Can a foreigner own a house in Thailand?

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most desirable places to live and invest — but the rules around property ownership, especially for foreigners, can be complex. If you’re a non-Thai national wondering whether you can own a house in Thailand, here’s a clear breakdown.


✅ Can Foreigners Own a House in Thailand?

Yes — with limitations.
Foreigners are allowed to own a house or building, but not the land it sits on (with very few exceptions). In Thailand, land ownership is heavily restricted for non-Thai nationals.

Breakdown:

Asset TypeCan Foreigners Own It?Remarks
🏠 House/Building✅ YesMust be built or purchased legally
🌱 Land❌ No (generally)Can only lease long-term

🧭 Common Legal Structures Used

MethodDescription
1. 30-Year LeaseholdLease the land for 30 years (renewable). You own the house but lease the land.
2. Thai Company OwnershipCreate a Thai company (must be majority Thai-owned) to buy land. ⚠️ High risk.
3. Thai Spouse OwnershipThai spouse owns the land; foreigner owns the house. Extra legal paperwork needed.
4. Investment ProgramsForeigners investing ฿40M+ may qualify for limited land lease or use rights.

🧾 Example: 30-Year Lease Structure

AssetOwnershipLegal Basis
HouseForeign BuyerPersonal ownership of structure
LandLeased for 30 yearsRegistered lease with Land Office

💡 The lease can be renewed, but there’s no legal guarantee of automatic renewal.


🛠️ Can You Build Your Own House?

Yes. A foreigner can:

  • Buy land via leasehold
  • Apply for a building permit in their name
  • Construct a house on that leased land
  • Register ownership of the house separately

This gives the foreigner legal ownership of the house — but not the land beneath it.


⚠️ What to Avoid

Do Not🧯 Why
Use a “nominee” Thai citizen to hold land titleIllegal and can be voided by Thai authorities
Ignore lease registration with Land OfficeUnregistered leases over 3 years are unenforceable
Assume Thai spouse gives you full controlLand remains the legal property of the Thai spouse

📊 Summary: What Foreigners Can and Can’t Own

Property TypeOwnership Allowed?Notes
Condo (Freehold)✅ Yes (up to 49% quota)Most straightforward option
House/Building✅ YesLand must be leased or Thai-owned
Land (Freehold)❌ No (except rare cases)Long-term lease only

🧠 Final Advice

If you’re a foreigner and want to own a house in Thailand:

  • ✅ Own the house
  • 🔄 Lease the land for 30 years (renewable)
  • 📑 Register everything properly with the Land Office
  • 🧑‍⚖️ Consult a Thai property lawyer

This setup can give you long-term security, investment potential, and legal peace of mind.

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