Many of our clients wish to follow their dream and buy a beautiful house in Chiang Mai or any where in Thailand for that matter, for retirement or to live-in full or part time whilst they continue to work overseas.
We’re always happy to help but, if you are such a client, recommend that you take a few moments to contemplate some of the key issues involved with a house purchase in Thailand, such as:
- if you are not a Thai National, how do you plan to own a house in Chiang Mai? Do you have a Thai spouse or, perhaps, an established Thai company which can own the property?
- do you require on-shore finance for a house purchase as this is not usually available for non-Thais?
- what is your expected timeframe to find a house and complete a purchase? Properties come and go and, in reality, there is not much point looking now if you only plan to purchase in, say, 3-6-9 months’ time
- everyone has their preferred location but CM is relatively small and accessibility and transport is very good on the whole—take some time to work to work out what you really want from a location
- what visa arrangements will you be making to live in CM?
Once you have given the above some thought, consultation with a lawyer will be needed to discuss your personal circumstances and advise the best way forward to ownership. Following this, at the appropriate time, we’ll happily arrange a meeting in our office to discuss your housing requirements and timing in more detail, before arranging to show you a selection of potentially suitable properties.
If you have any questions on the above, do let us know….
Perfect Homes is a leading Chiang Mai real estate agency with extensive experience in the city, regionally, nationally and internationally.
14 thoughts on “Top 5 things to consider if you want to buy a house (not a condo!) in Thailand”
Dear sir…Madam I have had property in Huahin. And have 30 years of going to Thailand. If you are over 50 years old. And single like I am.I would never trust putting your retirement home in a Thai nam
Never put your property in a girl friends name or. A Thai wife.Pay a little more and take out a 30 year lease through the land office. If your already in your 60s and retired.When you have done this you can get your retirement Visa. Then look for a lady if you want. At least then you know no one can take your home from you.Also make sure you have 800.000 Thai bath in a Thai bank to show the
Immergration office for your retirement visa.
Eric,
My house has been in my wife’s name for 15 years, If you do not trust your wife then I do not think you should be married!
Hi,
My wife (Thai national) and I are considering buying a house in Chiang Mai. We are aware that the real estate market here is over saturated and new developments are always being built despite a lack of demand. Taking that point along with a global recession that is due to hit soon (about every 10 years according to the data), how do you think Chiang Mai’s real estate market will be effected? We appreciate your time and help.
Hi there,
The is no denying the is an over supply of standard Moobaan houses in certain locations and this can be said the same about condos being built outside of the prime locations.
Though overall there is a high demand for quality unique properties in Chiang Mai and we are constantly looking for these types of properties to sell. So if you are going to invest in Chiang Mai, just remember it is the same as anywhere in the world and the same still applies “Location, Location, Locations”.
With regards to the world economy all I can say is Thailand always does the opposite of what you would expect it to do!
Hello,
This is Edel Kim from South Korea.
My husband and I have plan to live in Chiang Mai on next year
My husband is now 51years old.
And we can take a retired visa.
I really want to buy this house.
I wonder that is it possible to buy land house as a foreigner?
We are going to visit Chiang Mai for looking house after a few months.
Plz give answer for my question.
Thanks
Best regards
Edel Kim
Dear Edel,
Thank you for your comments and questions on owning a landed property here in Chiang Mai. I will email you now with additional comments and questions.
Thanks Perfect Homes
Hi,
This is Kelvin.
May I know what are the requirements to get a retirement visa in Thailand?
I really want to buy a house in Chiang Mai.
I would like to know is it possible to buy a freehold property as a foreigner without established a company in Thailand or a Thai spouse.
Thanks
Dear Kevin,
A non-Thai national is not allowed to own land in Thailand, What we always recommend is for you to talk to a lawyer.
Hi I have a partner in Chang Mai we would like to purchase a property for her I will be paying cash. I intend visiting next month and staying for a couple of weeks maybe we could arrange a meeting if you are available.
Kind regards
Mark.
Thanks I see we are now in email contact.
Hi! Please send me information about land lease for 30 years for foreigners – What is the procedure to apply step by step. Should I have bank account abroad and transfer money internationally for this kind of land lease or Thai account is ok. What documents required from me to rent or buy a land. If I have a residence permit here in Thailand, will it be any advantage when buying a property, land here. If so, please share information or better give me contact of lawyer with whom I can consult. Thank you.
Hi, think it would best for you to discuss the ownership steps directly with a lawyer in the location that you are looking to purchase as the steps for leasing land or buying land strangely vary from location to location, One main point to understand that one of the hardest parts of finding a property to lease is actually finding and owner that is willing to lease.
Hi I am 54 years old I would like to buy a house in chan mai I do have a wife from Bangkok but I would like the house to be on my name because
You never know I, like to be on the safe side , Is that possible
Thanks
Hi Alex, you cannot purchase the property directly in your name, though you can add your name on the deed with a lean such as a lease or usufruct.