Buy Property in Thailand

Considering buying property in Thailand? Here’s a practical guide aimed at foreigners – covering ownership models (e.g. leasehold), the buying process, costs, rentals, and common pitfalls. The goal is to help you quickly assess what fits you – and what to ask before you sign.

If you also want to see a specific project with a private pool, Scandinavian style and homes sized 90–120 m² near Sattahip, start here:

Tip: Feel free to write “Guide page” in your message, so we know you came from here and can send the most relevant documents first.

What can foreigners own in Thailand?

In general, ownership isn’t necessarily “1:1 like in Scandinavia”, because the rules for land and real estate can be different for foreigners. That’s why it often comes down to choosing the right ownership or usage model – and having contracts reviewed properly.

The most common models you’ll encounter are:

• Leasehold (long-term lease): You get the right to use a home/land for a longer period via a registered lease agreement.
• Freehold condo (condominium unit): In some cases, foreigners can own a condo unit directly (depending on the project’s quotas/rules).
• Company structure: Some structure the purchase through a Thai company. This requires correct setup and ongoing compliance – and should be assessed by a professional advisor.

Our advice for Scandinavians: Think “security and clarity” rather than quick fixes. Use an independent lawyer to review documents, so you know exactly what you’re getting – and how it’s secured.

Leasehold explained (long-term lease)

Leasehold basically means you get the right to use the home (and typically an attached area) for an agreed period via a lease contract. Many foreign buyers choose leasehold because it can be a more straightforward way to “have your own base” in Thailand – especially for a holiday home/second home.

How long is leasehold typically? In practice, you often see 30 years as the standard. Some places market it as 30 + 30 + 30 years (often referred to as “90 years”), but this is typically a 30-year period with the option to extend on specific terms. That’s why extension terms and costs must be crystal clear in the contract.

If you want to go deeper into pros/cons + a contract checklist, see our dedicated page here:

The buying process step by step

The process can vary, but a typical and safe flow looks like this:

1. Clarify your goal: Holiday home, investment, rental, or a combination?
2. Viewing: See the home and the area – and get realistic answers about operations/rentals.
3. Reservation: You reserve a unit while documents and terms are prepared.
4. Due diligence: A lawyer reviews contracts, rights, registration, terms, and what’s included.
5. Contract & payment: Once everything is reviewed, you sign and agree the payment plan.
6. Handover: Keys, walkthrough, and (if relevant) start of operations/rental setup.

Tip on payment/transfer: In many deals (especially condos), it’s important to document that the money was transferred into Thailand correctly. Here are two solid reference sources:

• Siam Legal: Money transfer and FET for property purchase (practical guide)
• Bank of Thailand: Foreign exchange rules and transfers (official)

Purchase & running costs

Beyond the purchase price, you should get an overview of ongoing costs and any one-off expenses connected to the transaction. Ask for a budget that’s realistic – ideally with conservative assumptions.

• Operations: electricity/water, internet, pool & garden maintenance, cleaning
• Maintenance: ongoing minor repairs and servicing
• Insurance and any shared fees/HOA (if relevant)
• Furnishing: furniture, appliances, and upgrades (depends on what’s included)

One-off costs at transfer: Besides fees, there may be taxes/charges at the handover. As a reference, see the Revenue Department’s official page on Stamp Duty.

On our main page, you can see pricing and what’s included as standard – plus options for furniture packages/turnkey furnishing.

Rentals – what’s realistic?

Many foreigners choose a combo strategy: personal use in selected months and renting out the rest of the year. Homes that typically perform best often have privacy, a pool, and a strong “experience” (view, design, finish).

To avoid “optimistic Excel numbers”, always work with a conservative scenario and get clarity on: seasons, operations, cleaning/key handover, and local rules. Feel free to ask for a concrete example with costs and realistic occupancy.

What should a lawyer review? (checklist)

Use an independent legal advisor and have at least the following reviewed:

• Contract terms (rights, obligations, payment, timeline)
• Registration/recording of relevant rights
• Exactly what’s included (built-ins, aircon, appliances, furniture, etc.)
• Options and terms for rentals/transfer
• Any shared arrangements (HOA, common fees, maintenance)

Note: This page is a practical guide – not legal advice. For a specific purchase, we always recommend an independent lawyer.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• “90 years” without clear terms: Make sure any extension is described in writing (and what it costs).
• Unclear inclusions: Get the delivery/specification in writing (built-ins, aircon, appliances, upgrades).
• Renting is assumed – but not allowed: Get rental rights and operations described in the contract/rules.
• No realistic operating plan: Ask for a conservative budget for electricity/water, pool/garden, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Too little due diligence: Have documents reviewed by an independent advisor – before you commit.

FAQ: Buying property in Thailand

Here are short answers to some of the most searched questions. (For a specific purchase, we always recommend independent legal advice.)

See specific homes & prices (main page)

Want to see real photos, pricing (DKK/EUR/THB) and options for a free viewing near Sattahip? Then go to our main page, where we collect everything about the project.