Property investment is one of the best things to do in 2021. You can see your money doubled or tripled within a couple of years. However, you must also know how to buy property in Thailand without getting into any legal trouble.
Freehold Condominiums
Due to the strict rules and regulations around foreigners buying a property in Thailand, the most common real-estate investment is found in the form of freehold condominiums. According to Thai property rules, a foreigner can only buy a condominium in Thailand if at least 51% of the condominium building is Thai owned. This is the most straightforward and hassle-free way of owning property in Thailand. As long as this fraction rule is maintained in a condominium building, a foreigner can have permanent ownership of the condominium unit he/she invests in. In case of such a purchase, the owner will also have “fractional interest” in the building and all of its common areas. This means that apart from having their share of the vote in the owners association, the owner will also be owning little parts of parking lots, recreational spaces, the swimming pool, and even the reception/lounge.
Hotel-licensed Condominiums (Condotels)
Condotels are a rather new trend that has taken the real estate market by storm. A condotel brings together the legal structure of a condominium and the services of a luxury hotel. So in a condotel, the owner and the partner hotel will have an agreement where the owner is allocated a certain number of days (2-4 weeks) to use their unit every year. Once the owner has exhausted the number of days use, the hotel will rent out the units to guests. With the growth of AirBnbs, condotels prove to be a very efficient way of buying a property in Thailand.
Branded Residence
A select number of all the houses for sale in Thailand are actually luxury properties. These properties are actually branded condominiums that are developed by renowned hotel chains. Borrowing designs from world-renowned architects, delivering top-notch fixtures and finishes and flaunting lavish interiors, branded residences appeal to high net worth investors. Given that these branded residences are condominium buildings, the 51% Thai-ownership rule will be maintained.
Buy through a Thai Limited Company
While the laws governing the ownership of a condominium in Thailand are quite favourable to foreigners, one can also opt for buying property by setting up a Thai Limited Company that can own the land on their behalf. Purchasing through a Thai Limited Company is ideal for inheritance planning because companies don’t die. This makes a succession of property seamless because the person who controls the company shares effectively owns the condo. However, while setting up the company, keep in mind that the company’s 51% of the shares should be Thai owned except for in the case of US citizens. (Both the countries have signed a treaty that permits US citizens to have full ownership of a Thai Limited Company).
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