Buying a Condo in Thailand (Part 1): Ownership Rules
Q1. Can Foreigners Own a Condominium in Thailand?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally own a condominium unit in Thailand on a freehold basis, subject to the conditions under the Thai Condominium Act B.E.2522 (1979), as amended.
The key requirements are:
- Foreign ownership quota: Foreign ownership must not exceed 49% of the total unit area of the condominium project.
- Eligible buyer: The foreign buyer must meet the legal requirements for foreign ownership.
- Registration: Ownership must be registered at the relevant Land Office.
Before purchasing, buyers should confirm that the project has sufficient foreign ownership quota available.
Q2. What Rights Does a Foreign Freehold Owner Have?
Once a condominium unit is legally registered in the buyer's name, the foreign owner generally has the righ to:
- Occupy and use the unit.
- Sell or transfer the unit to another eligible buyer.
- Lease the unit in accordance with Thai law.
- Pass the unit on through inheritance, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Onwers also have rights and obligations relating to common property under the Condominium Act and Condominium regulations.
Important: Freehold ownership of a condominium units does not mean exclusive ownership of the land beneath the building. The land is generally part of the condominium's common property.
