Straight answers on property & tax
Owning property in Thailand — explained plainly, with the numbers.
The questions we get most
Short answers first. Each one links to the full article if you need the detail.
Can a foreigner own a condo in Thailand?
Yes — up to 49% of a building's registered floor area may be foreign-owned (the "foreign quota"). If that quota is full, the remaining units are available on a long-term lease instead.
Can a foreigner own land?
No. Foreign nationals cannot hold land directly. The usual routes are a long-term registered lease of the land, or a Thai company structure — which carries its own legal risks.
What does buying actually cost on top of the price?
Expect a reservation deposit, independent legal fees, and official Land Office levies — 1.10% on a registered land lease and 2.00% transfer fee on a building, normally split 50/50.
How does the property viewing process work?
We arrange private viewings at your convenience. If you are outside Thailand, we can provide live video walkthroughs of the exact unit before you travel.
What do I need to rent a home in Hua Hin?
Usually just a copy of your passport. We prepare standard English-Thai rental contracts and handle all landlord communication. The deposit is typically two months' rent, refundable at the end of the lease.
Do I pay annual property tax?
Yes. Residential property is taxed between 0.02% and 0.10% of appraised value. Whether you get the exemption depends on being registered in the house book, not on your nationality.
Can I put my condo on Airbnb?
Rentals under 30 days fall under the Hotel Act, and many condominium buildings restrict them in their own rules. Check both before you list.
Do I have to report foreign guests?
Yes — TM30, within 24 hours of arrival. It is a legal obligation for the property owner or host, and the fine for missing it is 800–1,600 THB.
Can I open a Thai bank account?
Only with long-term resident status. Tourist visas and visa-free entry are refused outright, and the paperwork now includes an official Certificate of Residence.
Do I need a work permit to run my own Thai company?
Yes. Owning the company is not enough — any active work without a valid work permit is illegal, and the rule is enforced strictly.
The big moves, walked through
Long-form walkthroughs for buying, selling, renting out, investing and managing a property in Hua Hin.
Buying property, step by step
From the first viewing to the keys — deposits, contracts and the Land Office, in plain English.
Read the guideSelling your property
How a sale really works here: pricing, paperwork, transfer taxes and getting paid safely.
Read the guideRenting out your property
Turn a home into steady income — the legal side, the tax, and how we manage it while you are away.
Read the guideInvesting in Hua Hin
Where the yields are, what holds value, and the ownership routes actually open to foreigners.
Read the guideProperty management
Keeping a home in top shape while you are away — inspections, care, and repairs handled.
Read the guideRead the detail
Buyers & investors
What foreigners can actually buy
Condo quota, leasehold and the Thai company route — the three ownership options, with their limits.
ReadTransaction costs
Every one-time cost of a purchase: deposits, legal fees, and the official Land Office levies.
ReadAnnual property tax
Land and Building Tax bands — and why foreigners often miss out on the exemption.
ReadOpening a Thai bank account
What the banks now require, which visas they accept, and which they refuse.
ReadOwners & landlords
Still not sure how it applies to you?
Rules are one thing; your situation is another. Tell us what you're planning and we'll tell you what it actually means.