If you're going to be traveling a lot in Southeast Asia but not moving there for good, you may want to consider downgrading the real estate you own to something smaller, like a loft in the downtown area. Not only will this reduce the strain on your pocketbook but it will also be easy to rent out during your extended stays in Southeast Asia. Read on to find out more about lofts and why lofts are ideal for travelers as well as people in other walks of life.

Those people who don't want to give up the large living spaces they've become used to in a detached home but also don't want the burden of paying such a large mortgage anymore are in a pickle. The solution is the loft. Many cities have many lofts for sale at any given time and many of them are factory or warehouse conversions which offer a lot of living space for the same price that you would pay for a small condo or apartment that felt too cramped for you and your gear.

Lofts are different from your average real estate in that they tend to have very high ceilings (usually 10 ft or more) and an open plan, which tends to give the impression of more living space even if the actual floor area isn't more than the 900 square foot average you would get with a regular 2 bedroom apartment. Some lofts even have floor space edging up into luxury territory (about 1400 square feet) if they have a second half-storey for your bedroom.

There are some disadvantages to choosing lofts to live in, however. For one thing, if you are not living alone it can be impossible to find privacy or quiet, as the only interior walls are the ones around the bathroom. Many lofts also aren't suitable for those with mobility problems as there may be stairs or a ladder to climb to reach the bedroom. If your loft is a conversion and your exterior walls are the bare original brick and single panel glass of the original factory, you may also find them difficult to heat and/or cool according to heating & cooling.

So if you want a loft, where should you start to look? There are plenty of areas where they can be found. Waterfront neighborhoods and former industrial areas are likely places to look. If you don't want to pay $300,000 to $400,000 for your loft, try to find one in an area that is in the beginning stages of being converted over from factories. The prices won't inflate until the neighborhood is fully gentrified. Miami for instance, is a city known for condo and loft living. To get an idea of what loft spaces are available, floor plans and price ranges, click here to take a look at optional listings.