Buying Property
Buying PropertyCan I live in Thailand permanently?
It is possible to remain in Thailand permanently and there are several ways of going about it—applying for residency, a retirement visa, or a non-immigrant working visa status, for example. It is, however, not a straightforward process so be sure t do your research before rushing ahead.
Is it safe to buy property in Thailand as a foreigner?
Provided you follow the guidelines and respect & follow the law, you shouldn’t run into any problems. Buying property in Thailand as a foreigner is complicated, but feasible and worthwhile if you desire to remain permanently.
Can a foreigner own land?
There are methods for maintaining foreign ownership and for more details you can read our extensive Buying Guide.
Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand?
The process is simple and similar to that of what you’d expect from your home country. You will only need the following to get started:
- Passport
- Work permit (or certificate of residency)
- Property rental agreement, yellow house book or other proof of address
- Valid ID (driving licence)
- Cash in Thai Baht deposit.
What is the typical deposit amount and is it refundable?
The average deposit amount when buying a property in Thailand is 10% of the unit cost and it is indeed refundable. There are, of course, certain situations when you may not have it returned, for example: purchasing a different property after you’d signed the contract.
Can a foreigner get a loan?
It is important to remember there are a number of rules and restrictions around financing which can make the process difficult. Make sure to speak with professionals about your options to avoid any issues.
Should I hire a lawyer when buying property in Thailand?
This is down to your circumstances, but with all of the rules and regulations in most cases our short answer is yes; you should absolutely work with a lawyer. However, when looking at buying a condo in freehold, for example, your real estate agency will be able to handle all of the processes easily enough, so a lawyer may not be necessary.
If you are unclear, contact one of our consultants for some advice on your specific circumstances.
Will owning property help with obtaining a long-term visa for Thailand?
You can certainly get an investment visa, although this isn’t a long-term solution to your residency needs. You will need to explore other options if you’d like to remain permanently.
I have a Thai child; can they own land?
Yes, they can and there is no age restriction on this. However, just because they can, it doesn’t mean that the land department will automatically approve it. It is worth exploring as a solution though.
Can I buy a property with money earned in Thailand?
All of the money for the purchase of a condo must be sent to Thailand from a foreign country in its original currency. Without proof of this, you cannot register the condo in your name.
Renting Property
Which is better: renting furnished, unfurnished, or part-furnished accommodation?
This is entirely down to your discretion and personal preference.
- Furnished is best for short-term rentals or those who don’t want the hassle of buying / moving extra furniture
- Part-furnished is acceptable provided you have the essentials and don’t mind forking out on extra furniture and appliances
- Unfurnished is ideal for those who will be renting long term and wish to style their apartment to their personal preferences
Where is the best place to look for rental properties in Pattaya?
You will always get better results when searching online. Our website as an example has tonnes of exceptional rental properties in Pattaya.
Should I rent privately or through an agency?
Again, this is entirely up to you. We would always advise going through a reputable agency for the additional security and peace of mind. However, if you are fortunate enough to find a property that you like and a landlord that you trust, private rentals are not entirely unviable.
Am I better off renting a house or a condo?
This comes down to your needs. How much space do you need? Would you like the additional security of being in a serviced condominium? Do you value your privacy? Do you mind sharing facilities? Do you have a Pet? Weigh up the pros and cons of each type of property and go with whichever makes the most sense to you.
Will my utility bills be included in my rent or do I need to pay for them separately?
The short answer is no. Some properties will have all bills included, others will have some, whereas most will require you to pay for your utilities separately on top of your rent. Make sure you fully understand the terms of the agreement before signing anything.
How easy will it be to get my deposit back when leaving?
This depends on who you are renting with. Privately, there are no guarantees that the landlord will live up to your agreement. If you go through a reputable agency and you leave the property in the condition that you found it, then you will not run into any issues with receiving your full deposit.
Can I rent a larger property and sublet?
Typically, no, however, in some cases, your landlord may allow this in writing so long as they are receiving their fair share.
What happens if I accidentally damage the property?
Report the damage to your landlord immediately and explain what happened. There shouldn’t be any major issues, however, you will be expected to pay for the damages. Alternatively, the repairs/replacement can come out of your deposit.
Can I expect any hidden charges on top of my rent and bills?
In order to avoid this from happening, make sure that you are 100% aware of everything expected of you as a tenant before rushing in and signing an agreement.
Landlords
What happens if the landlord decides to sell the property while I am living in it?
You will be given written notice with plenty of time before the transaction takes place so that (if necessary) you can find other accommodation. However, in some cases, you will likely be able to remain living there, only with a new landlord.
Is it common for landlords to put the rent up after the agreement has been signed?
No, not during the lease agreement term unless mentioned otherwise in the contract. If negotiations for rent increases take place, then this usually happens at the end of the agreed lease period in the contract.
What happens if I need to make emergency repairs on the property which weren’t my fault?
Typically, your landlord should be able to make immediate arrangements for repairs on their property. However, if for whatever reason they are unable to respond in time and you have to act immediately to prevent further damage to the property, you will be reimbursed. However, contacting your Real Estate Agent should always be your first point of contact.
Is it common for a landlord to turn up to their property unannounced and let themselves in?
Typically, no. Of course, if you are renting privately then there’s no saying for sure how your landlord will act. However, if you work through an agency, the landlord will be required to give you at least 24 hours’ notice before arriving for inspection, or a property viewing that they may have arranged.
Who is responsible for the general upkeep of the property? Myself, or the landlord?
Whilst you will be expected to be clean and respectful to the property, the general maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of the property will fall to the landlord.
