Real Estate 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pattaya.

"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.

"Small apartment. Expats with families and in upper income levels usually go for condos or house rental. Expats can only purchase condos, not houses, at least not in their own name," said one person in Bangkok.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Thailand is typically decorated with a mix of western and Asian-influenced furniture, fixtures and decorations. It often features open living spaces and airy bedrooms. The kitchen is usually outfitted with modern appliances and plenty of storage space. Many expat homes and apartments also boast plenty of outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing and taking in the tropical ambience. Living in Thailand also offers expats the opportunity to experience unique cultural and culinary experiences, as well as access to some of the world's top beaches," said one expat who made the move to Thailand.

"The cost of housing in Thailand is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries in the region. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the city and the quality of the apartment. Outside of the city centre, rental costs can be significantly lower. The average cost of buying a property in Thailand can vary depending on the location and size of the property, but can range from around $50,000 to over $1,000,000," said one person in Thailand.

"Housing costs run the gamut from about $40/month to thousands of dollars a month. I'm not sure where the average is but I'd estimate about $1000-2000 per month for typical expat housing," said one expat who made the move to Bangkok.

"We bought a condo, but it is in are family name, then we went and bought another condo and put this in my wife's name - she is Thai. We had to pay cash for the condo, because you cannot even get a short term loan in Thailand. Even if you make 80% more than most Thai people coming in every month, the only way to get a loan is to be working even if you only may 10,000 baht a week, it's better than 200,000 baht in the bank," said one person in Nonthaburi.

"No ownership although many people are building and condo are offering incentives," said one expat who made the move to Chiang Mai.

"When considering buying a home in Thailand, it is important to consider your budget, desired location and any rental restrictions. Considerations such as investments and the likelihood of relocation should also be taken into account. Renting a home may be more appealing if you are not able to obtain a mortgage or are looking for a more short-term solution. Rental costs in Thailand are typically lower than costs associated with purchasing a property, however they do vary greatly depending on location, size and amenities. An advantage to renting is also the added flexibility it provides. On the other hand, buying a property in Thailand provides stability and the potential for increased capital gains. Whether you decide to buy or rent, it is important to do your research and understand the market before making any major decisions," explained one foreigner living in Thailand.

"When buying property in Thailand, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the legal process, taxation, and other requirements associated with real estate purchases. You should research the laws governing property ownership, including any special restrictions or taxes specific to the location of the property. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the payment process and financing options available to purchase the property. In addition, you should make sure you understand the language of any legal agreements that you will have to sign in order to purchase the property. Lastly, it is important to have a trusted advisor who can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Thailand.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Thailand. However, they are not allowed to own land, as the Thai government does not permit foreign ownership of land. Instead, foreigners can own condominiums, which are buildings that are divided into individual units that can be owned by individuals. Foreigners can also lease land for up to 30 years, with the option to renew the lease for another 30 years. Additionally, foreigners can own a house on land that is owned by a Thai company, as long as the foreigner is a major shareholder in the company," said one expat in Thailand.

"In a rental property in Thailand, tenants can typically expect basic amenities such as hot water, air-conditioning units, refrigerator, stove, and a washing machine. Tenants may also find additional furniture, appliances and accessories depending on the property," said one person in Thailand.

"Expats typically search for homes in Thailand by looking online for listings on real estate websites, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who may have knowledge of available properties. Additionally, expats may look for housing in local newspapers or magazines, or attend open houses or property viewings," explained one person living in Thailand.