Real Estate Guides
Bangkok Real Estate Guides
Whether you're buying your first condo in Bangkok, looking for a rental in Sukhumvit, or exploring property as an investment, our guides are here to help. Selling Bangkok has put together practical, up-to-date information for foreigners and locals navigating the Thai property market.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Thailand?
Yes — with some important conditions. Foreigners cannot own land freehold in Thailand, but they can own a condominium unit outright under the Condominium Act, provided the foreign ownership quota in the building does not exceed 49% of total floor space.
This makes condominiums the most popular and straightforward route for foreign buyers in Bangkok. All the new developments listed on Selling Bangkok are eligible for foreign freehold ownership.
Popular Bangkok Neighbourhoods for Property
Thonglor & Ekkamai
Bangkok's most fashionable residential corridor. Home to boutique restaurants, rooftop bars, and international schools, Thonglor and Ekkamai attract both expats and affluent Thais. Property prices are among the highest in the city, but rental yields remain strong.
Sukhumvit (Asok to Phrom Phong)
The heart of expat Bangkok. Easy BTS access, excellent infrastructure, and a wide range of lifestyle options make Sukhumvit perennially popular. Mid Sukhumvit (Soi 21–39) offers particularly strong investment fundamentals.
Ari
A quieter, leafy neighbourhood popular with younger professionals and creatives. Ari has seen significant development in recent years and offers more accessible price points than Thonglor, with good BTS connectivity.
Rama 9 & Asok
Bangkok's emerging CBD. With the Grand Rama 9 development and strong MRT/BTS interchange access, this corridor is attracting major investment and is considered one of the best areas for capital growth.
The Buying Process in Bangkok
- Choose your property — Browse new developments and register your interest with our team.
- Reserve the unit — A reservation fee (typically ฿50,000–฿200,000) secures your chosen unit.
- Sign the Sales & Purchase Agreement — Usually within 30 days of reservation. A deposit of 10–20% is paid at this stage.
- Stage payments — For off-plan properties, payments are typically made in instalments tied to construction milestones.
- Transfer of ownership — Final payment and title transfer at the Land Department upon completion.
Costs to Budget For
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for the following transfer costs (typically split between buyer and seller, though this is negotiable):
- Transfer fee: 2% of the appraised value
- Withholding tax: Varies (paid by seller, but sometimes negotiated)
- Stamp duty: 0.5% of the appraised value (in lieu of specific business tax)
- Specific business tax: 3.3% if the property has been owned less than 5 years
Buying from Overseas
Foreign buyers can purchase Bangkok property without ever visiting Thailand — our team regularly assists overseas clients through the entire process remotely. Key points to note:
- Funds must be transferred into Thailand in foreign currency and converted to Thai Baht — this is required for the Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) certificate needed to register foreign ownership.
- Power of Attorney can be granted to a trusted representative to sign documents on your behalf at the Land Department.
- All major Bangkok developers have English-speaking sales teams and international payment infrastructure.
Renting in Bangkok
Bangkok's rental market is active and competitive, particularly in the Sukhumvit and Silom corridors. Monthly rents for a 1-bedroom condo in prime areas range from ฿15,000 to ฿60,000+, depending on size, location, and building quality. Leases are typically 1 year minimum, with a 2-month deposit standard.
Thailand Elite Visa
If you're planning an extended stay in Thailand — whether as a property owner, retiree, or digital nomad — the Thailand Elite Visa offers privilege residence for 5 to 20 years. Selling Bangkok can assist with applications alongside your property purchase.
Need Personalised Advice?
Every buyer's situation is different. Whether you have a specific budget, neighbourhood preference, or investment goal, our team is happy to provide a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to get started.