How Long Can You Own Property in Thailand? The Truth About Ownership Terms
How Long Is Property Bought in Thailand? The Short Answer
Short and without legal jargon:
A foreigner can buy an apartment in Thailand forever, with no time limit and with full inheritance rights.
Houses and land are different. In most cases they are purchased through a 30-year lease (leasehold), sometimes with renewal options. This is where the common myth comes from that “property in Thailand is only for 30 years.” That is not true for apartments.
Below is a clear breakdown of what can be owned permanently, where time limits apply, which structures are legal, and what happens to property after 10, 30, or even 50 years.
Apartments in Thailand: Ownership With No Time Limit
Foreigners can buy apartments in condominiums as freehold property.
Freehold means the apartment belongs to you indefinitely — not for 30 years, not for 50, but for as long as you or your heirs wish to own it.
After the purchase, ownership is registered with the government, and you receive a Chanote title deed. This is Thailand’s official ownership document. It includes your name, unit number, size, and address, and it is registered at the Land Department — not with the developer.
With a freehold apartment, you can:
If your children inherit it in 50 years, their rights will be exactly the same as yours.
There is no ownership term limit for freehold apartments.
Freehold means the apartment belongs to you indefinitely — not for 30 years, not for 50, but for as long as you or your heirs wish to own it.
After the purchase, ownership is registered with the government, and you receive a Chanote title deed. This is Thailand’s official ownership document. It includes your name, unit number, size, and address, and it is registered at the Land Department — not with the developer.
With a freehold apartment, you can:
- live in it yourself
- rent it out
- sell it at any time
- transfer it as a gift
- pass it on by inheritance
If your children inherit it in 50 years, their rights will be exactly the same as yours.
There is no ownership term limit for freehold apartments.
Why Do People Keep Talking About “30 Years”?
Because apartments and land are often confused.
Foreigners cannot directly own land in Thailand. Houses and villas are almost always built on land, which leads to the use of leasehold structures — long-term land leases.
Foreigners cannot directly own land in Thailand. Houses and villas are almost always built on land, which leads to the use of leasehold structures — long-term land leases.
Villas and Houses: What Is Actually Purchased and For How Long
- Leasehold: 30 Years (With Possible Extensions)
Legally, you do not own the land — you lease it. The house itself may belong to you, but it stands on leased land.
Lease agreements often include:
- a primary term of 30 years
- the right to renew for another 30 years
- sometimes an additional 30 years (up to 90 total)
Only the first 30 years are legally guaranteed. Extensions are a contractual right, not an automatic legal extension. In practice, renewals are almost always granted in reputable developments, but legally it remains a lease.
This format is commonly chosen:
- for living for 10–20 years
- for investment with resale in mind
- when price matters more than absolute ownership form
- Buying Through a Thai Company
- foreigners own up to 49%
- Thai shareholders hold 51%
- costly to maintain
- requires accounting and compliance
- carries risks if shareholders are nominees
- Buying in the Name of a Thai Spouse
This is a valid structure, but:
- a prenuptial or marital agreement is required
- the source of funds must be clearly documented
- without proper legal setup, risks are high
Ownership Terms Compared — Honestly and Without Myths
Apartment (Freehold):
- ownership: permanent
- inheritable
- freely resellable
- term: 30 years
- extensions possible
- liquidity depends on location and project quality
- effectively long-term
- legally more complex
- not suitable for everyone
What Happens to Thai Property After 30–40 Years?
This is a common concern, especially for those considering property as a long-term or retirement asset.
With apartments, the answer is simple: nothing changes.
They remain your property even if:
With leasehold villas, everything depends on the contract. In quality developments:
With apartments, the answer is simple: nothing changes.
They remain your property even if:
- the developer no longer exists
- the building is old
- the market changes
With leasehold villas, everything depends on the contract. In quality developments:
- renewal terms are defined in advance
- developers benefit from keeping leaseholders
- properties can be sold before the lease expires
Why Investors Still Buy Property in Thailand
Because ownership term is not the only factor that matters.
More important are:
More important are:
- liquidity
- rental income
- capital growth
- legal stability
- pay for itself through rental income in 10–15 years
- increase in value by 30–50%
- remain in the family for generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that apartments are taken away after 30 years?
No. This is a myth. Apartments have no ownership limit.
Can apartments be inherited?
Yes. Inheritance is fully allowed.
What is safer: an apartment or a villa?
Legally — an apartment. Lifestyle-wise — it depends on your goals.
Do the laws change?
Over decades, condominium laws have not become more restrictive. In fact, further liberalization is regularly discussed.
No. This is a myth. Apartments have no ownership limit.
Can apartments be inherited?
Yes. Inheritance is fully allowed.
What is safer: an apartment or a villa?
Legally — an apartment. Lifestyle-wise — it depends on your goals.
Do the laws change?
Over decades, condominium laws have not become more restrictive. In fact, further liberalization is regularly discussed.
Conclusion
Property in Thailand is purchased for different timeframes depending on the format.
We help select apartments in Phuket and Pattaya based on your budget and objectives — for living, rental income, or investment. We explain ownership structures, risks, and prospects in plain language and support the entire process from selection to key handover.
- Apartments are owned permanently, with full legal protection.
- Villas are usually purchased via 30-year land leases, which are practical for living and investment but require understanding the structure.
We help select apartments in Phuket and Pattaya based on your budget and objectives — for living, rental income, or investment. We explain ownership structures, risks, and prospects in plain language and support the entire process from selection to key handover.