Everything foreigners need to know about buying a condo in Thailand — freehold ownership, costs, legal steps, and location insights.
Yes. Foreigners can legally own condominiums in Thailand on a freehold basis. Thai law allows foreigners to own up to 49% of the combined floor area of all individual condominium units in the building, excluding common areas. This makes condos the most accessible property type for foreign buyers in Hua Hin, Cha Am, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai.
Explore condos for sale in your preferred location and compare their layout, condition, facilities and suitability for everyday living. If you intend to purchase in foreign freehold ownership, check that sufficient foreign ownership quota (Foreign Quota) remains available.
Plan your budget and confirm your financing before committing to a purchase. Foreign buyers often use personal funds transferred from abroad. Condominium financing may also be available to eligible applicants, depending on the lender's requirements, income documentation and individual circumstances.
Once you have selected a condo, review the reservation agreement carefully before paying a deposit. The amount varies by property and agreement. Confirm the payment terms, refund conditions and time allowed for legal due diligence before signing.
Conduct legal due diligence (Due Diligence), examine the condominium unit title deed and check for mortgages or other encumbrances. For a foreign freehold purchase, obtain confirmation from the condominium juristic person that sufficient foreign ownership quota (Foreign Quota) is available for the unit.
Arrange the transfer of purchase funds in accordance with Thailand's foreign condominium ownership requirements. Obtain the appropriate foreign-currency transfer documentation from your bank, such as a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FET Form) or other accepted bank evidence, as applicable. Confirm the documentation requirements with the receiving bank and Land Office before transferring funds.
Complete the condominium ownership transfer at the Land Office responsible for the property's location. Once the transfer is registered, the condominium unit title deed will record you as the legal owner.
When buying a condo in Thailand, allow for transfer fees, applicable taxes and other transaction expenses. The final amount depends on the property, the seller's circumstances, applicable regulations and the costs allocated to each party in the agreement. Confirm the current charges before signing the purchase contract.
Paid to the Land Office
Calculated according to the seller's circumstances and applicable tax rules.
Applied in some cases
Example: Before purchasing a condo priced at ฿5,000,000, request an itemized estimate of the transfer fee, applicable taxes and other transaction costs. Confirm which expenses are payable by the buyer and which by the seller.
Enjoy coastal living in Hua Hin and Cha Am, with beaches, golf courses and a relaxed lifestyle. Contact Joy to explore available properties in these locations.
Mountain views, cool climate, and affordable prices. Contact Joy for Chiang Rai options.
Cultural hub, digital nomad paradise, and river views. Contact Joy for Chiang Mai options.
Urban living with world-class amenities. Contact Joy for details.
Yes. Foreigners can own up to 49% of the combined floor area of all individual condominium units in the building, excluding common areas on a freehold basis.
Rental yields vary depending on location, purchase price, rental demand, occupancy, maintenance costs and other expenses. If you intend to rent out your condo, ask Joy about the local rental market and review the property's potential income and costs before purchasing.
Freehold provides ownership of the condominium unit, subject to applicable Thai law. Leasehold grants contractual rights for an agreed period, commonly up to 30 years for a residential lease. Any proposed renewal depends on the agreement and applicable law and should not be assumed to be automatic. Buyers should review the legal differences before deciding.
Contact Joy for a free consultation. She will guide you through the entire process, from property selection to legal compliance and ownership transfer.
Joy
Real Estate Agent
With extensive experience in Chiang Mai real estate since 2011, Joy has developed in-depth knowledge of property sales and rentals at Chiang Mai Riverside Condo. Joy and her team serve you in five languages: English, Thai, French, German, and Dutch.
Contact JoyEnter your name and email to request your free Buyers Guide from Joy.
We use your details to respond to your enquiry. See our Privacy Notice.
Contact Joy for personalized advice, property viewings, and expert guidance.
Scan the QR code or search LINE ID: joycondo
