Is it Legal to Refuse to Pay Common Area Fees in a Housing Estate?

Thailand’s breathtaking scenery, warm climate, and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for expatriates and investors alike. For many foreigners, owning property in Thailand is a dream that can be realized through leasehold agreements. While foreigners cannot own land outright, leasehold property offers a viable alternative, providing long-term access to some of the country’s most desirable locations. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about owning a leasehold property in Thailand, including the benefits, legalities, and practical considerations. 1. What is Leasehold Property in Thailand? 1.1 Definition and Overview A leasehold property in Thailand is an arrangement where the leaseholder (tenant) has the right to use and occupy the property for a fixed period, typically up to 30 years. This lease can often be renewed, making it possible to secure the property for up to 90 years, depending on the terms agreed upon. Leasehold properties are a popular choice for foreigners because they circumvent the restriction on foreign land ownership. 1.2 Leasehold vs. Freehold Freehold Ownership: In Thailand, freehold ownership is reserved for Thai nationals. It means owning both the land and the building on it. Leasehold Ownership: Foreigners can lease property for long periods, up to 30 years at a time, with options for renewal. This provides a practical way to enjoy property ownership benefits without direct land ownership. 2. The Legal Framework for Leasehold Property 2.1 Lease Agreements Lease agreements in Thailand should be clear, comprehensive, and legally binding. Key elements of a […]

Buying a home is not just about finding a place to live—it’s a long-term investment, especially in a market that is constantly evolving. Many people may be wondering whether 2026 is the right time to buy a house. This article explores the latest real estate trends and analyzes key factors to help you make a confident decision. Real Estate Trends in 2026: Steady Growth Looking at past trends and government measures to stimulate the economy, the overall real estate market in 2026 is in a stable recovery phase. Multiple factors from both the public and private sectors indicate a continued gradual expansion: Thailand’s economy is projected to grow 3–4% per year Economic recovery, particularly in tourism and infrastructure investment, is bringing consumer purchasing power back. Real demand—the demand from people genuinely looking for homes—is a key driver, sustaining slow but steady growth in the property market. Infrastructure projects fuel market growth Infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of mass transit lines to suburban areas, are turning these locations into “up-and-coming” zones. Improved accessibility to the city center at lower prices compared to central areas makes these areas more attractive, increasing the value of land and new housing projects. Low-rise homes remain highly popular Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been seeking more private space. Additionally, events like earthquakes have driven homebuyers to prefer low-rise houses such as townhomes, semi-detached homes, or detached houses over condominiums. Growing demand from the elderly Thailand is transitioning into an aging […]

Now, the Bank of Thailand has temporarily eased LTV regulations, making it easier to secure higher mortgage loans. For anyone planning to own a home, this year could be the perfect opportunity to take action without waiting to save a large down payment. Curious how it works? Keep reading! What is LTV? LTV, or Loan-to-Value, is the ratio of a loan amount to the appraised value of collateral, such as a house or condominium. In other words, it determines how much you can borrow to purchase a property. Example: If the LTV is 80%, and a bank appraises a home at 10 million THB, the bank will lend up to 8 million THB. The remaining 2 million THB must be paid as a down payment by the buyer. This measure prevents excessive borrowing, controls overheating in the real estate market, and reduces the risk of default over the long term. LTV measures are set by the Bank of Thailand to establish safe lending limits that balance risks for both borrowers and financial institutions. Simply put: Low LTV: Buyers must pay a larger down payment. High LTV: Buyers can borrow more and pay a smaller down payment.Historically, the LTV limit has ranged between 80–90%. Latest LTV Update for 2025–2026 Good news for prospective homebuyers! On March 20, 2025, the Bank of Thailand temporarily eased LTV measures to support the slowing real estate market, allowing buyers to borrow up to 100% of the property value under the […]

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest goals — whether it’s your first home for starting a family or a new house that better fits your lifestyle. While many people choose to finance their purchase through a mortgage to spread out the payments, others prefer to buy a house with cash to avoid long-term interest and debt. At first glance, paying in cash may seem simple. But in reality, there are several important details to understand before making this decision. It’s not just about transferring money — it also involves verifying documents, confirming the source of your funds, and planning your finances carefully. The Benefits of Buying a House with Cash Buying a house with cash offers not only the freedom from loans and interest but also several practical advantages: 1. No Complicated Loan Paperwork When applying for a mortgage, you need to prepare numerous documents — from personal identification to financial records. Paying in cash eliminates all of that. You won’t have to wait for loan approval, so the purchasing and ownership transfer process is much faster and simpler. 2. No Interest Payments It’s often said that if you borrow 5 million baht for a house, you might end up paying over 10 million baht in total due to interest. That’s not an exaggeration. Even with extra payments or early repayment, you still pay hundreds of thousands or millions in interest. Buying with cash helps you save that money, allowing you to reinvest it […]

Starting January 10, 2026, pet owners in Bangkok must comply with new regulations regarding pet registration, aimed at organizing the keeping of dogs and cats to ensure safety for people, animals, and the community. Many may wonder where to register pets, what the process involves, and what penalties exist for non-compliance. This guide explains everything you need to know to follow the rules correctly. New Bangkok Regulations for Pet Ownership The newly enacted Bangkok Animal Control Ordinance regulates the keeping and releasing of animals within the city. Key points include: Limit on number of pets per household: Determined by the size of your home or property. Mandatory microchipping and registration: Pet owners must microchip their animals and register them within 120 days of birth. Enforcement starts: January 10, 2026. Penalty for non-compliance: Up to 25,000 THB. Number of pets allowed per property type: Condominiums 20–80 sq.m.: 1 pet Over 80 sq.m.: Up to 2 pets Houses Land ≤ 20 sq.wah: 2 pets Land 20–50 sq.wah: 3 pets Land 50–100 sq.wah: 4 pets Land > 100 sq.wah: Up to 6 pets Owners who currently exceed these limits before the ordinance takes effect (January 10, 2026) must report to the district office within 90 days (by April 9, 2026). Other important rules: Aggressive dog breeds or dogs with a history of biting (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers) must wear a muzzle and be on a strong leash at all times. Individuals under 15 or over 65 years old cannot […]

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lush tropical landscapes. For many foreigners, owning a property in Phuket is an enticing prospect, whether for a vacation home, a retirement retreat, or a permanent residence. However, navigating the property market in Thailand can be complex, especially for non-residents. To help you make a well-informed decision, we’ve compiled seven essential tips for buying property in Phuket as a foreigner. 1. Understand the Legal Framework for Foreign Property Ownership 1.1 Foreign Ownership Laws Thailand’s property laws restrict land ownership by foreigners. However, foreigners can own property under certain conditions. Typically, foreign nationals can: Own Condominiums: Foreigners can own up to 49% of the total area of a condominium project. This is one of the most straightforward ways for foreigners to own property in Thailand. Leasehold Agreements: Foreigners can lease land and property for up to 30 years, with options to renew. This arrangement is a common alternative to freehold ownership. 1.2 Legal Advice It’s crucial to engage a local lawyer who specializes in Thai real estate law. They can help ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your property purchase is secure and compliant with local regulations. 2. Choose the Right Property Type 2.1 Condominiums Ownership: Foreigners can own condominiums outright, provided they adhere to the 49% foreign ownership limit. Maintenance and Management: Condominiums typically offer hassle-free living with managed facilities and communal services. 2.2 Villas and Houses Leasehold Agreements: For villas or houses, consider […]