How to Buy an Apartment in Thailand in 2026

Thailand remains one of the few Southeast Asian markets where foreigners can own a condominium unit outright - if they know the rules.

Who Can Buy and What Exactly?

Thai law (Condominium Act B.E. 2522) allows foreign nationals to purchase freehold condo units within a 49% foreign ownership quota of total building area. This applies only to registered condominiums - not houses or land.

• Freehold ownership - up to 49% of building's total area
• Leasehold - up to 30 years, renewable
• Purchase funds must originate abroad in foreign currency with a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FETF)

Step-by-Step Buying Process

1. Select property and verify foreign quota at the Land Office
2. Sign reservation agreement, pay deposit (typically 50,000–200,000 THB)
3. Transfer funds from overseas - your Thai bank issues the FETF
4. Execute sale agreement at the Land Office
5. Pay transfer fees and taxes - roughly 6–7% of assessed value

Costs and Taxes to Expect

• Transfer fee: 2% of appraised value
• Specific business tax: 3.3%
• Stamp duty: 0.5%
• Annual property tax: typically under 0.1% for residential units

Key recommendation: Always hire an independent Thai lawyer and verify the title deed at the Land Office before paying any deposit.