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> They’re investments, not really meant for living in. They cast these huge shadows and block views—really change the skyline—just so they can stand empty. That is definitely one of the saddest parts for me. These billionaires (many of whom got their wealth in shady circumstances) are just using these condos to park their money. I may think NFTs are insane but at least when people with too much money park their wealt…
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The simplest answer is land value tax
Except that’s explicitly discouraging vacant lots and encouraging tall buildings. These owners can afford the tax better than anyone.
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Thailand is fine until you get into trouble which requires authorities of any kind. It is what "3rd world" is all about.
Unlike the US you can pay your way out of most infractions in Thailand for a fair price.
Off topic, but perhaps of interest to anyone in Thailand who would like to experience similar views firsthand: https://www.booking.com/hotel/th/thirty-nine-boulevard-execu... The room my wife and I booked in 2019 offered a panoramic, bird's eye view of Bangkok's skyline from one of the higher floors in the building. Not bad at ~$90 / night at the time.
Makes me want to take my few hundred thousands in retirement savings and live like a literal king in the 3rd world.
It was one of the saddest and strangest experiences of my life.
But yes. People do this. It is weirder than you think.
> They’re investments, not really meant for living in. They cast these huge shadows and block views—really change the skyline—just so they can stand empty. That is definitely one of the saddest parts for me. These billionaires (many of whom got their wealth in shady circumstances) are just using these condos to park their money. I may think NFTs are insane but at least when people with too much money park their wealt…
> many of whom got their wealth in shady circumstances Like inheriting it, which is the shadiest of shady ways to make money
In this country there was a time yes where inheriting it is shady and it’s something I fear our conservative brothers have forgotten. The problems of multi-generational wealth were clearly visible to our founders looking at Europe. It should be patently offensive to all Americans
> But despite the breathtaking views, Schmied says the multi-million-dollar condos were dishearteningly dull How many new apartments aren't dull? If you're spending $90 million on an apartment, the last thing you would want is for it to be in the style of some architect's avant-garde idea of beauty. If you want to add personality, you hire your own interior designers to find your own aesthetic.
Exactly. Staged apartments are supposed to be dull. Prospective buyers should see a blank canvas, something as neutral and inoffensive as possible. And this applies to all sales, not just new apartments. There's a reason your realtor wants you to move all your stuff out before starting showings, no matter how much you think looking "homely" will help.
Wouldn’t these listings with pictures be available somewhere? This doesn’t sound too interesting to take pictures of homes listed for sale.
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Well, if you want to ruin their investment then issue building permits for more of them. > They cast these huge shadows and block views Talk about first world problems. Expecting a city skyline to never change is ridiculous. The only problem is that so few people use these buildings. The best kind of density regulation requires _more_ density.
Not even. plenty of first-world cities expect skyline changes. This attitude toward change (anti-change) comes from SF and has migrated elsewhere. NYC was the antithesis to this attitude but apparently it's not immune to this line of thinking. It's like they think mountains do not move. Rivers always run the same course. It's comical and tragic.
NYC created the world's first zoning laws in response to a building casting shadows: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/background.page
Wouldn’t these listings with pictures be available somewhere? This doesn’t sound too interesting to take pictures of homes listed for sale.
> They’re investments, not really meant for living in. They cast these huge shadows and block views—really change the skyline—just so they can stand empty. That is definitely one of the saddest parts for me. These billionaires (many of whom got their wealth in shady circumstances) are just using these condos to park their money. I may think NFTs are insane but at least when people with too much money park their wealt…
Wealthy people minus a few eccentrics are most certainly not parking their money in NFTs. The crazy $69MM Beeple headline was actually a purchase by an NFT related company from what I understand. Not withstanding unoccupied real estate investments are a problem in every major city. It's usually wealthy foreign investors living far away in particular...e.g. Russia -> London, China -> Singapore/Vancouver, etc. really s…
The comment you're replying to didn't say they were.