- Land
- Foreigners cannot own land directly
- Common route
- Registered lease of up to 30 years, often with building ownership
- Alternative
- A freehold Bangkok condo
- Key advice
- Independent Thai lawyer before any deposit
On this page
What houses and townhomes are on the market
Inner-city sois off Sukhumvit and Sathorn hold older detached houses and townhomes, often on small plots with a premium for location. Further out, gated estates (moo baan) offer larger plots, parking and shared security. Buyers who want more land for the money often look to Nonthaburi instead.
How foreign buyers hold a house in Bangkok
| Route | What you get | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Registered lease | A right to use the property for up to 30 years, registered at the Land Office | Renewal promises beyond the first 30 years are not legally enforceable, so value the home on 30 years |
| Building ownership with a land lease | You own the house structure while the land is leased | Both documents must be properly registered and consistent |
| Thai spouse buys | A Thai spouse can hold land in their own name | Take legal advice first. The Land Office usually asks the foreign spouse to sign a declaration about the funds |
| Freehold condo instead | Full ownership of a unit within the 49% quota | Less private space, but the simplest legal route |
We do not recommend nominee arrangements or Thai company structures set up only to hold land for a foreigner. Authorities have stepped up scrutiny of these structures, and the legal risk sits with the buyer. Our ownership guide explains the safer options.
Townhome or detached house?
- Townhomes share walls, cost less per square metre and often sit inside managed communities with lower upkeep.
- Detached houses give privacy, a garden and parking, but cost more to maintain and secure.
- Home-offices and shophouses mix living and work space. Check zoning and whether commercial use is allowed.
Checks before you reserve a Bangkok house
- Confirm the land title type and that the seller’s name matches the title.
- Ask for building permits, as-built plans and the completion certificate for the structure.
- Check for mortgages or other registered burdens on the land.
- Ask about flooding history, drainage and road access at the street level.
- Have your lawyer draft or review the lease or sale agreement before you pay a deposit.
Plan on 30 years. A lease is registered at the Land Office for up to 30 years. Treat any “30+30+30” marketing as an optional extra, not a guarantee, and price the purchase accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy a house in Bangkok?
A foreigner can buy and own the house structure in many cases, but cannot own the land beneath it. In practice, the land is leased on a registered lease of up to 30 years, or the home is held through a Thai spouse with proper legal advice.
Can I own the house but not the land?
Yes, this is a recognised arrangement. The building ownership and the land lease should both be properly documented and registered, ideally reviewed by an independent Thai lawyer.
Is a Thai company a good way to buy a house?
Generally no. Structures created only to let a foreigner control land have attracted growing enforcement attention. A registered lease or a condo within the foreign quota is the safer route.
Is a condo easier than a house for a foreign buyer?
Yes. A condo within the 49% quota gives freehold title in your own name, with a clear registration process at the Land Office.