Buyer guide
Foreign ownership in Thailand, explained plainly
What overseas buyers can own, how it is registered, and what it costs. This is general guidance, not legal advice — your advisor will introduce an independent law firm before any deposit.
Condominium freehold — the 49% quota
In any registered condominium building, up to 49% of the total saleable area may be held freehold by foreign nationals, in their own name, on a title deed issued by the Land Office. This quota is finite per building, which is why every SabaiProperty listing shows a live foreign quota meter before you enquire.
Leasehold and company structures
Where freehold quota is exhausted, or where you are buying a villa on land, ownership is usually structured as a registered 30-year lease with contractual renewals, often combined with superficies rights so the building itself is registered in your name. A Thai limited company is a further option, and should only be used with independent legal advice.
Remitting funds correctly
For freehold registration, purchase funds must arrive in Thailand in foreign currency and be converted locally, so the bank can issue the Foreign Exchange Transaction form. Sending baht from abroad, or paying from a Thai account, can block registration — your advisor will brief your bank before the first instalment.
Costs at transfer
Budget for the 2% transfer fee (customarily split with the developer), a sinking fund contribution, and 12 months of common-area maintenance paid on handover. Off-plan purchases typically run on staged payment plans from a 25–35% deposit, with the balance on completion.
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