Under Thai law, foreigners can own up to 49% of a condominium building's total saleable area on a freehold basis, while the remainder must be Thai-owned.
In Thailand, the Condominium Act dictates that foreign buyers can collectively own no more than 49% of the total saleable area of a registered condominium building. This is commonly referred to as foreign freehold ownership. It is the most secure way for UK expats to own property in Phuket in their own name, registered directly at the local Land Office. The remaining 51% of the building's residential space must be owned by Thai nationals or Thai registered companies.
If you find a development where the foreign quota is already fully allocated, you cannot buy a freehold unit. Instead, developers will often offer the remaining units under a leasehold structure, typically structured as a 30-year registered lease with contractual options to renew. While leasehold is common and widely accepted in Phuket, it does not offer the same permanent ownership rights as freehold, making it vital to understand which quota your chosen unit falls into before making any commitment.
To qualify for foreign freehold ownership, you must comply with strict banking regulations. You must transfer the purchase funds into Thailand from an overseas bank account in a foreign currency, which is then converted to Thai Baht locally. Your Thai bank will issue a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) certificate for this transfer. This document is absolutely critical, as the Land Office will require it to register the property in your name and to eventually repatriate funds if you sell.
As an introducer, we connect buyers with carefully vetted developments in Phuket, but we are not legal or financial advisers. Because navigating property laws, checking the exact status of the condominium quota, and reviewing sales agreements carry inherent risks, we always strongly recommend appointing an independent Thai real estate lawyer. They will conduct the necessary due diligence to ensure your funds are safely handled and that your freehold title is legally secure.
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