PropertySights

Buying Property in Bangkok

A complete guide for first-time buyers and experienced investors — from budget to title transfer.

Browse properties for sale Or get a free shortlist
  • 4.8 Google Rating · 120 reviews
  • Serving Bangkok Since 2012
  • TREBA-Registered Agency

How to Buy in Bangkok

  1. 01Before you search

    Define your budget & goals

    Are you buying to live in, rent out, or as a long-term investment? Your goal shapes everything — location, property type, and size.

    Tip: Keep about 1–2% of the price aside for your share of the transfer fee, plus a one-off sinking fund if the building is new.

  2. 02Before viewing

    Understand the legal framework

    Foreigners can own a condo unit freehold, within the building's 49% foreign quota. Land can't be owned by a foreigner, so houses are usually held on a registered lease of up to 30 years.

    Tip: Ask for the building's remaining foreign quota before you fall for a unit — a full quota means you can't take it freehold.

  3. 03Weeks 1–3

    Shortlist & view properties

    Our agents will arrange viewings and provide honest market-rate assessments so you know exactly what you're getting.

    Tip: Compare the same unit type in two or three buildings: price per m² says more than the asking price.

  4. 04Before the deposit

    Due diligence & offer

    We verify title deeds, check for encumbrances, and help you make an offer at the right price.

    Tip: The juristic office's letter confirming common fees are paid up is required at transfer — ask for it early.

  5. 05Transfer day

    Transfer & completion

    We accompany you to the Land Department for the title transfer. You pay the agreed purchase price, taxes, and transfer fees.

    Tip: Send the money from abroad in foreign currency, in your name, stating it is for a condo purchase — the bank's record of it is what makes a foreign freehold transfer possible.

What can a foreigner own?

The short version of Thai ownership rules for international buyers.

Yes, freehold

A condo unit

Registered in your own name, as long as foreign owners hold no more than 49% of the building's saleable area. The purchase money must come from abroad in foreign currency.

No

Land

A foreigner can't hold land in their own name. The usual route is a lease registered at the Land Department, for up to 30 years.

Building only

A house

You can own the house itself, but not the land under it — the land is typically leased. Ask us before you commit to a structure.

What does it cost to transfer?

Slide to your price to see the buyer's cash at the Land Department.

฿2,000,000฿50,000,000+

Transfer fee (2%)

Usually paid by the seller

  • Specific business tax 3.3% (sold within 5 years)฿264,000
  • or stamp duty 0.5% (otherwise)฿40,000
  • plus withholding tax, which depends on the seller.

Your cost at transfer

Your half of the 2% transfer fee
฿80,000
Sinking fund (new buildings, one-off)
Varies by building
PropertySights agent fee
฿0
Estimated total฿80,000

The fee is charged on the official appraised value, usually below the price, so this errs high. The 2026 cut to 0.01% applies only to Thai individuals buying at ฿7M or less.

Condos for sale worth a look

Today's best-value sales across Bangkok.

View all deals

Buying to rent out?

Estimate the yield before you buy — rent, fees and vacancy included.

Rental yield calculator

Enter your own numbers to see the real net return, after the costs most listings leave out.

฿
฿
m²

Running costs & upfront outlay

฿/m²/mo
฿/m²

× 35 m² = ฿3.6M appraised → land & building tax ฿720/yr (0.02%)

months
months' rent
฿
฿
฿
Gross yield
4.8%
Before costs, on the purchase price
Net yield
2.9%
After costs, on total investment
Payback period
33.9 years
Annual rent฿216,000
Annual costs฿74,820
Net income / yr฿141,180
Total investment฿4,790,000
Your unit (gross)4.8%
Bangkok median · all price bands4.5%

Measured from 351 Bangkok condos listed for sale and rent at the same time on this site. Half of them fall between 3.9% and 5.1% gross.

See condos ฿3.6M–฿5.4M →

Excludes loan interest and personal income tax.

Calculated in your browser — your numbers are never sent or stored.

Results are estimates based on the figures you enter, not investment, tax or legal advice.

Why buy through PropertySights?

  • 100% free service — no buyer fees ever
  • TREBA-registered agents who know Bangkok's markets deeply
  • Legal checks included: title deed, encumbrances, ownership quotas
  • Bilingual support: English, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Russian
  • Off-plan expertise with developer relationships for better pricing

Get a free shortlist

Tell us your budget and size. An agent sends you units that match — buyers pay no commission.

Planning to Invest in Bangkok Property?

What is your budget?

Experiences shared by our clients

4.8

Based on 120+ reviews

Read all reviews on Google

We had a wonderful experience with Property Sights Real Estate, especially with Mr. Phun! He was very responsive, helpful, and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. He helped us find our new rental home and made everything go smoothly from the viewing to moving in. We really appreciate all his help and support. Thank you so much, Mr. Phun! 😊🙏

Pearl Pan

Pearl Pan

2 weeks ago

Phun was excellent from start to finish. He found exactly the apartment I was looking for in Bangkok, got me a really good price, and handled all the paperwork quickly and professionally. Easy communication the whole way through. If you are searching for a place in Bangkok, I can only recommend him.

Leon

Leon

3 weeks ago

Mr. Phun is a very professional, reliable and communicative person. We are so happy to have Mr Phun as our agent throughout the process of renting. With his patience and efficient reply, we finally found our desired unit. We strongly recommend propertysights real estate and Mr Phun if you need to rent or buy property. And we surely will contact them again when we need to move to anywhere. All the best!!🫶🏻

Jimamama Leung cheung

Jimamama Leung cheung

a month ago

I had an excellent experience working with Phun and the PropertySights Real Estate team. They were incredibly responsive, even though I contacted them later in the evening, and quickly connected me with Phun. Phun was patient, professional, and took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for. He answered all of my questions, showed me several apartment options, explained the surrounding area, and made sure I understood every step of the process. As someone who is new to Thailand, his guidance and support made moving into my new apartment so much easier. He stayed with me through the entire process, helped with all the necessary paperwork, and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and easy. I highly recommend Phun and the PropertySights team to anyone moving to Thailand or anyone already living here who needs help finding a great apartment. Thank you again for all your help!

Jeevan Kaur

Jeevan Kaur

2 months ago

Excellent experience. Handle any issue presented, dealt with all paperwork and difficulties in a professional manner, friendly and courteous; helped me find the perfect space. Highly recommend Agent Phun!

Dr. S

Dr. S

2 months ago

Meet the team who'll help you buy

Bangkok-based agents, with you from the first viewing to the Land Department.

Abraham Erick Rubin

Abraham Erick Rubin

Founder

Bangkok condo specialist — Sukhumvit, since 2012

Amy N.

Amy N.

Property Consultant

Bangkok condo & apartment specialist

Mick K.

Mick K.

Property Consultant

Bangkok office & commercial property specialist

Ploy K.

Ploy K.

Property Consultant

Bangkok condo & apartment specialist

Buyer FAQ

Are foreigners allowed to buy property in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners can have freehold ownership of a condominium with a Thai title deed (Chanote), within each building's 49% foreign quota. They cannot own land directly, but can hold houses, townhouses or villas indirectly through a Thai company (Thais must hold at least 51%) or a long-term leasehold. A limited 1-rai exception exists for a 40-million-baht qualified investment.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold in Thailand?
Freehold owners have full, permanent rights to the property with no restrictions on transfer or modification, making it better for resale and lower in overall tax. Leasehold owners sign a contract for a limited period, usually up to 30 years, with limited rights. When buying leasehold, check the transfer clauses, the property's valuation and the lease period carefully.
What taxes are involved when transferring property in Thailand?
Four main charges apply: a 2% transfer fee on the appraised value, specific business tax of 3.3% if sold within 5 years (otherwise 0.5% stamp duty), and withholding tax of 1% for companies or a progressive rate for individuals. Taxes are based on the government-appraised value, which since 2022 has been brought closer to market value for condos.
Is there an annual property tax for foreigners in Thailand?
Yes. The 2020 Land and Building Tax Act introduced an annual property tax for both foreigners and locals. For residential property the rate is 0.3% of the appraised value, which is re-evaluated every four years. It is charged on property owned as of 1 January and is payable from April of the same year.
Is there inheritance tax on property in Thailand?
Yes. Under the Inheritance Tax Act of 2015, any inheritance above 100 million baht, including property, is taxable. The rate is 5% for direct family heirs and 10% for anyone else. Spouses are exempt regardless of the value inherited. Estate planning matters for foreign owners with significant Thai property holdings.
Can foreigners get a home loan to buy a condo in Thailand?
It is difficult. Most Thai banks do not lend to non-residents, so foreign buyers usually need a Thai work permit and proof of local income to qualify. Some lenders and a few banks' overseas branches offer loans to foreigners on stricter terms. Many buyers instead use finance from their home country or a developer payment plan to fund the purchase.

Ready to find your property?

Browse condos and homes for sale across Bangkok — buyers pay no commission.