How to buy property in Thailand in 2024
Thailand is a dream vacation destination – so how much better would it be to live there full time? US citizens who have fallen in love with Thailand may be wondering about how to make a permanent move to live, work or retire there – and a natural place to start is by finding a property.
If you’re thinking of buying property in Thailand, this guide is for you. We’ll cover all the information you need, including:
- Can a foreigner buy a house in Thailand?
- Is buying property in Thailand a good investment?
- How can I find a property in Thailand?
- What Thai property pitfalls should I look out for?
- How much is property tax in Thailand?
And because making high value international purchases can mean sending large payments overseas, we’ll also look at how specialist providers like Wise and OFX can help you secure a better USD/EUR exchange rate and lower overall costs.
Can US citizens buy property in Thailand?
Let’s start with the basics about buying property in Thailand. Foreigners can not legally own land in their own name in Thailand – which means that it’s impossible to buy a freehold property in the way you might in the US. However, there are a few alternatives, which make buying a property in Thailand a feasible and popular option for many.
You can buy a leasehold property – like an apartment – or even set up a Thai company to hold the property on your behalf. However, you’ll need to take appropriate legal advice if you’re considering this.
What are the requirements to buy a house in Thailand?
Firstly, it’s useful to know that limits on foreign property ownership only apply to freehold properties. If you’re thinking of buying an apartment it’s more likely to come on a leasehold basis – which means you can go ahead and buy. You’ll own the apartment but not the land it stands on, much the same as buying a leasehold place in the US. The only other proviso is that the condominium you buy in has to have a fixed percentage of Thai owners – usually over 51% – unless you’re buying the whole block yourself.
And secondly, as we mentioned, if you’re dead set on buying a freehold home, you may be able to do this by setting up a company in Thailand which holds the property on your behalf. There are legal considerations if you’re interested in this option, but also many agents and companies set up to help you understand and navigate the process if you need help.
| Key point on international transfers |
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| When transferring money between the US and Thailan, specialist money transfer providers like Wise and OFX can help you save significant amounts of money in transfer fees. For property related purchases this can get into the thousands of pounds. At Exiap we compare providers to help you find the best one for your needs. |
How to buy a home in Thailand step by step
Buying a home in Thailand won’t necessarily work like buying a property in the US. There are different local norms, and importantly, the industry isn’t regulated in the same way as it is in the US. That means there are more risks involved and you and your legal advisors will have to be very careful to check the sale is being made legally to avoid problems and potential scams.
In most cases the step by step process to buy a home in France is similar. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to buy a house in Thailand:
- Set a budget for buying your new Thai property, including getting a mortgage offer in principal if that’s how you’ll pay for it
- Get a real estate solicitor who is familiar with the process of purchasing property in Thailand – their advice and support is essential
- Research and view properties online, in person or through an estate agent
- Negotiate and agree a selling price when you’ve found your dream place
- The seller will provide the purchase agreement which you and your solicitor must check thoroughly
- Pay a deposit – usually 10% of the agreed price
- Your solicitor will complete due diligence checks to make sure the property is being legally sold and all paperwork is available. You may also want to instruct a building survey at this stage
- Once everything is in order you can close and sign the sales contract
- Pay the remaining purchase costs and fees
- Your solicitor will register the title deeds in your name, and you’ll need to pay any outstanding taxes or costs
Thai property prices
Property in Thailand includes everything from chic city apartments in downtown Bangkok, beachside getaways in Koh Samui and atmospheric homes in Chiang Mai. Depending on your budget and your personal preferences you’ll definitely find something which can suit you and help you build your perfect lifestyle in your new home.
When it comes to average prices by location, Bangkok is typically where you’ll find the most expensive property. It’s a huge city with a broad range of accommodation choices though, so you may well find something to suit you even if you’re on a budget. Other popular areas like Pattaya and Phuket are generally cheaper.
In Bangkok recent research showed that most condominiums – the type of property favored by many expats – fall into the 5 – 10 million THB price bracket (around 145,000 USD to 290,000 USD), with just over a quarter of all units in this price range. The second largest chunk of apartment options falls into the 1 – 3 million THB bracket – meaning there’s also likely to be something for you if your budget is lower.
We’ll look more closely at the best places to buy property in Thailand next.
Best places to buy property in Thailand
Thailand is a popular country with many different people – whether you’re seeking a busy city life, a place to chill on the beach, a party resort or a historic and cultural center, there’s something for you. That means that the best place to buy property in Thailand will depend very much on your preferences and lifestyle.
Pattaya City in Chonburi province is extremely popular with expats from around the world, thanks to beaches, shopping and proximity to Bangkok. Phuket island is another great place if you want beaches and resorts, with Phuket town offering some history and culture when you want a change.
Bangkok as Thailand’s capital and largest city by far is a popular place for people going to Thailand to work or looking for an investment property. The small city of Rayong is worth a look for cheaper apartments and a great beach. Alternatively, there’s also Chiang Mai – the 4th largest city in Thailand by population, and a big tourist draw.
| Getting a bank account in Thailand |
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| Getting a multi currency account can help you easily manage your money and save on fees. You can use the account to receive, hold, and transfer different currencies, as well as to spend on a debit card. Wise and Revolut are some of the most popular providers for multi-currency accounts. |
Cheapest places to buy property in Thailand
Many areas of Thailand have a good mix of property types and prices, which means you may be able to find a relatively cheap place no matter what you’re looking for.
As a few examples to start your search for cheapest places to buy property in Thailand:
- Chiang Mai has lower average property costs compared to Bangkok, and offers a relatively peaceful lifestyle
- Phuket island has a great range of accommodation options at different price points, with all amenities in easy reach – spend some time getting to know different areas to decide which suits you
- Despite being a massive tourist location property prices on Koh Samui are relatively cheap – if you want to be off the beaten track a little more but still want the laid back beach vibe, try Krabi instead
Is buying a house as an investment in Thailand a good idea?
Wondering: is investing in Thai property a good idea?
Ultimately, whether investing in Thai property will work for you or not depends on your preferences and how long you’re prepared to leave your money tied up in the property. The property market in Thailand has seen some pretty dramatic swings over time, which brings risk and won’t necessarily suit inexperienced investors. If you’re buying a property through forming a Thai company you’ll also need to account for extra costs involved in this step when you calculate investment returns.
Take professional advice before you take the leap into investing in property in Thailand.
What’s the property market like in Thailand?
The property market in Thailand has seen significant fluctuations in the past decade, from annual house price rises of 10% or more in 2009, to declines of several percent a year by 2012, followed by further steep rises and falls over the next ten years.
Thailand’s economy is highly reliant on tourism and so was hit hard by global travel restrictions during the pandemic. This caused another sudden shock to house prices in 2020-2021, with prices of condominiums and townhouses falling in real terms. Land prices took less of a hit – but overall it’s worth remembering Thailand does experience fairly dramatic swings in house prices – which can be helpful if you time your purchase right, but less so if it’s time to sell.
How much does it cost to buy property in Thailand?
To help build a picture of the costs of buying property in Thailand, here are some average property prices in a few popular expat locations in Thailand. We’ve given the price per square foot so you can more easily compare the like for like costs for different places.
| Thail city | Price per square foot in city center (USD) | Price per square foot outside of city center (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 519.59 | 245.26 |
| Chiang Mai | 155.33 | 93.56 |
| Pattaya City | 183.19 | 102.82 |
| Phuket town | 296.36 | 200.98 |
* Data taken from Numbeo.com; correct at time of writing, 27 March 2023
The additional costs involved with buying property in Thailand are very low compared to other countries, because most fees are paid by the seller. The main cost you’ll need to take into account when buying is the transfer fee:
- Transfer fee of 0.01% – 2% of the property value
Of course if you decide to sell the property later you’ll need to bear in mind the extra costs which may rack up to around 10% of the transaction value.
When you’re buying a property in Thailand you’ll also need to account for the fees for sending money from the US to Thailand to pay for your new home. Here you can run into extra charges in the form of transfer fees and exchange rate markups.
Shopping around is the best way to get a good deal on your international payment. Specialist providers offer a fast, secure payment service you can arrange right from your smartphone – which might mean you can save money compared to using your normal bank.
Providers like Wise offer an automatic discount on the costs of sending high value international payments, and a service like OFX can also offer competitive rates with a 24/7 phone support option if you need it.
- Wise: Send money online or from your phone, with low, transparent fees and the Google exchange rate. Wise payments are usually fast or even instant, and high value transfers qualify for lower fees.
- OFX: Make your payment online, in-app or by phone, with no transfer fee and just a small markup added to the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to baht. That can mean you pay less compared to choosing your normal bank.
Financing a property purchase in Thailand
There are a few common ways to finance a property purchase in Thailand:
- Buy in cash using savings
- Get a mortgage in Thailand through a bank or broker
- Get a mortgage or loan in the US
- Refinance your US property and use the cash to buy in Thailand
Unfortunately getting a mortgage in Thailand as a foreigner can be a little tricky. It’s possible to do it but the options may be limited – we’ll look at Thailand mortgage options in a little more detail next. All of the financing routes have their own ups and downs, though – get professional advice to help you decide which option might suit you if you’re unsure.
Pros and Cons of buying property in Thailand
Still on the fence about buying a new home in Thailand? Here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Pros of buying property in Thailand:
- Low overall cost to buy property, including very few taxes on the purchase
- Huge range of choice and attractive locations, including some areas with large expat communities
- Foreigners can buy leasehold properties, including apartments
Cons of buying property in Thailand:
- You may need a visa or permit if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in your new home
- Scams exist – pick your professional advisers wisely
- You can’t easily buy a freehold property – and across all property types, construction quality may not be the same as in the US
Getting a Thai mortgage
Up until fairly recently it was very rare for Thai banks to offer mortgages to foreigners. These days it’s possible to get a mortgage in Thailand as a foreigner, but in practice can be tricky as rules and eligibility requirements tend to be fairly strict.
It’s worth shopping around, and possibly working through a specialist mortgage broker, to find the right mortgage product for you. UOB and ICBC are 2 popular banks which offer foreigner friendly mortgages – and a good place to start on your hunt. It’s worth noting that if you have a Thai spouse you might have more luck making a joint mortgage application or having the Thai national be listed as a guarantor on the application.
Paying property tax in Thailand
In 2020 Thailand introduced a new Land and Building Tax which has been being rolled out over a period of the past few years. Tax rates have remained steady since 2020, but the final amount of tax paid depends on the type of property and its value.
Aside from this there are not normally any ongoing property taxes to pay when you own a property in Thailand. The only exception would normally be if you let out your property – in this case you’re likely to be taxed on the rental income at around 12.5%.
Related: Send money to Thailand from the US
How easy is buying property in Thailand for foreigners?
Buying property in Thailand doesn’t need to be too hard, if you have reputable local help and a good solicitor. However, there are risks involved, particularly because the industry is not regulated as tightly as in the US. This means that fraudsters and scammers can be more active – and may target foreign buyers who are new to the process and the local Thai market.
Here are a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid when buying a property in Thailand as a foreigner.
- Buying into a dodgy development – make sure you trust the developer if you’re buying new or off plan. Some foreigners have lost out because of poorly managed developments
- Problems with the title search. Before you hand over a penny your solicitor needs to do a full title search to check the property has been developed, and is being sold, legally
- Skipping due diligence checks – again this comes down to having a good legal team on hand. Make sure your solicitor is thorough in checking everything about the property stacks up
- Handing over your deposit too early – have an exit clause in your purchase agreement in case problems show up in the title or building survey. This should allow you to retrieve your deposit if you have to pull out of the sale through no fault of your own
- Make sure you know all service charges and other ongoing costs and have factored them into your budget
If you are interested in buying property abroad, you can also check out our other guides:
- How to buy property in Japan
- How to buy property in France
- How to buy property in Spain
- How to buy property in Italy
How to find a Thai property
Ultimately it’s strongly advisable to have a local, trustworthy estate agent to help you find your perfect property in Thailand. It’s possible to go it alone, but without knowing the area and the process of buying real estate in Thailand well there’s a high chance the experience will be stressful. Get caught up in a dodgy deal and it could be expensive too.
Estate agents work locally, so even if you choose an agency which covers all of Thailand, you should be able to get matched with an individual agent who knows the area you want to buy in well.
For most people, finding a property to buy in Thailand will start with browsing the internet looking at umbrella websites which pull together lots of property listings and are easily searchable. That’s a great way to build a picture of what’s available in your preferred area and at your budget. Once you’ve narrowed down what you want it’s time to get an agent involved – get first hand recommendations if you can to make sure you’re working with the best.
Thai property websites
Here are a few popular Thai property websites to get your search started:
Conclusion: Is it worth buying property in Thailand?
So many people visit Thailand and fall in love with the lifestyle, it’s no surprise that many want to take it one step further and buy a property there. Thai property is relatively inexpensive in many areas, making it possible to buy a home to live in, a place for vacations, or as an investment. However, because the industry isn’t regulated as tightly as it is in the US there are some risks involved. It’s important therefore to have a good local agent and solicitor who can guide you through the purchase process and make sure you don’t lose out.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that there are extra costs that come along with a high value purchase in a foreign currency – such as the fees applied when you convert your dollars to baht, and send money to Thailand to seal the deal. Choosing a specialist money transfer service, like Wise or OFX can mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your regular bank – and a fast transfer time, too.
Use this guide to buying property in Thailand as a foreigner as a starting point to your research – and good luck finding your dream home in Thailand!
FAQs on Buying Property in Thailand
Can US citizens buy property in Thailand?
Yes. US citizens can buy leasehold properties like apartments with very little restriction. However, buying land or a freehold property is not usually an option for foreigners.
How much deposit do you need to buy a property in Thailand?
In most cases a deposit of about 10% of the property value is required when buying property in Thailand.
Is Thailand a good country to buy property?
Thailand is a popular place for foreigners to buy vacation homes, thanks to its low housing cost and reasonable costs of living. Whether or not investing in a Thai home is right for you will depend on your personal situation, so getting professional support and weighing up all the pros and cons is essential.
