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Answered10 months ago

Why are condo prices so different for foreign freehold, Thai freehold, and leasehold properties in Thailand?

Joni****
asked Dec 24, 2025
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Hi confused

Looking to buy a condo

3 different ways foreign freehold Thai freehold leasehold

I now you need to be Thai to buy Thai freehold(and possible bit cheaper)

But why do the prices so different for same type of propertys

I understand leasehold length off lease could make a difference

Can understand why there can be so much difference in price
Answer summary
The discussion explores the differences in pricing between Thai freehold, foreign freehold, and leasehold condominiums in Thailand. Expats inquire about why these properties vary greatly in price despite being similar. Key points raised include the regulations surrounding foreign ownership, the impact of scarcity on foreign freehold prices, and concerns about leasehold agreements. Contributors advise focusing on foreign freehold to avoid complications, emphasizing the long-term benefits of ownership. Many participants recommend renting instead, highlighting that it often provides greater flexibility and lower risk as compared to purchasing. Some community members also suggest that the pricing strategies of developers can create discrepancies based on demand and market trends.
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Nigel ******
Nigel ******
Condo
Joni****
Joni****
OP
@Nigel *****
where is it what price
Nigel ******
Nigel ******
Hi i got condoms for sale
Kirsten *********
Kirsten *********
Because a freehold is forever and a leasehold is not. You will be offered a letter of guarantee for renewal. These are not enforceable by law. Best to buy a freehold as then you own it. If you are older and have no heirs then a 30 year leasehold might be ok. But buying a short leasehold like 12 or 14 years, the price needs to be way lower because you have no guarantee. Some developers are playing games right now. A older building I bought in during COVID the developer has been buying back freehold units whenever they come on the market and has 36 % foreign freehold available in the land dept and is refusing to sell freehold units. We think they will sell the building when the leaseholds are up for renew, and then anyone with a leasehold... no more...
Ken *****
Ken *****
Just rent,??

Whether it’s freehold or leasehold.

It’s all a great big headache??

Trying to own property, in a country, that doesn’t really want us there,

Is just about wasted money??

Dry sponge wet sponge !!

It’s still a sponge?

You wanna sell. It’s getting your money back home!!

Not just selling.

I’ve been there. It is a headache and for what??

Work out the figures. ??
Grant *********
Grant *********
U can buy thai under a company name. Where are the thai prices for thai advertised
Harry *********
Harry *********
Rent not buy , enough people here are saying it for you to take heed
Tom ********
Tom ********
The benefits of renting in Thailand far outweigh those of buying. Invest your money and pay your rent using the interest. It also gives you the benefit of living where you want, when you want.
John *********
John *********
@Tom *******
very smart advice.
Lance *****
Lance *****
@Tom *******
yes, just as long as your invested money earns at least 5% return, which isn’t too difficult to achieve.
Tom ********
Tom ********
@Lance ****
Exactly. People are also prone to change their opinions once they've moved to a new country and it's a good idea to keep your options open. Also, don't assume the purchase and sale process is as simple as it is in your home country, or that you'll sell it at a profit. I see so many people hurry to replicate their lifestyle in Thailand that they had in their home country by buying a house and a car, when the healthier and less expensive option can be found by renting and walking everywhere.
Robert *****
Robert *****
NEVER BUY A CONDO. RENT ONLY. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO CANT SELL THERE CONDO FOR A LOSS AFTER 2 YEARS.
John *********
John *********
@Robert ****
this is the most likely outcome.
Tim ********
Tim ********
@Robert ****
I bought condo in Feb 2023 sold for 900k more in November 2025. You don't always lose money.
Ilia *********
Ilia *********
What? Seems you are confused. A foreigner can have a freehold condo and many condos are priced the same for everyone, foreigner or Thai. From my own experience.
Tim ********
Tim ********
@Ilia ********
Thai name always cheaper.
Mauro *********
Mauro *********
Until they find stupid people foreign they increase price.

When find people inflexible or ask discount they lowered price or lost customer (they so stupid when lost customer but happening many time)
Antonis ***************
Antonis ***************
If you intend to buy, only via foreign quota freehold, otherwise better to be on rent. Which is basically the same thing as leasehold. The difference between rental and leasehold is that in rental you pay your rent every month for as long as you stay there. In leasehold you pay "rent" for 30 years upfront and lock yourself on that specific property
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
@Antonis **************
yup, about right. Some want the freedom to move, some what the security to stay...
Us *****
Us *****
Why? Because it is all a scam. All condos must be 51% own by Thais or Thai businesses. The developers know that the regular Thais cannot afford it so they lower the price by 20-30%. So they will increase the foreign prices by 20-30%. So even with the crazy discounts, the avg Thais still cannot afford it. So only the ones that can afford it are the rich 1% or the ones that are laundering money to buy condos. Even that, the 51% of the buildings are not sold out. Many rooms will be empty. But now, the Chinese are not buying so that 20-30% premium that they are trying to charge you is negotiable. But the Thais would rather burn down their house then to give you a discount. Good luck negotiating with them. Remember, the Thais are the worst businessmen in Asia. They squandered so much tourist money that if you try to use logic with them, it won't work.
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
@Us ****
id agree the Thai business culture for sure. Some of the decisions made in all walks of life here are bewildering to put in mildly. Although the buying and sales is just simply market conditions which apply most places on earth in one way or other. Real estate can be good here for sure. But like anywhere, you need to know where and what to buy. In desirable areas, a slow or undervalued market will always be temporary and correct itself at some point.
Leo ***********
Leo ***********
@Us ****
not true, as agents we receive both Thai Quota and Foreign Quota price list, if the said 20-30% is true its malpractices of business. But the discount issue is true, it happens both Thais and Foreigner, recently sold 30% below than Thai quota to foreigner, its just simple supply and demand. Most Chinese are smart buyers they won't over spend without due diligence
Matty ****
Matty ****
Talk to a true real estate professional. Most of the people giving advice on here have never purchased a single thing.
Harry *********
Harry *********
@Matty ***
there’s a good reason why most on here have and would never buy in Thailand , especially Bangkok .
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
@Matty ***
is the correct answer. As, also most buyers circumstances vary aswell.
Joni****
Joni****
OP
@Matty ***
thanks
Matty ****
Matty ****
Joni1828 depending on your long-term goals leasing might actually be a better option. The market is in a very volatile state right now.

Very easy to buy , almost impossible to sell
Munich *****
Munich *****
Dont consider to buy anything except foreign quota. Thai is cheaper because many Condo have not been able to sell the 51% of condo room capacity.

Anyway if you ever to something except foreign freehold you can send me the money as well and I will take care good about it...promise
Ossie *********
Ossie *********
Foreign Freehold 100%and you pass it on in your will
Leo ***********
Leo ***********
well, on given particular condo foreigner can own 49% units, so its not scarce. And the price difference between Thai and foreign quota is very negligible (just few thousand bath for paper work), unless you choose the hot unit in good positions at presale or someone trying to rip off with resale by gas lighting its value in future. Leasehold are more like status for Thai elites, as the land belongs to the institutions in prime location, but its always extendable with market value payment, so technically no need to worry about it for next 30+30 years
Deslea ********
Deslea ********
Foreign freehold has a scarcity factor and that’s why it’s more expensive than Thai freehold. Don’t sweat it, your market if you sell is other foreigners and they can’t buy Thai freehold either, so it’s not like you’re competing with them.
Us *****
Us *****
@Deslea *******
no such thing as a scarcity factor for condos in Thailand. The Chinese are not buying anymore and half of these buildings are empty.
Erwin ********
Erwin ********
@Us ****
True in Bangkok, not so in Phuket or Samui.
Garry *******
Garry *******
You would be crazy to buy anything other than freehold, foreign quota. It will be in your name and it is transferable to your family if you pass away.

The other option are just plain messy and you are placing trust in others that you may not know very well.
Tom ********
Tom ********
As a Foreigner you need to be looking at Foreign quota freehold and then you can own it outright.

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