Thailand remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign property buyers—thanks to its tropical climate, strong tourism economy, and relatively affordable real estate. But many ask the same question: Can foreigners buy property in Thailand? The short answer is yes—but with conditions. Understanding the legal framework, ownership structures, and the nuances of Thai property law is essential for anyone looking to buy a condo, villa, or leasehold property in Thailand.
Yes, foreigners can legally own property in Thailand, but there are restrictions—particularly when it comes to land ownership. While Thai nationals can own land, foreigners are prohibited from owning land outright under Thai law. However, there are several legal workarounds that have been in use for decades, allowing foreign nationals to own condominiums, lease land long-term, or hold property via a registered Thai company.
Understanding these ownership structures is key to making a sound investment—whether you're buying a holiday home in Phuket, a retirement villa in Chiang Mai, or an income-generating condo in Bangkok.
Buying a condominium under foreign freehold is the most straightforward and legally secure option for foreigners in Thailand. The Thai Condominium Act of 1979 allows foreigners to own up to 49% of the total saleable area (not unit count) of a registered condo building. This foreign quota is strictly enforced and typically sells out faster than Thai quota units due to high demand.
To qualify for foreign freehold ownership:
Foreign freehold condos often command a premium but provide peace of mind with 100% legal ownership. This is the most common path for foreigners buying property in cities like Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin.
Owning a standalone villa or house in Thailand is possible—but foreigners cannot directly own the land it sits on. To navigate this, buyers typically use one of two legal methods:
Foreigners can enter into a long-term lease agreement with the landowner (often a developer or private Thai owner). Standard leases are granted for 30 years and are often contractually renewable twice—totaling up to 90 years of land use.
In 2025, the Thai government is considering legal reforms that would allow lease terms of up to 99 years, aligning Thailand more closely with countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. If passed, this would enable existing leaseholders to extend their leases accordingly.
Some buyers choose to set up a Thai limited company to hold the land on their behalf. In this structure, the land is owned by the company, and the foreigner owns a majority of the shares (minus a small percentage allocated to Thai nationals, as required by law).
This structure, known as “Thai company freehold,” must be set up and maintained properly to avoid legal complications. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced property lawyer and accountant before pursuing this option.
While thousands of foreigners use this method, the Thai government has been increasingly strict about enforcing the spirit of the law. Improper use of nominee shareholders or shelf companies can result in legal penalties.
A leasehold title grants the foreign lessee rights to occupy and use the property for a fixed term—typically 30 years, with options to renew. Under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, this lease is fully enforceable and can be registered at the Land Department if the term is longer than 3 years.
Many villa developments in Phuket, Samui, and Hua Hin offer long-term leasehold options for foreigners, often bundled with property management services and guaranteed renewal clauses.
For a full breakdown, read our article: What Is Leasehold Property Ownership in Thailand?
While less common, additional structures include:
Despite global uncertainties, Thailand’s property market remains resilient and attractive to international investors. Key reasons include:
According to InvestASIAN, “More foreigners buy property in Thailand than in any other Asian country.” Whether you are looking for a lifestyle upgrade, a second home, or a buy-to-let investment, Thailand remains a competitive real estate market in 2025.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to anyone considering property ownership in Thailand. Our expert team will:
Here at Pulse Real Estate, we provide free property consultations to anyone interested in buying property in Phuket. The information we provide is always honest, current, and accurate. Whether you’re buying a residential or investment property, we’ll tailor our information to suit your preferences, your schedule, and your budget. Once we have the information we need, we’ll curate a shortlist of properties for your consideration.
Start your journey today—explore our curated collection of homes and investment properties in Phuket or get in touch for a personalized consultation.
At Pulse we are on hand to help with all of your property requirements. Why not visit us at the office? We can make an initial introduction and find out your requirements over a coffee.
Alternatively you can call us on +66 63 078 6599 or fill out the form on our contact page and we will get in touch.
At Pulse we are on hand to help with all of your property requirements. Why not visit us at the office? We can make an initial introduction and find out your requirements over a coffee.
Alternatively you can call us on +66 63 078 6599 or fill out the form on our contact page and we will get in touch.