Real Estate in Thailand

Last updated on May 22, 2023

Summary: An expat should search for a home to buy in Thailand by researching the different areas of the country and the types of properties available. It is important to consider the cost of living, the local culture, and the availability of amenities in the area. Houses in Thailand typically include basic amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, and a kitchen. Some may also include a swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Thailand, but there are restrictions on the type of property that can be purchased. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land, but they can own condominiums and houses. Additionally, foreigners must have a valid visa and must register the property with the Land Department.

How do I find a place to live in Thailand?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"There are a number of different ways to find a place to live in Thailand. If you are looking for a more permanent home, the best way to find one is to look for listings on websites such as Craigslist, Pad Thai, or the Thailand Property Finder. Additionally, depending on the city or town, you might have the option of searching for listings in the local newspaper. You can also find houses and apartments for rent on Facebook groups dedicated to rental listings in the city or town you are interested in. Additionally, it is also possible to find rental agencies in the area or to ask around in the local community. Lastly, if you know of people who live in Thailand or have lived in Thailand in the past, they may be able to provide helpful information on places to live," explained one person living in Thailand.

"We chose our first home through a real estate company. The location was great (yacht club) but the neighborhood with no neighbors. We chose our second home because many people are living there with children and it is located on a golf course," said one expat in Pattaya.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.