FAQs

Buying a property in Thailand is actually much easier than in other countries. Land offices are efficient and the documentation required for ownership transfer is relatively simple to prepare. Although it usually takes up to 30 days, a purchase can be wrapped up much quicker, especially when a newly built property is being purchased. This is mainly due to the conditions in the Thai market. With a high proportion of cash buyers and much of the property in the Kingdom being relatively new, the process is generally less complicated than in other countries. However, due diligence is still advised. It is therefore sensible to undertake a complete check of the property being purchased.

Land ownership is governed by the Land Code BE 2497 (1954), the Civil and Commercial Code, the Land Reform for Agriculture Act BE 2518 (1975) and the regulations issued by the Ministry of the Interior. Although you can own a house or structure in your own name, Thai law does not allow foreigners to own the land the building is erected on. However there are a number of ways in which you can circumvent this rule:

In Thailand a condominium is defined as “a residential building that can have its individual units sold to private people for personal property ownership” The occupants of a condominium share ownership of areas of common use, i.e. swimming-pools, garden areas, a fitness center, the lobby area and so on. The main difference between condos and single homes is that there is no individual ownership of the land. All the land in the condominium project is owned equally by all the unit owners. Usually, the exterior maintenance is paid for with fees collected from the unit owners which should be managed according to strict rules. The exterior walls and roof are insured by the condominium association, while all interior walls and items are insured by each unit owner.