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Real Estate in Thailand | Expat Exchange
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Mae Hong Song, Thailand

Real Estate in Thailand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 22, 2023

Summary: An expat should search for a home to buy in Thailand by researching the different areas of the country and the types of properties available. It is important to consider the cost of living, the local culture, and the availability of amenities in the area. Houses in Thailand typically include basic amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, and a kitchen. Some may also include a swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Thailand, but there are restrictions on the type of property that can be purchased. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land, but they can own condominiums and houses. Additionally, foreigners must have a valid visa and must register the property with the Land Department.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How do I find a place to live in Thailand?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"There are a number of different ways to find a place to live in Thailand. If you are looking for a more permanent home, the best way to find one is to look for listings on websites such as Craigslist, Pad Thai, or the Thailand Property Finder. Additionally, depending on the city or town, you might have the option of searching for listings in the local newspaper. You can also find houses and apartments for rent on Facebook groups dedicated to rental listings in the city or town you are interested in. Additionally, it is also possible to find rental agencies in the area or to ask around in the local community. Lastly, if you know of people who live in Thailand or have lived in Thailand in the past, they may be able to provide helpful information on places to live," remarked one member in Thailand.

"We chose our first home through a real estate company. The location was great (yacht club) but the neighborhood with no neighbors. We chose our second home because many people are living there with children and it is located on a golf course," explained one expat living in Pattaya, Thailand.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Thailand?

"Small apartment. Expats with families and in upper income levels usually go for condos or house rental. Expats can only purchase condos, not houses, at least not in their own name," remarked one member in Bangkok.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Thailand is typically decorated with a mix of western and Asian-influenced furniture, fixtures and decorations. It often features open living spaces and airy bedrooms. The kitchen is usually outfitted with modern appliances and plenty of storage space. Many expat homes and apartments also boast plenty of outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing and taking in the tropical ambience. Living in Thailand also offers expats the opportunity to experience unique cultural and culinary experiences, as well as access to some of the world's top beaches," explained one expat living in Thailand.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What is the average cost of housing in Thailand?

If you are thinking about moving to Thailand, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"I have just rented a lovely apartment in Hua Hin, Thailand. Hua Hin is about 3 hours south of Bangkok. A great location, on the coast with amazing golf courses. It's a modern city but not nearly as busy as Bangkok. All of the major hotels are here. There is a great mix of modern shopping malls and old markets. My apartment is small but there's just one of me. It's 33 sq. meters. A bedroom, combined kitchen/living room, and a bathroom with a big shower. The building is two years old. It's one block from the ocean and a five-minute walk to a gorgeous shopping mall with grocery store. There is a lovely pool and gym. I am paying 10,000 baht - as of October 2022 that's CDN$400 per month. I'm from Vancouver, Canada. A comparable apartment would be $2000 a month in Vancouver," said one expat in Thailand.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Thailand?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Thailand, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We bought a condo, but it is in are family name, then we went and bought another condo and put this in my wife's name - she is Thai. We had to pay cash for the condo, because you cannot even get a short term loan in Thailand. Even if you make 80% more than most Thai people coming in every month, the only way to get a loan is to be working even if you only may 10,000 baht a week, it's better than 200,000 baht in the bank," said one expat who made the move to Nonthaburi.

"No ownership although many people are building and condo are offering incentives," explained one foreigner living in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

"When considering buying a home in Thailand, it is important to consider your budget, desired location and any rental restrictions. Considerations such as investments and the likelihood of relocation should also be taken into account. Renting a home may be more appealing if you are not able to obtain a mortgage or are looking for a more short-term solution. Rental costs in Thailand are typically lower than costs associated with purchasing a property, however they do vary greatly depending on location, size and amenities. An advantage to renting is also the added flexibility it provides. On the other hand, buying a property in Thailand provides stability and the potential for increased capital gains. Whether you decide to buy or rent, it is important to do your research and understand the market before making any major decisions," said one in Thailand.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Thailand?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Thailand, they said:

"When buying property in Thailand, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the legal process, taxation, and other requirements associated with real estate purchases. You should research the laws governing property ownership, including any special restrictions or taxes specific to the location of the property. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the payment process and financing options available to purchase the property. In addition, you should make sure you understand the language of any legal agreements that you will have to sign in order to purchase the property. Lastly, it is important to have a trusted advisor who can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process," explained one person living in Thailand.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Thailand?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Thailand, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Thailand. However, they are not allowed to own land, as the Thai government does not permit foreign ownership of land. Instead, foreigners can own condominiums, which are buildings that are divided into individual units that can be owned by individuals. Foreigners can also lease land for up to 30 years, with the option to renew the lease for another 30 years. Additionally, foreigners can own a house on land that is owned by a Thai company, as long as the foreigner is a major shareholder in the company," said one expat in Thailand.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Thailand what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In a rental property in Thailand, tenants can typically expect basic amenities such as hot water, air-conditioning units, refrigerator, stove, and a washing machine. Tenants may also find additional furniture, appliances and accessories depending on the property," said one expat in Thailand.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Thailand:

We asked foreigners in Thailand what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats typically search for homes in Thailand by looking online for listings on real estate websites, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who may have knowledge of available properties. Additionally, expats may look for housing in local newspapers or magazines, or attend open houses or property viewings," explained one foreigner living in Thailand.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Mae Hong Song, Thailand

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