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What is the average rental yield in Bangkok?

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

property investment Bangkok

Yes, the analysis of Bangkok's property market is included in our pack

Bangkok's rental yields range from 4% to 7% across different property types and neighborhoods as of September 2025.

Condos in central areas deliver gross yields of 4-6%, while studios and emerging districts can reach up to 7.5%. Net yields after taxes and fees typically drop to 2.5-4%, making Bangkok competitive with other major Southeast Asian cities for property investment returns.

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 chalinna salvin

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

โœ“โœ“โœ“

Chalinna Salvin ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ

Co-Founder, Best BKK Condos

Chalinna, a Thai local, is the co-founder of one of Thailand's top real estate agencies for foreigners. She's also an expert on all the districts in Bangkok and knows the city's top development projects inside out. When it comes to negotiating, she's got you covered and will make sure you get the best deal possible. We spoke with her and added her insights to this blog post to bring a personal touch to our analysis.

What's the current average rental yield in Bangkok across different property types?

As of September 2025, Bangkok condos deliver gross rental yields ranging from 4% to 6% in central areas, with the city-wide average reaching approximately 6.05%.

Condos represent the strongest performing property type for rental yields in Bangkok. Prime locations like Sukhumvit and Sathorn typically generate gross yields between 4-5.5%, while emerging business districts such as Rama 9, Ratchada, and Bang Na offer higher yields of 5-7% due to their lower purchase prices and growing demand.

Townhouses and single houses generally produce slightly lower yields, typically ranging from 3% to 5%. These properties face higher maintenance costs and longer vacancy periods compared to condos, which impacts their overall return on investment. However, they can offer better capital appreciation potential in well-located areas.

Net yields after accounting for taxes, fees, and maintenance costs typically drop to 2.5-4% for all property types. This reduction is primarily due to rental income tax (12.5% for Thai-owned properties, 15% for foreign-owned), building maintenance fees, and occasional vacancy periods.

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

How do yields vary depending on the neighborhood or area in Bangkok?

District/Area Yield Range Key Characteristics
Sukhumvit Core 4-5.5% Highest expat demand, premium pricing, excellent occupancy rates
Sathorn/Silom 4-5% Central business district, stable corporate tenants
Riverside 4-5.5% Luxury focus, high-end rental market
Rama 9/Ratchada 5-7% Emerging business hubs, affordable entry prices
Bang Na 5-7% Growing commercial area, strong rental demand
Ari/Phahonyothin 4.5-5.5% Popular with young professionals, trendy lifestyle area
Nonthaburi/Samut Prakan 6.4-7.1% Suburban locations, highest yields but lower liquidity

What's the breakdown of yields based on property size, like studios, one-bedrooms, or larger units?

Studio apartments deliver the highest rental yields in Bangkok, typically ranging from 5% to 7.5% gross yield.

Studios perform exceptionally well because they attract the largest pool of potential tenants including single expatriates, young Thai professionals, and digital nomads. The lower purchase price combined with strong demand creates the most favorable yield equation in the Bangkok condo market.

One-bedroom units generate yields between 5% and 6.5%, making them the second-best performing category. These properties appeal to young couples, single professionals with higher budgets, and expatriates who want more space than a studio but don't need multiple bedrooms.

Two-bedroom condos typically produce yields of 4.5% to 5.5%. While they command higher rental prices, the significantly higher purchase costs reduce the overall yield percentage. These units primarily attract small families and sharing professionals.

Three-bedroom and larger units generally deliver the lowest yields at 4% to 5%. The purchase prices increase substantially while the rental market becomes much more limited, focusing mainly on larger families and high-income expatriate executives.

How does the total purchase price, including taxes, fees, and transfer costs, affect the net rental yield?

The total cost of ownership significantly reduces net rental yields by approximately 1.5-2.5 percentage points compared to gross yields.

Transfer fees and registration taxes currently benefit from temporary reductions for Thai nationals, with eligible properties under THB 7 million paying only 0.01% instead of the normal 2% until June 2026. Foreign buyers still pay the standard rates, which can add 2-4% to the total purchase cost when including legal fees and agent commissions.

Rental income taxation creates the largest ongoing impact on net yields. Thai property owners pay 12.5% tax on rental income, while foreign owners face a 15% rate. On a property generating 6% gross yield, this taxation alone reduces the net yield to approximately 5.25% for Thai owners and 5.1% for foreign owners.

Monthly maintenance fees for condos typically range from THB 40-80 per square meter, adding THB 2,000-4,000 monthly for a typical 50-square-meter unit. Combined with occasional vacancy periods and minor repairs, these ongoing costs further reduce net yields to the 2.5-4% range for most properties.

Professional property management services, if utilized, typically charge 8-12% of rental income but can improve occupancy rates and reduce vacancy periods, potentially offsetting some of their cost through better tenant retention.

What typical mortgage terms are available in Bangkok, and how do they impact returns?

Bangkok mortgage market offers loan-to-value ratios up to 100% for first-time homebuyers purchasing properties under THB 10 million.

Thai banks typically provide 95-100% financing for condos and houses, with terms extending up to 30 years. The current average mortgage interest rate stands at approximately 6.06% as of September 2025, which has increased from previous years due to monetary policy adjustments.

First-time buyers benefit from the most favorable terms, with some banks offering 100% financing for eligible properties. Second and third property purchases face lower LTV ratios, typically 80-90%, requiring larger down payments but still maintaining reasonable leverage opportunities.

The combination of high leverage and current interest rates creates a challenging environment for cash-flow positive investments. With gross yields of 4-6% and mortgage rates at 6.06%, most leveraged properties generate negative cash flow before considering taxes and maintenance costs.

However, investors focusing on capital appreciation alongside rental income may still find value in leveraged purchases, particularly in emerging districts where both yields and growth potential remain higher than central Bangkok locations.

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What are the examples of actual rents today for condos, townhouses, and single houses in different districts?

Current rental prices in Bangkok vary dramatically based on location, with Sukhumvit commanding the highest rents across all property types.

In Sukhumvit's core areas, studio condos rent for THB 18,000-30,000 monthly, while one-bedroom units command THB 25,000-40,000. Two-bedroom condos in this prime district achieve THB 40,000-65,000 monthly, reflecting the premium expatriate and high-income Thai professional market.

Emerging business districts like Rama 9 and Ratchada offer more affordable options with studios renting for THB 10,000-18,000 monthly and one-bedrooms at THB 16,000-25,000. These areas attract young professionals and offer excellent value for money with good transit connections.

Suburban areas like Nonthaburi provide the most affordable rental rates, with studios available from THB 6,000-14,000 and one-bedrooms from THB 8,000-18,000. While rents are lower, the significantly reduced purchase prices in these areas often deliver the highest rental yields.

Townhouses in Sukhumvit rent for THB 35,000-70,000 monthly, while similar properties in Rama 9 command THB 20,000-40,000. Single houses show the widest price range, from THB 18,000-45,000 in Nonthaburi to THB 60,000-200,000+ in central Bangkok, depending on size and amenities.

How do vacancy rates differ by property type and location, and how do they affect yields?

Prime CBD locations maintain the highest occupancy rates at 80-85%, significantly outperforming the city-wide average.

Condos in Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Silom benefit from consistent demand from expatriates and high-income Thai professionals, resulting in vacancy periods typically lasting only 1-2 months between tenants. This high occupancy rate helps offset the lower gross yields in these premium areas.

City-wide condo occupancy averages 70-80%, with emerging districts like Rama 9 and Bang Na performing well due to their affordable pricing and improving infrastructure. However, these areas may experience longer vacancy periods of 2-3 months when tenants relocate.

Townhouses and single houses generally achieve lower occupancy rates of 60-75%, except in high-demand neighborhoods with excellent schools or transportation links. The more limited target market for larger properties results in longer search periods for suitable tenants.

Outer districts and suburban areas face higher vacancy challenges but compensate with significantly lower purchase prices. A property with 6.5% gross yield but 70% occupancy delivers an effective yield of 4.55%, while a prime location with 5% gross yield and 85% occupancy achieves 4.25% effective yield.

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

What are the main renter profiles in Bangkok right now, both local and foreign, and what do they look for?

Young Thai professionals represent the largest segment of Bangkok's rental market, primarily seeking studios and one-bedroom units near BTS or MRT stations.

Local renters prioritize affordability and transportation convenience, with most preferring modern condos in emerging districts like Rama 9, Ratchada, and Bang Na. They typically accept longer commutes in exchange for newer buildings with amenities like gyms, pools, and 24-hour security.

Expatriate renters concentrate in traditional expat areas including Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Riverside, willing to pay premium rents for proximity to international schools, hospitals, and entertainment districts. They strongly prefer fully furnished units with Western-style kitchens and reliable internet connectivity.

Digital nomads and long-stay tourists increasingly choose areas like Ari, Thonglor, and selected Sukhumvit locations, seeking neighborhoods with co-working spaces, international restaurants, and vibrant social scenes. This segment often prefers short-term lease flexibility and modern amenities.

Thai families typically rent townhouses or larger condos in suburban areas with good schools and family-friendly environments. They prioritize value for money, parking availability, and proximity to shopping centers and healthcare facilities.

How do short-term rental yields compare with long-term rentals, and which areas are better suited for each strategy?

Short-term rental yields often exceed long-term yields, frequently achieving 7%+ gross returns, especially in tourist-favored and business traveler locations.

Post-pandemic tourism recovery has strengthened the short-term rental market significantly. Properties near BTS stations, major hospitals, universities, and entertainment districts perform exceptionally well for Airbnb and similar platforms, though they require substantially more active management.

Riverside, Asoke, Thonglor, and Sukhumvit areas between Soi 11-24 represent the strongest short-term rental locations. These areas attract both tourists and business travelers willing to pay premium nightly rates for convenience and amenities.

Rama 9 and Silom/Saladaeng areas also perform well for short-term rentals due to their proximity to business centers and transportation hubs. Corporate travelers frequently book these locations for extended business trips.

Long-term rentals provide more stable income streams with lower management overhead. CBD and established expat areas favor long-term strategies due to consistent demand from professionals seeking annual lease arrangements.

The choice between strategies often depends on owner involvement and risk tolerance. Short-term rentals can generate higher returns but face regulatory uncertainties, seasonal fluctuations, and require ongoing guest management and property maintenance.

infographics rental yields citiesBangkok

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.

How have rents and yields changed compared to five years ago, and compared to one year ago?

Bangkok rental yields have remained relatively stable over the past five years, maintaining the 4-6% range in premium areas while city-wide averages have slightly improved due to stronger performance in emerging suburbs.

The 2020-2022 pandemic period created temporary disruptions with reduced expatriate populations and tourism, leading to rental price declines of 10-20% in some expat-heavy areas. However, rental prices have largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2024-2025 and continue rising moderately at 2-5% year-over-year.

Comparing 2024 to 2025, yields have experienced a slight compression from approximately 6.27% to 6.17% city-wide as property prices have increased faster than rental rates. This trend reflects growing investor confidence and improved economic conditions following the pandemic recovery.

Five years ago, emerging districts offered less attractive yields due to limited infrastructure and tenant demand. The significant improvements in transportation, commercial development, and amenities in areas like Rama 9 and Bang Na have substantially enhanced their rental performance.

Looking at specific rental price trends, studios in emerging areas have seen the strongest growth, with rents increasing 15-25% over five years. Prime CBD areas experienced more modest rental growth of 5-10% over the same period, reflecting their already mature market status.

What are the smartest property investment choices in Bangkok today if you want the best yield?

Studios and one-bedroom units in emerging business districts represent the optimal choice for yield-focused investors in Bangkok's current market.

Rama 9, Ratchada, and Bang Na offer the best combination of affordable entry prices, strong rental demand, and growing infrastructure development. These areas deliver gross yields of 5-7% while maintaining good liquidity and capital appreciation potential.

Older but well-maintained condos near BTS or MRT stations provide excellent opportunities for yield optimization. These properties often trade at discounts to new developments while delivering similar rental rates, resulting in superior yield calculations.

Boutique condos in trendy areas like Ari, Ladprao, and Phahonyothin attract strong local demand from young professionals and offer good balance between yields and capital growth prospects. These locations benefit from Bangkok's expanding hipster and creative professional communities.

Townhouses in fringe districts with excellent transportation connectivity present opportunities for investors willing to accept slightly lower yields in exchange for larger property sizes and reduced competition from other investors.

Prime luxury units in CBD areas deliver lower current yields but provide superior long-term capital appreciation potential and the highest tenant quality, making them suitable for investors prioritizing stability over maximum yield.

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

How do Bangkok's yields and rental trends compare with other major regional cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Ho Chi Minh City?

City 1BR Downtown Rent (USD) Price/sqm Downtown (USD) Mortgage Rate (%) Avg Gross Rental Yield (%)
Bangkok $576 $5,781 6.06 4-7
Kuala Lumpur $450 $2,996 4.59 4-5
Ho Chi Minh City $459 $4,334 9.56 5-7
Singapore $2,800+ $15,000+ 3.5-4 2-3.5

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. Agent Condo - Bangkok Rental Yield 2025
  2. RE Property - Rental Yield in Bangkok
  3. BambooRoutes - Bangkok Condo Rental Yield
  4. Bangkok Residential - Rental Market 2025
  5. Hawook - Bangkok Property Guide 2025
  6. Global Property Guide - Thailand Price History
  7. BambooRoutes - Average Apartment Price Bangkok
  8. Hero Realtor - Bangkok Condo Rental Guide 2025
  9. BambooRoutes - Bangkok Real Estate Forecasts
  10. CondoDee - Thai Property Investment 2025