Buying Property in Thailand: Your Complete 2025 Guide
Why Buy Property in Thailand in 2025?
If you plan to buy property in Thailand, you’ll enjoy palm-fringed beaches, a tropical climate and a
cost of living up to 40 % lower than in Western Europe. Maison & Jardin Magazine
lists Thailand among the top three destinations for French-speaking retirees this year.
With just €200 000 you can already secure a three-bedroom pool villa in Hua Hin or Pattaya.
Foreign Ownership Rules Explained
- Land – Freehold land ownership is not available to non-Thai nationals.
- Houses on leased land – Allowed via a renewable 30-year leasehold.
- Condos – Foreigners may own up to 49 % of a building freehold when funds are wired from abroad (FETF slip required).
Always verify the Chanote title and building permit before signing any contract.
7 Key Steps to Buy Property in Thailand Safely
- Target your search – Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin…
- Legal due diligence – title, zoning, building permit.
- Reservation Agreement – pay a 5–10 % booking fee.
- Sale & Purchase Agreement – bilingual Thai/English.
- Wire funds from abroad – keep your FETF slip.
- Sign at the Land Office – pay transfer taxes & fees.
- Register lease or transfer condo title – receive updated deed.
Costs, Taxes & Ongoing Fees
On transfer – 2 % transfer fee, 3.3 % Specific Business Tax (if resale < 5 years), 0.5 % stamp duty.
Annual – Land & Building Tax: 0.02–0.30 % (usage-based).
Rental income – 15 % withholding plus Thai income-tax filing.
Renting Out After You Buy
Condos may be rented for 30 days or longer with no extra licence. Stays under 30 days require a hotel
licence. Long-term land leases can allow sub-letting if the master lease permits. Declare all rental income to
the Thai Revenue Department to avoid penalties.
Who Can Help You Close the Deal?
Haussmann Loran Asia Group has
60 bilingual lawyers across
five Thai offices.
Their real-estate team handles
due-diligence, contract drafting and Land Office representation—ideal for overseas buyers. Explore their
news section for up-to-date market tips.
Typical 2025 Budgets
| Property type | Region | Avg. price 2025* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed condo – 40 m² | Central Bangkok | ≈ €120 000 |
| 2-bed condo – 70 m² | Phuket / Chiang Mai | ≈ €160 000 |
| 3-bed villa + pool | Hua Hin / Pattaya | ≈ €200 000 |
*Exchange rate April 2025: €1 ≈ ฿38.
Ready to Buy Property in Thailand?
Download our free checklist, then speak to a qualified lawyer to make your dream move happen.
