Guides
Ownership options for foreign buyers in Thailand
Foreign buyers can own a condominium unit in their own name, within the limits set by the Condominium Act. Land is different. Under section 86 of the Land Code, a foreigner can only own land under a treaty or one of the Land Code's narrow exceptions, such as section 96 bis, which needs an investment of at least THB 40 million and the Minister's approval, and allows no more than one rai for a home. Approval is not automatic, and the investment must be kept in place under strict conditions.
For houses and villas, foreign buyers usually hold a registered right over the land instead, such as a lease, a superficies or a usufruct. Each of these is registered at the Land Office. The guides below explain each option in plain English, with the points to check before you buy.
Ownership guides
Freehold condominium
Own a condominium unit in your own name, within the 49% foreign quota.
Read the guide30 year leasehold
A registered lease of land or a unit for up to 30 years.
Read the guideSuperficies
Own the house or villa while the land stays in someone else's name.
Read the guideUsufruct
A registered right to use land and take its fruits, often for life.
Read the guideThai company
Briefly: why a company must be a genuine business, and why nominees are illegal.
Read the guideWhere to live
Best places to live in Pattaya
Jomtien, Pratumnak, Wongamat, Naklua, Central and East Pattaya compared, with hospitals, schools and airports.
Read the guideBest places to live in Phuket
Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Rawai, Nai Harn and Phuket Town compared, with schools, hospitals and transport.
Read the guideBest places to live in Bangkok
Sukhumvit, Thonglor, Ekkamai, Ari, Sathon, Silom, Rama 9 and the riverside, compared by train access.
Read the guideBeaches and food
Best beaches in Pattaya
Pattaya Beach, Jomtien, Wong Amat, Na Jomtien and Koh Larn compared, with a note on water quality.
Read the guideBest restaurants in Pattaya
Four Bib Gourmand listed restaurants in the Pattaya area, with cuisine, area and booking notes.
Read the guideBest beaches in Phuket
Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Nai Harn and Rawai compared, with drive times and seasons.
Read the guideBest restaurants in Phuket
One starred restaurant and seven Bib Gourmand listings across Phuket, with area, cuisine and opening days.
Read the guideBuying rules and news
Nominee crackdown in Thailand
A dated, sourced summary of the nominee crackdown, with the figures reported and where they differ. Background only.
Read the guideCan foreigners buy property in Thailand?
The 49 per cent condominium quota, land, leases and what has been proposed but is not law. Background only.
Read the guideCost of buying a condo in Thailand
The four Land Office charges, the FET form, who usually pays and a worked example. Background only.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own a condominium in Thailand?
Yes. A foreigner can own a condominium unit in their own name, as long as foreign ownership in the building stays within 49% of the total floor area of all the units, and the purchase money is brought into Thailand in the way the Condominium Act requires.
Can a foreigner own land in Thailand?
Only under a treaty or one of the Land Code's narrow exceptions, such as section 96 bis, which needs an investment of at least THB 40 million and the Minister's approval, and allows no more than one rai for a home. Foreign buyers of houses and villas usually hold a registered lease, superficies or usufruct over the land instead.
Which option applies to a development I like?
It depends on the project and on what the developer offers. Each listing states the tenure where the developer publishes it, and we confirm the ownership options for each project when you enquire.
Do I need a lawyer?
We recommend independent legal advice before you sign anything or pay a reservation fee or deposit. A lawyer can check the title, the contract and the registration for the project you choose.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Take independent legal advice before you buy.