You can own a freehold condominium outright, provided the building’s foreign ownership quota, 49 percent, has room. That rule is why condos are by far the most common route for expat buyers.
This is a practical walkthrough of the process, plus the investor points you should not skip. Short and useful.
Yes, foreigners can own a condo. Do not assume the quota is fine just because a salesperson said so.
Ask for written confirmation of the 49 percent quota and get the juristic person rules in writing.
Those building rules matter. Renovation limits, guest policies, and short-term rental rules can derail plans if you skip them.
Quick definitions: Freehold condo ownership means you get the unit title deed in your name.
Leasehold is different; it is common for land and villas and usually runs in 30-year blocks with possible renewals. Every building has an owners’ association that manages common areas and issues the letters you will need.
Practical step: before you sign anything, ask the developer or building manager to email the quota confirmation and the juristic person rules.
Many buyers also ask about visas — here’s what you need to know about buying property in Thailand and getting a visa
Pictures look great, but money is what matters.
Plan on 5 to 7 percent extra on top of the purchase price for transfer fees, taxes, the sinking fund, and initial set-ups.
If a Thai bank will lend to you, expect larger down payments, typically 20 to 30 percent or more. Many expats still buy cash or use developer payment plans for off-plan units.
If your income is in USD, EUR, or SGD, talk to your bank about foreign exchange timing and costs. Small timing moves can save serious money.
Worked example: a THB 5 million condo (about USD 139,000) — plan THB 250,000 to 350,000 extra (about USD 6,900 to 9,700) for fees, furnishing, and legal steps.
Practical tip: line up your bank and a lawyer before you reserve anything. You will sleep better.
Location still decides everything. If you need rental income or easy resale, choose places people actually want to live.
In Bangkok, transit-linked spots win: BTS and MRT stations, new lines, and the Central Business District pockets such as Rama 9 and Ratchada. Ari and Thong Lor attract young professionals who want cafés and short commutes.
Local insight from the market: in the heart of the CBDs, such as Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, and Ratchadamri, you will find ultra high-end condo developments. Prices per SQM in those areas are often out of reach for regular office workers unless they grew up wealthy.
Many local Thais and expats without company housing live further out, in places like Ladprao, On Nut, Rama 9, or suburban areas with BTS or MRT links. Those farther-out options usually offer better value and steadier tenant pools.
Resort markets such as Phuket and Chiang Mai work for lifestyle buyers and seasonal rentals, but expect longer vacancy cycles and higher management needs.