A Guide for International Buyers from a Trusted Property Advisor

Are you thinking about buying property in Thailand? From beachside condos to countryside villas, Thailand offers incredible opportunities—but it’s important to understand the legal landscape before making a move.

As a property consultant, I’m here to help you find the most suitable properties based on your goals and lifestyle. While I’m not a lawyer, I work closely with legal experts to ensure every client gets accurate guidance and peace of mind.

This guide gives you a clear overview of what foreign buyers must know about Thai property laws—plus how I can help you take the right first step.

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🛑 Can Foreigners Own Land in Thailand?

The short answer is no—foreigners are not allowed to own land in their personal name. But don’t worry, there are legal alternatives that allow foreigners to invest in real estate and enjoy long-term use or ownership of homes.

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🧭 Legal Property Options for Foreign Buyers

Method	How It Works	Ideal For
Condominium Freehold	Foreigners can own up to 49% of condo units in a registered condo building	Buyers wanting secure, easy ownership
Leasehold (30 Years)	Long-term lease of land or villa, renewable with good contracts	Private homes or villas
Thai Limited Company	Land owned by a Thai company you control (with Thai shareholders)	Experienced investors or developers
Marriage to a Thai	Land in the Thai spouse’s name, with foreigner waiving ownership rights	Families settling long-term

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🏢 Condos: The Safest Option for Foreigners

If you’re looking for something simple and secure, condos are your best bet. Foreigners can legally own a condo unit freehold as long as:

• No more than 49% of the building is foreign-owned
• You transfer the funds from abroad in foreign currency
• You register ownership at the Land Office

👉 I regularly help clients find stunning condos in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket that meet these legal requirements.

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🏠 Leasehold Homes & Villas

Another common approach is to lease a villa or land for up to 30 years. Leaseholds can be renewed (with good legal drafting), and the property can often be sold or passed on during the lease term.

✅ I can help you find high-quality villas that offer leasehold terms, and connect you with lawyers to register the lease properly at the Land Office.

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🧾 Company Ownership & Other Structures

For larger investments or land purchases, some foreigners choose to set up a Thai Limited Company. This structure must be legitimate and comply with local laws—including having Thai shareholders.

This is best suited for business-minded investors, and should always be done with legal support.

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📜 What About Buying Land Through a Thai Partner?

Yes, it’s possible to buy land in a Thai partner’s name (if you’re married), but it comes with serious risks for the foreigner—especially in the case of divorce or disputes.

⚠️ I never recommend this route unless it’s backed by legal agreements like a prenuptial contract, and both parties fully understand the law.

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💼 My Role as Your Property Advisor

I’m here to:

• 🏡 Help you find the right property that suits your budget, lifestyle, and legal situation
• 👨‍⚖️ Connect you with licensed lawyers and notaries to handle contracts and registrations
• 🧭 Provide honest advice about which properties are safe and legally viable for foreigners
• ✍️ Guide you through the property search, negotiation, and paperwork with care and clarity

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✅ Quick Legal Tips

Tip	Why It Matters
Use a registered lawyer	They’ll draft and review legal contracts properly
Don’t skip Land Office registration	Unregistered agreements aren’t legally enforceable
Never use a Thai “nominee” illegally	It’s against the law and risky
Know your rights as a foreign buyer	Each structure has pros and cons

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📞 Let’s Talk

Thinking of buying in Thailand but not sure where to start?

I’ll help you find the right property—and make sure you’re working with trusted professionals every step of the way.

📧 Email: contact@centralcityproperty.com
📱 WhatsApp: +66 95 992 03