:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies
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ISSN 2228-9860
eISSN 1906-9642
CODEN: ITJEA8
FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE
Vol.17(2) (2026) |
Applying Universal Design in the Real Estate Business in Thailand
Bhattraradej B. Witchayangkoon (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, THAILAND),
Yasser Arab (Department of Architectural Engineering, Dhofar University, SULTANATE of OMAN),
Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MALAYSIA), and
Alif Samsey (Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, THAILAND).
Discipline: Civil & Architectural Engineering, Real Estate Management.
Keywords: Universal Design (UD); Super-aged society; Multi-generational housing; Real estate business; Thailand; Inclusive architecture; Aging in Place; Wellness real estate; Consumer preference; Willingness to Pay (WTP); Thai house design; Invisible universal design.
AbstractThailand is quickly becoming a super-aged society, which has led to a big mismatch in its urban residential real estate market. Traditional developments focus on looks and maximizing space, but the needs of an aging population require the use of Universal Design (UD) everywhere. This study uses a mix of methods to explore what drives the market, how consumers view things, and what barriers exist for implementing UD in the private real estate sector of the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) and its outskirts. We gathered quantitative survey data from 450 homebuyers and combined it with qualitative insights from 15 industry executives and architects/engineers. The results show a strong positive link between a household's multi-generational status and their willingness to pay (WTP) more for homes with accessible features (p < .001), which goes against the idea that UD is just an extra cost. However, there is a branding issue: consumers tend to reject properties labeled as "Senior Housing" because of a stigma (Mean = 3.88), but they really like the same layouts when they are marketed as "Multi-generational Wellness" estates (Mean = 4.42). On the supply side, a lot of qualitative data suggests that developers are held back by immature supply chains, overestimating costs based on layouts, and local regulations that complicate non-standard designs. The study wraps up that private-sector profitability and inclusive design can work together through the use of invisible universal design. This means adding safety features in a way that blends in with high-end materials. To make these practices common in mid-market housing, policymakers need to go beyond building codes & offer economic incentives, like local tax breaks for UD elements and bonuses for Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from municipalities.Paper ID: 17A2B
Cite this article:
Witchayangkoon, B.B., Arab, Y., Hassan, A.S., Samsey, A. (2026). Applying Universal Design in the Real Estate Business in Thailand. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, 17(2), 17A2B, 1-19. http://doi.org/10.14456/ITJEMAST.2026.9
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Other issues:
Vol.16(4)(2025)
Vol.16(3)(2025)
Vol.17(3)(2026)
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