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Is Pattaya, Thailand still attractive for rentals?

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

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Pattaya's rental market continues to attract investors despite facing oversupply challenges in certain areas as of September 2025.

Average rental yields in Pattaya remain competitive at 5-8%, matching Bangkok's performance and trailing only slightly behind Phuket's 6.2-7% returns. The city benefits from steady foreign tenant demand, with international renters comprising approximately 65% of the short-term rental market. However, specific neighborhoods like Jomtien and Pratumnak are experiencing notable oversupply, with hundreds of units available and developers prioritizing inventory clearance over new launches.

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.

How much have rental prices in Pattaya changed over the past 3-5 years?

Rental prices in Pattaya have increased moderately by 5-8% since 2022, showing steady but not explosive growth in the residential rental market.

The price increases reflect gradual recovery from pandemic lows and growing demand from international tenants returning to Thailand. Condo rentals have seen the most consistent appreciation, while house and villa rentals show more seasonal volatility.

Year-to-year fluctuations remain notable due to shifting tourist patterns and economic uncertainties. The moderate growth rate indicates a stable market without the dramatic spikes seen in some other Thai resort cities.

As of September 2025, this pricing trend positions Pattaya as an affordable alternative to Bangkok and Phuket for rental investments.

What are current average monthly rents for different property types in central Pattaya versus Jomtien and Pratumnak?

Central Pattaya commands premium rental rates with studio condos starting at THB 18,000 monthly and two-bedroom units reaching THB 36,000 or higher.

Jomtien and Pratumnak areas offer more affordable options, with studios starting from THB 14,000-14,400 monthly and maintaining competitive rates across all property sizes. One-bedroom condos in these areas typically rent for THB 18,600 monthly.

Houses and villas show the widest price gap between locations. Central Pattaya houses start around THB 60,000 monthly for decent properties, while Jomtien and Pratumnak offer entry-level options from THB 24,200 monthly.

The price differential reflects central Pattaya's proximity to entertainment districts, shopping, and business areas, while beachside locations offer better value for families and retirees.

How do occupancy rates compare between short-term and long-term rentals currently?

Short-term rentals in Pattaya achieve approximately 61% occupancy rates as of September 2025, benefiting from steady tourist flow and seasonal demand patterns.

Long-term rental occupancy rates vary significantly and generally perform worse than short-term options. Many long-term rental properties remain available for 180+ days annually, indicating slower tenant turnover and market challenges.

The higher short-term occupancy reflects Pattaya's strength as a tourist destination, while long-term rental struggles stem from oversupply in certain neighborhoods and changing expat preferences.

Investors focusing on short-term rentals benefit from higher occupancy but must manage seasonal fluctuations and regulatory requirements for holiday lettings.

What rental yields are landlords achieving in Pattaya compared to Bangkok and Phuket?

Pattaya landlords typically achieve gross rental yields of 5-8%, placing the city competitively within Thailand's major rental markets.

Bangkok delivers slightly higher average yields at 6.1%, while Phuket leads with 6.2-7% returns for comparable property types. Pattaya's yield range reflects varying property quality and location factors within the city.

High-quality beachfront properties and well-located central condos tend to achieve yields at the upper end of Pattaya's range. Older properties or those in oversupplied areas may struggle to reach 5% yields.

The competitive yield environment makes Pattaya attractive for investors seeking rental income, particularly when combined with lower property acquisition costs compared to Bangkok.

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How many new condo and housing developments launch in Pattaya each year?

Pattaya continues launching dozens of new condo projects annually, with development activity concentrated in beachside areas and city center locations.

The steady development pace reflects developer confidence in long-term demand, despite current oversupply concerns in specific neighborhoods. Most new launches focus on mid-range to luxury segments targeting foreign buyers.

Housing development occurs at a slower pace than condos, with villa projects typically targeting higher-end markets in areas like Pratumnak Hill and East Pattaya. New housing supply remains limited compared to condo availability.

Developers are increasingly cautious about timing new launches, with some prioritizing existing inventory clearance before announcing additional projects.

Is there oversupply of rental units in certain parts of Pattaya?

Oversupply concerns are most pronounced in Jomtien and Pratumnak areas, where hundreds of rental units remain available with slow inventory disposition rates.

Developers in these areas are focusing on clearing existing stock rather than launching new projects, indicating significant market saturation. The oversupply primarily affects mid-range condo segments rather than luxury or budget categories.

Central Pattaya maintains better supply-demand balance due to consistent demand from tourists and short-term renters. Wongamat area also shows supply pressures but less severe than southern neighborhoods.

The oversupply situation creates opportunities for tenants to negotiate better rates and terms, while challenging landlords to differentiate their properties through pricing or amenities.

How strong is foreign versus Thai tenant demand, and is this changing?

Foreign tenants dominate Pattaya's rental market, comprising approximately 65% of short-term rental guests and a significant portion of long-term renters.

Thai tenant demand forms a smaller but growing segment, particularly in corporate rental markets and seasonal accommodation needs. Domestic demand tends to focus on specific areas and property types rather than citywide patterns.

The foreign tenant composition is shifting from traditional European and Chinese dominance toward more regional Asian visitors and long-stay expats from various countries. This diversification helps stabilize demand despite geopolitical changes.

Thai tenant growth reflects increasing domestic tourism and business travel, though foreign demand remains the primary driver of Pattaya's rental market performance.

What are the main tenant profiles and how do they differ by area?

Area Primary Tenant Profile Secondary Profile
Central Pattaya Digital nomads and young professionals Tourists seeking nightlife access
Jomtien Retirees and long-term expats Families with children
Na Jomtien Families and quiet lifestyle seekers Long-term expat retirees
Pratumnak Retirees seeking beach proximity Long-term expats and families
East Pattaya Retirees wanting quieter environment Digital nomads seeking value
Bang Saray Long-term expat retirees Families seeking peaceful setting
Wongamat Affluent retirees and professionals Luxury-seeking tourists
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.

How have tourist arrivals to Pattaya changed since the pandemic, and what's the 2025 trend?

Tourist arrivals to Pattaya remain below 2019 pre-pandemic levels but show gradual recovery patterns throughout 2024 and into 2025.

As of September 2025, arrivals are down 15% year-on-year, reflecting global economic pressures and regional safety perceptions affecting visitor confidence. However, the visitor composition has shifted significantly toward Asian markets.

Asian visitors from Malaysia, China, and India now outnumber traditional European tourists, creating new demand patterns for rental properties. This shift affects seasonal timing and length-of-stay preferences.

The tourism recovery trajectory directly impacts short-term rental performance, with slower recovery translating to increased competition among rental property owners for available guests.

What are typical running costs for landlords in Pattaya?

Maintenance fees for Pattaya condos range from THB 15-60 per square meter monthly, depending on building age, amenities, and management quality.

Property tax obligations reach up to 0.3% of assessed property value annually, while rental income faces taxation at progressive rates for residents or flat 15% for non-residents. These tax rates remain competitive by international standards.

Utility costs for landlords vary based on tenant arrangements, but basic building services and common area maintenance represent the primary ongoing expenses. Insurance and property management fees add additional costs for professional oversight.

Overall running costs remain reasonable by international standards, helping maintain attractive net yields for rental property investors in Pattaya.

How easy is it to find reliable property managers in Pattaya currently?

Pattaya offers several established property management companies with strong local expertise and comprehensive service networks.

Long-standing firms like Belgrave Holdings Asia, PBRE Real Estate, and Pearl Property Thailand provide reputable management services with deep market knowledge and extensive tenant networks. These companies handle everything from marketing to maintenance coordination.

The competitive management market gives landlords multiple options for professional oversight, though service quality and fees vary significantly between providers. Due diligence on management company track records remains essential.

Many managers specialize in either short-term holiday rentals or long-term tenant placement, requiring landlords to match management expertise with their rental strategy.

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

What government regulations currently impact foreign ownership and rental management in Pattaya?

Foreign land ownership remains highly restricted with only 49% quotas available for foreigners in condominium buildings and 30-year leasehold arrangements for land-based properties.

Enforcement has intensified significantly with increased compliance checks, nominee structure crackdowns, and potential forced sale consequences for non-compliance. The 2025 legislation maintains that leasehold renewal promises lack legal binding authority.

Short-term rental regulations remain relatively lenient but subject to local zoning requirements and licensing obligations. Property owners must ensure compliance with municipal regulations for holiday letting operations.

Regulatory changes create ongoing compliance costs and legal risks that foreign investors must factor into their investment calculations and exit strategies.

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

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. Fazwaz - Pattaya Rental Price Index 2023
  2. Global Property Guide - Thailand Rental Yields
  3. BambooRoutes - Average Rental Yield Pattaya
  4. Airbtics - Annual Airbnb Revenue in Pattaya Thailand
  5. AirROI - Pattaya Report
  6. NeoThai - New Object Top
  7. Nestopa - Why Pattaya's Rental Market Shines in 2025
  8. RE/MAX - Thailand Market Report 2025 H1
  9. Pattaya Mail - Who's Really Powering Pattaya Tourism in 2025
  10. Themis Partner - Land Foreign Ownership Thailand Regulations 2025