Are you considering buying property in Thailand? It's a fantastic idea if you want a beautiful vacation getaway location, a new place to call home or embark on a business venture. It's also a good investment, as all real estate is. However, there are various things to contemplate and resources for finding and buying real estate in Thailand. So, where to begin?
We want to make your life easier concerning anything Thailand-related, so this handy guide will point you toward some tremendous online portals for finding real estate. It also touches upon some important things to know about acquiring Thai property. That way, you'll understand what to do once you find the property of your dreams!
Lazudi
Lazudi is Lazudi is a Thai online real estate marketplace that aims to streamline the search and transaction processes by bringing together the best agents and in-house technology and resources.
Lazudi continuously strives to improve the experience of all parties involved (buyers, sellers, and agents) through increased transparency and value. This website is constantly raising the bar of professionalism and perfecting its user-friendly platform for a smooth online purchasing, selling, and leasing experience.
The clients we serve range from those making their first purchase to seasoned sellers and investors in the real estate market. Everyone benefits from the help of our streamlined internal operations and network of national experts.
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Sunway Estates
Sunway Estates is the trusted counsel you need when it comes to the finest premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury properties in Thailand. They also offer construction, project management, and development services. They have a long history of delivering deals successfully because their employees know precicely what to do to make sure that it happens every time. Sunway started in Koh Samui but has since expanded its agency operations to Phuket and Bangkok.
By combining our skills in premium agency and development, we've created a luxury real estate brokerage that specializes in providing individualized service and a carefully selected list of homes for discerning buyers and sellers.
Thailand Property
Thailand Property has the most comprehensive listings (written in English) of real estate in Thailand. Their primary goal is to help international residents, tourists, and investors find the perfect property in the Land of Smiles. In addition, their bilingual staff can assist the over 400K people visiting their site each month.
DDProperty by Property Guru Group
PropertyGuru Group has been Southeast Asia's leading property technology provider since 2007. The success of PropertyGuru can be traced to the fact that it alleviated a significant problem for its users by simplifying and standardizing the home-searching process. As a result of their dedication to this principle, they have grown to become the most prominent proptech firm in five South East Asian markets, with over 1,400 Gurus working for them.
FazWaz
FazWaz shines because it provides resources for determining pricing strategies in response to market conditions. This is a good starting point for those who need clarification about what price to establish. It has an interactive map that makes finding specific details simple, and users generally regard it to be a well-designed, straightforward website. The website's marketing efforts will centre mostly in southern Thailand (Phuket, Samui, Krabi, etc.). You can also promote your apartment for free if it is located in Bangkok. Unfortunately, only a tiny percentage of users will be able to view your post unless you can get the assistance of a sales representative or the company's chief marketer.
Hipflat
Hipflat is a foreign-owned company. That's why the website's layout is so enticing to non-native speakers. You will be able to clinch the deal with high-end, international clients.
For those searching for real estate, this platform has over 200,000 listings! The listings from real estate agencies, private sellers, online marketplaces and discussion boards are compiled and processed by its sophisticated automated system. As a result, you don't need to visit many different sites; Hipflat is a one-stop shop.
Living Insider
Living Insider's SEO is top-notch. They are always giving out glowing reports on completed projects. The name of the project you're interested in will immediately bring up the corresponding posting. After reading the reviews, many homebuyers and renters visit the site to look at the available apartments and condos.
Baan Kaidee
Baan Kaidee is a well-known offshoot of the e-commerce website "Kaidee" that has branched into the property industry. This is a straightforward website. Condos for sale postings are accessible and remain active for thirty days.
What to Do Once You've Found the Property You Like
Hire a Thai Real Estate Agent
If you're looking to buy property, a reputable real estate agent will research the local market and provide you with a buying guide. When purchasing property in Thailand, having someone familiar with the market and insider knowledge of the most significant discounts and pre-sale promotions is invaluable.
Also, Hire a Lawyer When Buying Real Estate
Even if the property acquisition seems simple, you should always call in a Thai property lawyer before making any final decisions. For example, when buying a condo or apartment in Thailand, it's best to have a lawyer to help you navigate the Thai legal system and the land office. Lawyers can assist with everything from forming a limited liability company (Ltd.) to obtaining title documents. In addition, they can guide on Business tax, Thai shareholders, Thailand visas or prenuptial agreements.
Ownership Regulations
Can foreigners buy properties in Thailand?
Foreigners can own buildings in Thailand but not land. To secure land, foreigners must sign a leasehold arrangement.
What is the maximum lease duration for leasehold ownership?
Thai property buyers can lease for 30 years with 30-year renewals. However, Villa developers usually give 90 years of ownership (30+30+30).
Can foreigners own Thai land?
Thai law prevents foreigners from buying the land freehold. However, there are still ways to get land titles if you want them. For example:
- Leasehold ownership is the easiest way to own land. Land leases can be registered for 30 years with renewals. The most usual lease lengths are 30+30+30, providing the foreigner with 90 years of ownership.
- Thai Company: Thai-owned limited companies can own freehold land. Meaning you can own the land together with your Thai business partner. A Thai lawyer should advise on this ownership type.
Thailand's Real Estate Taxes
The answer is property-specific. Typically, the buyer and seller each pay half the 6.3% in taxes and fees associated with purchasing a condo directly from the developer. These fees include a transfer charge, a withholding tax, and a particular business tax. On the other hand, leasehold property transactions incur a lower lease registration charge of just 1.1%.
Is there a yearly tax on the property?
The government of Thailand instituted a yearly tax on land and homes in 2019, with a maximum rate of 0.3%. However, primarily residential properties that fall below a specified price threshold may be exempt from this rule.
Renting Out Your Investment
Yes! You can do it yourself or employ a rental management company if you'd rather not deal with the details. In-resort towns, it's not uncommon to find hotel-managed developments complete with rental pool programs, and many developers also offer this option.