The homebuilding market expects continued growth outside of Greater Bangkok in 2013 on the strength of a prospective economic expansion upcountry, says the Thai Home Constructions Association (THCA).
President Sitiporn Suwannasut said several new homebuilders have entered the market in recent years, most of them focused on the major provinces.
The adjustment of homebuilders allows consumers to access their services more easily. The volume and value of the homebuilding market have grown in each area.
"Greater Bangkok now and in the future is no longer an index of the overall homebuilding market," said Mr Sitiporn.
He added that THCA members have 34 offices in 69 provinces.
He said expanding upcountry will help the homebuilding market to grow by 5-10% next year or between 9.5 and 10 billion baht in value. The THCA aims for 15 billion baht in 2015.
Sitiporn: Bangkok no longer indicator
A THCA survey showed 144 homebuilders nationwide this year _ 69 in Greater Bangkok and 75 upcountry.
Of the total, 71 homebuilders are members of either the THCA or the Home Building Association, Thailand's two homebuilder groups.
Competition in the homebuilding market next year will hinge on construction innovation, brand awareness and service coverage area.
These are the advantages of large homebuilders, so smaller ones should adjust strategy or avoid competing directly with big ones, said Mr Sitiporn.
Throughout this year, homebuilders faced negative factors such as the post-flood delay in construction material delivery. Another problem has been the severe labour shortage, particularly in Greater Bangkok and nearby provinces.
The labour shortfall is a worry for consumers who are uncertain whether a house can be completed as promised and may shift to other offerings such as condominiums.
Construction material prices rose by more than 15% after the new daily minimum wage was applied on April 1. At the same time, consumers during the first three quarters were concerned about future floods.
Despite such negatives, the homebuilding market held steady with the shift to other provinces outside of Greater Bangkok.