The number of residential units transferred in Greater Bangkok in the first nine months rose by 6%, but total value dropped 16.7% in line with prices of units in popular locations.

Those areas are mostly along the extension routes of electric train projects, according to a survey by the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).

The survey, which focuses on projects in Greater Bangkok, said the number of residential units transferred during January to September this year totalled 131,914, up 6% from the same period a year earlier.

But combined value fell to 321 billion baht from 385.87 billion, said Samma Kitsin, director-general of the REIC.

The top five locations for unit transfers were all in outer Bangkok: Bang Bua Thong in Nonthaburi, Bang Phli in Samut Prakan, Lam Luk Ka in Pathum Thani, Sai Mai in Bangkok and Pak Kret in Nonthaburi.

Surachet Kongcheep, associate director of the research department at property consultant Colliers International Thailand, said the figures showed that homebuyers prefer projects near the extension lines of electric trains.

"Most of the low-rise units transferred were in locations along new mass transit and extension lines, where prices remain lower than those in inner Bangkok," Mr Surachet said.

Condos were the most popular type of residential unit with a transfer value of 108.7 billion baht (34%), followed by single houses at 97.8 billion (30%), townhouses at 68.9 billion (21%), shophouses at 34.2 billion (11%) and duplex houses (4%).

Top districts for new condo units included Huay Kwang, Suan Luang, Phra Khanong and Chatuchak in Bangkok and Muang district in Nonthaburi.

For second-hand condos, hotspots included Huay Kwang, Bang Sue, Phra Khanong and Don Mueang in Bangkok and Khlong Luang in Pathum Thani.

In the first nine months, homebuyers showed a greater appetite for second-hand residential units after new units dominated market share in the past several years.

The number of second-hand units transferred in the first nine months accounted for 42%, up from 34% in the same period last year.

Even so, the number of new residential units transferred remained higher than that of second-hand units.