Kimi Raikkonen invests in Phuket Beachfront Villa

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen has bought a beachfront villa in Phuket, Thailand. Raikkonen purchased a 279 square metre beachfront property at the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket, a 78-unit mixed residential-resort property in the southeast of the island.

When he opens his bedroom curtains, the 2007 Formula 1 world champion from Finland will be able to gaze upon the tropical islands of the inner Andaman archipelago, including Phi Phi Island.

Raikkonen said, "Having this kind of place, which is very exclusive, brand new and very high quality, is exactly what I'm looking for when I have a week or two off in winter. I can go and relax, be at home almost -- but in a warm and sunny place."

Buying into a mixed residential-resort property in Phuket can deliver handsome returns, whether the priority is quality of lifestyle, financial gains, or more commonly, an astute mix of both.

According to real estate agents in Phuket, the island's properties are now appreciating at an average of 20% a year. Research from global property adviser, Jones Lang LaSalle, shows that luxury villas on Phuket, costing between US$1 million to US$1.66 million have increased by 25% in the last year.

According to the Phuket and Samui Resort Markets Outlook published in January by CB Richard Ellis, the global real estate services adviser, villa prices in Phuket doubled from 2000 to 2006. Its assessment of Thailand's largest island: "Phuket remains globally competitive. Prices and interest remain solid."

At Outrigger Serenity Terraces, where prices range from US$250,000 to US$1.1 million, buyers can receive an additional 6% rental guarantee for three years if they enter the optional rental programme.

Many people want an investment that pays back in quality of life as well as financially. As a lifestyle investment, Phuket has a lot going for it. The temperature sticks within the 23-35 celsius range all year. The scenery, dining and friendliness of the Thais are world-renowned. As Phuket is Thailand's flagship international beach resort, infrastructure and services are advanced.

Phuket offers two international schools, six major hospitals, nine leading shopping malls, eight golf courses within an hour's drive, and 800 yacht berths at five marinas.

Air access is easy. Phuket International Airport is served by more than 40 international and domestic carriers handling up to 287 international flights per week. Direct international scheduled flights link Phuket to 22 cities around the world including Singapore, Beijing, Delhi, Kolkata, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Kaoshiung, Sydney, Dusseldorf, Munich, Penang, Amsterdam, Muscat, Karachi, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Perth, Moscow, and Seoul. Some of these flights are seasonal.

With a fully managed property, any communal gardens, gym, restaurant or spa are maintained to five-star international hotel standards. If the property is entered into the optional rental programme, the management team will also maintain all the soft furnishings, tiles, kitchen utensils and so on.

Properties often include amenities to help you enjoy Phuket's great outdoors. Outrigger Serenity Terraces, for example, provides owners with free access to a fully-equipped speed boat, two Hobie cat catamarans, and four kayaks.

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