Legal options (condo freehold, leasehold, Thai company), yields 5–10%, taxes & fees, main regions and the full buying process. The national guide by JFTB.
Why invest in Thailand real estate in 2025
Tropical climate, competitive cost of living, modern infrastructure.
5–10% depending on area and property type.
No heavy property tax, moderate transfer fees.
Tourism and expatriates fuel strong rental demand.
Legal options for foreigners
a) Condominium Freehold
- Full ownership up to the 49% quota of the building’s total area.
- Title deed registered in your name.
- Secure and straightforward option.
b) Leasehold (long-term lease)
- 30-year land lease, often structured 30+30+30.
- Ownership of the building but not the land.
c) Thai Company (Co Ltd)
- Allows purchase of land + villas.
- Recommended for larger projects (luxury villas, hotels).
Comparison table
| Option | Foreigners allowed? | Duration | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condo freehold | Yes (49% max) | Unlimited | Full secure ownership | Only for condos |
| Villa leasehold | Yes | 30+30 years | Secure use rights, common scheme | No land ownership |
| Thai Company | Yes | Unlimited | Access to land & villas | Legal/admin complexity |
Buying process in Thailand
- Selection of property (villa, condo, land) and offer.
- Due diligence title deed, debts, permits) by a lawyer.
- Reservation contract (200,000–500,000 THB).
- Sales & Purchase Agreement (20–30% deposit).
- Final payment & transfer at Land Office.
Average timeline: 30–60 days.
Rental yields in 2025
| Region | Property type | Average yield |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket | Beachfront villas | 7–9% |
| Phuket | City condos | 5–6% |
| Bangkok | CBD condos | 6–7% |
| Koh Samui | Sea-view villas | 8–10% |
| Pattaya | Apartments | 6–8% |
Main investment regions
Taxes & fees
- Transfer fee: ~2% (assessed value).
- Withholding tax: ~1%.
- Stamp duty: ~0.5%.
- VAT: 7% (new projects).
- Legal fees & registration: variable.
Total costs average 6–8% of purchase price.
Trends 2025
- Tourism recovery fueling rentals.
- Growing premium demand (luxury villas, off-market).
- Digitalization (virtual tours, AI visibility).
FAQ – Thailand Property 2025
Can a foreigner buy a house in Thailand?
Not directly freehold. Options: leasehold for villas, condo freehold within 49% quota, or Thai company structure.
Can a foreigner own land?
No, except through a properly structured Thai company.
What are the average rental yields?
Generally 5–10% (Phuket villas: 7–9%; Samui villas: 8–10%; Bangkok condos: 6–7%).
How much are the fees?
Around 6–8% (transfer, registration, legal, etc.).
Which regions are best in 2025?
Phuket (luxury), Bangkok (urban), Samui (holiday), Pattaya (affordable rentals), Krabi/Phang Nga (long term).
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Always recommended to secure the transaction.
Talk to a JFTB advisor
Since 2013, JFTB Real Estate Phuket has guided investors, expats and families in Thailand (FR/EN). Premium portfolio: luxury villas, condos, land, hotels, off-market properties. Legal & tax advice, tailor-made selection, rental management.
