Buying property in Thailand, explained clearly.

Foreign ownership

Foreigners can own condo units under so-called freehold, as long as no more than 49% of a building’s units are foreign-owned. Whether quota is still available for a building depends on the project and should be clarified before any purchase.

For villas, houses and land, direct ownership is generally not possible for foreigners. This is usually structured through a long-term leasehold or a company structure. Company structures have legal and tax consequences and should only be chosen with independent legal advice.

Freehold and leasehold

• Freehold means actual ownership of the unit – for condos within the 49% foreign quota.
• Leasehold is a long-term right of use. Under Thai law, leases over land are limited to a maximum of 30 years; extensions are agreed by contract. Have the way such options are secured checked carefully.

Which form applies to a project is stated in the sales documents. For each of our properties we tell you the ownership form as soon as it is confirmed.

The purchase process

The process differs by project. At its core it looks like this:

• You decide on a project and a unit; it is usually secured with a reservation and deposit.
• The documents and the contract are reviewed, ideally by an independent lawyer.
• The purchase contract is signed; many buyers do this remotely, based on digital documents and a power of attorney.
• Payment follows the agreed payment plan; for completed units, usually before ownership is transferred.
• For completed condos, ownership is transferred officially; for new builds, after completion and handover.

Our partner on the ground guides you through contract, payment and handover. More on How it works.

Taxes and costs

On top of the purchase price there are usually transfer fees, stamp duty or specific business tax, and sometimes legal fees, typically in the low single-digit percentage range. The exact amount depends on the property and ownership structure. For condos, ongoing management fees for the common areas also apply.

Questions about the taxation of rental income or sale proceeds in Switzerland, Germany or Austria are best clarified with a tax professional in your country of residence.

Off-plan projects

For projects still under construction it is common to pay a deposit on signing, followed by instalments tied to construction progress. The structure differs by project, and our partner lays out the payment plan before you buy.

With off-plan it pays to look closely at a few points:

• The developer’s experience and previous projects
• Deadlines, delay provisions and withdrawal rights in the contract
• How deposits are secured and to whom payments are made
• The exact scope and specification of the unit

Good to know as a buyer

• Residency: Buying property alone does not, as a rule, entitle you to permanent residence in Thailand. There are separate visa categories with their own requirements, which you clarify with the relevant authorities or a specialised law firm.
• Transferring money: When buying a condo as freehold, the funds generally have to be transferred to Thailand in foreign currency and officially documented. Your lawyer or partner guides you through this.
• Resale: Whether and how quickly a property can be resold depends on the project, the location and the market. We make no promises about value growth or returns.
• NEXSIAM: We are not a party to the contract and do not accept client funds. Payments go directly to the seller or developer.