Answered4 years ago
Are there options for expats to renovate rundown properties in Thailand while renting?
I’m sure we all dream of having our own 3+ bedroom villa, private pool, easy access to local bars/ shops/ restaurants all only a short walk away under pine tree lit roads with the soft golden sands and warm sea equally a short distance away and everything within walking distance
The reality is usually very much different
This got me wondering, I’ve seen stories of Expats who’ve purchased a dilapidated old run down farm that’s been empty for 40+ years in France
They’ve then spent month and months and countless tens of thousands renovating the place, from what was a potential nightmare ends up being a paradise usually reserved for dreams
This has got me thinking, in Thailand, are there old rundown old places available for rent where the usual restrictions are perhaps not so tight where the renter, with the permission of the landlord can in effect renovation a property, ok, I’m already hearing oh yes, the landlord would love that, you renovate, they kick you out after a year or two and enjoy your hard work
But it happens and indeed works in France and other European countries hence I was wondering if something similar happens in Thailand where BOTH parties benefit?
The reality is usually very much different
This got me wondering, I’ve seen stories of Expats who’ve purchased a dilapidated old run down farm that’s been empty for 40+ years in France
They’ve then spent month and months and countless tens of thousands renovating the place, from what was a potential nightmare ends up being a paradise usually reserved for dreams
This has got me thinking, in Thailand, are there old rundown old places available for rent where the usual restrictions are perhaps not so tight where the renter, with the permission of the landlord can in effect renovation a property, ok, I’m already hearing oh yes, the landlord would love that, you renovate, they kick you out after a year or two and enjoy your hard work
But it happens and indeed works in France and other European countries hence I was wondering if something similar happens in Thailand where BOTH parties benefit?
Answer summary
This post explores the feasibility for expats in Thailand to rent and renovate old properties, similar to practices in other countries like France. The conversation touches upon legal challenges, particularly around land ownership restrictions for foreigners, and discussions about the potential benefits and pitfalls of such arrangements. Community members share personal experiences and insights on renting, land leases, and the practicalities of renovation work under Thai law.
39 repliesnewest first
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Paul ********
If living in comfort is important rent the place for 30 years, then you do what you like and you can have another 30 year option. we all renting land anyway if you think about it. 🕶
Joe ******
Buffalo dung and straw and mud . Perfect building materials.
30 year lease.
30 year lease.
Phil ********
10€ homes on Sicily...
🙃
🙃
Bob **********
Your in Thailand get a grip
Kool *******
The problem with your plan, even though it is done in France, are a few laws in Thailand, one specifically. If you get hurt doing the work you discribe on someone else's property they can be held criminally liable for your injury. On top of that, even if you are not hurt, you can not legally do construction work in Thailand. It is a restricted occupation. If it was your own property you could, but not on any property you rent. You would legally need a work permit to do any kind of work on someone else's property, and with that big of a project, you would get noticed working by the wrong people for not having one. This can result in your deportation and black listed from returning, for from 5-10 years, with a sizable fine. Your idea is admirable, but impossible to do on your own with any part of it.
Linz ************
OP@Kool ******
Thank You
Twiggy ******
My husband has a large empty land in Chiang Mai near one of the Central Plaza shopping malls and several lands in other provinces. He doesn’t do anything there. He always offers win-win deals to Thais even for 10 Baht per month but they all have their own lands and houses and they don’t want 😁😁 Have no idea how foreigners can rent from him. Any price is better than leaving them empty. We are too lazy to do any business there because we like living in “ban nock” (rural area), travel quite often and we earn enough from the main property in Phitsanulok.
Michael ********
We have been looking for a fix me up, either from bank (repossesed) found a few on facebook some good deals out there.
Jamie *************
Everything is negotiable, anywhere in the world. Agents will talk to owners and present any offers. I've suggested this type of thing for one place, and they agreed happily, but we couldn't agree on the price, so it didn't happen.
Nick *****************
I had just this for 12 years..nominal rent..fixed it up..regretted moving !!!
Martin ********
@Nick ****************
me too, i rent but renovated and slowly extended the house, i have a great relationship with the owner and his family, 7 years and counting. Not for everyone but works for us. What ive spent so far is less than i would have if i had rented a completed house that was big enough so even if they kicked me out tomorrow it wouldnt matter financially.Geoff ********
Yes. Non Thais cannot buy land and cannot do work without a permit even volunteering.
Todd *********
Patrick Dalton what’s ‘highly unadvisable’? And what does poverty have to do with it?
Todd *********
@Geoff *******
can volunteer as you see fit and work on your land /house anytime you wishGeoff ********
@Todd ********
ok. But not my experience.Todd *********
@Geoff *******
you have been arrested for said ‘violations’?
Paul ********
@Geoff *******
And yet. . .Geoff ********
@Paulo ********
???????Paul ********
@Geoff *******
In Thailand not everything is as black and white as you make it sound. I am neither endorsing nor criticizing the choices others make. But it’s naive to pretend that reality doesn’t happen.
Terry ********
@Geoff *******
you can work on your own property.Geoff ********
@Terry *******
in my 20 year experience living permanently in Thailand you cannot be seen to be taking any work off a Thai person. Therefore you can be reported for doing building or renovations on your own property. Remember as a foreigner you do not personally own the land on which you live.
Marc ********
@Geoff *******
Maybe I am leaning far out of the window now... but I would bet my money on: You can build your own house yourself if you have a lease contract.Not even Thailand will force you to hire somebody you want to do for yourself.
So if youhave a car and you are a mechanic. You fix your car... illegal? No Sir I doubt it
Billy *******
I wouldn't touch another house even if it were my own. You get sued for divorce, hospital bills or who knows what and you're out in the street. I want to spend every waking moment enjoying myself. Not busting my hump on some F'n rental. Are you insane? Rent, travel, eat drink and be merry. Let the suckers fix crap.
Russell *******
@Billy ******
I agree , renting gives you the freedom you need when you retireLinz ************
OP@Billy ******
wow, Thank You, seriously thank you, good philosophy in our later years, Sir, I salute you 🫡
Jw ********
I live in what you describe! At a very good price in Phuket.
Dave *********
In general, foreigners are NOT allowed to own land in Thailand. U can lease the property.
Sascha **********
Building a house here is so much cheaper than renovating anything in Europe, better get a long lease on a piece of land and build that 3-bedroom villa 😉
Nigel *********
Rent land for 30 years and build your dream house on it. After 30 years just hand it back. ( Along with the keys)
Gary ****
@Nigel ********
no you would negotiate for the sale of the structure to the landowner, if no joy then knock it down and leave as empty land.Russell *******
@Gary ********
why would you knock it down?Gary ****
@Linz ***********
exactlyLinz ************
OP@Russell ******
I would hope so but then…… 😕Russell *******
@Linz ***********
oh ok , I get it . Surely they would come to some dealLinz ************
OP@Russell ******
so the landlord does not benefit from your hard work if he/ they are not willing to purchase I guessLinz ************
OP@Gary ********
Mmmmm🤔
Ricky ******
@Stuart ********
Lick of paint and job jobbed😁Linz ************
OP@Stuart ********
tempting, the lack of Windows certainly compensates for lack of air conditioning 😅😅😅Activity
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