Property in Thailand for foreign buyers

Property in Thailand for foreign buyers is a subject that, just a few years ago, sounded exotic. Today hundreds of foreign buyers are purchasing apartments and villas in Phuket, drawn by attractive prices, year-round sun and a growing rental market. If you're wondering whether it's realistic - the answer is yes, and it's far simpler than you think when you have the right support by your side.

Why more and more foreign buyers are buying property in Thailand

Phuket is not just a holiday destination. It's one of the fastest-growing property markets in Southeast Asia, where prices still differ clearly from their European equivalents and demand for short-term rentals grows year on year. Foreign buyers increasingly see an opportunity in this - not only to escape the winter, but also for an investment that works while they return home.

The most common reasons to buy include: diversifying savings into a foreign currency, passive income from holiday rentals, the prospect of retirement in a warm climate and simply the dream of owning a place in paradise. The property in Thailand market offers investments from a few hundred thousand euros, which makes the entry point lower than in many European cities.

The barriers we remove - language, law, distance

Buying abroad always comes with uncertainty. With Thailand there's the added factor of language - Thai, not English, is the language of legal and official documents. On top of that, property law differs fundamentally from what you're used to, and the flight time means you can't just "pop over for a viewing" whenever you like.

This is exactly where a European property agency in Phuket comes in. Twins Real Estate is an agency run by a European team, based on the ground in Thailand and serving international buyers. We translate documents, explain Thai law in plain language and accompany the client from the first question right through to the keys to the apartment. You don't need to speak Thai, understand Thai law or fly to Phuket several times - we take care of it for you.

What you can buy as a foreign buyer - freehold apartment, leasehold villa or company

Thai law doesn't prohibit foreigners from buying property - it merely specifies the form. You'll find a detailed discussion in the guide can a foreigner buy property in Thailand; here we give the essentials.

An apartment in a condominium building (freehold) - the most popular choice. A foreign buyer can be the full owner of the unit, entered in the Thai title deed (Chanote) in their own name. The condition: in a given building a maximum of 49% of the floor area may belong to foreigners (the so-called foreign quota). With popular projects in Phuket this quota is sometimes full - which is why it's important to check it before placing a reservation. More on the procedure: buying a condo in Thailand as a foreign buyer.

A villa or house with land (leasehold or company) - a foreigner cannot own land in their own name. The solution is leasehold, i.e. a long-term lease of the land (30 years, with an extension option written into the contract), or purchase through a Thai limited company with a majority Thai shareholding. Each of these forms has its advantages and limitations - we tailor it individually to the client's situation.

The whole process handled for you - selection, due diligence, contracts, FET, rentals

Our role is to take you through the entire process without surprises. It looks like this:

1. A conversation about your needs and budget - by phone or via WhatsApp/email.
2. Selecting listings - we present properties matched to your expectations, including the available listings from our portfolio.
3. Due diligence - checking the property's legal status, the developer, foreign-quota availability, encumbrances and documents.
4. Reservation agreement and SPA - we explain every clause and recommend an independent Thai lawyer to review the contract.
5. Transfer and FET - funds must arrive from abroad in a foreign currency and be converted at a Thai bank - the bank then issues the Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) document, essential for registering freehold at the authorities.
6. Ownership registration at the Land Office - we accompany you or arrange a proxy.
7. Rentals and management - if you wish, we help launch short-term or long-term rentals.

Taxes for non-resident owners - briefly and sensibly

This is an area where it's worth being cautious and consulting a tax adviser. In short: many countries have a double-taxation treaty with Thailand. A buyer who is a tax resident in their home country will, as a rule, also declare income from renting and from selling property in Thailand in their home country (the credit or exemption method - depending on the type of income). Tax paid in Thailand can be deducted or accounted for in line with the treaty.

The details depend on your individual situation - the nature of the purchase (private, through a company), the rental arrangement and your tax-residency status. We strongly recommend consulting a tax adviser specialising in foreign investments. We'll help you gather the necessary documents and connect with the right specialist.

0% commission for the buyer - how it works

One of the most frequent question marks: how much does your service cost? The answer is simple - for the buyer, nothing. Our fee comes solely from the developer or seller, exactly as it works on most Western markets. You receive the full service - listing selection, due diligence, translations, support throughout the process - with no additional cost on your side.

It also means we have no interest in you buying just anything as quickly as possible. We care about you buying the right thing - because only then will you come back to us with a recommendation for friends.

This article is informational and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. Tax rules and property regulations may change - before making a decision, consult an independent lawyer and tax adviser. Last updated: 6 June 2026.