Can a Foreigner Buy an Apartment in Phuket
Can a Foreigner Buy an Apartment
in Phuket
Many first-time visitors to Thailand notice the same thing: new residential complexes are being built everywhere, prices are rising, and the buyers are often foreigners. The question naturally comes up: can I, without a Thai passport, buy an apartment here? And do it officially and safely?
Yes, you can. But as usual, there are details you should understand beforehand.
What the Law Says
In Thailand, foreigners cannot own land, but they can buy apartments in condominiums.
There’s one important restriction: in each building, foreigners can own a maximum of 49% of the units. The remaining 51% must belong to Thai citizens.
If the foreign quota in your desired complex hasn’t been filled yet, you buy the apartment as freehold — meaning full ownership. You become the real owner: you can live there, rent it out, sell it, or leave it to your children.
If the quota is already taken, there’s a second option — leasehold, which is long-term rent.
There’s one important restriction: in each building, foreigners can own a maximum of 49% of the units. The remaining 51% must belong to Thai citizens.
If the foreign quota in your desired complex hasn’t been filled yet, you buy the apartment as freehold — meaning full ownership. You become the real owner: you can live there, rent it out, sell it, or leave it to your children.
If the quota is already taken, there’s a second option — leasehold, which is long-term rent.
Freehold and Leasehold — What’s the Difference
Freehold is full ownership.
You register with the Land Department, receive an official document — the Chanote — and own the apartment indefinitely. This is the best option if you plan to live in Phuket or want to pass the property on as inheritance.
Leasehold is long-term rent, usually for 30 years.
The contract can be renewed twice — up to 90 years total. Formally, the company remains the owner, but in practice you use the apartment as your own: live there, renovate, rent it out.
Leasehold is most commonly used when buying villas — because foreigners cannot buy the land underneath them.
You register with the Land Department, receive an official document — the Chanote — and own the apartment indefinitely. This is the best option if you plan to live in Phuket or want to pass the property on as inheritance.
Leasehold is long-term rent, usually for 30 years.
The contract can be renewed twice — up to 90 years total. Formally, the company remains the owner, but in practice you use the apartment as your own: live there, renovate, rent it out.
Leasehold is most commonly used when buying villas — because foreigners cannot buy the land underneath them.
How the Purchase Process Works
1. Choose an apartment.
You can buy directly from the developer or through an agency. Good agencies don’t charge you — they’re paid by the developer.
2. Make a reservation.
To lock in the price, you pay a deposit — usually 100,000 baht (about $2,800). The apartment is taken off the market and reserved for you.
3. First payment.
If buying off-plan, you pay 20–30% upfront. The rest is paid in installments until the building is completed.
4. Registration.
After full payment, you go to the Land Department.
You receive a certificate of ownership — the Chanote — in your name, in English.
You can buy directly from the developer or through an agency. Good agencies don’t charge you — they’re paid by the developer.
2. Make a reservation.
To lock in the price, you pay a deposit — usually 100,000 baht (about $2,800). The apartment is taken off the market and reserved for you.
3. First payment.
If buying off-plan, you pay 20–30% upfront. The rest is paid in installments until the building is completed.
4. Registration.
After full payment, you go to the Land Department.
You receive a certificate of ownership — the Chanote — in your name, in English.
How Much Does It Cost and What Are the Additional Expenses
Buying an apartment isn’t just about the purchase price.
You’ll also need to pay:
• Government fee — 2% of the contract amount;
• Lawyer’s services — about 25,000 baht (approximately $700);
• International money transfer — through a bank, marked “for the purchase of condominium”.
All of this is known in advance, with no hidden fees.
You’ll also need to pay:
• Government fee — 2% of the contract amount;
• Lawyer’s services — about 25,000 baht (approximately $700);
• International money transfer — through a bank, marked “for the purchase of condominium”.
All of this is known in advance, with no hidden fees.
Can You Buy Remotely
Yes, you can.
Many people now buy completely online. The agency shows apartments via video, prepares documents, and sends originals by courier.
Deposit, payments, registration — everything goes through official channels, via the Land Department.
In 2024–2025, over a third of transactions in Phuket were completed remotely. It’s convenient if you’re in Europe, the US, or elsewhere and can’t fly over.
Many people now buy completely online. The agency shows apartments via video, prepares documents, and sends originals by courier.
Deposit, payments, registration — everything goes through official channels, via the Land Department.
In 2024–2025, over a third of transactions in Phuket were completed remotely. It’s convenient if you’re in Europe, the US, or elsewhere and can’t fly over.
What Do Foreign Buyers Usually Purchase
Most often — apartments for vacation stays or rental income.
• Studios 28–35 sqm — from $165,000, popular for short-term rentals.
• One-bedroom apartments — from $250,000–280,000.
• Beachfront properties — from $420,000 and up, in areas like Bang Tao, Kamala, Nai Harn.
If you buy at the launch stage, you can save up to $30,000 and get 0% installment plans.
By the time the project is completed, prices typically rise by 30–40%.
• Studios 28–35 sqm — from $165,000, popular for short-term rentals.
• One-bedroom apartments — from $250,000–280,000.
• Beachfront properties — from $420,000 and up, in areas like Bang Tao, Kamala, Nai Harn.
If you buy at the launch stage, you can save up to $30,000 and get 0% installment plans.
By the time the project is completed, prices typically rise by 30–40%.
Taxes and Maintenance
Property taxes in Thailand are low.
Annual property tax — 0.02–0.05% of the cadastral value. That’s around $140–280 per year.
Utilities and building maintenance — depends on the complex. On average 100–150 baht per square meter per month. For a 50–70 sqm apartment, that’s about $220–330.
Annual property tax — 0.02–0.05% of the cadastral value. That’s around $140–280 per year.
Utilities and building maintenance — depends on the complex. On average 100–150 baht per square meter per month. For a 50–70 sqm apartment, that’s about $220–330.
FAQ
Can I register it through a Thai company?
You can, but it’s more complicated: you’ll need lawyers and accounting. For most people, it’s simpler and safer to buy a freehold apartment.
Do I need a residence permit?
No. You can buy even on a tourist visa.
Can I rent out the apartment?
Yes. Most complexes allow it. The management company helps with rentals and takes a percentage.
What if I want to sell in a couple of years?
Sales go through the Land Department. Taxes and commission on resale — about 3%.
You can, but it’s more complicated: you’ll need lawyers and accounting. For most people, it’s simpler and safer to buy a freehold apartment.
Do I need a residence permit?
No. You can buy even on a tourist visa.
Can I rent out the apartment?
Yes. Most complexes allow it. The management company helps with rentals and takes a percentage.
What if I want to sell in a couple of years?
Sales go through the Land Department. Taxes and commission on resale — about 3%.
How to Avoid Mistakes
The main thing — don’t try to do everything yourself.
Thai law is transparent, but it’s different. And there are nuances.
A good agency will check the developer, make sure the freehold quota is available, and handle the paperwork correctly.
And you don’t pay extra for this — the agency is paid by the developer.
Thai law is transparent, but it’s different. And there are nuances.
A good agency will check the developer, make sure the freehold quota is available, and handle the paperwork correctly.
And you don’t pay extra for this — the agency is paid by the developer.
Conclusion
Yes, a foreigner can legally buy an apartment in Phuket and truly own it.
You just need to choose the right form of ownership and work with people who know the market.
Phuket is one of the most straightforward and reliable places to buy property in Asia.
There’s not just the sea and good weather, but also a stable economy, growing rental demand, and clear rules.
If you need an apartment by the sea — for living or for rental income — Phuket is an excellent choice.
You just need to choose the right form of ownership and work with people who know the market.
Phuket is one of the most straightforward and reliable places to buy property in Asia.
There’s not just the sea and good weather, but also a stable economy, growing rental demand, and clear rules.
If you need an apartment by the sea — for living or for rental income — Phuket is an excellent choice.