How to buy a condo in Thailand as a foreigner (2026 guide)

Foreign Freehold vs leasehold

A foreigner cannot own land in Thailand, but can own a condominium unit. The law allows up to 49% of the floor area of each building to be sold to foreigners: this is the foreign quota, and units in it are registered as Foreign Freehold.

Examples from our catalog: at Elegance Residence freehold units start from 6.43M THB, and at Sea Sky every unit is sold as freehold.

Buying step by step

1. Shortlist and video viewing

   We define your goal (living, wintering, rental), area and budget. Our agent visits the site and shows you the showroom, construction, the view and the route to the beach on a video call.

2. Reservation

   A reservation secures the unit and the price. In our projects it is 50,000–200,000 THB, and the reservation agreement is signed remotely.

3. SPA: sale and purchase agreement

   The developer prepares the SPA: unit number and size, quota, price, payment schedule, completion date and who pays the transfer fees. We go through the key clauses with you.

4. Scheduled payments

   In off-plan projects part of the price is paid during construction and the balance at completion. See our guide to developer payment plans.

5. Unit inspection

   Before the final payment the unit is inspected and a defect list is agreed. You can fly in or let us inspect on your behalf.

6. Registration and Chanote

   The transfer is registered at the Land Department, in person or by power of attorney, and you receive the Chanote: the government title deed in your name.

How to transfer money for a freehold purchase

For Foreign Freehold you must show that the purchase funds entered Thailand from abroad in foreign currency. The receiving Thai bank issues a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form for each transfer, and the Land Department requires these forms to register the unit in a foreigner’s name. The payment reference should state the purchase of the unit, with the unit number and project name.

Before you pay the reservation we check your transfer route and the documents your bank provides, so every payment is accepted for freehold registration.

Documents you need

• Passport.
• Reservation agreement and SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement).
• FET forms for every transfer from abroad.
• Power of attorney, if a representative attends the registration for you. We will explain the form and procedure.

Purchase and ownership costs

At transfer the Land Department charges a 2% transfer fee on the appraised value, plus the seller’s taxes. The split is set in the contract; at Elegance Residence, for example, the 2% fee is shared 50/50 by buyer and developer.

At handover you pay the sinking fund, a one-off contribution to the building reserve fund, and an advance of the monthly maintenance (common) fee.

Before you reserve, we calculate the full amount for your unit: price, fees, funds and maintenance.

Glossary

• ChanoteThe government title deed, issued by the Land Department in the buyer’s name.
• Foreign FreeholdFull outright ownership by a foreigner within the building’s 49% foreign quota.
• FET formForeign Exchange Transaction certificate from a Thai bank confirming funds arrived from abroad. Required for registration.
• SPASale and Purchase Agreement with the developer: unit, price, payment schedule, completion date.
• Sinking fundOne-off contribution to the building reserve fund at handover.
• Maintenance / common feeMonthly charge for security, pools, cleaning and lifts.

FAQ

Does buying a condo give me a visa?

No, buying a condo does not by itself give you a visa. Long stays require a separate visa under Thai rules.

Can two people own the unit together?

Yes, several buyers, for example spouses, can be named in the contract.

How long does the purchase take?

From reservation to contract usually up to a month. In an off-plan project you then pay by schedule until completion, and ownership is registered at handover.

Do I pay the agency?

No. Buyers pay 0% commission; the developer pays the agent. As an official developer partner we quote prices straight from developer price lists.