre and the area has many middle-class malls.

People who enjoy being at the epicentre of a pressure cooker may find the dynamic location ideal.

But for those trying to escape urban squalor may find the scent of diesel combustion too rich for their taste.

It would not hurt to weigh how pollution levels may worsen because there is little new infrastructure coming to alleviate this stretch of road. Butthe 20-rai plot will provide much common space.

There are three mock-up units at the sales office.

Not many visitors were seen during a recent visit.

Callers to the project would also note that the line goes dead after pressing the assigned number.

After several days attempting to reach the sales office, this caller managed to obtain details of its exact address from Areeya's more helpful detached housing division.

Buyers wishing to visit the site would do well to find out where it is situated as it is not, as its name suggests, on the main Asoke-Rachada line.

If you are coming from Sukhumvit, turn left at the Asoke-Rachada and Rama 9 intersection. Travel about 500 metres or so before making a U-turn.

The current slowdown in the property market is prompting buyers to be careful about making purchases of projects that have yet to be constructed, especially those taking two years or more.

Though listed builders such as Areeya have a good reputation, it is only prudent to weigh the risks that are involved.

Avoid massive sites that may seem ambitious and somewhat rushed and those that lack professional planning and design features.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation