Buying real estate in Thailand?

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What is the average cost of house in Thailand?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Thailand Property Pack

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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Thailand Property Pack

As we reach mid-2025, Thailand's property market continues to attract both local and international buyers with diverse options and competitive pricing. Understanding the average cost of houses and various property types across different regions is crucial for making informed investment or relocation decisions in the Land of Smiles.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Thailand, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ“

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Thai real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distanceโ€”we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

photo of expert attaya suriyawonghae

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

โœ“โœ“โœ“

Attaya Suriyawonghae ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

Real Estate Broker, Zest Real Estate

As a Thai Real Estate Broker based in Phuket, Attaya possesses deep knowledge of the Thai market. Her insider perspective and local connections provide invaluable insights for property investors who want to make their dream come true in the Land of Smiles. Speaking with her allowed us to go back to the blog post, improve a few elements, and include her personal insights for a richer experience.

What types of properties are most commonly purchased in Thailand?

Condominiums represent the most popular property type in Thailand's residential market, particularly in urban centers like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.

Condos dominate sales because they offer the easiest ownership path for foreign buyers and have abundant supply across all price ranges. Foreign nationals can own condos outright under the condominium ownership law, making them highly attractive to international investors and residents.

Single-detached houses rank second in popularity, especially among Thai families and suburban buyers who prefer more space and privacy. These properties are concentrated in peripheral city areas and suburban developments where land costs remain reasonable.

Townhouses and villas follow in market share, with villas commanding premium positions in luxury and resort market segments. Villas are particularly popular in tourist destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya, where they serve both as holiday homes and rental investments.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

Which areas in Thailand have the highest, lowest, and most rapidly rising property prices?

Bangkok's Central Business District (CBD) commands the highest property prices in Thailand, with average costs reaching $6,800 per square meter as of June 2025.

Phuket's beachfront and resort areas compete closely with Bangkok CBD prices, particularly for luxury villas and premium condos that can exceed $1 million USD. Koh Samui and prime areas of Pattaya also maintain high price levels due to tourism demand and limited land supply.

The lowest property prices are found in suburban Bangkok areas like Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, where studio condos start from $34,660, and secondary cities like Chiang Mai where prices typically range from $1,400-$2,300 per square meter.

Bangkok districts along new BTS and MRT lines show the fastest price appreciation, with Thonglor experiencing up to 36% year-over-year growth. Tourist destinations including Phuket, Pattaya, and Rayong are experiencing 4-7% annual growth, driven by foreign demand and tourism recovery following the pandemic.

What are the current average purchase prices by property type and region?

Property Type Bangkok CBD Phuket Pattaya Suburban Bangkok
Studio Condo $71,470 N/A $69,305 $34,660-$43,026
1-Bedroom Condo $120,114 $131,404 $85,187 $47,647
2-Bedroom Condo $303,209 $296,134 $178,311 $89,230-$106,845
3-Bedroom Condo $837,436 $574,654 $418,718 $555,306
House $200,000+ $144,000+ $86,400+ $57,600+
Luxury Villa $1M+ $1M+ $600,000+ N/A

How do prices differ based on surface area across major cities?

Property prices per square meter vary dramatically across Thailand's major cities, with Bangkok's CBD leading at approximately $6,800 per square meter.

Bangkok's price gradient shows significant variation by location: Central Business District properties average $6,800/sqm, suburban areas drop to $3,700/sqm, while outer Bangkok areas can be found for around $2,100/sqm. This represents more than a 3x price difference within the greater Bangkok metropolitan area.

Phuket's prime beachfront and resort areas command prices comparable to central Bangkok, typically ranging from $6,000-$6,500 per square meter for premium developments. Non-beachfront properties in Phuket generally price 10-20% lower than equivalent central Bangkok locations.

Chiang Mai offers the most affordable per-square-meter pricing among major cities, with condos typically ranging from $1,400-$2,300 per square meter (THB 50,000-80,000/sqm), making it particularly attractive for retirees and digital nomads seeking lower cost of living.

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What is the total cost of purchasing a home in Thailand including all fees?

The total cost of purchasing property in Thailand extends beyond the purchase price to include several mandatory fees and taxes that buyers must budget for.

Transfer fees are currently reduced to 0.01% of appraised value for properties under THB 7 million (approximately $200,000 USD) until June 2026, down from the standard 2% rate. This government incentive significantly reduces transaction costs for most residential purchases.

Stamp duty adds 0.5% of the sale price or appraised value, whichever is higher, while withholding tax applies at 1% of sale price for foreign buyers or progressive income tax rates for Thai individuals.

Additional costs include legal fees typically ranging from 0.1-1% of property price, agent commissions of approximately 3% (usually paid by sellers), and miscellaneous registration and administrative fees. Total additional costs typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price under current fee structures.

What are the mortgage and financing options available in Thailand?

Thai nationals can access up to 100% loan-to-value ratio mortgages for first-time home purchases as of May 2025, subject to income verification and credit assessment.

Foreign buyers face more restrictive financing options, with most Thai banks offering 50-70% loan-to-value ratios primarily for condominium purchases. Leading lenders for foreigners include Bangkok Bank, UOB, ICBC, and MBK Guarantee, which have established foreign borrower programs.

Interest rates for foreign borrowers typically start at 5-6% for the first 1-2 years before converting to floating rates. Foreigners must demonstrate stable income, maintain good Thai credit records, and sometimes provide additional guarantees such as a work permit or Thai spouse as co-borrower.

Alternative financing options include international collateral mortgages or financing through home country banks for qualified borrowers. Some developers also offer in-house financing programs with flexible terms for foreign buyers.

What's the best type of property and location for full-time living?

Condominiums in Bangkok's Sukhumvit, Sathorn, or riverside areas provide the best combination of convenience and lifestyle amenities for urban professionals and expatriates planning full-time residence.

These central Bangkok locations offer proximity to BTS/MRT lines, international schools, hospitals, and diverse dining and entertainment options. Modern condos in these areas typically include facilities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and 24-hour security that enhance daily living quality.

Families seeking more space should consider detached houses in Bangkok's suburban areas like Thonglor, Ekkamai, or newer developments in Rama 9, which offer larger living spaces while maintaining reasonable commute times to the city center.

For those preferring a resort lifestyle, villas or townhomes in Phuket or Koh Samui provide year-round tropical living with access to beaches and recreational activities. Chiang Mai appeals to retirees and digital nomads due to its significantly lower cost of living, relaxed atmosphere, and growing expat community.

Key factors for full-time residents include proximity to mass transit, international healthcare facilities, international schools (for families), and lifestyle amenities that match personal preferences and work requirements.

What are the best investment choices for rental properties?

Short-term rental investments through platforms like Airbnb perform best with villas and condos in established tourist destinations including Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.

Beachfront or centrally located units in these areas can achieve rental yields of 8-12% annually, though investors must navigate local regulations regarding short-term rentals which can vary by location and property type.

Long-term rental investments show strong performance in Bangkok's CBD areas including Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Rama 9, and Ratchada, where stable occupancy rates and yields of 5-7% attract professionals and expatriate workers.

Townhouses and single houses in suburban Bangkok also generate solid rental income from families and professionals seeking more space, typically achieving yields of 6-8% with lower tenant turnover rates.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

infographics rental yields citiesThailand

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Thailand versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Which properties and areas are best for buy-and-hold investments?

Bangkok properties in Thonglor, Sukhumvit, Phrom Phong, and Rama 9 districts offer the strongest appreciation potential for buy-and-hold strategies due to ongoing infrastructure development and lifestyle upgrades.

Areas near new BTS and MRT line extensions show particularly strong growth prospects, as improved connectivity typically drives both rental demand and capital appreciation over 5-10 year holding periods.

Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui beachfront and luxury properties demonstrate the strongest appreciation in resort markets, benefiting from limited land supply and consistent international demand from high-net-worth buyers.

Emerging markets including Rayong, Chiang Mai, and northeastern provinces like Khon Kaen and Udon Thani are gaining attention due to government infrastructure investments and growing tourism sectors, though these carry higher risk-reward profiles.

Premium properties in established locations typically provide more stable appreciation with lower volatility, while emerging areas may offer higher returns but require more careful market timing and selection.

How have property prices evolved over the past 5 years and 12 months?

Thailand's property market has shown steady growth over the past five years, with the House Price Index rising from approximately 132 in 2019 to 165 by the end of 2024.

The market experienced a temporary dip during 2020-2021 due to pandemic-related restrictions and reduced foreign investment, but has demonstrated strong recovery momentum since 2023 as tourism and foreign buyer confidence returned.

Over the last 12 months ending June 2025, national property prices have increased 2-7% year-over-year, with Bangkok condos up 3.6% and Phuket properties gaining 4-5% annually. Luxury and prime market segments have consistently outperformed mass market properties.

The strongest performers include Bangkok districts along new transit lines and established tourist destinations, while suburban and secondary city markets have shown more modest but stable growth patterns.

What are the price forecasts for Thailand's property market?

Property price growth in Thailand is forecast to continue at 2-7% annually through 2025, with tourist destinations and prime urban markets leading appreciation.

The five-year outlook from 2025-2030 projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.41%, driven by continued infrastructure development, sustained foreign demand, and government incentives supporting the real estate sector.

Bangkok and resort destinations are expected to remain the most resilient markets through 2030-2035, with continued moderate growth anticipated barring major economic disruptions or significant policy changes affecting foreign ownership.

Key growth drivers include ongoing mass transit expansion in Bangkok, tourism industry recovery and growth, government policies encouraging foreign investment, and Thailand's strategic position as a regional hub for business and lifestyle migration.

It's something we develop in our Thailand property pack.

How does Thailand compare with similar markets globally?

Bangkok property prices at $2,000-2,500 per square meter in the CBD remain significantly more affordable than regional competitors like Singapore ($15,000+ per sqm) or Hong Kong, while commanding premium pricing compared to Kuala Lumpur ($700 per sqm).

Phuket's luxury market pricing is comparable to European cities like Lisbon and Barcelona for prime beachfront properties, but generally offers better value for equivalent quality and location. Bangkok and Phuket both remain more affordable than these European destinations, which typically range from $4,500-7,500 per square meter in city centers.

Compared to Bali, Thailand's main regional competitor, Bali currently offers higher rental yields (7-15%) versus Thailand's 5-8%, but Thailand's luxury market is outpacing Bali in price momentum and international buyer demand as of mid-2025.

Thailand's competitive advantages include more established legal frameworks for foreign ownership, superior infrastructure in major cities, and greater political stability, making it an attractive alternative to other Southeast Asian markets for international property investors.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Property Scout Thailand - Types of Properties
  2. Global Property Guide - Thailand Price History
  3. BambooRoutes - Bangkok Price Forecasts
  4. BambooRoutes - Thailand Price Forecasts
  5. Tilleke & Gibbins - Property Fee Reductions
  6. Dansiam Property - Tax Guide 2025
  7. Expatica - Thailand Mortgages
  8. Lazudi - Mortgage Loans for Foreigners
  9. Trading Economics - Thailand Housing Index
  10. GII Research - Thailand Real Estate Market Analysis