Many foreigners instantly fall in love with Thailand when they visit. They love friendly people, lower living costs, a clean climate, and delicious food. One of the first questions that a lot of visitors ask is whether foreigners can buy property in Thailand. They are less than happy when they’re told that no, foreigners can’t buy property.
The truth is that foreigners can buy property in Thailand in the form of condos and apartments in multi-unit residential buildings, they just can’t own free-standing homes or the lots the homes occupy.
Many foreigners try to get around this prohibition by colluding with a number of Thai “owners” who own a small piece of property, leaving the largest share owned by the foreigner. However, the legality of this is questionable and the foreigner has no property rights if there’s a dispute with ownership.
Foreigners can have a long-term lease of up to thirty years that allows them to make improvements to a property, but they can’t own the property outright.
Benefits of Condos
The benefits of condo living, particularly in Bangkok, within the last ten years or so, is that there has been a housing boom that has provided foreigners with a wide variety of spacious condos with modern facilities and amenities.
The condo developers have snapped up some of the best locations in town. The condos are conveniently located next to prestigious shopping malls and international schools. Many condos are also located along Bangkok’s BTS and MRT rail lines, and they offer free shuttle service to the nearest rail station.
The developers have all been competing with each other for buyers, both local and foreign, and the wealth of condos they’ve offered have outdone themselves with extras that make life easier and more luxurious. Every modern condo has a swimming pool and a fully equipped, air-conditioned fitness room.
They also may offer children’s playgrounds on well-tended lawns, convenience stores, hair salons, and dry-cleaning establishments a stone’s throw from your front door. They also all provide CCTV and 24-hour security services.
A Better Choice
All these facilities and amenities make a condo a better choice for a foreigner, particularly in Bangkok. Finding an affordable, free-standing home in Bangkok means you’ll likely be looking out in the suburbs, far away from rail lines, restaurants, shopping, and attractions.
With the prime locations of many Bangkok condos, you can enjoy a luxurious and spacious home that’s often within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of your favorite Bangkok attractions.
Selling Fast
Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular cities, and its appeal is being recognized by more and more foreigners who are choosing to make the city their new home. This means that prime condos are selling fast.
Property Scout offers many listings of the most luxurious and conveniently located condos in the city. Find your next home in Bangkok with Property Scout.
