An artist's rendition of duplex houses at Sena Vela Sukhumvit-Bangpu (photo: Sena Development)

Developers need to be more cautious with investments in the second half, as the financial market is concerned about corporate debenture repayments, due to the economic slowdown that affected demand in the first half.

Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of SET-listed developer Sena Development, said the company has started to adopt a cautious approach to investment as the financial market has become increasingly concerned about expiring debentures.

"In the second half of the year, developers will face double challenges that will impact their investments," she said.

"Their access to funding will be limited, while homebuyers continue to struggle with securing mortgage loans."

The concern in the financial market is exacerbating the economic outlook that affected housing demand in the first half.

With high household debt and rising living costs, the majority of prospective buyers faced mortgage loan rejections from banks.

Sena will adopt a very cautious approach to investment and prioritise cash flow.

She said the company will focus on its strengths and familiar market segments, and carefully evaluate whether or not to launch the new projects it planned to launch in the second half of the year.

"We have secured all the land plots for the new projects that we announced we would launch," she said. "With a Japanese partner, we are less concerned about the new launches."

Soonthorn Sathaporn, chief executive of residential developer Sathaporn Estate, said developers should be more careful, exercise caution regarding cash flow and avoid overinvesting, even though the government's budget is being injected in the second half.

"The government's budget will stimulate employment, leading to increased circulation of funds and potentially boosting purchasing power in the second half of the year," he said.

However, the economy is unlikely to recover significantly and purchasing power remains fragile, said Mr Soonthorn, who is also the new president of the Housing Business Association.

He suggested developers focus on enhancing efficiency in three areas: quality, timeline and cost, in order to improve their competitive capabilities amid uncertainty.

Sathaporn Estate, Sena Development and SET-listed developer NC Housing on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Panasonic and Chulalongkorn University to test a home-based Internet of Things (IoT) system.

The project involves installing and testing home IoT systems in sample properties at some single detached house projects of the three developers to identify optimal living conditions and reduce energy costs.